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What’s the Difference Between a Medical Aesthetician and an Esthetician?

What’s the Difference Between a Medical Aesthetician and an Esthetician?

International Beauty Institute, the Highest Rated Beauty Career College in Ontario*, Offers an 8.5-Month Medical Aesthetician Program!

If you’re interested in a career in the skincare field, you may be wondering what the difference is between a medical aesthetician and a regular esthetician. The terms sound similar, and both professionals work with skin, but their training, work settings, and treatment capabilities are actually significantly different. At International Beauty Institute, we offer an 8.5-month Medical Aesthetics diploma program for students interested in launching or advancing their career as a medical aesthetician in the beauty industry. Read on to learn more about IBI’s Medical Aesthetics program, and when you’re ready to get started, give International Beauty Institute a call!

What Is an Esthetician?

A licensed esthetician is a skincare specialist who focuses on cosmetic treatments. These are the types of services you’d find in a spa or salon: facials, waxing, exfoliation, extractions, and basic chemical peels, and most estheticians work in day spas and salons. Estheticians are trained to help clients feel relaxed while improving the look and feel of their skin. Estheticians also help with issues like acne, dryness, and aging – using over-the-counter or spa-grade products. Their work is more surface-level, meaning they can’t perform medical procedures or use advanced equipment typically found in a clinical setting.

What Is a Medical Aesthetician?

A medical aesthetician (sometimes called a clinical aesthetician) goes a step further. They have the same basic skincare training as a regular esthetician but also receive additional education to work in medical environments. Medical aestheticians often work alongside dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or other healthcare providers to help prepare patients for procedures or assist with post-treatment recovery. Many medical aestheticians work in settings such as dermatology clinics, plastic surgery offices, medical spas (med spas), and even in hospitals or outpatient clinics.

Medical aestheticians receive specialized training to perform more advanced treatments, including:

  • Medical-grade chemical peels
  • Laser treatments (under supervision)
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Microneedling
  • LED light therapy
  • Pre/post-operative skin care

Which One Is Right for You? Medical Aesthetician vs. Esthetician

Which career is right for you depends on your career goals. While both career paths focus on improving a client’s skin, the main difference comes down to training, treatment capabilities, and workplace setting. Medical aestheticians operate in a healthcare setting with more advanced tools, while estheticians focus on beauty, relaxation, and general skincare. If you are looking for a career that offers more opportunity for growth and advancement, then a career as a medical aesthetician will likely be more appealing to you. 

Come to International Beauty Institute for your Medical Aesthetician Training!

International Beauty Institute offers an 8.5-month Medical Aesthetics program which provides the professional instruction, hands-on practical training, and the flexible schedules you need to pursue your career as a medical aesthetician. At IBI, students learn the technical skills and safety regulations to provide excellent skincare services while providing exceptional client care. Students learn how to provide traditional spa services such as facials, body treatments, make-up applications, nail treatments, and waxing, but also learn advanced therapies including:

  • Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser hair removal
  • Photorejuvenation
  • Acne treatments
  • Skin tightening/body contouring
  • Other medical aesthetic therapies and modalities

With IBI’s advanced curriculum, students are prepared for careers in the ever-evolving aesthetic industry, adhering to the highest global standards. At IBI, the highest rated beauty career college in Ontario*, students:

  • Learn with the most modern technologies available.
  • Use the most advanced skin care and make-up products on the market.
  • Develop the most skilled techniques through in-depth programs that provide “real-life” training.
  • Perfect their craft alongside experienced instructors in small class sizes.

With campuses in Toronto/North York, Mississauga/Etobicoke, and Hamilton, IBI serves students across Ontario and eastern Canada. Financial assistance** may be available for those who qualify; prospective students are encouraged to check with an Admissions Advisor for more details.

Start Your Medical Aesthetician Career with International Beauty Institute!

International Beauty Institute can provide you with the education and training to go beyond a traditional Esthetician career – with IBI, you can turn your passion for health and skincare into a rewarding career as a Medical Aesthetician! The International Beauty Institute’s Medical Aesthetics program is designed to set you up for success, whether you go on to work in a dermatology clinic, physician’s office, a medspa, or launch your own skincare business. Contact IBI today to learn more about our Medical Aesthetics program!

Go Beyond a Traditional Esthetician Career, With Medical Aesthetics Training from International Beauty Institute!

* Claim based on Google Reviews as of January 1st 2025, comparing beauty institutions with a minimum of three Ontario campuses, each having at least 200 reviews and an average star rating of 4.8 out of 5 per campus.

** Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify; prospective students are encouraged to check with an Admissions Advisor for more details.

See Real Student Training in Action

Program Summary

Laser Technician Diploma

IBI’s Laser Technician Diploma is designed for students who want to specialize in laser and light-based aesthetic treatments. In 8 weeks, students learn how to safely perform in-demand services such as laser hair removal, photorejuvenation, skin tightening, body contouring, and acne treatments while building the hands-on confidence needed for clinical and medi-spa settings.

Modules

Skin Care, Laser

Program Summary

Advanced Skin Care Specialist Diploma

IBI’s Advanced Skin Care Specialist Diploma is ideal for students who want to focus on skin health, corrective treatments, and advanced facial services. In 9 weeks, students gain hands-on experience with professional skin care techniques while learning how to assess concerns, recommend treatments, and support clients in achieving visible skin results.

Modules

Skin Care, Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion, Hydradermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Microneedling

Program Summary

Spa Therapist Diploma

IBI’s Spa Therapist Diploma is designed for students who want to start a career in traditional aesthetics and hands-on spa services. In 12 weeks, students build practical skills in skin care, body treatments, nail care, and waxing while learning the professional techniques needed to work confidently in spas, wellness centres, clinics, or their own beauty business.

Modules

Skin Care, Body Treatments, Manicure & Pedicure, Waxing Hair Removal

Program Summary

Advanced Medi-Spa Therapist Diploma

IBI’s Advanced Medi-Spa Therapist Diploma is built for students who want focused training in advanced skin and laser-based treatments without committing to a longer diploma program. In 12 weeks, students learn the theory online and complete hands-on practical training in person, preparing them to offer in-demand services in medical spas, laser clinics, and advanced aesthetics settings.

Modules

Skin Care, Laser, Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion

Program Summary

Advanced MedSpa Clinician

IBI’s Advanced MedSpa Clinician Diploma is designed for students ready to specialize in results-driven aesthetic treatments and build confidence in a clinical spa environment. Over 24 weeks, students develop advanced hands-on skills while learning the theory behind today’s most requested medical aesthetics services.

Modules

Skin Care, Product Performance & Skin Care Formulations, Laser, Body Contouring, Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Microneedling, Hydradermabrasion, Intro to Botox & Dermal Fillers, Interpersonal Skills & Consultative Sales, Medical Spa Operations

Program Summary

Medical Aesthetics Diploma

IBI’s Medical Aesthetics Diploma is a complete training program for students who want a well-rounded career in beauty, spa, and advanced medical aesthetics. Over 33 weeks, students build skills across skin care, laser, body treatments, nails, makeup, waxing, and medical spa services through online theory and hands-on practical training.

Modules

Skin Care, Product Performance & Skin Care Formulations, Laser, Body Contouring, Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion, Body Treatments, Manicure & Pedicure, Make-Up, Waxing Hair Removal, Intro to Botox & Dermal Fillers, Interpersonal Skills & Consultative Sales, Medical Spa Operations

See Real Student Training in Action