The Check-In

If you're a registered nurse (RN) contemplating a career shift, you might wonder if you could open a medical spa. The growing demand for medical spa services means RNs are often exploring this lucrative opportunity.

Medspas, known for their blend of medical and beauty treatments, have become a thriving industry. They offer services like laser treatments, chemical peels, and various skin rejuvenation treatments. Some even offer niche services like weight loss and tattoo removal.

For RNs, who already have medical knowledge and skills, entering this industry can be an exciting and rewarding venture.

But what does it take for an RN to open a medspa? Let's explore the qualifications, regulations, and steps required to make this dream a reality.

Industry data: Zenoti powers 30,000+ businesses across 50+ countries

Can a registered nurse open a medspa?

Yes, a registered nurse can open a medspa. However, it calls for specific qualifications. First, possessing a valid nursing license is essential. This ensures that the RN has met all the necessary educational and professional requirements.

Additionally, RNs must comply with state regulations for medspas, which can vary. Some states require collaboration with or supervision by a physician, while others have more lenient rules. It's crucial to research and understand the legal requirements in your state before proceeding.

Besides, continuing education and certifications in aesthetic treatments can enhance an RN's credibility and expertise. Courses in injectables, laser therapy, and other aesthetic procedures can equip RNs with the skills needed to provide top-notch services at their medspa.

Related: American Med Spa Association: How to open a legally compliant medspa

Can a registered nurse own a medical spa?

‍Owning a medical spa is markedly different from simply opening one. While RNs can open a medspa, owning one often involves more complex regulations. Some states have restrictions on non-physicians owning medical practices, including medspas.

To overcome these hurdles, RNs might opt for the Management Services Organization (MSO) model. Under this model, the RN can own the MSO, which provides management services to the medspa. This arrangement allows RNs to manage the business aspects while a physician oversees the medical treatments.

Maintaining profitability and sustainability is also crucial for medspa RNs. Strategies like offering exclusive deals, staying up to date on industry trends, and providing exceptional customer service can help medical spa nurses thrive in a competitive market.

Benefits of opening a medical spa

Opening a medical spa offers key advantages:

  • Lucrative business: Medical spas can be highly profitable, especially with the service offerings and marketing.
  • Staying power: The demand for aesthetic treatments continues to grow, ensuring a steady stream of clients.
  • Professional growth: Entering the medical spa industry allows RNs to expand their skills and knowledge in a new and exciting field.

Other benefits for medical spa nurses include the ability to set your own schedule, create a unique brand, and provide services that genuinely improve clients' lives.

How to open a medspa as a nurse

Opening a medical spa involves several steps, from planning and financing to licensing and marketing. Use this guide to get started:

1. Develop a comprehensive business plan

‍A solid business plan is the foundation of your medspa. Outline your goals, target market, services, pricing, and marketing strategies. This plan will guide you through each stage of your business and help secure funding.

2. Finance your business‍

Determine how much capital you'll need to start your medspa and explore funding options. Consider loans, investors, or personal savings to finance your venture as a medical spa nurse.

3. Choose a location‍

Selecting the right location is critical. Choose a place that's easily accessible, has ample parking, and is in a high-traffic area to attract clients.

4. Comply with regulatory requirements‍

Ensure you meet all state and local regulations for opening a medspa. This includes obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and ensuring your facility meets health and safety standards.

5. Hire qualified staff‍

Your team's expertise can make or break your medspa. Hire skilled professionals, including licensed aestheticians, medspa RNs, and administrative staff.

Industry data: Salons using online booking see 33% more revenue per guest — Zenoti 2025 Benchmark Report

Ready to run your business on software built for this industry? Book a free Zenoti demo.

6. Market your medspa‍

Develop a robust marketing strategy to attract clients. Utilize social media, email campaigns, and local advertising to promote your services.

