Do you ever wonder if there is any consistency, any set standards for evaluating the qualifications of medical, technical, or esthetic services at a spa? Are you comfortable at the thought of putting your body and your trust in the hands of spa staff? Is it the same as going to your family physician? Are spa staff medically educated as well as trained in therapeutic services? Do they sign a Hippocratic Oath and practice a code of ethics?
Yes! Spas are highly regulated by the health department of each state, and spa staff and employees are highly educated, certified, and licensed. This is how it works:
Anyone opening and owning a day spa, destination spa, or medical spa, has to meet strict qualifications defined by the state board of health where the spa is located, including taking and passing a rigid state board exam as proof of competency, as well as meeting all the qualifications and demands of the professional associations they belong to. Spas establish credibility with clientele by informing them of their qualifications and by proudly displaying their licenses and certifications. All require a pledge to accountability, a code of ethics, and ongoing continuing education. Some of these self-governing national and state organizations include the Day Spa Association, the National Coalition of Estheticians, CIDESCO (“the world’s highest qualification in health and skin care”), as well as colleges and technical training schools.
Licenses and the hierarchy of spa staff roles
Spa staffs are organized in a hierarchy of roles determined by the degrees, certifications, and licenses they have earned and the amount of medical education and customer experience they have gathered. The basic license to practice cosmetology requires 12-14 course hours and an apprenticeship or internship. The title of Intern is given to someone who gains experience in a spa while studying for a spa career, and the title of Apprentice, is often given to a new spa employee who is working to accumulate the required hours of experience before advancing in the spa employee structure.
The title of Esthetician requires a license that is earned by 600 hours of coursework and by passing the state board exam. The required courses include general concepts like client care, ethics, business management, safety and infection control, applied anatomy, skin treatments, body treatments, mechanical electrical devices used in various treatments, hair removal, makeup, and practical skills in physically carrying out the procedures in safety and comfort for clients.
The title of Advanced Esthetician requires an additional 600 hours of course work, particularly in skin care, including microbiology, CPR, salon policies and management, applied anatomy, physiology, and histology, cellular biology, hormones, immune system, glandular systems, prescription and over the counter drug use, facial and body treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical exfoliation, extractions, basic theoretical knowledge, facials and masks, and advanced mechanical and electrical devices, make up, permanent and camouflage cosmetics, and customer service. Yes, they’re thoroughly trained!
Medical Spa requirements
Medical spas have additional requirements above and beyond the day spa. All activities and treatments performed at a medical spa must be supervised by an onsite licensed health care professional who operates in the scope of his or her practice. Medical spas may offer traditional, complementary, and alternative health practices and treatments in a spa-like setting, but medically trained staff must oversee all offerings to clients.
Spa staff members are required to earn CE credentials
All spa staff are also required by the state board of health and the professional associations to keep learning and refreshing their skills and knowledge by earning a set number of continuing education points or credits each year. You can rest assured that the spa staff serving you is informed and trained in the latest technology and procedures.
Other spa licensing
The state health departments require that all products used in spas must be licensed by the manufacturer of the products to guarantee safety and all the promised results that the product creators claim is possible. This includes cleaning and disinfecting supplies, as well as chemical and cosmetic agents used in all treatments and therapies.
Spa facilities are regularly inspected by the state and by some associations to make sure that the spa continues to uphold the standards of health, hygiene, and disease control. These licenses are displayed for the clients to see as proof that the spa is compliant to state health regulations. If you do not see the licenses displayed, ask about it immediately and report the spa to the state board of health so that the state can regulate safety for everyone.
Relax! You can lay aside any of the questions and concerns you had about spa practices and potential risks to you. Your safety, health, and wellbeing are carefully ensured by the governing and monitoring practices built into the spa services industry. Relax and enjoy!
