The five objections we hear most
Most students sit with the same handful of concerns before they enroll. We addressed them here in order — cost first, then time, then whether their license qualifies, what the credential is actually worth, and what life looks like on the other side of the course. Pick the one that matters to you, or scan them all in two minutes.
How much does the training cost, and are there payment options?
BALA prices each tier transparently: Basic Certification is $2,499, Advanced Certification is $4,499, Private Mentorship is $6,999, and the Laser and Injectables Certification-Only tracks are $1,499 each. All five tiers accept standard Stripe payment at checkout, so you can use any major card or Apple/Google Pay. For the Advanced Certification or Private Mentorship tracks, call admissions at (248) 929-5003 and we will set up a no-interest payment plan that splits the cost across the months leading up to your cohort.
How much time will I need, and can I fit it around my job?
Each track is short and front-loaded so working nurses and providers can plan around their shifts. Laser Certification Only is two short sessions (Thursday 10AM–1:30PM and Friday 10AM–6:30PM), Injectables Certification Only is one full day (Monday 10AM–6:30PM), and Basic and Advanced Certification run on a weekend format. Private Mentorship is scheduled one-on-one with your instructor, so you pick the dates that work for both calendars. Cohorts run monthly, so most students book 1–3 months out and take a long weekend or a single day off work.
Do I need a medical license to take a course?
For the hands-on clinical portion you need an active RN, NP, PA, MD, or DO license — that is the scope-of-practice requirement for injecting neurotoxins and operating medical lasers on live patients. If you do not hold one of those licenses, every track has a theory-only option that lets you complete the same didactic curriculum without performing the hands-on procedures. Aestheticians without a nursing or medical license can take Injectables Certification as theory; Laser Certification requires a medical license for any hands-on laser use. If you are unsure where your license fits, send a message through the inquiry form and admissions will tell you within one business day.
What is the certification worth — will employers and state boards accept it?
BALA is dual-accredited through ACCME (so MDs, DOs, and PAs earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™) and ANCC (so RNs and NPs earn continuing-education contact hours accepted by every U.S. state board of nursing). Every graduate receives a digital certificate of completion within 5 business days, listing the credit hours, accrediting body, and provider identification number you need for state-board reporting or employer verification. Both accreditations are recognized in all 50 states, so your credential travels with you wherever you practice. See our credit pathways page for the full hour breakdown by course tier.
Will this help me get a job, and what do graduates do after the course?
BALA graduates go on to work in medspas, dermatology practices, plastic-surgery offices, and independent aesthetics businesses across Michigan and in surrounding states — many also come back to add laser or injectables services to an existing nursing or provider role. BALA does not run a formal placement service, but we maintain an active network of hiring partners we can introduce you to and we coach every admitted student on how to position themselves for employment during the admissions conversation. If a job is your goal, mention it in your inquiry and admissions will line up the right introductions before you enroll.
