7 Best Aesthetic Programs for NPs in CA: 2026 Certification Guide

The aesthetics injectable market in California is booming. Aesthetic programs are growing rapidly, with a projected 12% yearly growth over the next five years. Ready to blend healthcare precision with cosmetic creativity? This career path might be perfect for you.

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners earn competitive salaries. The field provides numerous opportunities to grow, as non-surgical cosmetic procedures are nowhere near reaching their peak demand. Quality training plays a crucial role in becoming an esthetic nurse practitioner. Leading institutions prove this point – Aesthetic Medical Educators Training has shaped over 7,500 medical professionals’ careers since 2003. Empire Medical Training’s impressive alumni network extends to more than 125,000 graduates.

California remains the top choice for aesthetic nurse practitioner programs. The state’s world-class training facilities offer exceptional certification options. This guide explores the 7 best certification paths to kickstart or enhance your aesthetic nursing career in 2026, whether you’re new to the field or ready to boost your existing expertise.

*note these programs don’t provide a pathway to nursing licensure, these programs are for additional training for people who already hold a nursing license.

Aesthetic Medical Educators Training (AMET)

AMET (Aesthetic Medical Educators Training) has trained more than 15,000 licensed medical professionals in all 50 states since opening its doors in Texas back in 2003. This 20-year old player in aesthetic education specializes in single-day certification courses that medical professionals can quickly apply in their practice.

Program overview

AMET provides detailed didactic and hands-on aesthetic training programs. Their courses come with national recognition and AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) approval for CME credits. Classes combine classroom learning with practical training and are limited to 10 students per instructor.

Students can choose between traditional in-person classes and a “hybrid” format. The hybrid option starts with online pre-training and ends with shorter live sessions. The CME accreditation only applies to live training portions. The CME credits for Botox and Filler courses will drop from 9.75 to 7.5 hours in 2025.

Key treatments offered

Students can learn various injectable treatments through these certification programs:

• Basic Botox & Dermal Filler Program: Teaches FDA-approved botulinum toxins (BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®) and injectable dermal fillers (Juvederm®, Restylane®, Versa®, and RHA® fillers)
• Advanced Botox & Filler Training: Teaches specialized techniques like TMJ/masseter treatment, lip flip, gummy smile correction, perioral rhytids, eye area injections, neck rejuvenation, and axillary hyperhidrosis

The advanced program teaches facial anesthesia techniques and explores different filler types, including longer-lasting and non-biodegradable options. Students need a basic certification and six months of injection experience before taking advanced training.

Pricing and packages

AMET’s pricing varies based on individual courses and membership options:

Memberships cost between $999 and $1,700 with these benefits:

• Free follow-up refresher course
• 25% discount on additional AMET training courses
• 15% discount for colleague referrals
• Semi-annual advertising in AMET newsletter
• Free Botox and Dermal Filler training video

Students who buy both membership and training registration get better membership rates: $699 for one year or $1,199 for two years.

Locations in California

AMET makes training available throughout California with locations in:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Sacramento

Each location follows the same curriculum and hands-on training approach. All the same, outside reviews mention that most classes take place in hotels instead of medical facilities.

Student reviews

AMET’s student feedback tells two different stories. Their website features positive testimonials praising hands-on experience and instructor expertise:

“It was a great experience; all my questions were answered and I had ample training with Botox & fillers during the course. Instructor was great.” – Gurbinder Nijjar, MD

Independent reviews paint a different picture. Some students mention uneven teaching quality, frequent class cancelations, and limited hands-on practice time. The company’s practice of using paid patients instead of volunteer models has raised concerns about higher liability risks for practitioners.

Best suited for

AMET works well for:

• Healthcare professionals new to aesthetics with no injection experience
• Licensed practitioners including RNs, NPs, PAs, MDs, DOs, and dentists
• Professionals who need CME credits with aesthetic training
• People who prefer one-day intensive learning over longer programs

The program might not fit practitioners who want in-depth training with lots of supervised practice. AMET’s FAQ states they “cannot guarantee a specific number of injections during training” because it depends on model availability and class size.

Students should understand the limits of one-day certification programs. While AMET uses the term “certification,” these credentials simply mean you completed the course and have no legal standing beyond that.

American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE)

The American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) is a multidisciplinary organization that trains healthcare professionals in esthetics. Their alumni network boasts over 16,000 trained dental and medical professionals, making them a major player in esthetic education.

