I've been trying to do reasearch on laser techs courses in the state of Virginia, does anyone have any advice? Do I have to be an aethetician before I can proceed to lasers? Its all so confusing..
Especially when most of the positive posts about the National Laser Inst. seem to be written by the same person. I read EVERY post on here, and its funny how that person has no idea that they are spelling 'freind' wrong. Most of the fake posts have the same wrong misspelling, kind of comical. I always trust the negative posts and doubt the positive ones.
PLEASE help with what school I could really benefit from in VA. I cant afford 10k loans and no career!

It is a new concept in wellness combining beauty and science for real aesthetic results. JW MedSpa is a top Chicago Botox, Chicago medspa and Chicago Liposuction where innovations in medical beauty are delivered in a luxurious spa environment.

I would not have a problem going to NLI if I didn't have to spend 8 grand. But on the website of The Texas Department of Health, they are one of the 4 schools on there that recommended that are regulated under the Texas laws and accredidations and the only one that covers everything down here to become a regular Tech, a Senior Tech and a Professional Tech which by the way are major great demand because they're not that many of them, that TDH keeps getting calls from companies and med spas that will pay them over 50 grand a year. There's no use of crying over spilled milk, it's best to just suck it up, pay the 8 grand and keep moving on up the ladder in order to be financially stable. But everyone wants instant gratification when it comes to a job after you finish the course,.....it's not going to happen, gotta bust your ass if you really want it bad.

@ Metamorphysis...

Did you or do you know of any schools in Texas that are reputable? I am very interested in going to school and learning the trade. I live in the Dallas / Ft. Worth area, here is my personal email if you or anyone else can help me out in any way possible.... cahencke@gmail.com
Thanks in advance..christie

I am the owner of a medical laser training and certification program in Arizona as was mentioned above in this blog. The way to learn medical lasers is to go to a course that is conducive to your learning style. As you seen in the responses you received there are mixed reviews. To me it is as important for you to learn what NOT to do as much as what to do with lasers. We provide a one on one approach with a comprehensive knowledge of the technology so you are able to operate any manufacturers equipment and perform safe and efficacious treatments. Our course is more clinical as we train physicians as well as technicians. We incorporate disease and condiiton identification and appropriate treatment modalities. We do not promise job placement but we do provide letters of competancy and commit to CME courses for your future growth and refresher knowledge. You can shadow in our clinic for as long as you feel you need to. I would recommend that you call or visit the schools you are interested in and base your decision on your learning style. It is ok to contact me at info.amlasers@gmail.com if I can help and perhaps clarify the regulations in your state. Best of luck to you.

Dani - you are right about the 'freind' poster!!! lol.

I just got back from the NLI campus tour... I was very unimpressed. The addmissions rep, Mark, sucked. I really felt that he was only telling me what I wanted to hear, which really pissed me off. He told me that you can make $40k doing it PART TIME...? Spare me.

Although, I am still considering going to a laser school, not necessarily NLI, but somewhere accredited... I just wanted to know if just getting the laser hair removal course (8 day course for about $5k) is worth anything. I have NO experience in laser hair removal. I just wondered what my chances are of getting hired if I don't have previous esthetician experience. I am in AZ.

@Christie,
It is important to you how we are taught. BUT you're missing the point here; It's important to ALL of us on this blog that we not only take the necessary courses that covers all of the bases so that we don't have to go back and take more AND that we are not taken for granted as far as money is concerned. You have to understand that most of us during these economic times cannot afford to keep paying out money for school and then to find out that the school or the courses that we take are not suitable or accredited for us to land a good paying job even though we've done all of our homework about the schools.

I was one of those people who got sucked into the NLI bullshit.

I was living in Maryland at the time of the recession. Being a Hairstylist for 22 years and working in a high end salon a few blocks away from the White House, I was so ready for a career change into the medical field because I felt that I was not getting any younger, and I have to start thinking about retirement....something my field does not cover (I'm 42 by the way). I heard about NLI by surfing the web and their Facebook page. I packed up my things, and moved south to go to this school. The plan was to go to NLI, then go work for them and hopefully become an educator for their schools that they're opening throughout the U.S. I recently went to one of their open house parties and majority of what people said in this blog is absolutely true:

It really is all about the money,
The women were dressed like it was a booty call (just because we're in the beauty industry, doesn't mean you can dress like a hoochie)
I only saw 2 professionals in scrubs
As an individual, I did not feel that my needs were met
Sheila was right about the whole thing about working for them
They were more concerned about the gift certificates for their medspa that they were giving out to get people in the door
I saw people getting up and leaving in the middle of the presentation
I was not asked how I felt about my experience, but was called the next day about making an appointment and nothing about school.

