If you are in the field of aesthetic medicine in any fashion – as an injector, a physician, a staff member or a sales representative – one of the questions you hear regularly is “How do I get started as an aesthetic injector?” There is a lot of information available in the aesthetic field, but 20+ years after BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved for aesthetic uses, getting a position as a new aesthetic injector still seems to be a matter of pure luck.
Many clinicians think that the first step to becoming an injector is to attend a training course. I don’t really think it helps to go to training before you have a job and have the ability to reinforce and develop your new skills every day. But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for success in your quest to have a career injecting products like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Xeomin® and Daxxify, a host of FDA-approved dermal fillers and innovative products like Kybella®. Read below for ideas about how to build your skills and knowledge before you start dropping resumes at every clinic in town!
1. Get injected or at least go for a consultation
I’m always surprised at how many people say they want to be an injector, but have no idea what the actual job IS. I’ve spoken with many clinicians who have never even seen an aesthetic injection in person, yet they are convinced that this is the right career for them. So educate yourself by scheduling an appointment for an injectable product and experience the injection process first hand. If you feel you aren’t ready for an injectable treatment, then at least have a consultation so you see a professional in action and can ask questions. But be sure those questions are about the product or treatment and please don’t hound the injector about how to get a job injecting!
2. Create a network
Go to medspas and offices that have open houses and patient events so that you can not only learn more about the products and procedures but so you can also get to know professionals in the industry in your area. Introduce yourself to aesthetic professionals and let them know you are giving yourself an “internship” in aesthetics so that you can be ready when you want to transition your career.
3. Make friends in the specialty
If you have friends or colleagues who can introduce you to professionals in the aesthetic industry, you will have a great way to ask questions and learn. I’m not encouraging you to be a stalker(!), but definitely use your connections to network if you can.
4. Get a part-time job at an aesthetic clinic
I know, I know…..we are all SO busy! But working at the reception desk of a medspa or clinic even one day a week can really help you learn the terminology, the products, the patient mindset and more about the industry. If you can go to an interview and tell the physician or business owner that you prepared for a career as an injector by seeing the business and patients first hand, you will WOW them in the interview. And who knows, maybe you are so good at bringing patients to the clinic that they will NEED another injector – and you’ll be there waiting to start training!
5. READ everything you can find on aesthetics
Modern Aesthetics (www.modernaesthetics.com) and Medesthetics (www.medestheticsmag.com) magazines are free sources of great information about the aesthetic industry. Available in hard copy or online, you’ll read articles by experts, learn about the hot products and procedures and even have the opportunity to watch great videos if you provide an email address.
6. Watch YouTube videos on injecting
I know this seems like a “no brainer” suggestion, but many people I have screened as TITAN Candidates have never watched YouTube videos on injecting. Keep in mind that just like everything else on the internet, there are good videos and there are very bad (even scary) videos out there. If you find a video that seems helpful, research the injector to know their credentials. Obviously you don’t want to learn from the girl that injects herself in the mirror in the bathroom!
7. Go to conferences
National meetings that focus on non-physician injectors or extenders can be a great way to learn and to network while you are contemplating a career in aesthetic injecting. The Aesthetic Extender Symposium (www.aestheticextendersymposium.com) and ISPAN meeting (www.ispan.org) are both high quality meetings that provide CME and new information on non-surgical aesthetic products and procedures.
8. Find Social Media pages with Accurate Information
There are many social media pages that offer networking experience and advice. Follow several and ask questions. You might also follow Instagram stories from top practices and providers so you learn more about services offered and can watch live demonstrations.
9. Take online courses
Often unrestricted educational grants are provided to organizations like PALETTE Resources (www.paletteresources. Com) and Medscape (https://www.medscape.org/plastic-surgery) to provide online courses covering aesthetic injectable topics. Earning CME for aesthetic education is a great way to show a prospective employer that you are serious about injecting!
10. Find a mentor who injects and learn as much as you can
Don’t just try to find someone to “shadow”, but truly find someone who is willing to mentor you. Whether it is through a formalized program with an organization like TITAN or just a friend or colleague willing to help you learn, take their advice on reading, studying, training and learning this specialty.
If you do the 10 steps above, you’ll be educated and will be prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they arise. A career as an aesthetic injector is hard work and long hours, so do the work now to show prospective employers that you have what it takes. Remember, if you don’t care enough to invest in yourself, why should a practice invest in you? When you are ready to begin this journey, call TITAN Aesthetic Recruiting to help you find the right place to start your new career!
Despite 30+ years as a practitioner in the field of aesthetic medicine, when it comes to hiring an aesthetic injector, don't think you know it all! The value that TITAN brought to my interviewing process was INVALUABLE. We used the TITAN Screening with two of the candidates I was considering, and I believe it led us to the best choice! The small investment in this service far outweighs the risk of hiring the wrong individual. ***** 5 Stars! Now, on to utilizing TITAN for some training needs for our new injector as well!
TITAN gave me an “insider’s view” that helped me make a game plan and gave me direction that ultimately helped me get my current job. I would recommend Titan Aesthetic Recruiting to medical professionals not yet in the industry, novice injectors like myself, and seasoned Pros because Mary Beth and Kevin have the good of the professional as a whole in mind. They will be your best advocate not for their own personal gain but for your best possible outcome.
I recently completed the aesthetic injector training with TITAN and it was an excellent experience. The instructors were knowledgeable and experienced, and the hands-on training allowed me to feel confident in my skills. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in entering the field of aesthetic injectables.
The goal at TITAN is to set up and foster long term, mutually beneficial relationships between employer and employee. MB listens and won't just tell you what you want to hear. Spending time with her on the phone or in person may not get you the exact answer you want but it will provide the wisest answer that will prove extraordinarily helpful in the long run. She respects both sides of the negotiation process and is really a modern-day matchmaker between clinic and provider.
Great experience working with Mary Beth and TITAN! Mary Beth is well connected in the aesthetic specialty and very well respected. I am so happy with her help in finding my “dream” job.
I cannot say enough good things about TITAN Aesthetic Recruiting. It is very evident that the entire team has a passion for helping new injectors succeed. Everyone was incredibly helpful and informative. Mary Beth patiently answered my questions about the specialty and has served as a resource ever since. The curriculum flowed very well and is easily manageable while balancing with other commitments. I feel so prepared as a new injector and cannot imagine transitioning into the field without this strong foundation! I only wish I had heard about this program sooner. Thank you so much, TITAN team!