Program overview

AAFE brings together physicians, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to teach non-surgical and non-invasive facial injectable techniques. They blend knowledge from various medical disciplines to create a complete training experience.

The academy balances practical application with theory. Students get both classroom instruction and hands-on patient sessions to build their understanding and technical skills. The Academy of General Dentistry recognizes AAFE as an approved PACE Program Provider from April 2023 to March 2027.

AAFE’s unique strength lies in its membership structure with over 8,000 members. Members get ongoing support through online forums, discussion groups, faculty consultation, and marketing resources. This creates a learning community that goes beyond one-time courses.

Key treatments offered

AAFE’s curriculum has a wide range of esthetic procedures with progressive learning levels:

Basic Training Programs:

• Botulinum Toxins & Dermal Fillers Level I (foundational techniques)
• Solid Filler PDO Thread Lift Level I (non-surgical lifting)
• Frontline TMJ & Facial Pain Therapy Level I (therapeutic applications)

Advanced Training Programs:

• Botulinum Toxin & Dermal Fillers Level II (advanced techniques)
• Master Level courses in specialized areas:
  • Master Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)
  • Master Lips (advanced lip enhancement)
  • Master Esthetic Eyes (midface and upper face procedures)

Their Botox training courses are specifically recognized for TMJ applications in dentistry. However, about half of U.S. states limit esthetic applications for dentists.

Pricing and packages

AAFE’s pricing varies between individual courses and bundled packages:

Individual Course Pricing:

• Botox Course: $1,797
• Dermal Filler Course: $1,797
• Combined Level I Botox and Filler: $3,594

Package Options:

• Core 4 Training Package: $4,997 (includes four certifications over two days, saving $2,191 compared to individual courses)
• Practice Growth Bundle: $3,297 (includes bonuses worth $1,200)
• All-In Clinical & Esthetic Practice: $3,997 (includes bonuses worth $2,100)

Critics point out that AAFE’s pricing model starts with lower-cost entry courses but requires additional fees for advanced training to gain complete skills.

Locations in California

AAFE runs training centers in key California metropolitan areas:

• Orange County
• San Diego

They also hold courses across California as part of their nationwide program. These sessions take place in hotels and medical facilities that meet their training standards.

Student reviews

Student feedback tells two different stories about AAFE’s programs. Their website showcases many happy participants praising their complete approach. They claim to have “the most testimonials of any course of this kind”.

Third-party reviews raise some concerns. Large class sizes of 8-20+ students might reduce hands-on instruction time. Some question the instructor credentials’ transparency. While many instructors use “Dr.” titles, 97% are dentists rather than physicians—this could mislead medical professionals seeking training.

Independent reviews also highlight issues with their multi-level course structure. Students need substantial extra investment to learn what some see as simple techniques, like lip filler.

Best suited for

AAFE works best for:

• Dental professionals who want to add facial esthetics to their practice, especially for TMJ treatments
• Healthcare professionals looking for step-by-step progression from simple to advanced techniques
• Practitioners who value community support after training
• Those needing recognized continuing education credits, particularly dentists who need AGD-approved PACE credits

AAFE markets itself as “the most comprehensive course in terms of education and practical procedures taught that you will be able to integrate into your practice right away”. Yet, students should evaluate their professional background, state regulations, and learning needs before committing to this program.

Empire Medical Training (EMT)

Empire Medical Training (EMT) has trained over 125,000 healthcare practitioners since 1998. This makes EMT one of the largest training organizations in medical esthetics. The organization’s physician-led faculty and university-style curriculum have made it a top choice for esthetic nurse practitioners seeking certification.

Program overview

EMT provides CME-accredited courses in Non-Surgical Esthetics, Anti-Aging, and Pain Management. Students learn through a mix of theory and hands-on training with live patients. The program stands out with its well-laid-out structure. Healthcare professionals can attend weekend workshops and follow a continuing education path.

The training methodology builds both simple skills and advanced techniques through multiple curriculum levels. EMT designs courses for practitioners at every stage of their esthetic careers. You’ll find programs for complete beginners and those who want to sharpen specific advanced skills.