I'm one of this people who are not fortunate to get a student loan, It's going to take me a year to come up with 8 grand or any kind of money to go back to school. All I ever wanted was to work in a plastic surgeon's office helping others feel good about themselves.

I still stand by my last post; I would not have a problem going to an accredited school if I didn't have to fork out so much money.

Now I'm sitting here debating if I should keep persuing this, or just pack up my bags and move close to the Outer Banks and keep doing hair for the rest of my life. NLI made me feel like I was not worthy unless they had my money.

@Sheila: Please email me info about working at home. metamorphysis5@aol.com

Erin,
I think that they need to check all the regulations of every state before saying otherwise. Let's face it; you're not getting your that 8 grand back even though you told them about the state regulations in CT. You so got burned, and not by a laser. After hearing all of this from you, I'm definitely will check every state's regulations and maybe get a nursing degree in order for this not to happen, especially if I decide to move to another state.

I went to the National laser Institute in Az. I think it was a waste of time and money. I have not gotten a job to work with laser since I went which was In jan of 2011. Very sad. You don't really learn that much and I notice more med spas are hiring nurses to do the job. So with that said I am currently in a nursing program hoping something good comes out of this. My goal is to work in a med spa, I don't want to work in a hospital too many horror stories. Well good luck to all. Tricia

Tricia,
You've made me think if having to go to nursing school to use your NLI certifications is really worth the trouble. I only wanted to get into it to be financially stable...not bury myself into more debt at this age. I'm seriously thinking about taking the money I was saving for NLI and using it for plastic surgery on myself instead, and just keep doing hair.

98% of the positive posts were written by staff and are FALSE. I'm sure Louis Silberman (President of NLI) can claim AT LEAST once of them. That's pretty pathetic, I agree. Once they have your money why would he answer your calls or call you back? He doesn't need you anymore, come on now! Yes, the instructors wear lab coats and the staff dresses... well the women look torn between classy and skanky. Come on ladies you're in North Scottsdale. Get it together. The men dress well. I'll give credit where credit is due.

Going to this school is a CHOICE that I made. Going to this school was a MISTAKE that I made. Right after becoming an esthetician I started looking for jobs just like the staff member said we should do in the previous post, looking for a job was my full time job. I knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I found a 2 doctors that said they would hire me if I got laser certified. Of course I took the quick route and went with NLI.

2 weeks is not an adequate amount of time for the money spent. I left with a "wtf just happened" feeling. It goes by so fast and they want you to learn so much. Actually they could careless if you learn anything. Let me rephrase that. It goes by so fast and they say so much. For the price we pay the course should be longer. It's pretty damn greedy.

3 of my friends have went to SWINA. Its a 15 week course for half the price! I mean wtf was I thinking! Swina is short for Southwest Institute of Natural Esthetics, but they do clinical stuff as well it's not all natural. They have a course to get licensed to be an esthetician and become laser certified at the same time. If I would have known that I would have saved a whooooooole lot of money. Oh well, I've learned that when majority of feedback on anything not just NLI is negative to not invest my money or my time. Swinas number is 480 393 1415 and it's in Tempe

NATIONAL LASER INSTITUTE IS A RIP OFF!!! DON'T DO IT. YOU'LL THINK OF ME AFTER YOU DO, I PROMISE.

I'm a software engineer with a friend who was going to do this school and asked me for advice...it's a complete scam...has anyone noticed that all the "good" comments are formatted differently? Please use your head and do ample research into any school. It should be fairly obvious the the positive comments are from either "bots" or planted people.

I was told that if a lot more people contacted The Texas Workforce Commission about this school and what they're doing, they will do a full investigation on how students are being overcharged, lied to and not being able to use their certifications in other states.

It is truly sad to read so many negativities when NLI is obviously so well known and recommended! NO their certificates are NOT from 'Staples' and their pricing is EXTREMELY reasonable for all that we receive! JOBS come from pounding the pavement and I'm graateful for all those who exclaimed that fact above. Nobody gets a career handed to them on a plate and it takes TIME, EFFORT and CHARACTER to establish ANY business. Having been in my own biz for almost 30 yrs. I can truly vouch for all I say. I encourage anyone to press on with a positive and GRATEFUL attitude and watch what will happen in your life! Thank you again to all those who were so positive and encouraging in this thread...

