An aesthetic nurse practitioner (NP) is a healthcare professional who works in the field of aesthetic medicine, which may include the use of cosmetic surgery, medications, and other therapies to alter a patient’s appearance. Aesthetic nurse practitioner jobs can be found in private practices, clinics, med spas, and other settings. Since NPs have more training than RNs, they have substantially more professional autonomy than RNs and may work independently in certain states.
If you're a licensed NP who’s either a seasoned aesthetic medicine professional or looking to break into this specialty, you’ll find opportunities across the country. Take a look at available part-time, full-time, contract, temporary, and per diem NP positions — or explore related positions such as NP wound care jobs and NP med-surg jobs — and start your job search today.
Aesthetic NP Jobs: Skills, Education, and Certifications
NPs are one of four types of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and are authorized to diagnose health conditions, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic testing. Prospective aesthetic NPs typically must have a year or two of experience as an RN before they’re qualified to apply for an APRN program. To be successful in this speciality, you’ll want to gain experience as an RN working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, or practitioners in related fields.
Then, you’ll pursue either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). MSN programs take about a year or two to complete, while a DNP can take up to six years. Those who pursue a DNP may receive higher compensation, with more access to leadership and administrative roles.
The next step to becoming an NP is to become certified from a nationally accredited certifying body such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), or the National Certification Corporation (NCC). After passing the exam, you’ll apply for state licensure. If you’re specifically looking at aesthetic Nurse Practitioner jobs, you’ll want to complete a specialty certification program, such as:
- Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)
- Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN)
- Dermatology Certified Nurse Professional (DCNP)
An NP’s scope of practice can vary by state, ranging from restricted practice (must work under the supervision of a physician, may have certain clinical restrictions) to full practice (doesn’t require a physician’s supervision and may own their own practices). For example, nurse practitioners in New York are granted full practice, while NPs in Texas have a restricted practice.
All nurses need a certain level of compassion and communication skills, but aesthetic nurse practitioners need to be particularly tactful with patients who may feel vulnerable about their appearance. NPs in this specialty also need to have an eye for detail, given the visual nature of the job, and familiarity with the equipment used.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Resume and Cover Letter
No matter what specialty you’re considering as an NP, it’s important to take your time drafting a concise but complete NP resume that showcases your skills, experience, and accolades. Each resume and cover letter should be customized to the specifics of the NP job description. Not only will this signal to hiring managers that you’re committed to this particular role and have done your research, but also increases the odds that your resume will get properly noticed by any screening software used.
If you’re applying for jobs as an aesthetic NP, make sure you list any certifications or experiences directly or tangentially related to the field on your aesthetic nursing resume. When you sit down to write your cover letter, you can expand on this and explain your interest in this specialty. You might also consider sharing a story that illustrates your attention to detail, compassionate bedside manner with patients, and any other attributes the position calls for.
Interviewing for Aesthetic NP Jobs
Since NPs often have a great deal of autonomy, interviewers will want to gauge your ability to think on your feet, delegate tasks, and make decisions that will impact the facility as a whole. There are a few different categories of job nurse practitioner interview questions that hiring managers will ask, which include behavioral questions that pose difficult scenarios and ask how the interviewee might handle them. They might also want to know about your long-term career goals and may ask about strengths and weaknesses.
Be sure to study likely interview questions and think about your answers, but avoid memorizing answers that may sound scripted. Keep in mind that is your chance to make a human connection with the hiring manager. This is also your chance to ask any questions you might have about the facility, its culture, and what to expect in this role.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Jobs: Salary Considerations
The average salary for an NP is about $137,300 per year in the U.S., depending on a number of factors such as your level of experience, type of facility, employer, and geographic location. While this typically means places with a higher cost of living (such as California) tend to pay more, some states (like Alaska) offer higher salaries due to recruitment challenges. If you’re looking for a location with higher pay, check out some of the states with top salaries for NPs:
Search Top Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Jobs and Elevate Your Career
Working as a nurse practitioner is a challenging but rewarding career, whether you specialize in aesthetic medicine or some other focus. Want to find the right job for you? Credenza’s nationwide job board can put you in touch with a wide variety of NP opportunities today.