Key treatments offered

EMT’s curriculum has a wide range of esthetic procedures:

• Botox & Dermal Fillers: Simple courses that teach essential facial landmarks and injection techniques
• Advanced Botulinum Toxin & Fillers: Complete training that combines theory and hands-on practice
• PDO Threads: Training in non-surgical facial lifting techniques
• Cosmetic Laser: Instruction on various laser-based esthetic procedures
• Master Injector Series: Advanced hands-on training with various neurotoxin and filler products

The training focuses on anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, lip enhancement, and vitamin injections. These procedures help create a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Pricing and packages

EMT’s pricing varies based on individual courses and package deals:

Simple course tuition starts at $1,199, with specific programs priced as follows:

• Botox Course: $1,536
• Dermal Filler Course: $1,639
• Master Injector Series: Variable pricing based on level

Nurses can start with the “Esthetics 101” package, which serves as a beginner-friendly introduction to medical esthetics. The premium “Esthetic Injector Pro Program” teaches advanced PDO thread lifting, injection techniques, medical weight loss, and hormone therapy.

EMT backs its training with a unique guarantee. Students can retake any course at no extra cost if they’re not completely satisfied.

Locations in California

EMT runs training programs in two major California cities:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

These California locations are part of EMT’s network of over 30 training sites across the country. This makes EMT one of the most available esthetic NP programs in CA, especially for those who need weekend training formats.

Student reviews

Students rate EMT highly at 4.9/5 stars from 328 reviews. They praise the university-style curriculum, expert trainers, and member benefits like discounts on neurotoxins and fillers.

Graduates often mention how valuable the hands-on training with live patients is for building confidence in esthetic procedures. They also appreciate the post-training support and ongoing learning opportunities.

EMT best suited for

EMT works best for:

• Physicians, dentists, and nurses who want to add esthetic medicine to their practice
• Healthcare professionals who need weekend training options
• Practitioners who want to earn CME credits while getting esthetic certification
• People looking for a complete path from simple to advanced esthetic techniques

Nurse practitioners wondering about becoming esthetic specialists will find EMT’s programs especially helpful. The organization offers specialized training packages just for nurses moving into esthetics.

EMT differs from its competitors by teaching multiple specialties. Practitioners can grow beyond simple injectables into advanced, high-income procedures. This creates several revenue streams for those who want to maximize their earnings in esthetic medicine.

Beverly Hills RN (BHRN)

Sylvia Silvestri, RN, leads Beverly Hills RN (BHRN), which has established itself uniquely in California’s esthetic education scene. Her decades of experience in plastic and reconstructive medicine come from serving high-end clients in one of America’s most demanding esthetic markets.

Program overview

Beverly Hills RN offers detailed esthetic injectable procedures training through both in-person and online formats. BHRN excels because of their focus on PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) esthetic procedures—Silvestri is a certified trainer for Dr. Charles Runels, who invented the Vampire Facial® and related treatments.

Their training combines “live” didactic instruction with hands-on clinical practice. Classes stay small to provide individual attention. Students learn through interaction rather than large-group lectures. This lets instructors adapt their guidance based on each practitioner’s experience level and learning style.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Minniti supervises all classes. His nearly two decades of experience in cosmetic surgery adds clinical credibility to the training.

Key treatments offered

BHRN’s curriculum teaches these PRP-based esthetic treatments:

• Vampire PRP facial and facelift techniques
• PRP hair restoration procedures
• PRP breast lift applications
• P-shot (male enhancement procedure)
• O-shot (female rejuvenation procedure)
• Botox & dermal filler applications
• Dermapen microneedling

Their detailed training covers patient selection through post-procedure care. Students learn patient intake, history-taking, informed consent protocols, PRP preparation techniques, supplies needed, patient positioning, procedural techniques, post-procedure instructions, and follow-up protocols.

Pricing and packages

Beverly Hills RN prices their “Basic Training in Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers” at $1,500. Unlike others, BHRN provides all skills in specialty areas without requiring multiple courses.

Students receive complete instruction manuals, marketing materials, and ongoing support—benefits that last beyond the original training.

Location in California

BHRN runs their signature training programs in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Gerald Minniti’s facility hosts these classes, giving students exposure to a premier esthetic practice.

Students experience one of the world’s most recognized centers for cosmetic procedures. This location helps them learn about high-end esthetic practices and client expectations.

