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How to Become a Certified Laser Hair Removal Technician After Esthetics School
Laser hair removal is one of the most requested services at spas, medical spas, and dermatology offices across Georgia — and it's also one of the fastest ways for a licensed esthetician to increase their income and expand their client base. If you're finishing (or have finished) your Esthetics Program and wondering what comes next, becoming a certified laser hair removal technician is one of the most practical, in-demand specializations you can add to your resume.
Here's exactly how the path works in Georgia, step by step.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Esthetics Program
Before you can touch a laser device professionally, Georgia requires you to hold an active cosmetology-related license. For most students, that means completing an esthetician program.
In Georgia, an Esthetician license requires 1,000 hours of training at a board-approved school (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours over roughly 18 months). This training covers skin analysis, facials, hair removal fundamentals, sanitation, and Georgia cosmetology law — the exact foundation laser employers and licensing boards expect you to already have.
At TBA, this is where our Esthetics Program comes in — it's built to meet these state hour requirements while giving you hands-on practice with real clients before you ever pick up a laser device.
Step 2: Pass Your Esthetician Licensing Exam
Once your training hours are complete, you'll need to pass the Georgia esthetician licensing exam (written and practical portions) through PSI, the state's approved testing vendor. Passing this exam and submitting your application to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers is what makes you an officially licensed esthetician in Georgia — the credential you'll need for the next step.
Step 3: Understand Georgia's Laser Licensing Law
This is the step most students skip researching — and it's the most important one.
In Georgia, operating cosmetic lasers isn't regulated by the cosmetology board. It falls under the Georgia Composite Medical Board, through the Cosmetic Laser Services Act. Under this law, laser hair removal, photo rejuvenation, and similar non-ablative treatments are performed by licensed Cosmetic Laser Practitioners, and there are two tiers:
Assistant Laser Practitioner — open to individuals who are currently licensed (or were previously licensed) as an esthetician, master cosmetologist, LPN, RN, NP, or PA, and who are at least 21 years old.
Senior Laser Practitioner — requires three or more years of licensure as a medical practitioner.
For estheticians, the Assistant Laser Practitioner track is the relevant path — and your esthetician license is exactly what qualifies you to apply. You can review the full requirements directly on the Georgia Composite Medical Board's official licensure page.
Step 4: Complete Laser-Specific Training and Hands-On Hours
Your esthetics education gives you the skin science foundation, but Georgia law requires additional device-specific training before you can operate a cosmetic laser on clients. This typically includes:
Laser physics and how different wavelengths interact with skin and hair
Skin typing (Fitzpatrick scale) and identifying contraindications
Hands-on clinical practice under supervision
Safety protocols, including eye protection and emergency procedures
State-required documentation and consent procedures
Many laser training providers offer this as a standalone certification course lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, combining classroom instruction with supervised, hands-on practice on real clients.
Step 5: Apply for Your Assistant Laser Practitioner License
Once your training is complete, you'll submit your application through the Georgia Composite Medical Board's online licensing portal, along with proof of your esthetician license, laser training completion, and any required documentation. Approval allows you to legally perform cosmetic laser services under the required physician oversight structure outlined in the Act.
What Kind of Work Can You Do With This Certification?
Once certified, laser-trained estheticians typically find opportunities in:
Medical spas — the fastest-growing employer of laser-trained estheticians in Georgia
Dermatology and plastic surgery offices — supporting in-office laser services
Full-service salons and day spas — adding laser hair removal to an existing service menu
Independent practice — building a client base around recurring laser packages, which tend to have strong repeat-visit revenue
Because laser hair removal is typically sold as a multi-session package, it also tends to build steady, recurring income compared to one-time services — a major reason estheticians pursue this specialization early in their careers.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You? Related Services Worth Knowing
If you're exploring laser specialization, it's worth understanding how laser hair removal compares to and pairs with other in-demand treatments you may study or offer down the line:
Understanding the full range of laser and skin-resurfacing services will help you decide which specializations to pursue as your career grows.
How TBA Prepares You for a Laser-Ready Career
Your path to laser certification starts with a strong esthetics foundation — and that's exactly what our program is designed to deliver. At Touched By An Angel Beauty School, our Esthetics Program covers the full scope of skincare fundamentals, hands-on client training, and Georgia licensing law, so you walk out exam-ready and prepared to pursue advanced specializations like laser certification.
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cosmetology license or an esthetician license to become a laser technician in Georgia? Either qualifies you to apply for the Assistant Laser Practitioner license, along with LPN, RN, NP, and PA licenses. An esthetician license — which you can earn in about 1,000 training hours — is the most common and direct route for skincare-focused students.
How old do I need to be to get certified? You must be at least 21 years old to qualify for an Assistant Laser Practitioner license in Georgia.
How long does the whole process take, from enrollment to certification? Most students complete the Esthetics Program in about 9-12 months full-time, then add several additional weeks for laser-specific training and licensure processing — though timelines vary by school and course format.
Can I perform laser treatments in a regular salon, or only in a medical spa? Georgia's Cosmetic Laser Services Act requires appropriate physician oversight for laser services, which is why most laser-certified estheticians work in medical spas or physician-supervised settings rather than traditional salons.
Is laser hair removal a good specialization for new estheticians? Yes — it's one of the highest-demand, most repeat-friendly services in the industry, making it a strong first specialization to pursue after esthetics school.
Have questions about how TBA's Esthetics Program can prepare you for a laser specialization? Contact us or schedule a tour to learn more.
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