With its market clearance approved by the FDA, medical lasers have gained prominence in the medical community. Indeed, they are becoming every bit as important to the hospital setting as a stress testing treadmill and a blood pressure pump. As lasers continue to gain acceptance, a laser certification process has emerged, just as you would expect any other medical field. Let's breakdown the laser certification process and what medical providers need to do to clinically use medical lasers.

Certified Medical Laser Hair Remover Provider
Stipulated by the International  Aesthetic and Laser Association, certification requirements for a medical provider to remove hair are designed to exceed all state requirements, ensuring the highest standards of competency. A doctor is required to submit a minimal number of clinical cases to meet requirements for full certification, though applicants may complete the testing process as soon as the training instruction has been completed. The exam is 100 multiple choice questions that cover 8 areas of laser issues in the medical field. These can include hazards involved with the job, different regulations and standards, and  laser interactions with tissue. Testing must be completed in 3 hours.

Applicants must also attend 6 hours or more of formal laser hair removal courses as well as safety courses. They must also submit 20 hair removal cases, 10 of which must have been done when a senior provider was present. This is required for every type of laser you seek certification in, including liposuction lasers like the Zerona laser.

Certified Aesthetic Laser Operator
Laser operators may be physicians, but they can also be nurses, physician extenders and physical assistants and others who have received appropriate medical training. These laser specialists treat clients for benign cosmetic skin conditions and other noninvasive skin rejuvenation.

The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions related to 8 major content areas, and must be completed within 3.5 hours. Applicants must have a 4 year degree, medical degree or related credentials, and must be dermatology nurse certified. Experience in dermatology or plastic surgery services is also required, as well as 24 documented hours of medical laser use and safety courses.

Certified Laser Assistant
To be a certified laser assistant, you must be 18, have a 2 year or 4 year degree or medically related credentials and complete at least hours of laser safety and science training.