Your Guide to Tattoo Removal Classes

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Roughly one in four Americans has at least one tattoo, and body ink is significantly more popular among millennials and Gen Z’ers. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many people with tattoos regret getting inked, spurring demand for tattoo removal.

One of the most effective tattoo removal techniques — and lucrative, for cosmetic professionals — uses laser technology to safely and permanently eliminate the mark. Laser tattoo removal is a big business in the United States.

If you’d like to add tattoo removal to your practice, you need to get certified for it first. Here’s what you need to know about tattoo removal classes (and how to find them).

What to Look For in a Tattoo Removal Class

If you’re not yet a cosmetic laser technician, you’ll need to complete a comprehensive cosmetic laser training course to begin your tattoo removal journey.

A comprehensive tattoo removal course should blend classroom instruction with hands-on practice training.

Didactic Tattoo Removal Education (Classroom Instruction)

The course’s didactic portion should cover the fundamentals of laser treatment for tattoo removal:

Basic laser physics and the Fitzpatrick scale
Overview of Q switched lasers, the type used in tattoo removal
The three laser wavelengths used in tattoo removal (1064, 755, and 532)
Types of laser equipment used in tattoo removal
How lasers affect skin tissue and post-treatment monitoring for complications

Hands-On Training for Laser Tattoo Removal

The course’s hands-on experience portion should demonstrate safe and effective treatments for tattoo removal on live volunteers (if possible). Training clients should each have an opportunity to operate laser equipment under the supervision of an experienced laser technician.

Certifications for Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments

Participants in comprehensive tattoo removal courses should have the opportunity to get these three important certifications, at least one of which will likely be required for you to perform treatments with laser equipment:

Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Certification. In many states, laser technicians must complete Laser Safety Officer training. This is a more comprehensive certification focusing on safe laser operation and control.
Certified Laser Specialist (CLS) Certification. This is a basic but comprehensive certification that demonstrates competence in performing laser tattoo removal treatments and other laser-aided procedures.
Advanced Laser Tattoo Removal Certification. This is a more advanced course that provides additional assurance to patients and supervising providers.

Who Is Eligible for Tattoo Removal Certification?

Eligibility for tattoo removal certification varies by state. Generally, you can enroll in a basic tattoo removal training course if you’re certified or licensed as:

A nurse esthetician
A medical aesthetician
A registered nurse or nurse practitioner
A physician assistant
A medical or osteopathic doctor
A dentist or oral surgeon

If you’re not sure, check with the training provider and with the relevant state medical licensing board(s).

Where to Find Laser Tattoo Removal Certification

Ready to take the next step in your cosmetic practice journey? Here’s how to find the best laser tattoo removal certification courses:

Limit your search to accredited medical training providers
Check verified reviews from tattoo removal industry clients
Choose a provider that offers multiple training modules, including basic and advanced cosmetic laser training courses
Look for small class sizes and, ideally, preceptorship opportunities with 1-to-1 instruction ratios

Many medical education companies that claim to offer comprehensive tattoo removal training offer only basic instruction. Make sure you choose a provider that’s able to grow with you.