People get tattoos for very personal reasons. Sometimes they’re meant to remind you of a loved one. Maybe they’re symbolic of a major life event. Some people even get the names of their significant others tattooed on their bodies.
The question is: What happens if you break up with someone and you have their name tattooed on your wrist for all the world to see? What if that awesome dragon you got after high school no longer reflects your personality? What if your tattoo artist wasn’t the best and your design doesn’t look great? How can you change these things when they’re inked into your skin and there isn’t a good way to transform them into something else?
With the rise of tattoos comes the rise of tattoo removal technicians. These professionals can help people make their tattoos less visible–or remove them completely. Some tattoos only need partial removal before a skilled artist can create a new image over them.
Whatever the client’s needs may be, a course and proper certification in laser technology can help you prepare for a career as a tattoo removal technician.
How long does it take to become a tattoo removal technician? When it comes to requirements, each state is different. The whole process of getting certified as a tattoo removal technician usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks, though this will vary depending on your state requirements.
To give you an idea of what to expect during and after certification, we’ll give you a breakdown of the steps to take.
Find A Reputable Course
The first (and most important) step is to find a good course. You can choose from in-person courses or online lectures that let you go at your own pace. This can be a great option if you’re attending school, working, or chasing after your kids while finishing your coursework.
Make sure a qualified medical professional is teaching your course. Someone with the proper credentials and skills to teach pupils how to use lasers is your best bet for creating a firm foundation for your career.
After you complete your coursework, you’ll receive your certificate. This will allow you to move on to gain your hands-on training. If you did your training at the same time as your coursework, you’re free to start your job hunt.
Get Hands-On Experience
If you haven’t had hands-on experience yet, you’ll need to complete this to get your license. Every state has different requirements, so be sure you check your state’s list before moving ahead.
Most states require a minimum of 40 to 60 hours of internship experience. This means you need to find and shadow a tattoo removal technician in your area. After you complete your internship, you’ll need to get an official license, if your state requires one.
Land Your Ideal Job
The next step is to add the skills you picked up through training and coursework to your resume. Start your job search in the city you’ve chosen. Look at places that offer laser hair removal or other laser treatments, like medical spas and plastic surgery clinics. Talk to tattoo parlors in your area–some of them like the idea of an in-house tattoo removal technician.
Open Your Own Practice
If you can’t find a place to practice your new career, there’s only one solution–start your own business. Once you’re up and running, you can consider expanding into other areas like laser hair removal. The right certification and training course can open up many new opportunities in your career as a tattoo removal technician.
AACM: Training Cosmetic Professionals
The American Academy of Cosmetic Medicine offers extensive training in cosmetic treatments, like dermal fillers and Botox. If you’re searching for a way to break into the cosmetic industry, consider taking one of our courses. You’ll get access to coursework, hands-on training, and certification in cosmetic injectables.
If you want to become a cosmetic injector or laser technician, call AACM at (425) 864-3777 to learn more about our courses.