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Medical spa and spa license requirements to start your wellness business

Discover essential spa license requirements and medical spa licensing to start your wellness business. Learn key steps for compliance in the US and UK.

People lead busy lives, and spas and medical spas have become part of self-care routines, contributing to the economy in both the US and the UK. In a 2024 report, the American Med Spa Association says the US medical spa industry is worth $17 billion and employs 100,000 people. As for the UK spa market, it’s valued at roughly 4 billion US dollars, and expected to grow 7% between 2024 and2032.

Importance of spa licenses in the US and UK service industry

While spa ownership can be lucrative, running such a business legally and ethically requires understanding spa license requirements.

Licenses ensure that services are provided safely, maintaining high standards of care and compliance with local laws. As you embark on the journey of opening a spa or medical spa, knowing the legal frameworks and obtaining the necessary licenses will protect your business and build trust with your clientele.

Do you need a license to open a spa or a medical spa?

Determining whether you need a license to open a spa or a medical spa depends on the services you plan to offer. In both the US and the UK, regulations vary by state or region and by the types of services provided. For instance, basic services like massages and facials often require different permits compared to medical procedures like Botox or laser treatments. Knowing which services require specific licenses is paramount to avoid legal repercussions and ensure your business operates smoothly.

For useful information on managing your spa, refer to the spa management guide.

What license do you need to open a spa?

Opening a spa involves acquiring several licenses and permits. Generally, you'll need a business license, health permits, and specific licenses for services such as massage therapy or cosmetology. Here’s a breakdown of the essential legal requirements:

  1. Business license: This is mandatory for all businesses and is obtained from your local government.
  1. Health permits: These ensure your spa meets health and safety standards, including sanitation protocols.
  1. Service-specific licenses: Depending on the services offered, you may need:
  • Massage therapy license: Required for providing massage services. Therapists must complete accredited training programs.
  • Cosmetology license: Necessary for offering beauty treatments like facials, manicures, and pedicures.
  • Esthetician license: This covers services such as skincare treatments and makeup application.

To get a spa license, you often need to complete an application, pay a fee, and pass inspections. Each type of service may have its own licensing board and requirements, so be sure to do your research. For even more insights on starting a spa business, see the  guide on how to open a spa business.

Aesthetician vs. esthetician – what’s the difference?
In a nutshell, aestheticians perform non-surgical and minimally invasive skincare procedures, while estheticians specialize in non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Delve into key differences like education requirements, scope of services, and career opportunities. Knowing the difference helps beauty business owners and professionals hire the right talent. Read the post.

What license do you need to open a medical spa?

Medical spas offer advanced treatments that typically require medical oversight. Here’s what you need, broken out by role:

1. Medical director: A licensed medical professional (doctor or nurse practitioner) must oversee the medical treatments.

2. Medical spa license: This covers the provision of medical-grade treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser therapies.

3. Practitioner licenses: Each practitioner must have appropriate licenses for the treatments they provide. For example:

  • Nurse practitioners and physician assistants: Must have licenses to perform injectable treatments.
  • Laser technicians: Often require specific certification or licensure.

The requirements for a medical spa license are stringent, typically involving comprehensive applications, proof of qualifications, and adherence to health regulations.

Zenoti helps medical spas with compliance through medspa software that is secure and HIPAA-compliant.

Considering a software switch at your beauty and wellness business?
Look for revenue-maximizing features in the applications you’re considering. The Zenoti platform offers features like automatic upsell suggestions, alternate location booking, and abandoned cart recovery. Zenoti also integrates with Reserve with Google to drive spa bookings from search results. Discover more on five revenue-boosting features.

How to obtain a medical spa license in the USA

To obtain a medical spa license in the USA, follow these steps:

  1. Hire a medical director: Secure a qualified medical professional to oversee the services.
  1. Complete application: Submit an application to your state’s medical board, including details about your medical director and the services provided.
  1. Undergo inspections and approvals: Your facility may need to pass health and safety inspections.
  1. Acquire training and certification: Ensure all practitioners are properly trained and certified.
What does it take to open a medical spa?
Opening a medical spa involves blending the ambiance of a spa with the rigor of a healthcare facility. This guide covers essential steps like market analysis, business planning, location selection, legal compliance, and marketing strategies. Learn how to navigate regulations, create a strong medical spa business plan, and set your medspa up for success.

How to get a spa license in the USA

Obtaining a spa license calls for these steps:

  1. Register your business: Obtain a general business license from your local government.
  1. Get health permits: Ensure your spa meets sanitation and safety standards with the right permits.
  1. Acquire service-specific licenses: These pertain to specific services like massage therapy and cosmetology.
  1. Pass inspections: The necessary health and safety inspections validate your spa.

For efficient spa management, consider using  spa management software from Zenoti.

Spa services that don't require a license

Not all spa services require a professional license. Here are some examples:

  1. Aromatherapy: Using essential oils for therapeutic purposes
  1. Body scrubs and wraps: Non-invasive treatments that enhance skin health
  1. Relaxation services: Guided meditation or relaxation exercises

These services can typically be offered without a professional license, but it's still important to ensure your business complies with general health and safety regulations.

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Discover how the franchise brand retooled the guest experiences across 450+ locations. The case study outlines how they unified their operations for consistent brand management and a seamless customer journey. Learn about their challenges and solutions. Read the case study.

Can I open a spa with an esthetician license?

Yes, you can open a spa with an esthetician license, but the services you can offer will be limited to those covered by your esthetician training. This includes:

  1. Skincare treatments: Facials, exfoliations, and skin analyses
  1. Hair removal: Waxing and other non-invasive techniques
  1. Makeup application: Professional services for various occasions

With an esthetician license, you’ll be well-placed to open a spa as you can offer a range of beauty and skincare services.

Conclusion

Acquiring the necessary licenses for a spa or medical spa is not just a legal formality, it’s a cornerstone of operating a trustworthy and successful business. Ensuring compliance with spa license requirements protects your business and builds client confidence. As you navigate these requirements, consider leveraging tools like Zenoti software to streamline operations and stay compliant. Taking these steps will set your business on a path to success in the vibrant and competitive wellness industry.

FAQs

Do I need a license to open a spa or a medical spa?

Yes, you need specific licenses to open a spa or medical spa. Spa licenses may include business, health, and service-specific permits, while medical spas also require a licensed medical director and practitioner licenses for medical-grade treatments.

What are the differences between spa and medical spa licenses?

Spa licenses generally cover services like massage, facials, and cosmetology. Medical spa licenses require more stringent compliance, including medical oversight, practitioner licenses for injectable treatments, and additional health regulations due to the advanced nature of services like Botox and laser therapies.

What are some tips for ensuring compliance with spa and medical spa licensing requirements?

Research local regulations thoroughly, hire qualified professionals, complete all necessary applications, and pass health inspections. Utilizing a software platform like Zenoti can streamline operations, simplify documentation, and help maintain compliance.

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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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