Student reviews

Beverly Hills RN has earned a perfect 5/5 rating based on 12 reviews. Graduates often highlight specific aspects of their experience:

“I left the live training with a strong knowledge base and sound technical skill. Sylvia also shared networking and marketing strategies that will be an asset to my practice.”

A student shares: “It is the most valuable training I have done, and has affected my cosmetic practice significantly within one year.”

Students value:

• Hands-on clinical experience with live models
• Small, interactive class environment
• Detailed instruction
• Post-training support and business development guidance

Many testimonials show quick results, as one graduate notes: “Her social media influencer session helped grow my Instagram following from barely 150 followers to over 750 organic followers.”

Best suited for

Beverly Hills RN works best for:

• Medical professionals who want expertise in PRP-based esthetic procedures
• Practitioners who prefer small-group, hands-on training
• Clinicians seeking both technical skills and marketing/business development guidance
• Healthcare providers interested in regenerative approaches to esthetics and sexual health

The program serves those whose attention is drawn to the Vampire® suite of procedures well, as BHRN’s connection to the original developer ensures authentic training. The focus on ground application marketing strategies helps practitioners build their esthetic business presence.

American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM)

The American Academy of Procedural Medicine (AAOPM) has grown into a major player in esthetic training since 1998, with over 100,000 graduates nationwide. This 25-year old organization specializes in cash-based CME training for multiple specialties and provides board certification paths for medical professionals who want to grow their practice.

Program overview

AAOPM separates itself through its complete certification paths in three specialties: Esthetics, Functional Medicine, and Pain Management. AKH accredits their programs, which will give a quality and reliable AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

The academy blends classroom learning with hands-on practice. Physicians must attend core classes and pass written and oral exams to qualify for board certification. They become eligible for board certification after finishing a 6-month fellowship.

AAOPM’s core mission revolves around evidence-based medicine and current care standards. They support life-long learning to improve physicians’ skills in esthetics and other medical fields.

Key treatments offered

AAOPM’s esthetic curriculum has various non-surgical procedures:

• Botulinum Toxin Applications: Including specialized injections for orofacial pain, chronic migraines, jaw reduction, and MicroBotox
• Dermal Filler Techniques: Covering tear trough, worry lines, periorbital injections, philtrum definition, hands, and cheek enhancement
• Advanced Esthetic Procedures: Featuring chemical peels, cosmetic lasers, and platelet-rich plasma treatments

AAOPM also trains in skin restoration, skin rejuvenation, and combination treatments. Their botox certification teaches all FDA-approved neurotoxins: Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify™.

Pricing and packages

AAOPM provides three affordable membership packages. Their pricing includes:

• Single seminars with a price match guarantee—they’ll match any lower-priced seminar with the same content
• Online education through AAOPM Livestream Membership, giving access to up to 36 medical workshops
• Botox Training costs from USD 699 for virtual training to USD 1,449 for hands-on seminars

Members get free certification plaques and access to a training video library.

Locations in California

AAOPM runs training programs in California at:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco

The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport will host their September 12, 2025 Botulinum Toxin Training. Programs are available throughout California, with training in “66+ cities” across “all 50 states”.

Student reviews

AAOPM has “successfully trained over 75,000 health care professionals safely and effectively in the last 20 years”. More than 30,000 medical professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, and PAs, have graduated from their programs.

The organization maintains strict hands-on training guidelines. Students must show current medical licenses and identification before participating. They also offer a satisfaction guarantee—students who need extra hands-on experience get free one-on-one preceptorship with an instructor.

Best suited for

AAOPM works best for:

• Licensed healthcare professionals including MDs, DOs, DDSs, RNs, NPs, and PAs who want board certification
• Practitioners looking to move away from insurance-based practice to cash-based procedures
• Medical professionals seeking complete esthetic training with ongoing support
• Those wanting to stand out while creating new revenue streams

The organization helps healthcare professionals switch to more profitable cash-based procedures without dealing with insurance reimbursement.

The Esthetic Immersion

Dr. Gideon Kwok and Lori Robertson combined their expertise to create The Esthetic Immersion. Their 30 years of collective experience shapes the esthetic training programs in Southern California. Students become skilled injectors through a mix of virtual education and clinical practice.

Program overview

The program welcomes both newcomers and seasoned practitioners with its adaptable training platform. Students can complete CME-certified virtual classes from anywhere and join small hands-on sessions later. This setup works well for busy professionals who need to balance learning with their practice.

