Medical aesthetics practitioner
Carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers and microneedling.
Also known as: cosmetic nurse, nurse aesthetician, aesthetics nurse
About the job
What it's like
As a medical aesthetics practitioner, you’ll work with clients on concerns like skin health and signs of ageing.
To do this job, you must be medically qualified as a nurse, doctor or dentist. You’ll perform treatments like Botox and dermal fillers – both of which involve giving injections. Any injectables can only be prescribed after a face-to-face consultation with the client.
You’ll provide a range of other treatments, including chemical peels, to stimulate the growth of new skin cells or hair removal procedures.
Some medical aesthetics practitioners are employed by clinics. Others are self-employed and work from their own premises or in clients’ homes. It’s also possible to combine aesthetics work with your full-time healthcare role.
Your tasks might include:
meeting with clients to discuss their goals, expectations and suitability for treatment
informing clients about the costs, outcomes and risks of treatment
carrying out a range of injectable treatments and dermal fillers
performing skin rejuvenation procedures or working with laser-based devices for hair removal
giving clients written and verbal aftercare instructions
scheduling and hosting follow-up appointments with clients to monitor their results
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish School of Aesthetics – explore this training academy that specialises in Botox and dermal filler training
Disclosure Scotland – learn about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN) – find out more about the largest professional association for aesthetic nurses in the UK
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- verbal communication
- time management
- reliable
- problem solving
- observation
- listening
- ethical
- empathising
- building relationships
- attention to detail
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Care
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Chemistry
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Health and Food Technology (Home economics)
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Human Biology
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Psychology
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services and Healthcare
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Skills for Work: Health and Social Care
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Skills for Work: Health Sector
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Becoming a medical aesthetics practitioner involves a few key steps.
First, you must become a fully-qualified nurse, doctor or dentist. You’ll need to study at university to get into these professions.
You must be registered with the relevant professional body, General Medical Council (GMC) for doctors, General Dental Council (GDC) for dentists, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for nurses.
To start working in aesthetics, you’ll complete specialised aesthetics training or a postgraduate qualification in Aesthetic Medicine.
It’s generally recommended that you spend a few years working as a doctor, dentist or nurse before specialising in aesthetics.
Use the My World of Work course search to find Nursing, Medicine or Dentistry degrees.
It’s useful to have a good knowledge of the specific anatomy and physiology of the head and neck.
You must be insured before carrying out aesthetics treatments.
All medical aesthetics practitioners must be a member of Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
To prescribe treatments like Botox you must have completed a specific prescribing qualification, such as the V300 course.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Medical aesthetics practitioner'
