Esthetician (LE)
A licensed esthetician is trained in skin care: facials, surface chemical peels, and similar treatments. In most states an esthetician may not inject or perform medical-grade procedures. The exact line varies by state, which is why scope-of-practice rules matter.
Registered Nurse (RN)
An RN has completed nursing school and passed a national licensing exam. In aesthetics an RN often performs injectables and laser treatments under a physician’s delegation and supervision. The RN administers the treatment while a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant directs the plan and stays accountable.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA)
An NP or PA has graduate-level training and a broader scope than an RN. Depending on the state, they may evaluate patients, build treatment plans, and practice with varying degrees of physician involvement. Many med spas are run day to day by an NP or PA.
Physician (MD or DO)
A physician has the broadest training and scope. In aesthetics a physician may perform any treatment they are trained for, and often serves as the medical director who supervises the practice and is accountable for it. Board certification, covered in a separate guide, tells you the specialty they trained in.