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Master/Medical Aesthetics FAQs New Career Choice

What makes Cameo different than other colleges?

We were the first college in the nation to begin training in Aesthetics and Master Aesthetics (prior to Utah even requiring licensure) in a spa setting. Aesthetics is a rapidly growing field that is now expanding into the Medical Arena. Being the first Aesthetics College to include Medical Aesthetics, and working side by side with a plastic surgeon as part of our training staff, has set us apart from traditional Aesthetics Colleges. Although others attempt to mirror our practices (which is a compliment within itself), we continue to stay far ahead of the curve paving the way for our future.

Q - What is a Medical Aesthetician?
A - Utah does not recognize nor license Medical Aestheticians. A Medical Aesthetician is a term used for an Aesthetician that teams up with a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to perform skincare treatments.

Q - What is your student-to-instructor ratio?
A - The student-to-instructor ratio varies. Although Utah law allows a 20 to 1 ratio, Cameo's ratio generally averages 8-12 students per instructor.

Q - I want to work in a high-end spa. What would I need to do to make that happen?
A - It is up to you, we give you all the tools you will need to succeed in a high end spa. You will graduate with the knowledge and proficiency in all facial, body and medical aesthetics treatments. Please study our service menu to view a list of the treatments you will master to assist you in reaching your goals.

Q - I want to work in the Medical Field with a Physician. Will this program assist me in achieving that?
A - Yes, we have a large variety of Clinical Aesthetics Equipment that are primarily used in high-end spas with Medical Directors or in Physicians Offices. With the combination of the Clinical Training and the Medical Aesthetics Training with Dr. Richard Fryer, you will be well equipped in the following areas:

Q - I don't quite understand the law in regards to Physicians training in Medical Aesthetics, can you please explain?
A - Utah allows Master Aestheticians to perform laser treatments under the “general” supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Be aware , there are a variety of healthcare practitioners that due to unsuccessful practices have gravitated to the field of Medical Aesthetics in which they have had no formal training. These practitioners would include OB-GYN's, Nurse Practitioners, Pediatricians, Family Practice, Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians and other physicians lacking credentials in Medical Aesthetic training. Our Medical Director, Dr. Richard Fryer, is a licensed, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Utah. You can see with his Medical and Educational background, he is a strong asset to our Medical Aesthetics Training Program. A plastic surgeon is recognized as one of the elite leaders in the medical practice primarily in relation to Medical Aesthetics. Realizing the risk in Medical Aesthetics, we must ensure our students are trained without gaps in education and our clients are taken care of professionally and without deception regarding the qualifications of our Medical Director. For this reason, Dr. Fryer is known as one of the best Medical Aesthetics Educators in the country, which makes him a perfect fit for our industry and Cameo College in particular because our passion and mission is to provide the best Medical Aesthetics training in the country.

Q - How much “Medical” or “Clinical” experience will I actually receive?
A - Dr. Richard Fryer trains 2 full days per month. His focus is ONLY for training of Cameo students during these two days. You will be performing hands-on laser hair removal treatments, photo facials, medical grade chemical acid peels, medical grade microdermabrasion and pre/post care for all Medical Aesthetic treatments such as sclerotherapy, and all filler treatments such as botox, lip fillers, etc. He also has a series of 7 training lectures during the course of your program, each focusing on “Aesthetics in a Medical Setting.” You will graduate with a full understanding of laser treatments, plastic surgery options, botox and fillers, sclerotherapy procedures, working with a Physician and more.

Q - Some schools indicate they have full time Physicians on staff at all times. Is it better to go to a college where there is a full time Doctor?
A - I would pursue that information extensively. If they are a Physician with a healthy practice, and a specialized Physician related to Medical Aesthetics, the probability of them residing in a college full time would be slim. There are numerous unsuccessful Medical Practitioners that are in need of employment. I would question the type of Physician they actually are, and ensure the Physician is actually there on the premises as they promise you. Medical Aesthetics treatments cannot be performed by a student without the Physician ON SITE.

Q - How do I know if the Physician training in Medical Aesthetics has had experience or training in this area? How do I know if the Physician is in good standing with the State of Utah?
A - Utah makes it very easy. By visiting www.dopl.utah.gov, you can “verify a license.” That would be the first step. It is also recommended to call the State Licensing Division to ensure the Physician is in good standing. Google is quite powerful; numerous pieces of information regarding ones ethics, criminal charges, etc. are at your fingertips. Utilize all the tools available in today's market, it is your education…this is one of the most expensive investments you will make. Don't stop short, it's your future.

Q - Do you have an intern/externship program?
A - Yes, Dr. Richard Fryer is also the Medical Director for Clarity Skin, a high end and extremely active Medical Spa. Our students are privileged to have the opportunity to complete an externship at Clarity where you will gain exposure to a variety of laser systems, observe minimally invasive treatments and injection procedures. Dr. Fryer also has a thriving cosmetic surgery practice. You will have the unprecedented opportunity to observe cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks and facial procedures in his operating room if desired. The more exposure and knowledge you have of the medical field and the various options and procedures offered, the more valuable you will be as you enter the field of Medical Aesthetics.