Hi there--I'm a RN and looking into transitioning into the medical aesthetic. I have found a doctor who's willing to be my medical doctor.Can someone share a sample of a contract for this type of business? Thank you in advance

Thank god I found this sight before going to NLI. I've had the hardest time finding any information from graduates,professionals in the field, ect... But sounds (and looks) like the truth is here in black and white. The woman I've talked to is totally up selling me bull shit that I can see through but now i know for sure. I'm an esty from CA but my husband is in the military so we move around often. I know CA wants RNs but the state I'm in now (NM) will accept this certificate....but you dont need it! I was only seeking this because I'm looking for work and come with no clientele. Thought it would make me more marketable/attractive to possible employers. Anyways,
from what I've learned, you just need to be lucky enough to get a job under a doc that will train you....and what doc has time!im going to find one but bottom line-this certificate is a bunch of bull. You don't get anything easy in this world and a 2 week cirtification for 8.5k...plus air fair and hotel is straight criminal. How these people sleep at night, I don't know. I will not be going to this joke of a school. My advice to anyone out there is to get your esty lic. First, get a good job(hopefully),any experience is good, and if your In a state that will allow you to practice laser, seek internships from docs/med spas... Or go to a laser school, just not nil! I hope to get an Esty job here and hopefully learn lasers and slowly chip away at getting my Rn....which I only want to get for the job security and to do laser-not work at a hospital-big commitment, lots of debt, lots of time, but that's what it's going to take-not a. 2 wk citification.
Ps-It's hilarious to me that all the positive post on this site are so obviously from the staff of NLI....in a different format, know all the names, say they have great "awesome" jobs and that people that can't find work are just lazy....businesses like these make me sick-horrible people manipulating the innocent.

National Laser Institute Is NOT A School with any type of accreditation, This is place is a COMPLETE SCAM, They are selling a Line OF Bull**** to justify them Steeling your money.
My 18 daughter was lured into the scam, She is enrolled in a local cosmetology and aesthetic class and wanted to get laser accreditation as well, She contacted the N.L.I and was Directed to a Marty an Admissions Adviser. Marty informed her about what they offer and availability of classes, what she will learn, where and how she can earn easy money just doing this part time alongside of her aesthetic practice.
Also informed her that in our state she can practice anywhere without a license, unlike cosmetology & aesthetic that here in our state requires a license. My Daughter was so excited that she paid her class deposit and contacted me and told me all about it and gave me, Marty the Admissions Adviser's Info and the schools phone number to of course steel my money.
I contacted Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute It took me 12 calls to finally talk with him due to each time I called the call would not ring but go directly to Voice Mail, When Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute and I finally connected he greeted me with “Thank You for Calling Mr ****** I know you are calling regarding your daughter ******* and I will take that credit card number to clear up the balance so I can confirm your daughter for the class starting in April.”

I said Marty that is a way of answering the phone that I have never ever heard in my life. I went on to explain I was not calling to surrender any credit card or money at this time,because I have many questions that I would like info from you on before any balance is paid. I went on to ask him about what they offered what the total course cost is, how and where will my daughter will be able to practice this skill.
I was out right Lied to by Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute, I was told in the state we are in there are no laws or special licensing required and that she will be able to practice this new skill anyplace. I.E a local salon or a mobile laser hair and tattoo removal, he said the list was endless as well as the demand and income would be as well.
Then again asked me for my credit card number to pay the balance so he can confirm the April date my daughter had requested. I slowed Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute down again and requested some references from recent students that had attended classes at National Laser Institute.
I was told that he cannot give our references and any question I have I can reference the website, I informed Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute that I have read the website and what I was needing from him was recent references from real people that attended classed at National Laser Institute, not a web page produced, owned and marketed by them.
Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Institute informed me that that is against company policy and any references I would ever need will be on the website.
( REDFLAG) !
I did my own research on our state laws regarding the use of a laser on the human body, as well as National Laser Institute over the following week, I was amazed at the outright LIE that Marty at National Laser Institute had told me as well as my daughter about the use of lasers in our state.
I discussed this with my daughter and she now had the facts of how/where she would be able to practice and utilize this skill if she decided to. She convinced me that she still would like to take the class so I agreed and made a follow up call to Marty at National Laser Institute.

