10 Careers You Can Have As An Advance Practice Esthetician

The skincare industry continues to evolve—driven by new technologies, medical collaborations, and a growing focus on total wellness. For those who are passionate about helping others look and feel their best, esthetics offers a world of opportunities.

While basic esthetics focuses on foundational skincare services like facials, waxing, and makeup, Advanced Practice Esthetics takes things further—allowing professionals to perform more clinical, corrective, and results-oriented treatments.

At MedSpa Institute of America, we offer hands-on training that prepares students to move beyond spa-based services and into the medical esthetics field. Whether your dream is to work in a medspa, dermatology clinic, or to open your own practice, earning your Advanced Practice Esthetics license can open the door to exciting careers.

What Is Advanced Practice Esthetics?

In Minnesota, there are three key levels of esthetics training:

• Basic Esthetics: Covers essential skincare services like facials, makeup, and waxing.
• Advanced Practice Esthetics: Expands on those foundations with more in-depth knowledge of skin health and advanced treatments.
• Laser Training: Offered as additional education for licensed Advanced Practice Estheticians who want to further specialize in laser-based treatments.

Advanced Practice Estheticians are highly skilled professionals who bridge the gap between beauty and clinical skincare. They are trained to assess skin health, provide targeted treatments, and often work in medical settings alongside healthcare professionals.

Career Pathways in Advanced Practice Esthetics

Here are some of the most in-demand careers you can pursue once you’ve completed your Advanced Practice Esthetics training:

1. Medical Spa Esthetician

What it is:
Medical spas, or medspas, combine the luxury of a spa environment with the professionalism of a clinical setting. As an Advanced Practice Esthetician, you’ll perform results-oriented services that go beyond relaxation.

Treatments you might provide:

• Microneedling
• Advanced chemical peels
• Radiofrequency skin rejuvenation
• Acne treatment protocols
• Skin tightening or resurfacing therapies

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll work in a team environment alongside nurses, nurse practitioners, or physicians, helping clients achieve visible results. Many medspas also offer commission-based income opportunities, making it a financially fulfilling career path.

2. Advanced Skin Care Specialist

What it is:
These specialists focus on corrective and restorative skincare. Clients often come to you for long-term plans that address issues like acne, pigmentation, or premature aging.

Services may include:

• Medical-grade facials
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling and collagen induction therapy
• Customized skincare programs using professional-grade products

Why it matters:
Advanced Skin Care Specialists are both practitioners and educators. You’ll guide clients through their skincare journey, helping them understand their skin and maintain healthy habits for life.

3. Dermatology or Plastic Surgery Clinic Assistant

What it is:
Some Advanced Practice Estheticians work directly in clinical environments, assisting dermatologists or plastic surgeons. While you won’t perform medical procedures, you’ll play a vital role in patient care.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing patients for cosmetic treatments
• Performing pre- and post-treatment skincare
• Offering scar management and skin healing services
• Educating patients on proper skincare maintenance

Why it can be a great option:
This path allows you to combine your esthetic expertise with medical collaboration. You canl gain experience in clinical skincare and see firsthand how esthetic care supports long-term skin health and healing.

4. Microneedling Specialist

What it is:
Microneedling is a collagen-inducing treatment that has become one of the most popular advanced skincare services.

Benefits clients seek:

• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
• Smoother skin texture and tone
• Scar and stretch mark improvement
• Enhanced absorption of professional serums

Career opportunities:
Microneedling specialists can work in medspas, dermatology offices, or boutique skincare clinics. Because of its effectiveness and demand, it’s a treatment that can command premium pricing and loyal clients.

5. Paramedical Esthetician

What it is:
Paramedical estheticians provide supportive skincare for individuals dealing with skin trauma, medical conditions, or recovery from surgery.

Areas of work may include:

• Oncology skincare support
• Scar correction and camouflage
• Pre- and post-surgical skincare
• Burn recovery and scar management assistance

Why it can be meaningful:
You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them restore confidence and comfort as their skin heals.