Q - Will my time primarily be spent in a classroom or actually performing skin treatments on live clients?
A - Cameo is known for the abundance of hands-on experience on live models. By the time you have completed your education, you will have experienced nearly every skin type, body type, skin condition and personality. With this “real life” experience, it will enable you to proceed with confidence in your Aesthetics career. On average, our Master Aestheticians complete approximately 200 treatments.

Q - What would be the difference in seeking my education at an “Aesthetics Only” college or a college like Cameo offering several different programs?
A - At Cameo, we provide over 4,000 services per month. There are great advantages to attending a college offering a variety of programs. You, will be exposed to other areas of the beauty industry, which are related in some aspect. A majority of our clients will obtain multiple services at what they would consider “a one stop for beauty;” a client may receive a hair service, skin service, botox and nail service in one visit. This ensures you, as a student, to have a large variety of clients to actually perform hands-on treatments versus the majority of your time in a classroom with workbook material. Our view is you can read at home, we prefer your time at our college be utilized in a manner in which you can obtain nowhere else.

Q - What does "National Accreditation" mean?
A - Utah Aesthetics Colleges are required to obtain and maintain National Accreditation. Accreditation is a lengthy in-depth process, raising standards in educational institutions ensuring their dedication is to the learning of the student. Utah Law requires new colleges to immediately obtain a specific status recognized as “Candidacy Status, ” which is the beginning of the process. Once a college is in Candidacy Status, the school now has 2 years to obtain their final accreditation. It DOES take approximately 2 years to obtain the final accreditation once the process has begun if the school is diligent in their accreditation proceedings. Accreditation means the college has met the standards the industry strives for in excellence and training and will be recognized nationwide. Failure to obtain and maintain Accreditation could result in business closure mandated by the State of Utah.

Q - What is "Financial Aid?"
A - Financial Aid is a government program assisting qualifying students financially. Our college is qualified to participate in “Pell Grants” which is money the government provides that does not need to be paid back. We also participate in two types of “Federal Student Loans.” These student loans are paid back to the government with a lower interest rate and special terms where payments are deferred until after graduation. This enables the graduate to obtain employment and have some financial stability prior to the repayment of their student loan.

Q - I had another school tell me if I brought in documents showing the amount of Financial Aid I would qualify for, they would lower my tuition to match that amount. Can you lower my tuition or give me a discount?
A - Unfortunately, those that are following such practices are in violation of the Department of Education Laws (which are Federal) and Accreditation Rules. There are strict laws and rules that do not allow “discounting” or “special circumstances.” All fees charged to one student must be consistent. Although it may sound good, unethical and unlawful practices in a college today jeopardize and question the school's integrity and long standing assurance.

Q - Do I take an exam and if so what kind of exam when I graduate?
A - You will be required to complete and pass a series of exams. During your course of enrollment, there are exams related to each subject matter. We also have online practice examinations throughout your entire enrollment to ensure success. At the completion of your program, we will provide a comprehensive exam which will prepare you for your final “State Board Exam.” The State Board Exam consists of a comprehensive written exam and a practical exam. We will fully prepare you for both of these exams. We also have two Certification Exam requirements - we offer our “Medical Aesthetics Certification” exam once you have completed the requirements for our Medical Aesthetics Module and an “Advanced Makeup” exam for those interested in pursuing a career in makeup.

Q - What else should I look for in my choice for a college?
A - We recommend a variety of areas to determine which college is best for you. We have listed just a few:

IN SUMMARY
Brenda Scharman (Cameo College of Essential Beauty Owner) and Dr. Fryer are respected in aesthetics and medical industry. Both are actively involved in creating laws and legislation to help protect students and patients from unethical, unsafe, or illegal businesses and schools. This is a very new and exciting field in aesthetics and there are many businesses and physicians that are trying to capitalize on the profitable opportunities available, but seem to have no regard for state laws, the educational experience of their students, or the safety and ethical treatment of their patients. As a student at Cameo College of Essential Beauty, you can be absolutely certain that in addition to receiving the most advanced education possible, you are in an environment which is completely in compliance with all applicable Utah State laws. You receive your education in a nurturing environment that is absolutely ethical and safe so that your young career in the field of aesthetics will be started in the right direction.

Richard Fryer MD is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face. He is also the medical director of Clarity Skin and of Cameo College of Essential Beauty. His expertise in cosmetic surgery procedures and non-invasive cosmetic enhancements makes Dr. Fryer the perfect instructor for training students in this new field of Medical Aesthetics. He is a very well respected plastic surgeon and has many publications and extensive lecturing experience to support his credentials as a leader in the Medical Aesthetic market.

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