In the fast-paced world of medical aesthetics, hands-on clinical training is essential. As treatments become more sophisticated and varied, the need for real-world experience in educational programs has never been more important.
However, that doesn’t mean all medical aesthetic training courses take this approach. For example, there are several courses hosted over a weekend in conference rooms and hotels that don’t provide the level of education and training required to excel in the field.
If you want to become a well-versed aesthetics nurse, here’s an overview of medical aesthetic training and the key benefits you can expect from a program that leverages hands-on clinical training.
Discover how to enhance your career with an aesthetic immersion certificate.
What Is Medical Aesthetic Training?
Medical aesthetics training teaches healthcare professionals how to perform cosmetic treatments.
The most common procedures covered in a medical aesthetic training program include:
- Botox
- Dermal fillers
- Laser treatments
- Chemical peels
- And more
For many nurses who administer injections everyday, this training might seem “unnecessary.” However, aesthetic medicine techniques, applications, and procedures differ from traditional methods.
“You may know how to do a subcutaneous injection or an intradermal injection,” says Sharon Higgins, dean of Young School of Nursing at Regis College. “But the way you would do it in aesthetics is different based on the areas you’re injecting, and the techniques required.”
Medical aesthetic training goes beyond clinical skills though. These programs focus on developing artistic skills to enhance natural beauty—like the art of visual balance and symmetry to create natural-looking results. This training blends science and art, empowering practitioners to tailor treatments that complement each individual's unique features.
Four Benefits of Hands-On Clinical Training in Medical Aesthetics Education
Due to these nuances, it’s crucial for those who want to go into medical aesthetics to receive proper hands-on clinical training for the following benefits.
1. Improves Skill Development
Practical procedures in the medical aesthetics field, such as injections, laser treatments, and skin rejuvenation techniques, require precision and skill. Even for seasoned nurses expanding their skillset in aesthetics, these niche procedures require hands-on training.
Hands-on training allows professionals to develop these skills under the supervision of experienced professionals, ensuring they learn the right techniques and nuances of each procedure.
“We know that the first time students perform these procedures they’re just trying to get in the swing of things,” Higgins says. “That’s why it’s closely supervised. However, we expect students to be a little more independent as the course goes on. Instructors are still there, but we want the students to run their own show. And we’re here and making sure that everything is done safely and appropriately.”
This phased format allows you to get hands-on experience without the risk of doing a complicated procedure independently for the first time. It also provides immediate feedback and additional practice when necessary.
“The key is that practice makes perfect,” Higgins explains. “If you're only able to do a few injection points, or you're only able to do it on a few individuals, does that deem you competent?”
As a result, hands-on clinical training ensures you’re getting enough practice before performing these procedures on patients unsupervised.
2. Offers Real-World Experience Opportunities
Similar to traditional healthcare, aesthetic treatments often involve decision-making based on individual patient needs and conditions. The nuance in aesthetic medicine, however, is that many patients are motivated to continue treatments for the external benefits—even at the risk of dangerous or even damaging side-effects.
Hands-on training in a clinical setting provides students with the opportunity to encounter a variety of cases. This helps them learn how to:
- Assess patient needs
- Plan treatment strategies
- Anticipate possible outcomes
This begins with the traditional process of gathering patient history, medical information, and gaining consent, but in aesthetics, this can also include denying treatment to a patient when necessary.
“You learn what some of the complications are, how these complications are treated, and who’s a good candidate to receive this type of therapy or medicine,” Higgins says. “Because there are always going to be some kind of constraints to treatment for some patients.”
3. Boosts Industry Confidence
Confidence is critical when it comes to successfully performing medical aesthetic procedures. With direct experience in performing procedures, students build confidence in their abilities.
“You learn what you need to learn to then be able to put it into practice,” Higgins says. “Many of us are visual hands-on type learners. So I could watch something and think ‘I know what I’m doing,’ and then struggle to apply that in real-world application. So to get hands-on practice is really vital to the educational experience.”
Part of the boost in confidence also comes from learning critical safety protocols and how to manage potential complications. Both of these are essential aspects of training for both patient safety and practitioner confidence. The best way to learn how to handle unexpected situations is by going through them first-hand with supervised, hands-on training.
4. Enhances Safety
Safety is the number one priority when it comes to aesthetic medicine. In a hands-on learning environment, instructors can provide immediate feedback and corrective guidance. This interactive learning process is essential for refining techniques and addressing any misunderstandings or mistakes in real-time.
“As a provider, you've got to make sure that you're providing safe practice,” Higgins says. “There's still a safety element to aesthetic medicine, where you sometimes have to have those difficult conversations with patients to say, ‘that's not realistic.’”
By completing hands-on clinical training, students demonstrate to potential employers their readiness to perform aesthetic treatments safely and effectively. This practical experience is often a key differentiator in the job market, making candidates more attractive to clinics and medical spas seeking skilled practitioners.
Take Control of Your Medical Aesthetics Career
Hands-on training is increasingly becoming a non-negotiable for a career in aesthetics—even for those with an extensive background in medicine. A dedicated hands-on clinical education in aesthetics, like Regis College’s Aesthetic Immersion Certificate in partnership with Aesthetic Mentor, is the best way to ensure that you are fully prepared and confident in this thriving field.
“Our nurses get a day and a half of hands-on exposure for each procedure,” Higgins says. “Our goal is to really create a program that gives everybody the tools that they need to go out there and safely practice aesthetics medicine.”
Interested in a career in medical aesthetics? Learn more about Regis College’s hands-on clinical education program by reaching out to an admission counselor.
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