If I were to get my RN license in Florida and then take courses to become a laser technician, what would I need to do to become certified?

Question:

Dear Donna,
I am a masters-prepared RN in psychiatry. I want to make a total career change, and I am thinking about becoming a laser technician in Florida, which requires certain certification. If I were to get my RN license in Florida and then take courses to become a technician, what would I need to do to become certified? Would the board of nursing or some other board oversee my certification?

I would be fine not using my RN license if there are a lot of requirements.

Interested in Laser Therapy

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Interested in Laser Therapy,

For your question I consulted Sasha Parker, RN, aesthetic nurse specialist pioneer and founder of the Esthetic Skin Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She advises that you would need to take a number of certification courses in electrolysis and then laser tech to do this, all of which is governed by the Electrolysis Council of the Florida Department of Health http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/electrolysis/eo_hair-removal.html.

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to perform laser therapy in the state of Florida under your
nursing license.

However, the specialty of Aesthetic Nurse Specialist is a very broad and growing field. There are many other jobs you can do that would require an RN license such as nurse injector. I suggest that you contact the American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals www.aamep.org to find out more. AAMEP is having its annual conference Oct. 4-6 in South Beach, Fla. If you can get there, you could collect a wealth of information and contacts.

Best wishes,

Donna