Career Changer FAQs
NIMA provides opportunities to become a Master Aesthetician as well as those that wish to become laser technicians. Courses appropriate for non-licensed career changers may include:
- 1200 Hour Master Aesthetics
- 750 Hour Master Aesthetics
- Online Master Aesthetics
- Comprehensive Laser, CME
- Advanced Aesthetics
- Business Building
Q: What is the difference between a laser technician and an aesthetician.
A: An aesthetician is a professional license that requires anywhere from 600 – 1400 hours to complete. At the completion of hours, applicants are required to pass a state administered exam, and then they receive a state issued license. (If you are interested in becoming an aesthetician, NIMA offers a national premier Master Aesthetics program in our Salt Lake City campus.) The term “laser technician” is usually used in those states that allow you to perform laser services with only a certificate that documents training, and do not require you to also have a professional license. Aestheticians can also be considered laser technicians if they have received training in laser services, but laser technicians are not aestheticians.
Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for my continuing education course?
A: Everything you need to know about the skin, hair, physiology and anatomy will be covered in your course.
Q: How do I become an Aesthetician?
A: NIMA offers a 1200 hour, a 750 hour and an Online Master Aesthetics program in our Salt Lake City campus. This program is based on the UT state licensure, however, most states will accept and transfer the UT license. The laser training component of our UT school also satisfies the requirements for both AZ and TX.
Q: Can I perform laser and aesthetic services with out an aesthetic license?
A: It depends on the state. Most states require you to have a minimum of an aesthetic license, plus a minimum amount of laser training to perform these services. However, there are still a few that do not.These states include Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and several others. We recommend that you check with the state agency that regulates the aesthetic license before enrolling in any courses.
Q: What can I do as a Laser Technician?
A: In those states that recognize “Laser Technicians” you will be able to perform hair removal, body and skin rejuvenation services, usually with a minimum amount of medical supervision. NIMA is an ARRA certified facility and we meet the requirements for Laser Technicians in Arizona.
Q: Is NIMA ARRA certified?
A: Yes!
Q: Do you offer job placement?
A: NIMA's reputation as the nations premier educator in the medical aesthetics industry means that your education will open doors for you. We have relationships with national laser companies, skin care companies, product manufacturers, medical spas and physicians across the country. We are continually working to help network our top graduates with qualified employers.
Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for my course?
A: Everything you need to know about the skin, hair, physiology and anatomy will be covered in your course.
Q: How much hands-on practice will I receive?
A: Although many schools will tell you that they offer you more hands-on, NIMA truly stands out in this area of your education. Our curriculums are based off of our real world experience running medical spas. We know what it takes to be successful. And we know that success starts when you leave feeling confident. Approximately 50% of your education will be hands-on, working with the public, performing consultations and doing treatments. Our state of the art spa and educational facility are designed specifically to enhance your education and allow you to function as if you were working in a medical spa.
Q: What laser equipment do you use?
A: NIMA is a national training partner for several of the largest laser manufacturers in the world. We are experts on a wide variety of modalities and laser models. We are unique because we don’t rent our lasers, we don’t buy used, we don’t rely on sales reps to bring equipment in. We invest in your education. We work with every major manufacturer (Zeltique, Lumenis, Cynosure, SyneronCandela, Cutera, Alma, Allergan, Merz, Medicis, and we own every single modality that is on the market today.
Q: How much money can I expect to make as a laser technician?
A: Based on 2014 survey data reported by Allergan, the average laser technician earns about $2o per hour. Much of your success depends on your ability to work well with your clients and your team. Your ability to sell yourself, your services and your products will also be a big factor in how financially rewarding this career is for you. NIMA offers courses in networking, social media best practices, customer service, client retention and retail sales.
Q: How many people are in the courses?
A: We keep our courses small. We focus on a personalized approach and allow plenty of time for one on one teaching, hands-on experience and question and answer. Courses range from 8-15 attendees.
Q: Who is teaching the courses?
A: All of our courses are taught by licensed and experience professionals. Injection courses are taught by Nurse Practitioners, MDs and DOs. Registered Nurses and Master Aestheticians teach our laser and advanced aesthetics courses. Our business courses are taught by nationally recognized leaders in the medical aesthetics industry. All of our instructors are industry experts first. They come to NIMA with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Q: If I’m traveling to attend the course, what do I need to know?
A: If you are coming to a course in Las Vegas, check out our Vegas Info page. If you are attending a course at any of our partner school locations, our enrollment specialist will provide you with flight, car rental and hotel recommendations. If you are relocating to attend the Master Aesthetics program in UT, our Dean of Students will work with you .
Q: Is financing available?
A: Yes. We offer several financing options. Please visit our Financing FAQs for more information.
