36 Main Street, Suite #2, East Hartford, CT 06118
Bringing Elite Aesthetic Training to Connecticut

Aesthetic Mentor™ is dedicated to establishing new standards in medical aesthetics education through our distinctive training experience in Hartford, CT.
Our philosophy centers on fostering safe, successful practitioners by providing sophisticated, hands-on instruction and comprehensive career development tailored for regional professionals. With a state-of-the-art curriculum, honed over a decade and trusted by thousands of graduates, we ensure you gain the precise skills and unwavering support necessary to flourish in the dynamic aesthetic industry in Connecticut and beyond.









Leading the way at Aesthetic Mentor™ is its esteemed founder, Dr. Joseph A. Russo. A Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with three decades of dedicated experience, Dr. Russo established Aesthetic Mentor™ ten years prior and has since empowered more than 3,000 providers through his "Safe Injector Method." In Hartford, his uniquely refined teaching philosophies are designed to quickly and comprehensively transform healthcare professionals into skilled, confident, and compliant medical aesthetic practitioners, ready to excel in the field.
Forging Your Aesthetic Career in Hartford For healthcare professionals in Hartford and across Connecticut, Aesthetic Mentor™ offers more than foundational instruction; it's your complete career cornerstone in medical aesthetics. Our distinction lies in:
Gain practical confidence with an exceptional 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio. Our introductory courses offer opportunities to work with up to 12 diverse models, supported by our exclusive Model Lab program, which provides invaluable real-world experience right here in Connecticut.
Receive a complimentary, personalized career consultation with our experienced student advisors. We help you create a strategic roadmap for engaging with advanced curriculum, outlining four clear career pathways to guide your professional development within the Connecticut aesthetic market.
Access a robust, turn-key career launchpad specifically for Aesthetic Mentor™ alumni. This includes streamlined regulatory sign-offs by our NPs and valuable access to group purchasing discounts, providing essential support as you establish your aesthetic practice in Hartford or beyond.
Schedule a Call to Find Out More About Aesthetic Mentor™
RNs and NPs are at the forefront of patient care and are experiencing an increasing amount of burnout. The traumatic and difficult patient care situations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated this emotional exhaustion, leaving many nurses in a state of burnout, suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The aesthetic market is booming, and the demand for aesthetic nurses and injectors has never been greater. The national average salary for an aesthetic nurse is around $90,000, with the capability of earning double or triple that depending on your experience. Compared to hospital work, many nurses find the private practice setting more conducive to establishing a greater work/life balance.
Aesthetic Mentor™ in Hartford offers a curated selection of rigorous, hands-on programs meticulously crafted to instill the vital skills and confidence essential for thriving in medical aesthetics.
While our foundational courses—Introduction to Neurotoxins, Introduction to Dermal Fillers, and Applied Facial Anatomy with Cadaver—establish a robust base, we invite you to delve into our comprehensive curriculum. From sophisticated injection methodologies to specialized treatments, our training pathways are designed to elevate your expertise at every phase of your professional journey right here in Connecticut.
01. Neurotoxins
Elevate your skill in facial rejuvenation with our immersive Introduction to Neurotoxins program. This essential training provides a critical theoretical understanding and extensive practical experience in precisely and safely administering neuromodulators, such as Botox. Grasp refined application techniques, internalize key facial anatomical structures, and cultivate the assurance to achieve natural-looking, harmonious outcomes for those in your care. This course serves as a pivotal first step for any healthcare practitioner embarking on a career in aesthetic medicine.
CME 13.25 credits
02. Dermal Fillers
Unlock the transformative potential of dermal fillers through our in-depth introductory program. This training equips you with the nuanced expertise to effectively restore youthful volume, diminish fine lines, and enhance facial dimensions using a diverse array of filler products. Develop a profound comprehension of contemporary injection strategies, patient evaluation protocols, and stringent safety measures. This course is indispensable for forging a prosperous career as a highly skilled and confident aesthetic injector.
CME 13.5 credits
03. Facial Anatomy
Secure a critical competitive edge in your aesthetic practice with our unparalleled Applied Facial Anatomy with Cadaver course. This unique training offers an unrivaled understanding of intricate facial anatomy through hands-on dissection. Cultivate a deeper awareness of muscle architecture, vascular pathways, and potential hazard zones, leading to distinctly safer and more efficacious injection approaches. This specialized course is vital for mastering advanced procedures and diligently minimizing potential complications.
CME 7 credits

At Aesthetic Mentor™, we hold that your career should be an authentic expression of your singular vision. Our elite training provides you with the foundational expertise and profound confidence required to meticulously carve your own path in medical aesthetics, right here in Connecticut. Explore how Aesthetic Mentor™ was instrumental in enabling one of our esteemed alumni to realize significant professional achievements entirely on her own terms, making an impact in the Hartford aesthetic community.
models for every student in each Intro Course
students trained over the past 10 years
student-to-instructor ratio in all courses
Our core mission at The Aesthetic Mentor™ is to meticulously cultivate safe, highly effective, and successful medical aesthetic providers. For healthcare professionals throughout the Hartford area, our Connecticut training facility provides an exceptional setting for advanced learning.
Situated within easy reach of charming New England landscapes, our campus offers a serene backdrop for rejuvenation between intensive courses. Consider a continuing education journey that truly revitalizes your outlook and profoundly enhances your professional capabilities, ensuring you return to your practice ready to excel.
Glastonbury, CT Location
95 Glastonbury Boulevard. 3rd Floor, Suite 303
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Our mission is to produce and cultivate safe, effective, successful medical aesthetic providers. With two locations along the eastern seaboard in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Aesthetic Mentor™ offers a pristine backdrop of the Atlantic coast as a respite between courses. Take a CE vacation that will leave you feeling revitalized and ready to bring new skills to your practice upon your return.
Your Local Resource for Professional Advancement To flourish and remain at the forefront of medical aesthetics within Connecticut, direct engagement and access to specialized knowledge are crucial. Complete our contact form to connect directly with our supportive team and gain personalized insights for your career. Additionally, enhance your professional toolkit by enrolling in our newsletter, which delivers exclusive industry observations, relevant course updates, and essential career development

| Which Aesthetic Mentor™ Program Should I Enroll In First?
For those embarking on their journey in injectables, our Introduction to Neurotoxins course serves as the foundational starting point, followed by our Introduction to Dermal Fillers program. Drawing inspiration from the recognized Dreyfus and Benner models of skill acquisition, Aesthetic Mentor™'s curriculum is deliberately structured to facilitate development from a foundational level to advanced expertise, maximizing your professional success. Our dedicated Student Advisors are readily available to assist you in customizing your individual learning trajectory for the Connecticut aesthetic market.
Contact a Student Advisor: guideme@theaestheticmentor.com
| Who Delivers the Instruction for the Courses?
Our robust curriculum is overseen by Board-certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Joseph Russo, and taught by his cadre of clinical specialists and accomplished instructors. Aesthetic Mentor™ also partners with influential industry figures to organize specialized classes, insightful lectures, practical workshops, and interactive roundtables. We encourage you to opt-in for email notifications to receive timely updates on these enriching educational opportunities.
| Who is Eligible to Participate in Your Training Programs?
Aesthetic Mentor™ provides training for licensed medical professionals, including LPNs, RNs, NPs, CRNAs, MDs, DOs, PAs, and DDSs. Select classes are also accessible to licensed estheticians, as explicitly noted within their respective class descriptions. For participation in any injectables course, you must possess an active medical license. Please have your license number prepared for submission during the verification process.
It is important to note: Hands-on participation at our Connecticut medical aesthetics training facilities is contingent upon the Board regulations of the state, and specific eligibility criteria may vary. Please carefully review the event information before securing your registration. Should you require further clarification on our Connecticut medical aesthetics training, our Student Advisors are on hand to address any questions you may have. Call us today!
| Is a Medical Director Required for Training?
No, for training purposes, you only need to hold an active license. Our Hartford medical aesthetics training facilities at Aesthetic Mentor™ benefit from supervising physicians and authorized prescribers. They employ a specialized EMR software system for precise charting and adherence to compliance standards. Your instructor will ensure all proper charting and treatment orders are conducted, and will delegate treatment plans to you during training. All models participating in training sessions are considered patients of the supervising physician.
Please be aware: Licensed professionals such as LPNs, RNs, NPs, CRNAs, and PAs are mandated to operate under supervision, as defined by your state Board's regulations, once your certification is complete and you begin treating patients in practice. All cosmetic and aesthetic medical treatments must strictly adhere to established medical laws and protocols.
For additional information concerning the compliant practice of aesthetic medicine, we advise visiting the Association for Medical Aesthetic Professionals (AMAP) at a-map.org.
| Where Do In-Person Classes Take Place?
The majority of our courses are structured as hybrids – combining flexible online didactic learning with crucial in-person hands-on practical sessions. Our on-location clinics in the
Hartford area are hosted at:
Hartford, CT (Our primary training facility serving the greater Hartford area):
95 Glastonbury Boulevard. 3rd Floor, Suite 303
Glastonbury, CT 06033
We also maintain a facility in Massachusetts for those interested in training there: Boston, MA 303 Wyman Street, Suite 150 Waltham, MA 02451
The specific class type and location details are always clearly indicated within the class description. It is a strict requirement that all on-demand and online portions of your course MUST be completed prior to your attendance at the on-location clinic training.
See our Course Calendar pages for location information!
| Is Enrollment in Clinic Sessions Limited?
Yes, the number of participants in our clinic sessions is intentionally capped. This limitation is in place to rigorously maintain our exceptional 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio, thereby ensuring a highly personalized and intimate educational experience for every learner.
| Will I Need to Secure a Model for Training?
All practical, hands-on training components will be conducted on live models, under the direct guidance and expert coaching of a certified Instructor. For the most beneficial learning experience, we suggest inviting a model you know personally, allowing you to closely track their treatment results over time. If a specific course requires the student to provide a model, the cost of that model's treatment is fully covered within your tuition fee. Consider this model as your initial lifelong patient in the aesthetic field!
Each individual class description will outline specific model requirements, and pre-course emails will convey detailed model selection criteria to assist you in choosing the most appropriate models for your training.
| How Does the On-Demand Training Platform Operate?
The theoretical segment of most courses is delivered entirely via our intuitive online learning platform. These online programs are thoughtfully organized into concise, easily digestible modules. You possess the flexibility to progress through the on-demand training at your convenience, though each class includes a 2-4-week completion window to help you maintain a steady learning pace. Your progress within the on-demand course is consistently logged. Once completed, you retain the ability to revisit any module as a reference whenever needed.
Short, un-scored quizzes will be integrated at the end of select modules, serving to reinforce key highlighted information. A final examination will be administered upon the completion of the on-demand course, which will assess your preparedness to advance in your learning journey. You are provided with no more than two opportunities to successfully pass this examination.
It is strongly advised to participate in the corresponding in-person clinic portion of your course within a short timeframe – ideally waiting no more than 2-4 weeks – while the didactic information remains clear and fresh in your mind.
| What is the Process for a Live Class or Clinic?
Enrollment for our live courses and clinics operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Given that these sessions frequently reach full capacity well in advance, and arrangements for models need to be coordinated, it is highly recommended that you reserve your spot as promptly as possible. You will have the opportunity to select your preferred clinic date during the registration process. If your chosen course features an on-demand component, its completion is an absolute prerequisite for attending your live clinic. We regret that we cannot allow any student who has not finalized the on-demand didactic training to participate in a clinic, and our standard cancellation policy will, unfortunately, apply in such instances.
| How Can I Collect My CME Credits?
Qualifying Aesthetic Mentor™ courses are officially accredited by the Global Accreditation Group. Following the successful completion of each CME-qualifying course, comprehensive information and precise instructions regarding how to claim your continuing medical education credits will be provided to you. Please note that courses must be fully completed to qualify for credit. For any additional details or specific questions, please reach out to your Student Advisor.
| What is Your Policy Regarding Cancellations?
Aesthetic Mentor™ Cancellation Policy:
Refund Requests: All requests for course cancellations must be communicated via email. A full refund will be granted solely if the corresponding on-demand training has not been accessed or viewed. Cancellations that fall outside these specific parameters will result in either a credit or a partial refund, as detailed below:
For cancellations or rescheduling requests submitted 14 days or MORE prior to the start of the course, registrants are permitted to change their enrollment to another course of equal or lesser value with no penalty applied.
For cancellations or rescheduling requests submitted 6 to 14 days prior to the start of the course, registrants will be subject to a fee equivalent to 10% of the course tuition.
For cancellations or rescheduling requests submitted 5 days or LESS prior to the start of the course, no refunds will be issued, and no changes or transfers will be allowed.
No-shows or early departures from a class will result in an automatic forfeiture of the tuition paid for that specific class.
Clinic dates are subject to cancellation or modification at our discretion, and suitable rescheduling options will always be provided in such circumstances. CMEs will not be provided for incomplete training. We maintain rigorous COVID safety measures for all on-location events. If you or a household member are exposed to COVID-19 or exhibiting any symptoms, please contact us promptly at 339-674-1134 or guideme@theaestheticmentor.com to discuss rescheduling options.














