Interested in starting a career as a Laser Technician in Rhode Island but not sure where to start? Take a moment to read our summary of what education you need, any certifications required, job opportunities and salary expectations.

Based on the US Labor Bureau, the state of Rhode Island estimates job market growth for skincare specialist of over 7.9% through 2024. This is less than the national average of 13% which makes Rhode Island an average state to start a Laser Technician career.

The requirements for any person providing laser treatment are set by the Rhode Island Department of Health. These rules can be found by visiting their descriptive PDF here.

Education Required

The state of Rhode Island defines the practice of medicine as anyone “who holds himself or herself out as being able to diagnose, treat, perform surgery, use a laser/intense pulsed light, or prescribe for any person for disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical or mental condition or prescribe for any person ill or alleged to be ill with disease, pain, injury, deformity or abnormal physical or mental condition, or who shall either profess to heal, offer or undertake, by any means or method, to diagnose, treat, perform surgery, or prescribe for any person for disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical or mental condition.”

The also states that “non-ablative” procedures including laser hair removal are considered the practice of medicine. As such, they should only be performed by a licensed physician or delegate under the physician’s supervision.

Currently, the legislation does not address the qualifications for a delegate performing laser treatments within the state. As such a physician may delegate these procedure to those persons they see fit to perform them. Physician’s hold the ultimate responsibility for the patient and may require training and national accreditation before hiring a laser technician.

In 2017, Act S0147 was introduced to the state Senate which looks to clarify the rules regarding who can perform laser treatments and what education they require. It maintains the current position that delegates must be under physician supervision but also stipulates the following training requirement:

“Prior to delegating the performance of a non-ablative treatment, the delegating licensed health care professional shall ensure that the delegate has satisfactorily met the training requirements and that the treatment is within the scope of practice for the delegate’s profession.”

“A licensed health care professional who delegates the performance of a non-ablative treatment shall be able to document to the department, upon request, the completion of appropriate training in the physics, safety, and surgical techniques involved in the use of laser and energy-based devices capable of damaging living tissues. This training should include an extensive understanding of cutaneous medicine and surgery, the indications and contraindications for such procedures, the pre- and post-operative care involved in treatment, as well as the treatment of complications associated with these devices.”

Rhode Island Laser Technician Certification(s)

Currently, no certification or license is required to perform laser treatments in Rhode Island so long as you have a physician delegating and supervising the procedure. Physician’s may require outside examination to ensure the safe usage of their lasers.

Job Opportunities

The job market in Rhode Island for skincare specialist has been growing year over year, with a wealth of opportunities to start a career. You can see a detailed list of job postings on our Laser Technician Jobs page. Just filter to Rhode Island to find opportunities in your area.

Laser Technician Jobs

Salary Expectations

Skincare Specialists in the state of Rhode Island can expect an average income of $32,150 per year, or $15.46/hour. This salary expectation is just over the national average of $30,270. Experience can also increase your salary over time.