Where can I get training to work as a medical professional in this area?
Hi Linda –
Aesthetic dermatology is clearly a growing area with increasing demand from “baby boomers” who are getting older, but also a younger group 30-50, who really want to focus on prevention, rather than just repair.
So here’s the bad news. I literally know of not a single accredited body – other than dermatology residencies – where these skills are taught in a systematic, organized and quality focused curriculum. I think that is very sad and just wrong! So many providers are being unleashed on the unsuspecting public after a few weekend courses offered by the companies themselves which are by definition limited, or the half day or day long “in office” trainings which are also limited. I was lucky enough many years ago, to have a dermatologist mentor, Dr. Goff, who taught me the basics of these skills 20 years ago, when lasers and injectibles were just starting to be used, and then continued to expand skills through courses, meetings, sharing with other dermatologists, and academic meetings.
You may need to take a job where you can kind of apprentice to a good dermatologist to learn these skills. Also, look at various academic meetings across the country, who will sometimes allow RNs to attend the courses and learn.
Hope this helps or at least saves you time! Dr. I