With one of the most prosperous industries in the world, beauty, the laser hair removal is also blossoming as well, making it an opportunistic field of study that thousands of people are entering. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics even predicts that between today and 2024, there is an anticipated job growth of over 12%! [1]
For some people, after getting one laser hair removal treatment, they are more motivated than ever to get a career change. The reality is, many people that are entering laser hair removal training school are not prepared for the financial burdens or amount of time it takes to graduate from the training school. Before you decide to enter laser hair removal training, it’s important to understand the entire process, what is expected of you, and what type of income you can be looking at in the future.
Today, we are going to explore laser hair removal training and what you can do today to get involved. Before we jump into the article, it’s important to know that every single state has very specific requirements to become a licensed or qualified laser hair removal technician. With this being said, we are going to provide you with a brief overview of the entire process. For more specifics on your area, please be sure to do the research on your own state and school requirements.
What is Laser Hair Removal Training?
Laser Hair Removal TrainingLaser Hair Removal Training school
Requirements of Laser Hair Removal Practitioner
Prior to jumping into the requirements of enrolling in a laser hair removal training program, it’s important to do your research on your specific state’s requirements. Every single state may have differing certifications and requirements. Generally speaking, before you can enroll in laser hair removal school, it’s of utter importance to find a laser school that is accredited, reputable, and places you in an opportunity to succeed upon graduation. In fact, there are a couple of notable things to look out for prior to enrolling in a Laser School.
- Is the school and curriculum accredited?
- What does their training program look like? How many hours do they require – does that mean the standards of the state?
- How long does the program last? Does that meet your standards?
- Do they offer and financial aid?
Through doing a thorough research, you will find the perfect school that will even help land your first time. For example, many laser schools will, upon graduation, place graduates in the laser field with experts to train, study, and eventually begin developing their own clientele base.
Now, in order to receive your certification for a laser hair removal technician, many schools will require an individual to receive an esthetics license to qualify for work. From there, individuals will be required to do to have, achieve, or accomplish the following to graduate:[2]
- Passed an exam on Laser Hair Removal safety and procedures.
- Completed over 16-hours of coursework.
- Performed over 20 case reports of treatment.
The entire process can be considerably costly and is worth taking into consideration. This is why we always suggest looking for a school that offers some form of financial aid. On average, according to the Beauty School Directory, an average program can cost from $4000 -$6000. [3] This is a requirement of the program and requires some attention.
Where can you get your certification?
The magical question that thousands of people ask is, “Where can I get my certification?” The honest answer is: nowadays, anywhere! Today, there are more laser training programs across the United States than ever before. In fact, many laser training programs are recently beginning to integrate with community colleges, offering associate degree programs, leading you straight to your certification.
With that being said, since there are hundreds, if not thousands of different options across the United States, we decided to make the entire process that much easier for you. Below, you will find the Top 10-Rated Laser Hair Removal Schools in the United States as of 2017. Any of these schools would be your best option for your laser hair removal training.
Top 10 Rated Laser Hair Removal Schools
Texas Laser and Aesthetics Training Academy
One of the best schools in not only the United States of America, but the entire world, is the Texas Laser Aesthetics Training Academy. This school offers world renown education classes that are founded, taught, and developed by some of the leading edge technicians in the industry. All of their courses are considered hands-on-training and will teach you precisely how to become the best technician you can be.
Aesthetic Laser Academy & Spa
Another one of the best possible schools to study the science of laser hair removal is the Aesthetic Laser Academy & Spa. Located in Dallas Texas, the Aesthetic Laser Academy & Spa is rated in the top 10 of Laser Hair Removal Schools due to their high-caliber training program, leading-edge technicians and teachers, and affordable tuition costs alongside financing options.
Mandalyn Academy
When it comes to award-winning beauty and cosmetic schools, there are not many that can compare with Mandalyn Academy. Founded in 2001, Mandalyn Academy has built a reputation of one of the most respected beauty schools in the nation. Known as the “the school to go to” for beauty and cosmetics, Mandalyn has one of the best laser hair removal training programs. Please know, with the title of the best, the price and tuition is relatively more expensive.
