IMAGE Approved for Annual Licensure in Florida: A Milestone Year of Growth, Results, and What’s Next
The Institute for Medical Aesthetics & Laser (IMAGE) is proud to announce a major milestone:
We have been approved for our annual license by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE).
Located in North Fort Myers, Florida, IMAGE serves students across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Southwest Florida, offering career-focused training in beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics.
This is the highest level of licensure for a private educational institution in Florida, and it requires a thorough review of:
- Academic programs
- Student outcomes
- Graduation and job placement rates
- Operational compliance
- Financial stability
- An in-person site visit to review operations and facilities
A Major Achievement in Just One Year
What makes this milestone even more meaningful:
IMAGE reached this level in just one year—something that typically takes schools several years to achieve.
The state’s approval process goes far beyond paperwork. It includes:
- Verified graduation rates
- Verified job placement rates
- A full financial review
- Compliance and reporting systems
- An on-site visit to evaluate the school in action
This ensures that schools are not only teaching—but delivering real outcomes in a stable, well-run environment.
For our students, it means you’re choosing a school that has been fully reviewed, verified, and approved at the highest level.
A Message from Our Founder
“This milestone means everything to us—not just as a school, but as a team committed to doing things differently.
From the beginning, our goal was simple: create a place where students don’t just enroll—they graduate, get licensed, and actually build careers. Achieving annual licensure in our first year, along with the outcomes we’ve seen, shows that this approach works.
We’ve built IMAGE with intention—focusing on real training, accountability, and long-term success. And we’re just getting started.”
— Emily Tichy, Vice President & Founder
Institute for Medical Aesthetics & Laser
A Year in Review: Built for Results
From day one, IMAGE was built with a clear goal:
Help students graduate, get licensed, and start working—without wasted time.
Our First-Year Results
- 110 Graduates
- 99.3% Graduation Rate
- 99% Job Placement Rate
- 366 Five-Star Google Reviews
- Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
These numbers matter—and not just because they’re impressive.
They are reviewed and validated by the state as part of our licensure.
Graduation rates include all students who enroll, meaning withdrawals count against completion.
Our 99.3% rate reflects students who actually finish.
Placement rates measure real outcomes after graduation—
so our 99% reflects students entering the workforce, not just completing training.
The volume of five-star reviews and our A+ BBB rating reinforce what matters most:
students are having a positive, successful experience here.
Programs Launched in Our First Year
IMAGE expanded intentionally throughout the year to meet demand and create real career opportunities.
February: Foundation Programs
- Facial Specialist Program
- Nail Specialist Program
- Full Specialist Program
May: Advanced Hair Removal
- Electrolysis & Laser Hair Removal Program
August: Expansion into Wellness
- Massage Therapy Program
September: Launch of IMAGE Job Board
- Employers can post open positions directly on our website
- Students and graduates gain direct access to opportunities
This addition strengthens our placement outcomes by connecting employers directly with our graduates.
Massage Therapy School in Fort Myers, Florida
Looking for a massage therapy school in Fort Myers that actually prepares you for a career?
At IMAGE, our program is designed to go beyond the basics—giving students the hands-on experience, structure, and support needed to succeed after graduation.
Located in North Fort Myers, our massage therapy program includes:
- Hands-on training in a clinical setting
- Preparation for Florida licensure
- Real-world techniques used in today’s industry
- Career support and job placement opportunities
With strong outcomes and a career-focused approach, IMAGE has quickly become a trusted choice for students pursuing massage therapy in the Fort Myers area.
Approved by DBPR for Required Licensing Education
IMAGE is also approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to offer the:
Initial 4-Hour HIV/AIDS Course for Cosmetology Licensure
This allows us to support not only full programs, but also required licensing and compliance education.
What’s Ahead for IMAGE
With a strong foundation in place, IMAGE is continuing to grow in ways that directly benefit students and licensed professionals.
Expansion into Advanced Medical Aesthetics
We are expanding into advanced training opportunities, including:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
- Laser Tattoo Removal
- Advanced Chemical Peels
- Microneedling
- Medical-grade devices including the GLACĒ™ system by Candela
- Skincare lab and product formulation
- Intro to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
- Intro to Phlebotomy
These courses are designed to help professionals increase income, expand services, and stay competitive in a growing field.
Continuing Education (CEU) Courses for Licensed Professionals
We are also developing continuing education options for licensed professionals.
Electrolysis CEUs
- Advanced techniques
- Safety and compliance updates
- Treatment efficiency
Massage Therapy CEUs
- Specialized techniques
- Client care and outcomes
- Required continuing education topics
More Than a School—A Long-Term Career Partner
IMAGE is built to support students at every stage:
- Entry-level licensing programs
- Advanced certifications
- Continuing education
This isn’t just where you get licensed—it’s where you grow your career.
Serving Students Across Southwest Florida
IMAGE is located in North Fort Myers, Florida, and serves students from:
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Naples
- Lehigh Acres
- Bonita Springs
- Port Charlotte
If you’re looking for a beauty school near you, IMAGE offers hands-on training, state-approved programs, and real career outcomes.
Why IMAGE Is Becoming the Premier School in Southwest Florida
Many students choose IMAGE when looking for:
- Esthetician training in Fort Myers
- Nail tech programs near Cape Coral
- Laser hair removal training in Florida
- Massage therapy training in Fort Myers
They choose IMAGE because of:
- Verified state approval (CIE + DBPR)
- Strong graduation and placement outcomes
- Career-focused, efficient programs
- Financial stability and accountability
- Direct employer connections through our job board
- Advanced training opportunities
- 366 five-star reviews in our first year
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
That combination of real results, student satisfaction, and third-party recognition is what sets IMAGE apart.
Final Thoughts
In just one year, IMAGE has:
- Achieved annual licensure approval from the Florida CIE
- Passed review of graduation rates, placement rates, financials, and operations
- Graduated over 100 students
- Maintained 99%+ success outcomes
- Earned 366 five-star Google reviews
- Achieved an A+ BBB rating
- Expanded into multiple in-demand programs
- Launched a job board connecting employers and graduates
- Become an approved provider of state-required DBPR courses
This level of progress typically takes years.
At IMAGE, it took one.
And we’re just getting started.
Start Your Career at IMAGE
If you’re ready to begin a career in beauty, wellness, or medical aesthetics, there’s never been a better time.
- Tour the school
- Talk with admissions
- Secure your spot in an upcoming class
North Fort Myers, Florida
instituteimage.com
(239) 402-6678