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How to Become a Laser Technician in Canada

Oct 24 2022

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Author: Patricia Pezzano

In Canada, there are restrictions on performing laser procedures. Categorized as a medical procedure, it is regulated the same way as other medical treatments.

A laser technician can perform non-invasive (no skin penetration) facial and body light therapies such as IPL without having a medical licence. However, the Canadian Association of Medical Spas & Aesthetic Surgeons (CAMACS) explicitly requires operators to get certified. 

If you are a medical professional or an aspiring aesthetician considering getting a laser technician certification and wondering how to become a laser technician in Canada, here are the things you need to know.

How to Become a Laser Technician

Step 1: Meet Program Requirements

Before you can enrol in a laser technician certification program, you’ll need to qualify for the course. Different training centres might have different requirements, but they usually include the following:

For Aspiring Aestheticians With No Medical Licence

• At least 18 years old
• Finished Grade 12 or has a mature student status
• A valid government-issued ID
• For foreign and non-English-speaking applicants, a passing score on an English proficiency test

For Licensed Medical Professionals

• A valid medical professional licence
• Optional: a valid government-issued ID with picture

Step 2: Choose a Training Program

Before you can get certified, you’ll need to enrol in a training program. 

There are many training centres in Canada that can get you job-ready in a few weeks. Each training program will be slightly different from the other, which means you can choose the program that best matches your goals and level of expertise.

• Introductory Laser Theory Course

Not everyone can afford to attend a full training program right away. Whether it is due to time or finances, that doesn’t mean you cannot pursue a laser technician certification. If you want to take it one step at a time, you can start with an introductory module that covers the basic concepts of laser and various laser treatments before transitioning to a practical module or a full program that involves hands-on training on live models.

• Full Laser Technician Certification Course

A full laser technician certification course involves both theoretical and practical lessons on laser procedures. Courses usually include lessons on basic and photo facials, laser hair removal, treatment of spider veins, skin tag removal, and skin rejuvenation, combined with hours to weeks of hands-on training.

• Laser Training for Licensed Medical Professionals

These programs are ideal for medical practitioners who would like to expand the services they provide. Enrolment to laser training programs for licensed practitioners requires understanding of basic medical terms and procedures, that’s why in these programs, a licence is required.

Lessons typically include advanced and ablative laser treatments, unlike laser training programs for non-licensed individuals, which only include non-ablative procedures.

Like basic training programs, laser training for licensed practitioners can be introductory or full programs. Full programs include both theoretical and practical training, which are usually scheduled on specified dates. These are great for practitioners who can commit to a rigid schedule.

Introductory programs, on the other hand, are meant for licensed medical professionals who would like to understand the basics of laser skin treatments before starting their hands-on training, which they can do at their own pace after finishing the modules.

After completing the module, the licensed practitioner is encouraged to undergo practical training using their chosen technology so they can develop mastery of the processes and techniques and provide appropriate treatments for their patients.

Step 3: Accreditation

After successfully completing a program, your training provider will issue a laser technician diploma or certification that will allow you to perform the laser procedures you trained for.

A certification will qualify you to work at medical spas, dermatology clinics, beauty schools, salons and even open your own laser spa.

Why Certification is Important

A laser technician course will equip you with the RIGHT laser knowledge and training so you can deliver the best care possible to your clients.

They are designed to help you understand the basics about laser, how laser affects the skin, how it can help treat certain medical and beauty conditions, and how to assess a client to determine if a desired treatment is appropriate for their condition.

A certification ensures you are aware of necessary guidelines and have had enough practical exposure to correctly perform defined laser procedures. Having proper training will help you minimize the risks associated with laser treatments and will help protect your future clients from potential injury, which could lead to complications and land you in serious trouble.

Life as a Laser Technician in Canada

Laser aesthetics is a multibillion-dollar industry with a projected CAGR of about 6%.

While many laser technicians earn an average of $50,000 a year (October, 2022), laser technicians under employment can progress to becoming team leaders and spa managers or work for more than one establishment to increase their earning potential. 

It’s even better for laser technicians who manage their own spas and have multiple certifications, as they can offer additional or VIP packages like dermal fillers and Botox to further expand their clientele and increase their income.

For employees, salaries can range from $2,000 dollars a month for beginners to six-digit figures for more experienced professionals. A medical laser technician will typically receive a higher salary due to the more sophisticated services medical clinics offer.

So if you are a beauty enthusiast and would love a career specializing in this industry, a laser technician course is a great place to start.

Start your Journey with APT Injection Training 

One of the best introductory laser training programs for licensed practitioners is APT’s online laser module course, designed exclusively for medical professionals who would like to focus on the theoretical aspect of laser and light treatments. 

Unlike other training providers, APT works with MATA and OTHM to create quality and up-to-date training programs to ensure that trainees get relevant and proper training.

This laser module, for example, not only touches on the science behind laser and available laser treatments, but also includes lessons on skin conditions, legal and ethical considerations, effective consultation practices and patient management. 

APT’s comprehensive Online Laser Module Course has:

• Interactive learning materials
• Videos
• Quizzes and assessments
• Technical and theoretical lessons

For more information on any of our certification courses or to get tips on how to become a laser technician in Canada, leave us a message and a member of our team will reach out to you in 24 hours.