Laser Technician Training in Vienna, VA | 80 Hours | AVI
This program is NOT eligible for Federal Financial Aid (Title IV, Pell Grants, or GI Bill). Self-pay and private payment plans available. Call admissions for details.
80 Hours · Vienna, VA

Laser Technician Certification
in Just 10 Days

Master cosmetic laser technology — hair removal, skin rejuvenation, photofacials, and tattoo removal — with 50% live hands-on practice from Day 6.

No Financial Aid · Self-Pay Program
Call +1 (571) 520-4417 All Programs
0 Hrs
Total Program Hours
0 Days
Intensive Format
50/50
Theory / Hands-On
$0
Application Fee

Program Overview

Become a Certified
Laser Technician

AVI's 80-hour Cosmetic Laser Technician program delivers the theory foundation and hands-on clinical experience you need to enter the booming laser aesthetics field — in just 10 intensive days at our Vienna, VA campus.

Spend the first 5 days mastering laser physics, skin anatomy, safety protocols, and client consultation. Days 6–10 are live supervised clinical practice on real laser equipment.

80 Clock Hours 10-Day Intensive Certificate Awarded Vienna, VA No Financial Aid
Professional laser aesthetician at AVI Career Training
40
Theory Hours · Days 1–5
  • Laser Physics & Wavelengths
  • Laser Safety & ANSI Standards
  • Skin Anatomy & Fitzpatrick Scale
  • Treatment Modalities & Protocols
  • Client Consultation & Documentation
  • Equipment Operation & Maintenance
40
Practical Hours · Days 6–10
  • Laser Hair Removal (live clients)
  • Skin Rejuvenation & Photofacials
  • IPL & Light-Based Treatments
  • Tattoo Removal Techniques
  • Advanced Combination Protocols
  • Final Practical Assessment

Laser Technician Quick Answers

How do you become a laser technician in Virginia?

Virginia's laser hair removal law (Code of Virginia 54.1-2973.1) says the procedure is done by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, or by a properly trained person under their direction and supervision. DPOR's licensing summary lists no laser technician license. The usual path is training, such as AVI's 80-hour program, then work under a supervising provider.

How long does laser technician training take?

AVI's Cosmetic Laser Technician program is 80 clock hours over 10 intensive days: 40 hours of theory in days 1 to 5 and 40 hours of hands-on practice in days 6 to 10. Classes start monthly at the Vienna, VA campus. Call admissions at 571-520-4417 for the next start date.

How much does laser technician school cost?

AVI lists tuition of $11,500 for the 80-hour Cosmetic Laser Technician program. It is a self-pay program and is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid, Pell Grants, or the GI Bill. Payment plans are available, so ask admissions for the details.

Is laser technician certification a state license?

No. Completing AVI's program earns an AVI certificate of completion. Virginia does not list a separate laser technician license with DPOR, and the Board of Medicine rules govern laser hair removal. Employers and supervising providers set their own training and hiring requirements.

10-Day Intensive Curriculum

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Every hour is structured for maximum learning. Theory days build your clinical foundation; practical days put it into action on real equipment with real clients.

Day 1: Laser Physics & Fundamentals
1
Theory · 8 Hours
Laser Physics & Fundamentals
  • Properties of laser light: coherence, collimation, monochromaticity
  • Laser-tissue interaction and photothermolysis
  • Wavelengths, pulse duration & spot size parameters
  • Types of lasers used in aesthetics (Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Diode, IPL)
  • Regulatory framework: Virginia state requirements
Day 2: Skin Anatomy & Safety
2
Theory · 8 Hours
Skin Anatomy & Safety
  • Skin anatomy: epidermis, dermis, chromophores
  • Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale and treatment implications
  • Contraindications and pre-treatment screening
  • Laser safety standards: ANSI Z136.3 & OSHA
  • Safety measures, goggles & protective protocols
Day 3: Laser Treatment Modalities
3
Theory · 8 Hours
Laser Treatment Modalities
  • Laser hair removal techniques & client preparation
  • Skin rejuvenation & photofacials
  • Treating pigmentation & vascular lesions
  • Tattoo removal: laser types & wavelength choices
  • Advanced & combination treatments
Day 4: Client Consultation & Care
4
Theory · 8 Hours
Client Consultation & Care
  • Pre-treatment consultation & medical history gathering
  • Assessing suitability for laser treatments
  • Managing client expectations & communication
  • Post-treatment aftercare guidelines
  • Documentation & accurate record keeping
Day 5: Laser Equipment Operation
5
Theory · 8 Hours
Laser Equipment Operation
  • Types of laser devices & settings overview
  • Maintenance & calibration procedures
  • Ensuring equipment safety & functionality
  • Device preparation & shutdown protocols
  • Operating procedure checklists
  • Troubleshooting common equipment malfunctions
Day 6: Laser Hair Removal
6
Practical · 8 Hours
Laser Hair Removal
  • Hands-on laser hair removal on various body areas
  • Adjusting device settings for hair & skin types
  • Safe technique execution & client communication
  • Supervised live practice on clinic clients
Day 7: Skin Rejuvenation & Photofacials
7
Practical · 8 Hours
Skin Rejuvenation & Photofacials
  • Live skin rejuvenation treatment sessions
  • IPL photofacial application techniques
  • Using light-based devices effectively
  • Treating pigmentation & vascular concerns
Day 8: Tattoo Removal
8
Practical · 8 Hours
Tattoo Removal
  • Safe & effective laser tattoo removal techniques
  • Laser parameters for varying ink colors & depths
  • Session planning & client consultation in practice
  • Post-treatment care & documentation
Day 9: Advanced Laser Techniques
9
Practical · 8 Hours
Advanced Laser Techniques
  • Advanced combination laser treatment protocols
  • Multi-modality approaches for optimal outcomes
  • Handling complex client cases confidently
  • Refining precision, speed & safety
Day 10: Practical Assessment & Certification
10
Final · 8 Hours
Practical Assessment & Certification
  • Demonstrate comprehensive skills from all prior days
  • Perform complete laser treatments independently
  • Evaluator-assessed final practical examination
  • Certification awarded upon successful completion

After Graduation

Where Will You Work?

