How Much Does Cosmetic Laser Technology School Cost?

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Cosmetic laser technicians typically work in a medical spa under the supervision of a doctor and perform cosmetic laser procedures such as hair, tattoo, and vein removal, scar and wrinkle reduction, and skin rejuvenation. Certification is offered by a number of organizations and requires minimal education or experience in addition to laser training. Obtaining permission to perform cosmetic laser procedures, however, varies from state to state and isn't necessarily dependent upon certification.

Cosmetic Laser Technician Considerations #

Cosmetic laser technology offers good job prospects moving forward, but job requirements are ultimately up to individual health care facilities.

Salary and Job Outlook #

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) qualifies laser technicians as skin care specialists. As such, they can expect to earn approximately $29,000 per year and $14.00 per hour.

Between 2010 and 2020 the BLS expects demand for skin care specialists to increase 25%, a figure that is well above the average for all occupations (14%). It's important to note, however, that skincare specialists is a broad category that includes a number of different professions, so these figures should only be used as a rough overview. Read more about the occupational outlook for skincare specialists at bls.gov.

Job Requirements #

The nascent field of cosmetic laser technology has yet to develop a comprehensive set of rules and regulations. Laser certifications are currently only required in Texas and Florida. It's likely that other states will follow suit, but for the time being, the defacto standard is set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publication 136.3 (“Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities”). According to this publication, individual health care facilities are responsible for establishing the credentialing requirements for individuals who both assist in and provide laser treatments.

If your state does have laser credentialing requirements, these supersede administrative policy. Contact your state medical board to find out more. The ANSI as well as the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) provide recommended credentialing requirements. Individuals who are interested in working in the field of health care laser and wish to obtain laser certification may do so through a number of organizations, including the National Council of Laser Certification (NCLC), the Board of Laser Safety (BLS), the International Laser and Aesthetic Association (IALA), and the Society for Clinical Medical Hair Removal (SCMHR).

As an example of what it takes to become laser certified, the NCLC offers four distinct certifications, each of which requires completion of an exam following 15-40 or more hours of attendance at a formal Laser Course. Full certification additionally requires meeting experience requirements. Remember, though, that this professional credential may not be required by law in your state. For a comprehensive rundown on laser certification (which can be a bit confusing) read this document.

Aesthetic Laser Training Course Average Costs #

The following costs are for laser training only. Certain programs require students to be nurses or licensed estheticians or cosmetologists. Earning one of these distinctions requires additional schooling at additional costs.

• Cosmetic laser training costs are based on the length of the certification course and the level of training. Two or three day workshops/seminars start at $1,000 to $2,000. A one or two week course consisting of 40 to 60 hours of training (theory and hands-on) might cost $2,500 to $5,000, while courses that offer 90 to 120 hours of instruction (up to 2 weeks) might cost $6,000 to $9,000 or more.
• Certification testing fees cost $200-$300. Certification renewal (required every 3 years by the NCLC) costs $90-$100.
• Cosmetic laser technician training programs may offer financial aid and/or participate in grant programs such as the G.I. Bill and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program. Read more about paying for laser school training here.

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