Dermal therapy careers: A look at where your qualifications take you

Thinking about a career in dermal therapy? With the right qualifications, you can work alongside cosmetic doctors, surgeons, dermatologists, nurses, and beauty therapists in a variety of professional settings. Whether you're delivering advanced skin treatments, supporting patient care under supervision, or educating others about skin health and products, you'll play an important role in delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based skin therapies.

With Australia’s booming beauty and personal care industry forecast to hit $7.85 billion by 2025, the demand for skilled dermal professionals is at an all-time high. As the sector continues to expand, there has never been a better time to advance your skills or take the next step in your career.   

Today, we explore the different career paths in dermal therapy to guide you toward a rewarding and successful future in skin care. 

The role of a dermal therapist in aesthetic settings

Obsessed with all things skin and beauty? In aesthetic and retail settings, dermal therapists help clients support their skin health and appearance through non-invasive treatments. From facials to laser treatments and rejuvenation procedures, they apply evidence-based techniques and expert advice to help clients make informed choices about their skin. 

Skin and laser clinics

Working in a skin clinic with state-of-the-art technology isn’t just a dream—it’s an exciting reality for qualified dermal therapists. Each day brings new opportunities to perform resurfacing procedures, laser hair removal, skin needling, chemical peels, and treatments for pigmentation or acne-prone skin. Many clinics also offer LED therapy and other advanced skin treatments as part of cosmetic skin management services.

This role might be right for you if:

• You love the idea of working with advanced technologies.
• You enjoy customising treatment plans for skin rejuvenation and management.
• You are willing to obtain Laser Safety Officer's Certificate to expand your skill set.

Beauty clinics

If you love the idea of combining relaxation with non-invasive skin care, working as a dermal therapist in a beauty clinic could be the perfect fit. Depending on your qualifications, you might provide advanced skin treatments including laser-based therapies, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy, to complement traditional beauty services while helping clients work toward their skin goals.

This role might be right for you if:

• You enjoy engaging with clients in a beauty-focused setting.
• You want to apply skin care knowledge to enhance aesthetic treatments.
• You are passionate about supporting clients to maintain skin health. 

The role of a dermal therapist in medical settings

Beyond aesthetic clinics, cosmetic nurses can also work in medical settings alongside dermatologists, cosmetic doctors and plastic surgeons.

Dermatology clinics

Cosmetic nurses in dermatology clinics generally assist with minimally-invasive skin treatments and patient education. They help clients manage concerns like acne, rosacea and pigmentation while supporting dermatologists in delivering evidence-based care.

This role might be right for you if:

• You enjoy working in a medical environment with complex skin conditions.
• You want to combine patient care with aesthetic treatments.
• You have a strong interest in skin health and dermatology.

Cosmetic medical and surgical clinics

Cosmetic medical and surgical clinics offer advanced skin care treatments, providing both non-invasive and surgical options to support skin health and aesthetic goals. If you’re passionate about working alongside medical professionals, there are many exciting opportunities for qualified dermal therapists in this field.

In cosmetic medical clinics, dermal therapists work collaboratively with cosmetic doctors and nurses to address skin concerns and goals through advanced, non-surgical treatments. These may include:

• Laser and light-based therapies: IPL, vascular and pigmentation treatments, and skin rejuvenation.
• Chemical peels and skin resurfacing: Aimed at enhancing skin texture, tone, and clarity.
• Energy-based treatments: Such as radiofrequency skin tightening and non-invasive fat reduction.
• Skin-smoothing procedures: Designed to support skin health and appearance. 

In cosmetic surgery clinics, plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors perform a range of surgical and minimally invasive procedures, such as facelifts, liposuction, eyelid surgery, and laser resurfacing. Under medical supervision, dermal therapists may assist clients with post-surgical skin care by providing:

• Scar treatments: Using chemical peels, laser therapies, or specialised skin care.
• Light-based therapies: To promote collagen production and skin regeneration.
• Topical products: To maintain skin integrity and health.  

This kind of role might be right for you if:

• You enjoy working in a medical setting with advanced technology.  
• You want to use your knowledge of skin anatomy to enhance patient outcomes.  
• You thrive in a clinical team environment alongside medical professionals. 

The role of a cosmetic nurse in sales and education

Ever wondered what it’s like to work alongside top medical professionals in the field of skin health? In medical settings, dermal therapists play a crucial role in supporting medical professionals to optimise patient care.