Their extensive webinar library contains hundreds of educational videos that update regularly. The hands-on sessions maintain small class sizes. Each student receives direct guidance from experienced mentors.

Key treatments offered

The curriculum teaches these essential esthetic procedures:

• Botox and dermal filler applications
• PDO threads training
• Facial anatomy through cadaver dissection (offered in specialized courses)
• Ultrasound-guided injection techniques

Students build confidence in medical esthetic injections while learning about current products and equipment.

Pricing and packages

Students can choose from three membership tiers:

Esthetic Starter: $129/month or $118.08/month billed annually

• Access to 120 educational videos
• 10% discount on hands-on training
• Welcome box with course materials

Esthetic Insider: $199/month or $214.08/year

• Access to 350+ videos
• 15% discount on hands-on training
• Monthly webinars valued at $2,400

Founder’s Club: $262.08/year (annual billing only)

• Access to 440+ videos
• 20% discount on hands-on training
• Exclusive buying group access

Location in California

The facility sits in Brea, California (910 E Birch St, Suite 350). Students practice in a working medical esthetic clinic that doubles as an educational center.

Student reviews

Students give the program perfect 5/5 ratings consistently. Graduate testimonials include:

“Excellent education plus clinical pearls from experienced providers”

“Great highlights and pearls. Very thorough and helpful”

Students often mention the practical knowledge, expert instruction, and supportive environment.

Best suited for

The program serves:

• Medical professionals who want flexible learning options
• Practitioners at all skill levels
• Busy professionals needing remote learning
• People seeking connections in the esthetics industry

Monthly Q&A sessions help students network and get support from the esthetic medicine community.

Practical CME

Practical CME is notable with its small-group training approach. The organization has conducted over 100 training sessions annually for esthetic procedures since 2008. They pioneered the FAST TRACK™ blended learning model that combines online preparation with live hands-on training.

Program overview

The organization’s strength lies in its all-MD faculty with over 10 years of experience. Each class has a strict limit of 6 participants to ensure individual-specific instruction. Students receive AMA Category 1 CME accreditation through AAFP in all courses.

Key treatments offered

Their curriculum covers:

• Botox and dermal filler training
• Regenerative esthetics (PRP, microneedling, exosomes)
• PDO thread lift
• Cosmetic sclerotherapy
• Wellness courses (BHRT, weight loss, neurotransmitter testing)

Pricing and packages

Students can access the Complete Online Video Package at $5,995, which includes six courses with 25+ CME hours. The Individual Botox & Dermal Filler Training costs $2,295. Affirm provides zero-percent financing options.

Practical CME location in California

Students can attend training sessions in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Student reviews

Students have given Practical CME a perfect 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. The common feedback reflects in testimonials like “After taking your courses, my fear faded into excitement and confidence”.

Best suited for

Healthcare professionals benefit most from this evidence-based training without sponsor influence. The program serves practitioners who need both certification and CME credits. Students who prefer blended learning formats find great value in these courses.

Conclusion

The right aesthetic program choice will shape your success in this fast-growing field. Each program comes with unique strengths that line up with different career goals and learning priorities. AMET gives you access through nationwide locations, and AAFE provides specialized training especially when you have dental expertise. EMT is renowned with its complete pathways from simple to advanced techniques. Beverly Hills RN excels at intimate PRP-focused training.

On top of that, AAOPM gives you board certification opportunities that lift your professional credentials by a lot. The Esthetic Immersion brings flexibility through its hybrid learning model to fit busy schedules. Practical CME’s small class sizes and all-MD faculty will give a personal touch throughout your training experience.

Your decision should factor in your current experience level, ideal learning environment, budget limits, specific treatment interests, and location priorities. Class size, hands-on practice chances, and post-training support should guide your choice too.

Whatever program you pick, quality aesthetic training opens doors to a rewarding career with substantial growth potential. The aesthetic medicine field keeps growing as client demand for non-surgical procedures rises each year. Today’s investment in proper training will set you up for success in this creative and profitable healthcare specialty.

Many professionals build a complete skill set by taking courses from different programs throughout their careers. Note that your aesthetic education experience doesn’t end with original certification but grows through ongoing practice, mentorship, and advanced training.

This piece about California’s premier aesthetic NP programs gives you the knowledge to take your first confident step toward becoming a skilled aesthetic practitioner in 2026 and beyond.