American Laser Med Spa – Albuquerque
Rivaling the competition on this list is the American Laser Med Spa of Albuquerque. In fact, in 2016, American Laser Med Spa of Albuquerque received an impressive reward for the best laser hair removal service and entered the Business Hall of Fame in the same field. On top of these major awards, the school has one of the most influential teachers in the industry today, Neel Kanase. If you want to train under the best, look no further than American Laser Med Spa of Albuquerque.
Berkowits School
Another powerhouse in the Laser Hair Removal School industry is none other than Berkowits School in New York City. Berkowits School was founded in 1978; however, their official Laser Hair Removal Training Program did not open up until 2006, after the state of New York recognized the program. Today, Berkowits School is the only training institute in the state of New York training students on 9 different lasers, in esthetics, and on laser hair removal.
Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics
When it comes to the prestige in the industry, Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics is clearly far superior than any other institution. This school is a postgraduate facility that has been awarded the first official accredited and, simultaneously, internationally recognized as an official member of the International Therapy Examination Council. Such prestigious feats have driven thousands of students to Atelier to study under the greatest teachers in the Laser Hair Removal field.
Laser Spa Group
Laser Spa Groupstudents
Aesthetic Science Institute
Another infamous institution that easily secures a spot in the top 10-rated laser hair removal training schools is the Aesthetic Science Institute. Offering some of the best programs recognized across the nation and the world, Aesthetic Science Institute has become a place where beauty and cosmetic students dream to attend. In 2016, ASI received the prestigious award of Best Beauty School for the sixth straight year, securing its position atop the entire chart.
Texas Laser Institute
Boasting it’s caliber as a world wide leader in the industry, Texas Laser Institute is another one of the best technician schools for laser hair removal that you can attend. With years of experience in the industry and reputation as one of the most respected institutions in the state of Texas, Texas Laser Institute has begun to reach heights across the nation. This is in part due to its high quality curriculum dedicated to training students to become the best laser hair technicians in the industry.
Avante Laser & Medi Spa
After reading about Avante, you might be wondering, are all the best technician schools in Texas? Avante Laser & Medi Spa finishes off this list as one of the best institutions with numerous different programs, including laser hair removal training. With financing options, dedicated courses and curriculum for laser hair removal, anyone who attends will be beyond grateful for their experience and education.
National Laser Institute
The National Laser Institute offers an eight day Laser Hair Reduction Course. With this course, you will learn everything you need to know about the techniques and skills necessary to perform laser hair reduction.
It includes 40 hours of classroom education on the fundamentals of laser and IPL education. You also receive 24 hours, or 3 days, of clinical observations and treatments. They are performed on real models in a retail med spa.
How to get started?
If you after reading some of this information you are prepared to begin your journey towards becoming a laser hair removal technician, here is how you can get started. First and foremost, now that you officially made the choice to enter laser hair removal training school, its important to figure do some research right away. We recommend that you research the following:
- Best laser hair removal training programs around you (at least 10 programs)
- What is the average salary or commission rates of laser hair removal technicians in the area?
- What are the average prices of each program?
- What program is best for me?
Once you establish what program you believe is best for you, we suggest that you contact the school or program. The reason why we suggest this is because it will give you an opportunity to meet the individuals who you will be working with or talking to through-out your training. Moreover, you can see if they can answer any or all of your questions, insuring that it’s the best facial hair removal training program for you.
Upon confirmation that it’s the best program for you, it’s time to begin the enrollment process. Many different schools may have different requirement so be sure to pay attention to any requirements such as recommendations, transcripts, diplomas, GPA, or any other notable requirements for entrance. The entire process is quite similar; in all likelihood, you will be accepted to your training program quite quickly. You will want to begin saving for your training program, apply for scholarships, or apply for financial aid. By the time classes begin, most states will require some form of payment to start.
Once classes begin, you will have trained professionals in the field of laser hair removal teach you precisely how to become the best laser hair removal technician. Always remember to pay close attention and study your material since there will always be an exam testing your knowledge. Laser Hair Removal Training can be quite difficult due to the significant amount of medical knowledge and terminology that is required. Moreover, follow your strict curriculum and you will be a qualified laser hair technician in no time!
