How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner
Plastic surgery is a booming industry, and with that comes a growing demand for skilled professionals who blend clinical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology, and an artistic touch. A plastic surgery nurse practitioner (NP) is often the first point of contact for patients seeking aesthetic enhancement. These professionals assess patients’ goals, review medical histories, and may even assist plastic surgeons during procedures ranging from breast augmentations to cleft lip repairs.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), over 2.62 million cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures are performed annually in the U.S., and that number continues to grow. This article will guide you on how to get started in this exciting, in-demand career.
Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner: Career Snapshot
- Mission: Offering expert care for patients undergoing surgical enhancements
- Responsibilities: Assisting in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, performing noninvasive procedures, providing pre- and postoperative care, and offering recovery support
- Workplaces: Plastic surgery clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, private practices, and medical spas
- Path: Advanced nursing degree followed by the specialty certification
- Length of study: Approximately 6 to 8 years
What Is a Plastic Surgery NP?
A plastic surgery nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing care for patients undergoing plastic surgeries, from pre-operative assessments to post-operative recovery. While some states allow independent practice for NPs, NPs specializing in surgery generally work as part of a team.
Curious about the procedures you’ll be involved in? Here are some of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the U.S.:
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation
- Abdominoplasty
- Breast lift
- Eyelid surgery
The plastic surgery field is constantly evolving, with new trends regularly taking center stage. Staying current with the latest procedures — like Brazilian butt lifts, chin implants, and RibXcar for waist narrowing — ensures you remain at the forefront of this competitive field.
Wondering what kind of settings you could work in? Plastic surgery NPs might find employment in the following places:
- Plastic surgery clinics
- Hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Reconstructive surgery practices
- Burn treatment centers
- Gender-affirming care facilities
What Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Do?
The responsibilities of a nurse practitioner in plastic surgery settings include assessing patients before procedures, providing patient education, and managing postoperative care. Here’s a look at what these professionals do throughout the different stages of the care journey:
| Stages of care | Examples of responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Preoperative care |
|
| Surgery |
|
| Postoperative care |
|
How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner
To pursue this career, you’ll need to become an NP and gain specialized knowledge in plastic surgery. Here’s a step-by-step guide to entering this unique NP specialty.
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
Every NP starts as a registered nurse (RN). This can be done through one of two routes: a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While an ADN degree is much faster to achieve, a BSN provides more comprehensive training, including leadership and research components.
Additionally, if you’re certain you’re on your way to becoming an NP, a BSN degree will make it much easier to enroll in advanced degree programs. While there are ADN-to-MSN bridge programs, they are far less common than BSN-to-MSN options.
Tip: Consider adding a minor to your nursing program to strengthen your background in areas relevant to plastic surgery, such as psychology, business administration, or health sciences.
2. Obtain a Nursing Licensure
Once you’ve completed your nursing degree, the next step is passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This comprehensive exam is designed to assess your knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to safely and effectively practice as an entry-level RN.
To maximize your chances of passing, consider taking practice tests, investing in review courses, and reading the parts of your nursing coursework you find most challenging. The exam typically lasts up to five hours and can range from 75 to 145 questions, depending on how quickly you demonstrate competency.
Tip: Anxiety can affect test performance, so here’s some reassurance: If you don’t pass, you can retake the NCLEX, though the retest rules vary by state.
3. Gain Experience
Once you’re an RN, aim to gain as much specialty-specific experience as possible. While the operating room may not be the typical setting that hires new grads, some large hospital networks may offer residency programs in surgical settings.
Here are some relevant RN specialties that can help you build a valuable skill set for a career as a plastic surgery NP:
- Surgical nursing
- Aesthetic nursing
- Dermatology nursing
- Scrub nursing
- Circulating nursing
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Pre-op nursing
- PACU nursing
- Perioperative nursing
Additionally, you can work in areas where nurses may perform minimally invasive procedures such as interventional radiology, cath lab nursing, and endoscopy nursing.
4. Enroll in a Graduate Program
The next big step in your journey is becoming an NP. Since there are no specialized NP programs for plastic surgery, you might enter the field by completing a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) program and then gaining specialized training in surgical procedures.
When it comes to pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree, you’ll need to complete either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). An MSN typically requires about two years of study, while a DNP can take anywhere from three to six years, depending on the program structure and whether you’re attending full time or part time. Learn more in our article about NP schooling requirements.
5. Become a Certified NP
With your program behind you, it’s time to take the final step toward practicing as a nurse practitioner — certification. This requires applying through a national certifying body and passing an exam, much like the process of becoming an RN. Here are some certifications to consider:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
6. Complete Specialized Plastic Surgery NP Training
The next step in your journey is to deepen your expertise in plastic surgery care. Below are some examples of organizations that offer specialized training in this field:
- The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) offers Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN) credentials.
- The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS) offers a variety of educational courses.
- The American Association of Surgical Nurse Practitioners (AASNP) offers AASNP certification.
Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Salary
A typical plastic surgery NP salary in the U.S. is about $146,620 annually. However, actual earnings can vary based on education, experience, and employment setting (whether you work for an employer or run your own practice).
Where you live can also significantly impact your income. Here are the states where NPs earn the most:
Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner: FAQ
How long does it take to become a plastic surgery NP?
Becoming a plastic surgery NP typically takes between six to eight years to complete. This path requires time, dedication, and specialized training, and the exact timeline depends on your chosen educational path and program type.
Can a plastic surgery nurse practitioner do surgeries?
As a plastic surgery NP, you cannot independently perform major surgical procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasties, or breast augmentations. However, your role in surgery depends on state regulations, your credentials, and your collaborating physician.
What is the job outlook for plastic surgery NP?
The job outlook for nurse practitioners is exceptionally strong, with employment expected to grow 46% over the next decade — a rate far higher than the average across all professions.
Aesthetic NP vs. plastic surgery NP: What’s the difference?
An aesthetic nurse practitioner focuses on nonsurgical cosmetic treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser procedures, often working in med spas or dermatology clinics. In contrast, a plastic surgery NP works in surgical settings.
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