Making A Midlife Career Change

Do you wake up every day wondering, “Is it too late to change my career?” There are few things as discouraging as being stuck at a job you hate, feeling unfulfilled and wondering if there are any other options. People make career changes at every stage of life, but making a change in your 40s, 50s or 60s can come with unique questions and concerns. Is it too late to start over? Will your previous experience still matter? Do you really want to spend four or five years going back to school? No matter your situation or career background, National Laser Institute has a course that’s perfect for you. Our courses are hands-on, informative and fast with no need to go back to school for four or five years. You can gain the skills to make a midlife career change in a matter of two weeks or less.

Why Make A Midlife Career Change Into Medical Aesthetics?

The answer is simple: demand for medical aestheticians has been on the rise all around the world. A recent report indicates the industry continues to grow, with the global market expected to increase from $23 Billion to $41 Billion by 2031, creating continued opportunities for those who are entering the field. Americans aren’t immune to the lure of non-surgical procedures as both Baby Boomers and Millennials alike have embraced medical aesthetics as a means of maintaining their youth, and Millennials continue to grow as customers with treatments like Botox and anti-aging cosmetic laser treatments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% employment growth rate for skincare specialists, indicating continued demand for professionals in the field.

Medical aestheticians provide a variety of services, but the two most popular career paths are cosmetic laser technician and aesthetics injector.

Two Paths, Two Sets Of Requirements

Cosmetic Laser Technician

Requirements to perform cosmetic laser treatments vary by state and employer. In some states, a high school diploma and specialized training may be sufficient, while others have additional licensing, medical-director or supervision requirements. Enrolling in a cosmetic laser training school with a strong reputation assures potential employers you’re thoroughly trained, ensuring safety and optimal results for clients. During our Online Comprehensive Laser Course, you’ll receive online classroom training with a variety of instructors and live demonstrations across each modality — Laser Hair Removal, Photofacial, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Radiofrequency Skin Rejuvenation, CoolSculpting, Tattoo Removal, Radiofrequency Skin Tightening, and Microneedling. Many students complete this course in as little as two weeks.

Aesthetics Injector

Unlike laser technicians, aesthetics injectors must come from a medical background — nurses and physician’s assistants frequently seek certification to administer cosmetic injectables like Botox and Juvederm. Doctors, dermatologists, and other physicians may also become injectors to maximize income potential, though rules and regulations vary from state to state. During our CE/CME Online Cosmetic Injections Course, you’ll receive online classroom instruction and demonstrations on Botox, dermal fillers, off-label Botox and fillers, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), Biostimulators (like Sculptra and Radius), PDO threads, microneedling (with PRP or salmon DA), cosmetic lasers (CO2 laser skin rejuvenation), dermabrasion, CoolSculpting, laser tattoo removal, photofacials and more. Then choose one of our nationwide locations to attend clinicals for hands-on learning.

Don’t Worry About “Hard Skills”

Some students come in with more transferable skills than others, which isn’t surprising, since medical aesthetics exists somewhere between dermatology and cosmetology. But there’s no reason to be discouraged by a lack of experience with technical “hard skills.” Those considering a midlife career change often bring years of professional experience, communication skills, and unique knowledge which can be valuable assets in a new career within medical aesthetics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most important qualities for a medical aesthetician involve business skills, customer service skills, initiative, physical stamina, tidiness, and time management. Most people already have extensive experience with at least one of these, and these “soft skills” can always be honed further over time. You’re not starting over. You’re taking the skills you’ve already developed and applying them to a new industry.

Career Change Options For You

For current medical professionals like nurses or doctors, our CE/CME courses provide a comprehensive overview of everything the medical aesthetics industry offers, from Botox and dermal filler injections to advanced injectables, PRP and PDO threads; and when you complete your course, you’ll leave feeling confident administering the full range of treatments.

If you don’t come from a medical background, our comprehensive laser course covers everything needed to become a cosmetic laser technician: treating different skin conditions and types, evaluating skin using the Fitzpatrick scale, skin physiology and tissue interactions, the consultation process, laser settings and Laser Safety Officer training — plus hands-on practice in laser hair removal, IPL photofacial, laser acne treatment, CoolSculpting, radiofrequency skin tightening, laser wrinkle reduction and laser tattoo removal.

Why Choose National Laser Institute

has been an industry leader for over 20 years, dedicated to helping students advance to the next stage of their careers. Whether you’re a medical professional expanding your business, a recent graduate entirely new to the workforce or anyone in between, we can get you started in your new career or help your midlife career change. A few things that set us apart:

• Classes led by dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and leading industry physicians and medical aesthetics experts
• Training on multiple, industry-leading technologies in a luxury, retail medical spa training center
• A Medical Advisory Board with over 100 years of combined experience
• Business development and marketing seminars
• Featured in top national health and beauty publications

On top of multiple locations across the country, we train hundreds of students per month at our Scottsdale, Arizona, Dallas, Texas and Chicago, IL campuses; all of which offer a wide variety of courses and provide financing options for students in need. Our graduates go on to work in dermatology offices, skincare clinics, laser care facilities, medical spas, plastic surgeon offices and physicians’ offices incorporating cosmetics rooms, and destination or day spas or even open their own medspa.

What Our Students Say

Past students consistently describe National Laser Institute as exceeding their expectations. One graduate shared that she came in with a lot of anxiety, but after the first day knew her education was in good hands, going from feeling overwhelmed to feeling “very overprepared” for the industry. Another described the staff as the “heart and foundation of the school,” with a genuine passion for what they do evident every day.

Your next career doesn’t have to look like your last one. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, a more rewarding career or an opportunity to build your own business, medical aesthetics can provide a path forward without spending years back in school. Join our successful alumni working as laser hair reduction technicians, laser tattoo removal specialists, medspa owners, cosmetic injectors, aesthetic nurses and cosmetic physicians. Call us today at 800-982-6817 for more information. We’re always here to answer any questions you may have as you take the first steps toward a new career in this booming industry.