The duties that different medical professionals can carry out are regulated by each state (and to some extent, federally). For some basic injections and procedures, medical assistants or even nurse’s assistants can carry them out in some states. For procedures considered more specialized or complicated, nurses or nurse practitioners may be required to perform them. And, when it comes to surgery, only physicians can carry out the surgery itself (though other professionals can assist with portions of it).
Understandably, with the variance between states and the medical hierarchy, knowing what you need to perform Botox injections and other aesthetic injections is not straightforward.
Minimum Requirements
In the vast majority of states, Botox injectors must at least be registered nurses. Therefore, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing is generally required. Many states also mandate that because Botox is a medical procedure—even when performed for cosmetic reasons—it must be performed by a medical professional. Thus, aestheticians usually cannot perform Botox.
Additionally, medical assistants generally cannot perform Botox even though they may perform other injections such as vaccines. This is because Botox requires specialized techniques and training to target the right areas of the muscle and prevent over-treatment. Other intra-muscular injections do not require this precision.
Outside of medical education and licensure, some states require specialized training in Botox. This may include on-the-job training, continuing education, or course hour requirements. Many states use “physician supervision” as a caveat for nurses and other medical professionals to perform Botox. This often does not require that the doctor is in the room for every procedure but that the nurse is performing the procedure as part of a practice with an overseeing physician. Sometimes a physician must be in the room, though this is less common.
Medical Professionals Who Can Administer Botox
The medical professionals who can perform Botox in nearly all states include physicians (MDs and DOs), dentists, and physician assistants. People interested in becoming Botox injectors should learn the requirements for their state, including whether nurses can perform Botox injections.
Even for medical professionals who can perform Botox or who are already qualified, additional training can help providers stay up to date on the latest treatments and techniques.
Botox Injection Courses
The American Academy of Cosmetic Medicine offers educational courses on Botox and fillers for all levels of medical professionals. Whether you are a physician wanting to brush up your skill or begin offering it in your practice or you are a brand new nurse interested in aesthetics, our courses can help set you on the right path to finding success within the aesthetic medicine field. We have two courses, the beginner course and the advanced course, which are designed based on the student’s prior knowledge, experience, and degree of education.
To learn more and register for your course, visit our website or sign up for one of our free dine-and-learn events.