Again after many calls from me and again the phone going directly to voice mail with no ring, Marty returned my call, again he stared the conversation with “ I will take that Credit Card number now” I requested from Marty that he fax or email me the enrollment documents with what course was selected as well as the total course cost and payments applied and balance due. My answer was “ I will email you your credit card receipt after your payment” I said No Marty I will not give you my credit card until I get a listing of what I am paying for and what credits have been applied. Marty the Admissions Adviser for National Laser Hung up on Me”
The following day I discussed this with my daughter and she was very disappointed but still wanted to get laser training, She spoke with Crissy Noble Director of Admissions National Laser Institute.
Crissy called me and of course gave me every reason you can think of to get me to surrender my Credit card payment and she however did email me what I had requested from Marty, which was a course cost with applied payments and Scholarship amount with outstanding balance. As for the info on references of recent attendees of the class I again was sent a link to the website and a link to enter my credit card info into Google Pay.

When the Google Pay screen appeared RED FLAG

My advice Stay away from this place. They want to steel from you

Wow. A year later and you would think there would be an investigation about this school.....nothing. Any suggestions for another school if you live in Texas?

I am a licensed Esthetician and have gone through the Paramedical Esthetician Course.
I am looking to to expand my knowledge and learn about lasers, how to use them etc.

NLI has great advertising. It seems like the only school who trains in learning how to use them.

I am currently not working and for ME this seems like a good option to get some knowledge on these lasers under my belt for when I do look for a job.

I will soon find out for myself what all the fuss is about.
Signing up for the two week class in Dallas starting March 24, 2014.

I will write an update in a few months.

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
― William Shakespeare

I looked into this course and received several calls from the sales person trying to get me to attend NLI. They have a shorter course in Chicago that I was considering. I told her that I was uncomfortable with the short duration of the course and wondered whether I would truly be well trained in laser technology and comfortable enough to work on patients. I followed up by asking if there is anyone in business in Chicago that had attended their schools that I might call and set up a meeting to learn more about their qualifications. I wanted a referral from someone in business that I might meet with and spend a day learning about their training and their abilities.

This is not an unreasonable request. I have worked in the medical field in the past and used to spend the day with physicians all the time. I haven't heard from the salesperson from NLI since. She couldn't even provide a name of someone that had graduated from the class and was working in the field. I didn't ask for a name on the spot. I told her that she could call a former student and have them contact me. Alas, I have heard nothing and assume they don't have any success stories in the Chicago area.

This school is BS. They want your money. I took the course paid 10 grand. I felt like I learned nothing and was not comfortable even touching a laser. They don't even let you touch the settings or turn it on. And i asked if I could come back and take refresher courses. First of all, after bragging about how students can come back and take refreshers they made it seem like I need to bow down to lous for he is the almighty god for coming back and take refreshers and the "paying students" need to learn first. Please, there was hardly anyone in class and they said they never heard of refreshers. You have to pay for refreshers like a grand a day. Such BS. I PAID TEN GRAND. I am still fighting to take my last class because I had to miss it because I was sick and they are making such a big deal out of it. Once they have your money, that's it. They will not help you find jobs. And the lasers you use, will not be used in the real world. I have attended three sessions now. One full comprehensive class, the second laser hair removal, the third one day of ipl and one day of ematrix and let me tell you I learned more in the refreshers than I learned in the entire course. The only good thing I can say about this school is the some of the teachers. I attended AZ. They will help you even after. But I still don't have a job and am tryin to make a cover letter for even an apprenticeship because I want to work at plastic surgeons office. The key to the school is making the right connections to the teachers that work in the field you want to be in. I disagree about everything said about the teachers. They are amazing. But you don't get enough time to comphrened because you are switching from one thing to the other and its so damn confusing. And the turnover rate for employees (school directors, etc) is ridiculous. As soon as you are promised one thing, they are gone, and Louis pretends like he never promised it to you even though it is in writing. If you are not pretty or hot, he does not give you the time of day. He scouts out the hot students and has one on one convos with them. I'm telling you after you graduate, you are nothing to them. They want your money and want you gone. I was prob one of the only idiots that paid cash, prob bought one of lous's ten cars he rolls in with. He used to be my idol, I used to think he was so motivational and empowering until he screwed me over. If you want to know ANYTHING about the school, email me. I am an aesthetician and still don't have a job. The job leads are a joke. They give you one hour of training and then just throw you into paying clients. If you are thinking about taking this course but are not sure email me. I know everything about this school, how they work, everything.