In states that regulate laser hair removal, practitioners operating powerful laser devices must be licensed professionals; that could include an RN, NP, MD or DO with appropriate training.
In states that regulate electrology practices, passing the National Electrology written and hands-on exam is often required as well. Gaining this certification can open up more career possibilities.
Education Requirements
Laser hair removal is a highly specialized beauty procedure that utilizes laser beams to target and damage hair follicles beneath the skin, inhibiting future growth. When performed by experienced and knowledgeable technicians, this treatment is safe and effective on almost all skin types; state regulations govern who may perform laser hair removal in Florida.
Certified laser hair removal specialists must obtain a license from a state-approved school in order to become certified specialists. Furthermore, students must complete 320 hours of instruction over 16 weeks in a professional and clean environment in a program including both theory and practical electrology training, in-depth laser and photoepilation (IPL) programs as well as IPL photoepilation (IPL) training – providing them with skills required for working in fine salons, med spas, dermatologist offices or plastic surgeon clinics.
Federal regulations do not specify who can operate a laser; however, Florida state rules require only an electrologist, PA (physician assistant), RN (registered nurse) or MD (medical doctor) with appropriate licensing to offer laser and light-based hair removal. A physician can delegate firing non-ablative laser treatments to PAs or RNs who have undergone special training and passed national certification exams.
Due to its safety and efficacy, laser hair removal services are in great demand. Unfortunately, unlicensed practitioners can sometimes take advantage of vulnerable consumers and damage the reputation of this important industry. As a result, state laws requiring licensing for technicians help safeguard patients against unscrupulous or inexperienced professionals.
Laser therapies differ from other laser therapies in that they use high-intensity beams of light instead of pulsed light or radio frequency to treat hair removal, without causing pain or side effects for most clients. A licensed laser technician can offer various options for full body hair reduction as well as facial hair removal for clients.
An electrologist may also specialize in photoepilation, an advanced form of hair removal that doesn’t involve needles or anesthetic. This revolutionary technology offers many aesthetic enhancements for women, men and children.
License Requirements
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after services at spas and medical spas, helping people rid themselves of unwanted body hair with noninvasive, safe treatments that are noninvasive in skilled hands. Unfortunately, not everyone who practices laser hair removal has received adequate training or certification; therefore a new law in Florida could ensure only doctors or certified technicians operate laser equipment.
Many states require cosmetologists to pass a licensing exam, which generally combines practical and theoretical components, along with a written test. Depending on their state laws, those seeking to practice cosmetology may also need to complete additional specialized courses before practicing professionally in this field. Furthermore, certain states also mandate licenses for estheticians who wish to offer certain services such as laser hair removal.
Certain states only permit estheticians who are licensed master estheticians with advanced laser therapy training to perform laser hair removal services on clients. Other states, like California and New Jersey, restrict estheticians from using laser devices on clients without medical oversight from a physician; New York may follow suit with its recently filed bill but this remains uncertain at this point.
Becoming an esthetician or cosmetologist is an excellent way to pursue a rewarding career in spa industry, with plenty of openings available for those with the relevant credentials. Specializing in laser hair removal offers another rewarding path by using safe, effective and minimally-invasive methods to reduce unwanted hair.
There are no nationwide standards dictating licensing requirements for those interested in laser hair removal; rather, each state determines their own regulations – these often differ greatly between states.
Arizona requires technicians to pass both a written exam and complete an approved course of instruction before being licensed to practice this procedure, while in Florida electrologists must hold a Certified Clinical Electrologist license in order to offer laser and light-based treatments – however they are considering following suit with other states that have adopted separate certification for those using needle modalities.
Certification Requirements
Laser hair removal is a popular non-invasive aesthetic treatment in Florida and across the nation, providing effective hair-free backs and bikini lines ready for beach trips. Like any tool, however, lasers can be dangerous or ineffective in the wrong hands, which is why Florida law mandates all practitioners who utilize this equipment be licensed by state governments; currently in Senate Committee consideration is legislation ensuring only certified service providers perform laser services for patients.
Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include completing a minimum number of training hours and passing an exam. Students at training programs receive comprehensive instruction in all aspects of practice such as safety protocols, treatment techniques and client consultations. Furthermore, licensing depends on the device used; laser hair removal devices typically fall under Class IIIb or IV classification by the FDA.
As part of their training, students must pass both a background check and drug test, depending on the school they may also need to meet certain physical health standards (for instance some programs require candidates have full control of all limbs and good eyesight to operate the devices safely during instruction).
Laser hair removal certification can be obtained through successful completion of a board-approved 320-hour course, consisting of 110 hours of theory instruction and 210 of clinical practice. Once complete, students may sit for the applicable electrology licensure exam in their state to become certified electrologists.
As Florida only permits laser hair removal with electrolysis, obtaining a license to perform laser and light-based hair removal requires holding both certifications – Certified Clinical Electrologist (CCE) and Certified Medical Electrologist (CME). CME certification is the prerequisitie to obtaining laser/light hair removal license.
Similar to Florida, other states’ requirements for laser hair removal services follow similar protocols. Most often, physicians must supervise those using high-powered lasers; however, non-physicians with advanced credentials such as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants or Master Estheticians who have received specific training may perform services under physician oversight.
Career Opportunities
If you enjoy making people feel good about themselves and performing highly specialized tasks, beauty or skin care may be just what you are looking for as a career path. Electrologists specialize in dissolving hair growth centers to reduce unwanted hair, permanently shaping eyebrows and changing hairlines or removing moles; their job requires high concentration levels as they need to sterilize skin using antiseptic solution for client safety and comfort.
Cosmetic laser technicians may work in any setting from fine salons and spas to dermatologist offices or plastic surgeons’ practices, providing advanced skin treatments like hair removal. Furthermore, cosmetic laser technicians offer skin tightening treatments, scar reduction strategies and tattoo removal – among other advanced procedures – all safely and effectively performed by expert skin specialists. In addition, these professionals may recommend products tailored specifically for client skin issues that could provide relief.
Average laser technician salary in Florida is $64,448 annually. This position offers full and part time hours, health insurance and paid vacation benefits; many laser technicians also work for spas with flexible schedules suited for parents of young children.
Are you ready to venture into cosmetic and laser hair removal? Enroll in FAMA’s 650-hour program now! It combines classroom instruction in electrology history and science, along with hands-on practice at our on-site salon using state-of-the-art equipment, for a comprehensive education. In Florida alone, FAMA stands alone as being one of the few esthetician schools that provides dual licensing as an electrologist and laser specialist.