Industry data: Top-earning businesses have online booking rates at least 61% higher than average — Zenoti 2024 Benchmark Report

Case Study | How Face to Face Spa saves time and uses data to grow their revenue

A registered nurse founded Face to Face Spa in Austin, Texas, with science-based facials to start. The brand has since expanded to offer medical spa treatments across multiple locations in Texas and Ohio. Read the case study highlighting the early part of RN Jenny Brown’s entrepreneurial journey.

Essential equipment and services

Investing in high-quality equipment and keeping up with the latest advancements in aesthetic technology is key to providing top-notch services as a medical spa nurse.

Laser treatments‍

Advanced laser devices serve the purpose of laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and tattoo removal.

Chemical peels‍

Specialized chemical solutions and application tools treat different skin types and concerns for clients seeking these treatments.

Skin rejuvenation‍

Special pens, dermal filler injection kits, and Botox syringes are used for treatments like microneedling, dermal fillers, and cosmetic injections.

Find more information in the ultimate guide to creating a medical spa services menu.

How can software assist with managing a medspa?

Running a medspa involves juggling multiple tasks, from scheduling appointments to managing inventory. This is where software like Zenoti can help.

Advanced software offers features like appointment booking, customer relationship management (CRM), and inventory tracking. These tools streamline operations, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional client experiences as a medical spa nurse. Additionally, Zenoti's analytics and reporting capabilities provide valuable insights into your business performance, helping you make informed decisions.

OrangeTwist uses data analysis in Zenoti to drive medspa growth. Hear from their CFO, Brittany Slater, about her favorite report, digital touchpoints for customers, and more. Read the post.

From RN to medspa owner

Opening a medical spa as a registered nurse can be rewarding for RNs with medical expertise and entrepreneurial drive. The industry is rich with opportunities for RNs looking to diversify their careers and wondering how to open a medspa as a nurse.

By understanding the legal requirements, developing a business plan, and leveraging tools like Zenoti, RNs can enter the medspa industry and go on to thrive as medical spa nurses.

‍Inspiration: Read about Alia Alston’s entrepreneurial journey and business success with Icebox Cryotherapy. Although not an RN, Alston turned her own experience of finding relief from chronic pain into a driving force for Icebox.

Explore the software platform that helps medspa RNs manage their business.

Note: All the benchmark data mentioned throughout the article are from Zenoti 2025 Benchmark Report

FAQs

How much does it cost to open a salon?
Opening a salon in the US typically costs $25,000–$120,000 for a rented space and up to $480,000 for a purchased space, depending on size, location, and fit-out quality.
How profitable is owning a salon?
Top-earning salons generate $1.25M in annual revenue per location. Average salons generate $460K. Profit margins typically range from 15–45% depending on how well operations and costs are managed (Zenoti 2025 Benchmark Report).
What software do I need to open a salon?
You need salon management software covering online booking, POS, staff scheduling, client records, and marketing automation. Starting with an all-in-one platform avoids the cost and complexity of separate tools.
What licenses do I need to open a salon?
Requirements vary by state but typically include a cosmetology or nail technician license, a salon business operation license, a certificate of occupancy, and a health and safety permit. Check your state cosmetology board for specifics.
How long does it take to open a salon?
From business plan to opening day typically takes 3–6 months. Licensing is often the longest step. Having software, suppliers, and staffing arranged before your space is ready can compress the timeline significantly.
Gita Mani

Written by

Gita Mani, Senior Content Specialist

Focused mostly on inbound marketing – aka wooing customers with killer content instead of chasing them with ads – Gita thrills in the power of language to shape buyer journeys. When not smithing words, she watches birds.

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Cheryl Cole

Reviewed by

Cheryl Cole, Managing Editor

Cheryl uses her background in journalism to help brands bring their unique stories to life. Passionate about content strategy, she has extensive experience leading both print and digital publications. As managing editor of The Check-In, Cheryl is committed to providing wellness professionals with high-quality, tailored content designed to help grow their brands.

Learn more about Cheryl Cole