6. Skin Health Educator or Trainer

What it is:
If you love to teach, this path allows you to share your expertise with others.

Possible roles include:

• Brand educator for professional skincare lines
• Equipment trainer for esthetic devices
• Instructor at esthetics or Advanced Practice Esthetics schools

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll inspire and mentor future estheticians while staying current with the latest skincare innovations and products.

7. Spa or MedSpa Owner

What it is:
For entrepreneurial estheticians, opening your own spa or medspa is a natural next step.

Your responsibilities might include:

• Managing staff and client relationships
• Designing treatment menus with advanced offerings
• Marketing your business and building a brand
• Staying compliant with state laws and safety standards

Why it can be exciting:
Owning your own business allows you to set your schedule, choose your services, and grow your career on your own terms.

8. Corporate or Sales Roles in the Aesthetics Industry

What it is:
With your Advanced Practice Esthetics background, you can explore opportunities beyond the treatment room.

Potential positions include:

• Sales representative for professional skincare or devices
• Product development consultant
• Corporate trainer or account manager

Why consider it:
These roles often offer travel opportunities, career growth, and the ability to influence the next wave of esthetic innovation.

9. Oncology Esthetician

What it is:
Oncology estheticians specialize in caring for clients undergoing cancer treatments. Radiation and chemotherapy can cause sensitivity, dryness, and irritation—conditions that require a gentle, informed approach.

Your role may involve:

• Providing soothing facials for compromised skin
• Recommending safe, non-irritating skincare products
• Offering emotional support in a compassionate environment
• Educating clients about post-treatment skin recovery

Why it matters:
This career blends compassion and science. You can help individuals feel comfortable and cared for during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

10. Aesthetic Consultant or Patient Coordinator

What it is:
In many medspas and aesthetic medical offices, Advanced Practice Estheticians take on roles as consultants or coordinators, helping clients understand their treatment options.

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting consultations and skin assessments
• Creating personalized treatment plans
• Coordinating appointments and follow-ups
• Managing client education and post-care instructions

Why it’s exciting:
This position combines client relations, sales, and skincare expertise. It’s ideal for estheticians who enjoy communication and leadership as much as hands-on work.

Benefits of an Advanced Practice Esthetics Career

No matter which path you choose, becoming an advanced practice esthetician offers some incredible benefits:

• Higher earning potential: Advanced services typically cost more, increasing your income.
• Flexibility: Many estheticians choose flexible schedules or part-time opportunities.
• Personal fulfillment: You can help clients achieve results that can boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Continuous learning: Technology and treatments in this field evolve rapidly, keeping your career fresh and exciting.
• Career mobility: From hands-on services to management, education, or sales, your skills can take you in many directions.

Why Choose MedSpa Institute of America?

Why Choose MedSpa Institute of America?

At MedSpa Institute of America, our Advanced Practice Esthetics Program is designed to prepare you for today’s most in-demand skincare careers.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with:

• Advanced treatment techniques and safety protocols
• Microneedling and clinical-grade skin therapies
• Skin analysis and customized care planning
• Client consultations and treatment management
• Business and medspa operations

We combine classroom education with real-world training so you graduate confident, capable, and ready to launch your professional journey.

Is Advanced Practice Esthetics Right for You?

If you’re passionate about skin health, love working with people, and want to explore the science behind beauty, Advanced Practice Esthetics could be your perfect career path. Whether your goal is to work in a medspa, collaborate with medical professionals, or start your own business, this advanced license can help you get there.

Your Future in Advanced Practice Esthetics

The beauty industry is no longer just about facials and makeup—it’s about science, technology, and helping clients achieve real results. 

At MedSpa Institute of America, we’re here to help you make that future a reality. If you’re ready to explore the careers available in advanced practice esthetics, we’d love to talk with you about how to get started. Contact us today!