Potential Earnings
When it comes to becoming a laser hair removal technician, it’s natural to wonder what the potential earnings might be. Considering the intensive surgery, one might think the earnings and salary would be comparative to that of a specialized doctor. The reality is, a regular certified laser hair removal technician will only make between $17,000 and $59,000, according to Inner Body. Before you are quick to turn the page or discount the career, there are a couple of important things to take into consideration.
- Location
Your income is purely based off your location. Take the time to do research on locations around you that are more prosperous or where you can make the most money with your career. Like teachers, for example, some teachers make more money in one state than in another state. Laser hair removal technicians is the same exact thing. At the same time, you can’t truly expect to make over $50,000 after graduating from laser school can you? You are going to need experience, time, and dedication. If you are wanting to make some good money as a licensed technician, you are going to want to expand your certifications OR open your own office.
- Experience
As we briefly discussed in the previous paragraph, your experience plays a major role into your potential earnings. Once you enter the field as a graduate for the first time, you are going to need to build trust with a clientele base that is willing to pay your prices. Do you think that client are going to spend top dollar for a newly graduated technician? These are the moment where you can find clients that will always come back to you because laser hair removal is ultimately a temporary solution.
- Commissions
Now, entering this industry you should know it’s not always based on commissions; however, some companies may begin technicians on commissions. As many professionals in the field suggest, this could be an opportunity of a life time. Through securing a technician job under some form of commissions, if not pure commissions, could land an individual easily into the $100,000 bracket. Does that sound a little better than $17,000? Look at this: National Laser Institute does an amazing job breaking this down for you.
- Average hour of laser hair removal is about $150+
- Average hour of IPL photo facial is about $350.
- If in a 8 hour day you did 5 “laser” hours and 3 photo facial hours based on above rates your “revenue” for that day would be 5 x 150 (750) + 3 x 350 (1050) = $1800.
- If your “rate” was a fixed 25% commission with no base salary you would make $1800 times 25% or $450 day x 5 days week = $2250 x 4.2 weeks per month $9450 month or $113,400 a year.
Of course, this number will adjust accordingly to the situation and the rates; however, this is a mere classic example of what numerous laser hair removal technicians are making. You can do it to!
Career Opportunities
One of the most important questions you should always ask when it comes to a job opportunity is what the career opportunities are and how much growth you can anticipate. When it comes to laser hair removal technicians, there is an immense opportunity for your career once you are certified. Once you receive your certification as a certified technician, you can go on to open your own laser hair removal company or even become a professor or teacher. This is merely the beginning! One can take their hair removal expertise and study other forms of hair removal and become a hair removal expert in the field. There is a wealth of opportunities for growth as a hair removal technician; all it takes is the passion and drive to grow and expand within your field.
Overall Steps to Becoming Certified in Laser Hair Removal
1. Meet your state requirements. Most states allow anyone who has earned a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a laser training course. But, there are a few states that only allow medical professionals to do so. Find out your state’s requirements before getting started. 2. Enroll in a laser training course. Choose one of the courses listed above to enroll in. 3. Deposits and financial assistance. Many schools require you to put down a small deposit to hold your seat. 4. Attend classes. Most courses consist of one to two weeks of training.
The Future of Laser Hair Removal as a Whole
Now that you have learned a bit about the entire process of becoming a licensed and practicing laser hair removal technician, let’s take the time to consider the laser hair removal market as a whole. In 2015, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery had released an interesting study that announced that laser hair removal was becoming more popular than ever before. In fact, according to their study, since 2014, there has been a nearly 30% increase of procedures and over 50% more procedures since 2012! [5] With numbers like this, it brings to light the importance and need for more licensed, professional, and certified laser hair removal technicians.
Today, more and more people are beginning to find massive success in this field. Upon graduating, many people are finding work through difference salons, dermatology offices, spas, and even plastic surgery offices. In some cases, due to the increase demand for the procedure, many people go on to creating their own offices, significantly increasing their income.
The Laser Hair Removal is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries of the 21st century. If you are wondering if this career field is worth investing your money into, consider the direction of the industry and what you can bring towards a thriving and booming industry.
[1] http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/laser-hair-removal-schools
[2] http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/how-to-become-a-laser-hair-removal-technician.html
[3] http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/laser-hair-removal-schools
[4] http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/search/CA/Laser+Training
[5] https://www.asds.net/_Media.aspx?id=8898
