Laser Training Schools in Alabama

Browse our directory of laser training schools in Alabama, or skip ahead to learn about the state's laser training licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Laser Technician in Alabama

Permanent hair removal is a beauty service that is in high demand across the country, a trend that is expected to continue as more people realize the downsides of shaving and other temporary hair removal techniques. Whether you are an experienced beauty professional in Alabama or you are looking for a new career option in this state, becoming a laser technician can give you a way to benefit from the popularity of permanent hair removal. If you currently work in the beauty industry, increasing your skill set to include laser hair removal may expand your client base and, as a result, your income potential. If you are new to this industry, getting your laser technician qualification helps you get started in a high-demand specialty.

State License Requirements

Although most beauty careers are regulated by the Board of Cosmetology, the field of laser hair removal is overseen by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. The first step in this career path is becoming a Level 1 Delegate at one of the approved Alabama laser training programs.

Education Details

To comply with state regulations, you must complete 16 hours of training in the following topics to become a Level 1 Delegate:

• Principles of lasers
• Intense pulsed light devices
• Thermal and radio frequency devices
• Physiological effects of laser usage
• Safety in laser usage
• Hands-on practical laser sessions

Once you begin working as a Level 1 Delegate, you can start working toward Level 2 Delegate certification. In addition to meeting the above training requirements at AL laser hair removal schools, you must complete 16 more hours of training in these subjects:

• Fundamentals of laser operation
• Effects of laser radiation on the skin and eyes
• Specular and diffuse reflections
• Non-beam hazards of lasers
• Non-ionizing radiation hazards
• Laser and laser system classifications
• Control measures

Whether you are pursuing your Level 1 or Level 2 Delegate certification, you must get certified by a delegating physician. This physician supervises your work and verifies the fact that you have met all licensing requirements in the state of Alabama.

License Renewal

In Alabama, estheticians, nurses, and other professionals who work in healthcare and beauty, seek to earn their laser training certification. States have different requirements for certification and training, but there is one association you need to pay attention to for renewals. In addition to the license renewal process for your core occupation, such as esthetician or nursing credentials, you will need to renew your laser certification every three years with the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC). To renew, you will need to submit this form every three years with a $95 payment.

Alabama Laser Training Careers

In Alabama, laser technicians must work under the supervision of a delegating physician. The delegating physician assigns non-ablative procedures to laser technicians and supervises during procedures. Per Alabama state law, supervising involves communicating with the patient before laser hair removal to ensure that they have fully consented to the procedure, being immediately available to respond to emergencies or complications, and personally treating complications and errors in laser hair removal. With this in mind, keep in mind that you'll need to work at a place with a supervising physician. Alabama employers that hire laser technician graduates include dermatology offices, skin care clinics, plastic surgery clinics, specialized laser centers, and medical spas. Currently, there is no salary information available for laser technicians and other skin care specialists in Alabama (O*Net, 2016). However, job openings in this field are expected to increase 40% between 2012 and 2022 (O*Net, 2016).

An Alabama hair removal and skin care technician has many job options. A technician can find a job working in a medical office, in a beauty salon, or working independently from home. With ever increasing interests in physical beauty and skin care, more and more opportunities are opening up for laser hair removal and skincare technicians in Alabama. The job outlook is promising.

Contact the Alabama State Board of Cosmetology