A Core Requirement of The Medical Tattooing Fellowship

Aseptic Technique for Tattoo Artists is one of the required prerequisite courses for admission into the hands-on portion of The NMR Medical Tattooing Fellowship.

By establishing a thorough understanding of infection prevention and clinical workflow, artists enter fellowship training prepared to safely apply advanced tattoo techniques while working with surgically altered and medically compromised skin.

Professionalism begins with knowledge, and safe practice begins with preparation.

Aseptic Technique for Tattooers
$695.00
One time

You will learn the fundamental and extended practices for proper aseptic techniques in your tattoo studio. Learn what you never have been shown on a medical level and be introduced to the best practices for your clients. