Avante Laser Training Institute enlarges training facility

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Medispas have become one of the fastest growing businesses in The Woodlands, mirroring the phenomenon throughout the country. Laser hair removal, and noninvasive, cosmetic dermatological and surgical treatments have become mainstream. As of September 1, 2010, every laser hair removal facility in Texas was required to be licensed by the Department of State Health Services which is governed by the Texas Workforce Commission, and each individual who performs laser hair removal must now be certified and licensed. Avante Laser and Medispa took the lead when legislation was passed, setting up the Avante Laser Training Institute in 2011.

In just the past two years several hundred specialists have been trained at the Institute founded by co-owners of the two Avante Laser & MediSpa locations in The Woodlands and Houston, Mary Ann Urban, also the Medical Director, and Stacey Upchurch. The volume of specialists requiring certification necessitated more space, a team of six full-time training instructors, and monthly training sessions in two-week intervals. Managing the training institute’s demanding regimen are Director, Ryan Skelton, and Assistant Director, Mickelle Upchurch, both with a background in education and curriculum development.

The Avante Laser Training Institute (ALTI) provides not only the classroom requirements, but also hands-on practice essential for a strong foundation of competency and confidence. The ALTI curriculum currently consists of:

• Laser Hair Removal Theory and Practicum

• Comprehensive Laser

• Aesthetic Injectables

• Body Contouring

• Vein Reduction/Pigmented Lesion Removal

• Photo Rejuvenation and Skin Tightening

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing

• Tattoo Removal

“Most of the students are adults interested in changing careers; usually estheticians and cosmetologists,” said Director Skelton. “For the injectables…primarily nurses. Working with adult career changers is different. They’re motivated.” The diversity of services provides those interested in a career change with a varied and intrinsically rewarding profession.

“We have a 90% placement rate,” said Skelton. “The trained specialists go on to work for many of our competitors. We keep it objective at our institute.”

The number of medical spas has grown by an estimated 85 percent over the last two years and have become an integral part of the health care system with annual revenues in excess of $2 billion. Certified training courses with state-of-the-art technology at ALTI will ensure the industry will continue to flourish. Avante Laser & MediSpa is celebrating a 13th anniversary. Since the year 2000, over 750,000 procedures have been performed at their two locations. For more information about their full buffet of services, visit the link below.