How to become a cosmetic nurse in Australia
The cosmetic aesthetic industry is rapidly expanding, with demand for cosmetic procedures such as injectables and cosmetic surgery increasing. Cosmetic nurses are Registered Nurses (RNs) who are able to administer injectables and assist with more invasive cosmetic procedures, as well as providing pre- and post-surgical care.
In this blog, we look at the qualifications required to become a cosmetic nurse, how long it takes, and the potential salary you can expect.
Cosmetic nurse qualifications
In Australia, muscle/wrinkle relaxants and most dermal fillers are Schedule 4 medications, which require prescription by a medical doctor. Registered Nurses can inject these products, under the supervision of a medical doctor, if they have completed an appropriate training course.
The pathway to becoming a cosmetic nurse involves the following stages:
Bachelor’s Degree
To become a cosmetic nurse, you must first be qualified as a Registered nurse. This means completing a Bachelor of Nursing, or a master’s degree in nursing if you already hold a degree in another field.
Registration
Once you have completed your qualification, you must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) before you can practise.
Experience
You must gain experience as a nurse. This can be done while completing post-graduate studies.
Cosmetic nursing courses
Registered nurses must complete specialist cosmetic nursing courses to perform cosmetic procedures.
There may be different requirements in each state for administration of certain treatments. You should ensure that the course you choose to enrol in will satisfy the regulations in your state.
What about Enrolled Nurses?
Enrolled Nurses (ENs) can complete additional training in medications (ie. hold a Schedule 4 Endorsement). This legally means ENs can administer cosmetic injections under direct medical supervision. However, opportunities for employment of ENs purely as injectors are limited, due to the constraints under scope of practice requiring supervision. See our FAQ for more information.
Cosmetic nursing courses
The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) offers a comprehensive cosmetic injectables course for registered nurses. The 52852WA Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables has been specifically designed to provide the training required to perform cosmetic injectable procedures, as well as a range of dermal therapies, and nursing duties in cosmetic medical practices.
The course includes CDNEIP02 Evaluate and perform cosmetic injectable procedures, which is the first nationally accredited unit covering the theory and practical skills associated with dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxants.
The course also includes HLTINF005 Maintain infection prevention for skin penetration treatments which is required under the Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Regulation 2016 in Queensland.
Other topics include epidermal resurfacing therapies, laser safety, dermatology and dermatoscopy, microdermabrasion and skin needling.
To be eligible for enrolment, students must be Registered or Enrolled/Division 2 Nurses and hold current registration with AHPRA. Enrolled/Division 2 Nurses must also meet additional requirements which are outlined in our FAQ.
Cosmetic nursing courses online
AACDS delivers its courses through a blended model of online study and in-person practical training sessions. This means you can study where and when it suits your schedule, with access to trainer support and regular virtual tutorial sessions.
Practical training is completed in purpose built, state-of-the-art training clinics, providing hands-on experience with real clients.
How long does it take to become a cosmetic nurse?
If you are just starting out, the first step is to complete a Bachelor of Nursing, which typically takes 3 years full time to complete, and then gain AHPRA registration.
It is recommended that you gain at least 2 years of experience in nursing, which can be done while undertaking post-graduate cosmetic nursing studies.
Registered nurses can complete the Graduate Diploma of Cosmetic Nursing and Injectables in 10 months, full time.
What is the average cosmetic nurse salary in Australia?
The typical salary for cosmetic nurse injectors in Australia is $90000 per annum. More experienced practitioners may attract salaries up to $120000, while those who choose to establish their own clinic or specialise in high-demand procedures can earn upwards of $150000 per year.
Why study with AACDS?
The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science offers the gold standard in education for cosmetic nursing and dermal therapies. Our award-winning curriculum and training model has been born from cosmetic medicine, not beauty therapy, and developed by industry-leading experts.
Our practical training is delivered in state-of-the-art student clinics located in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Gold Coast. These fully equipped clinics have been specifically designed to ensure students gain maximum exposure to a wide range of cutting edge aesthetic equipment, products and techniques.
Our courses are delivered using a blended model of online study, with regular virtual support sessions, and in person practical training. Practical sessions are limited to 2 students per trainer, to ensure training is highly personalised and students have genuine opportunity to practice, rather than just observe.
AACDS offers you flexible payment and funding options to assist you in your study and career goals. This includes this course being approved for VET Student Loans (VSL), subject to eligibility.
Where to next?
Let us help you launch your cosmetic nursing career. Chat with one of our friendly Course Consultants to explore courses, start dates, payment options and enrolment eligibility.
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