Dermatology clinics

Intrigued by complex skin concerns? In dermatology clinics, dermal therapists work closely with dermatologists to help patients manage conditions ranging from acne to rosacea, eczema, pigmentation and scalp irritation. While dermatologists diagnose and prescribe medical treatments, dermal therapists offer non-medical skin treatments to complement patient care. From LED light therapy to facials and laser resurfacing, their work helps patients feel more comfortable in their skin. 

This role might be right for you if:

• You are passionate about treating challenging skin concerns.
• You want to work under dermatologists to support patient treatment plans.
• You enjoy combining medical knowledge with hands-on skin care treatments.

Burns clinics 

Helping patients with long-term skin care after trauma can be one of the most rewarding paths in dermal therapy. Burns clinics focus on scar management and skin rehabilitation for patients recovering from burns or other skin injuries. Under medical supervision, dermal therapists may assist in scar management through laser therapies, skin needling, and specialised topical applications as part of a skin care plan. 

This role might be right for you if:

• You have a strong interest in burns care and scar management.  
• You are drawn to learning about laser technology to support healing.
• You are passionate about supporting burns patients during skin rehabilitation. 

The role of a dermal therapist in sales

Want to combine your passion for skin science with innovation and business? As careers progress, many dermal therapists transition into product sales and marketing roles. Whether working for skincare brands, cosmetic companies, or medical-grade product suppliers, they use their expertise to formulate products, educate clinics on best practices, and contribute to industry awareness. 

This might be right for you if:

• You have a passion for skincare formulation and ingredients.
• You enjoy educating professionals on product applications and best practices.
• You are interested in contributing to skin care research and product development.

The role of a dermal therapist in education

Ready to share your expertise and shape the next generation of dermal therapists? Many experienced professionals transition into education roles, training future therapists through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and industry programs. As an educator, you’ll teach treatment techniques, skin science, and industry regulations, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in dermal therapy.

This might be right for you if:

• You have extensive experience in dermal therapy and a passion for mentoring others.
• You enjoy teaching treatment techniques, skin science, and best practices.
• You want to contribute to the industry by shaping the skills of future dermal therapists.
  

Other dermal therapy career pathways

Beyond these roles, dermal therapists can work with health professionals who offer skin treatments in their private practice. 

Many cosmetic physicians, GPs, and skin cancer doctors include skin health and aesthetic treatments in their services, and employ qualified dermal therapists to assist under medical supervision.

Advanced career paths

As you gain experience in dermal therapy, you may choose to expand your expertise through further study or career specialisation. Some advanced career pathways include:

• Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science – Advancing your knowledge by completing additional units in dermatology and integrated health.
• Clinic ownership – Running your own cosmetic skin clinic and managing a team of therapists. 
• Specialist fields – Focusing on areas such as scar revision or skin cancer support in collaboration with medical professionals.

Dermal therapist training and salary

To become a qualified dermal therapist, you need to complete an accredited course, like our 52923WA Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science or a 52920WA Graduate Diploma of Dermal Science. These courses will arm you with the knowledge and practical skills you need to work in a variety of roles and settings, following appropriate state-based certification. 

For a deeper dive into qualifications, training and potential salary, visit: How to become a dermal therapist in Australia: everything you need to know.

Why study with AACDS?

AACDS is Australia’s leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in dermal therapy education. Our courses provide:

• Nationally accredited qualifications led by industry experts.
• Flexible online learning options with hands-on training in Perth, the Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne.
• Industry-leading support through our Graduate Support Program.
• Pathways into advanced dermal therapy, cosmetic nursing, and beyond.

“AACDS graduates are making a real impact in the industry, applying their advanced knowledge and skills in leading skin clinics across Australia. Our comprehensive training equips them with the confidence and expertise to pursue rewarding careers in dermal therapy” says Kylie Fahey, CEO of AACDS. 

Kickstart your dermal therapy career today

A career in dermal therapy can open doors to many fulfilling and rewarding roles, and with the industry growing and demand for skilled professionals on the rise, there’s never been a better time to invest in your future.

At AACDS, we provide industry-leading education that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in this exciting field. Whether you’re just starting out or upskilling, our flexible, comprehensive courses can help you turn your passion for skin into a rewarding career. 

Interested in learning more? Download our course prospectus or speak with an AACDS Course Consultant today!

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