From Bedside To Beauty: How To Become An Aesthetic Injector

Written By Amelia Orr

Thinking about becoming an aesthetic injector? Whether you’re a nurse or medical professional looking to expand your career, this guide covers everything you need to know to enter the growing world of aesthetic medicine. From understanding licensing and certification requirements to choosing the right injector training program and mastering hands-on techniques, we’ll walk you through each step to help you build a successful, confidence-driven career in aesthetics — right here in North Carolina.

What Does an Aesthetic Injector Do?

An aesthetic injector is a licensed medical professional who performs non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Dysport, biostimulators and dermal fillers.

Injectors combine advanced anatomy knowledge with artistry to enhance each patient’s natural beauty — creating balanced, youthful results that look effortless.

Do You Need To Take A Certification Course To Inject?

NO! There is no such thing as a “Certification Course” to get started in aesthetics, so don’t let training companies trick you into spending thousands for a 1-2 day training with a large group where you may get to inject one model hands on and they only cover the basics. The ONLY certification in aesthetics is CANS which is a test that you can sit for once you have been in practice and meet the necessary credentialing.

To get Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification, you must be a currently licensed RN and have at least two years of experience and 1,000 practice hours in one of the core aesthetic specialties (plastic surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, or facial plastic surgery). You must also work with a board-certified physician in one of these fields, have your application endorsed by them, and pass the CANS certification exam administered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). 

While receiving training and education are essential to be a safe, effective, and successful aesthetic injector, a piece of paper is only a certificate of completion, not a true certification. So let’s talk about what you DO need to get started in your dream career!

Step 1: Obtain the Right Medical License

Before training as an injector, you must hold a valid medical license such as:

  • Registered Nurse (RN)

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)

  • Physician Assistant (PA)

  • Physician (MD/DO)

If you’re not yet licensed, start by completing your nursing or medical program. Once you’re licensed, you’ll qualify to enroll in aesthetic-specific training.

Step 2: Choose a Injector Training Program That’s Right For You

Look for a comprehensive, hands-on course that includes things like:

  • Facial anatomy and injection safety

  • Comprehensive education of the facial aging process

  • Consultation Training to set yourself apart

  • Botox, Dysport, Xeomin & other neuromodulator treatments

  • Complication management to ensure patient safety

  • Hands on model practice sessions to put your new skills to use

  • Business & marketing insights to help you thrive

At Carolina Aesthetic Academy in Raleigh, we offer tiered injector trainings (Levels 1–5) designed to take you from beginner to advanced artistry — always prioritizing safety, precision, and aesthetic balance.

Step 3: Invest in Ongoing Mentorship and Education

The best injectors NEVER stop learning because our industry never stops growing and changing best practices. Mentorship bridges the gap between theory and confident practice.

At Carolina Aesthetic Academy, our mentorships pair you with expert faculty who invest tens of thousands each year in cadaver labs, advanced anatomy courses, and international trainings — passing that expertise directly to you.

Benefits of mentorship:

  • Build confidence with real-world cases and expert guidance

  • Learn full-face assessment & facial balancing to ensure flawless natural results

  • Grow your client base and business skills from people who have done it themselves

Step 4: Build Your Experience and Personal Brand

Once you’re trained and ready to get started, gain experience by joining a medspa or working under supervision of a medical director. As you grow, build your personal brand through:

  • A professional Instagram and Google Business profile

  • Consistent before-and-after galleries to show off your unique style and results

  • Local SEO phrases like “Raleigh Botox Injector” to help attract new clients to your brand

  • Educational reels and blog posts to set yourself apart

Step 5: Advance With Specialized Techniques

Continue your training in:

  • Full-facial balancing to optimize each patient’s unique beauty

  • Body contouring with PCDC, Fillers, Radiesse, and Sculptra

  • PRP/PRF/PDGF regenerative aesthetics

  • PDO threads and collagen stimulation

Ongoing education keeps your skills current — ensuring every patient experience feels safe, customized, and elevated.

✨ Your Raleigh Injector Journey Starts Here✨

Ready to launch your aesthetic career?

At Carolina Aesthetic Academy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from foundational training to advanced mentorship — blending safety, science, and artistry to unlock the career of your dreams!

Amelia Orr