What is the CANS certification?

Elevating Aesthetic Care: Exploring the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Certification

The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, specialized certifications are becoming increasingly vital for professionals seeking to stand out and excel in their respective fields. One such certification that has been gaining prominence is the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of this certification, its requirements, and its impact on aesthetic nursing. As of 2023, there are approximately 400 CANS-certified nurses in the United States.

Understanding the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Certification

The role of aesthetic nurses has expanded significantly in recent years, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals who can deliver safe and effective aesthetic treatments. The Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certification, administered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB), signifies a nurse's expertise and commitment to providing high-quality care in the field of aesthetic medicine.

Requirements and Eligibility

To become a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, nurses must meet certain requirements set forth by the PSNCB. These typically include a combination of clinical experience, educational qualifications, and successful completion of a certification exam.

Candidates for the CANS certification often possess a substantial amount of experience in aesthetic nursing practice. A minimum of two years AND a 1,000 hours of aesthetic nursing practice. To learn more about requirements and eligibility go to the PSNCB website here

The Certification Exam

The certification exam for CANS is rigorous and comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics relevant to aesthetic nursing practice. The exam assesses candidates' knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, and various aesthetic procedures and treatments.

Successful completion of the exam demonstrates a nurse's competence in providing safe and effective care in aesthetic settings, including cosmetic clinics, medical spas, and plastic surgery practices.

Advantages of CANS Certification

Obtaining the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certification offers numerous benefits for nurses seeking to advance their careers in aesthetic medicine. Some of the advantages include:

1. Enhanced Credibility: The CANS certification serves as a mark of excellence and professionalism in the field of aesthetic nursing, enhancing a nurse's credibility among colleagues, employers, and patients.

2. Expanded Career Opportunities: Holding the CANS certification opens up a wealth of career opportunities in aesthetic medicine, including roles in cosmetic surgery practices, medical spas, dermatology clinics, and more.

3. Professional Growth: Pursuing and obtaining the CANS certification demonstrates a nurse's commitment to continuous learning and professional development, positioning them as leaders in the field of aesthetic nursing.

4. Improved Patient Care: With advanced training and expertise, Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialists can provide patients with safer, more effective treatments and better outcomes, ultimately improving the overall quality of care in aesthetic medicine.

The Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certification represents a significant milestone in the career of aesthetic nurses, symbolizing their dedication to excellence and proficiency in providing aesthetic treatments. As the demand for aesthetic procedures continues to rise, the importance of specialized certifications like CANS will only continue to grow, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in the field of aesthetic medicine.

If you are ineligible for the CANS exam,

I would still encourage others to become a member of ISPAN. Membership information is here:

ISPAN WEBSITE

Tips for nurses interested in receiving the CANS certification:

I obtained my CANS certification in 2021 after completing the application and meeting all requirements.

-The more treatments you are trained in (injectables, lasers, threads etc.) the easier the test will be.

-Be patient while you hear back from PSNCB

-STUDY as much as possible in your downtime, I made index cards of the areas I wasn't strong in such as threads (Ive never been trained in threads, but know some basic knowledge)

-Watch and rewatch the webinar study guide. This is accessed after you have purchased the study guidebook

-There are no practice tests available

Watch my YOUTUBE video on my experience with the application and certification process below

Since I've made the video, they have changed the requirements to allow nurses to obtain their CANS if they live in a state where NPs have full practice authority AND the NP medical director is CANS certified.