Laser technicians are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid roles in the aesthetics industry across the DMV area. Your AVI certificate opens doors on Day 11.

Medical Spa
Med-spas across Northern Virginia, Maryland & DC offering full laser service menus
Dermatology Office
Assist dermatologists & plastic surgeons with clinical laser treatments
Luxury Spa & Resort
Upscale resort and day spas offering laser rejuvenation to premium clientele
Laser Clinic
Dedicated laser clinics specializing in hair removal, skin & tattoo services
Independent Practice
Launch your own mobile laser service or partner with area salons & spas
Laser technician at AVI

Why Choose AVI

The AVI Difference

Est. 1992

34 years training beauty and healthcare professionals in Northern Virginia.

Hands-On from Day 6

50% of your program is live supervised practice on real laser equipment with real clients.

10-Day Format

Designed for working adults — start on Monday, earn your certificate by Friday of week two.

AVI Certificate of Completion

Pass the final practical assessment and you earn an AVI Cosmetic Laser Technician certificate of completion.

Small Class Sizes

Personalized attention from experienced instructors. More equipment time, more feedback, better outcomes.

Flexible Payment

Self-pay program with flexible installment plans. No federal aid — call admissions to discuss your options.

⏰

Duration

10 Days · 80 Hours

⚖

Format

40h Theory + 40h Hands-On

💰

Tuition

$11,500 · Payment Plans

📍

Location

Vienna, VA · Monthly Start

80
Clock Hours
10
Intensive Days
6+
Laser Modalities
AVI
Certificate of Completion

Frequently asked questions

Laser Technician Program Frequently Asked Questions

Complete a laser training program and earn a certificate, then find a supervising provider. AVI's program is 80 hours with a final practical assessment, after which a certificate is awarded. This is a school certificate, not a Virginia license, so ask employers which training and credentials they require.
The law requires a licensed supervising provider rather than a separate technician license. Code of Virginia 54.1-2973.1 limits laser hair removal to a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, or a properly trained person under their direction and supervision. Confirm current rules with the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Under Board of Medicine rule 18VAC85-20-91, a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine may delegate laser hair removal to a properly trained person under the doctor's direction and supervision. The doctor must be readily available but not physically present, and must evaluate any patient with complications. Physician assistant rules are similar.
Theory covers laser physics, skin anatomy and the Fitzpatrick scale, safety standards (ANSI Z136.3 and OSHA), treatment protocols, consultation, and equipment operation. Hands-on days cover laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and photofacials, IPL, tattoo removal techniques, and advanced combination protocols.
Half of the 80 hours is hands-on: days 6 to 10 are supervised clinical practice on laser equipment with clients. AVI describes the program as an on-campus 10-day intensive in Vienna, VA, and the page lists no online option. Ask admissions about the current format.
AVI describes the program as designed for licensed beauty professionals and healthcare workers adding laser services, and for people entering the medical spa and laser clinic field. Prerequisites are set by admissions, so call 571-520-4417 or apply to confirm what applies to you.
No. AVI's Cosmetic Laser Technician program is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid, Pell Grants, or the GI Bill. It is a self-pay program with payment plans available. See financial aid for programs that are eligible, or call admissions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has no separate laser technician category. For the closest match, skincare specialists, it reports 2025 median pay of $45,330 per year and projects 9 percent employment growth from 2025 to 2035. Laser pay varies by employer and location, and AVI cannot guarantee income.Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
AVI lists medical spas, dermatology offices, luxury spas and resorts, dedicated laser clinics, and independent practice. Any independent laser work must still follow Virginia's supervision rules described above. AVI does not guarantee employment or placement.
Yes, many estheticians add laser skills. AVI also offers a combined Advanced Esthetic Laser Certification, 900 hours with 600 hours of Master Esthetics and 300 hours of laser training. That program has its own cost, schedule, and aid options.
AVI Career Training is at 1595 Spring Hill Rd, #720, Vienna, VA 22182, near Tysons. The laser program starts monthly. Call 571-520-4417, schedule a tour, or apply.

Sources: Code of Virginia § 54.1-2973.1 (laser hair removal); Virginia Board of Medicine, 18VAC85-20-91; Virginia DPOR, Summary of Virginia Licensing Requirements (Board for Barbers and Cosmetology, rev. 8/17/2026); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Skincare Specialists (2025 data). Wages are national figures, not a promise of earnings. Requirements can change, so confirm current rules with the agency named. AVI does not guarantee licensure, employment, or income.

Ready to Start Your Laser Career?

Classes start monthly. Seats fill fast — contact admissions today to reserve your spot.

⚠ This program is not eligible for Title IV financial aid, Pell Grants, or GI Bill®. Payment plans available.

📞 +1 (571) 520-4417 admissions@avi.edu