Are you passionate about skincare, beauty, and helping others feel confident in their skin? If so, pursuing a career in esthetics with a focus on advanced treatments could be the right path for you. Many estheticians work alongside dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other medical professionals, providing specialized skincare services in clinical settings.
If you’re in Texas and wondering how to enter this field, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to working in medical esthetics in Texas, from education to licensing and advanced training.
What Does a Medical Esthetician Do?
In Texas, “medical esthetician” is not a formal license or title—it simply describes an esthetician who specializes in advanced skincare treatments within medical settings. Unlike traditional estheticians who focus on facials, waxing, and makeup application, those working in medical esthetics often perform treatments such as:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- LED light therapy
- Advanced acne treatments
- Skin rejuvenation procedures
These treatments require a deeper understanding of skincare, and many estheticians pursue additional training beyond the standard licensing requirements to work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, and plastic surgery offices.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Esthetics Program
The first step to working in medical esthetics is to complete a Texas-approved esthetician program and obtain a license. In Texas, there is no separate medical esthetician license—all estheticians must complete at least 750 hours of esthetics training from a state-approved school to qualify for licensure.
At Avenue Five Institute, students gain hands-on experience in advanced skincare treatments, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion. The curriculum includes a six-week chemical peel project, helping students develop real-world skills that are valuable in medical spas and other clinical environments.
Step 2: Obtain Your Texas Esthetician License
To legally practice as an esthetician in Texas, you must meet the licensing requirements set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR):
- Complete a State-Approved Esthetics Program – Attend an accredited school and complete at least 750 training hours.
- Pass the Licensing Exams – After completing your training, you must pass both the written and practical exams administered by the TDLR.
- Apply for Your License – Submit your application and licensing fees to obtain your esthetician license.
Once licensed, you can begin working in the industry and gaining experience before pursuing advanced training.
Step 3: Seek Advanced Training in Medical Esthetics
While Texas does not offer a medical esthetician license, estheticians looking to work in clinical settings often pursue additional training. Advanced education can help estheticians expand their knowledge in treatments such as:
- Laser procedures (which require a separate Texas certification)
- Microneedling and collagen induction therapy
- Advanced chemical peels and skin resurfacing
- Acne treatments and corrective skincare
Some estheticians also seek certifications in medical-grade treatments to enhance their expertise and qualify for roles in medical settings.
Step 4: Gain Experience in a Clinical Setting
After obtaining an esthetician license and completing advanced training, many estheticians gain hands-on experience in medical spas, dermatology offices, or plastic surgery centers. Working in these environments allows estheticians to refine their skills, work alongside medical professionals, and provide specialized skincare treatments.
Is a Career in Medical Esthetics Right for You?
If you’re interested in advanced skincare treatments and want to work in a clinical setting, esthetics training can be a great first step. While there is no separate medical esthetician license in Texas, estheticians can find rewarding careers in medical spas and dermatology offices by expanding their knowledge through additional training.
Interested in starting your journey? Explore the esthetics program at Avenue Five Institute and learn how to build a career in advanced skincare.
