How to become a cosmetic injector

How do I Become a Cosmetic Injector?

Getting Your Registration

Injectable products such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are classified as Schedule 4 medications. This means, they must be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner such as a Prescribing Doctor, and can only be administered by a Doctor, Dentist or Registered Nurse with a current AHPRA registration.

What if I am an Enrolled Nurse?

Under The Department of Health and TGA regulations, Enrolled Nurses may also perform injectables. However, you must undergo additional training to competently administer Schedule 4 medications and can only inject when under the direct supervision of a medical practitioner. Alternatively, you can undertake further studies to transition from an Enrolled Nurse to a Registered Nurse.

What Pathway Should I Take?

Figuring out how and where to start can be very confusing. Trust me, I have been there!

The good news is, you have a few options as to how you can get into this industry. 

Below I have listed the most common pathways and those that I believe, will provide you with the highest chance of success: 

Starting out at a Chain Clinic:
Chain clinics offer a wide range of treatments and often are able to provide you with back-to-back bookings. This is where you will get hands-on experience to learn and grow quickly. Once you have developed your skills a year or two later, this is when you can look to move on to working at a higher-end clinic with experience under your belt.

Observerships:
You must be willing to undergo observerships or clinical practice at a clinic that is willing to take you in. Not only does this show that you are serious about your career and willing to sacrifice a paycheck for voluntary work experience, but it will also provide you with incredible exposure and open up a relationship for you with that clinic or practitioner.

Training Courses:
This may be a Post-Graduate Diploma or a 1-2 day training course or both!

The more experience you can get, the better chance you will have at finding employment as a cosmetic injector. 

Working in this role requires you to have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, the ageing process, injecting techniques as well as common dermatological conditions and dermal treatments. Hence, undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Nursing, and attending face-to-face workshops and training courses will be extremely beneficial. 

This not only introduces you to others in the industry, but it provides an opportunity for you to continue expanding your knowledge and develop new techniques and skills as an injector.

Working in a High-End Clinic:
Alternatively to working in a chain clinic, there is the opportunity to work at higher end clinics as well... However, there can be a catch!

As most high end clinics consist of senior injectors with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience under their belt, the best way to get in is to be willing to work in an administrative or reception role to begin with. This will get you a foot in the door! 

From there, you will continue to build on your knowledge and this will provide you with the opportunity for the medical team to mentor and train you into your cosmetic injecting role.

Fortunately, this was the path I took at Youth Lab. Starting off in an administrative role whilst simultaneously studying a Post-Graduate Diploma in Cosmetic Nursing. From there I was mentored by the wonderful Dr. Kate and am now working in the Cosmetic Injecting role today.

Exposing yourself to these such learning opportunities and pathways will help you to develop as an injector, and will also help you build relationships with others in the industry. The Cosmetic industry is one that is continuously evolving, and you must be dedicated to evolving with it.

Nurse Isabelle x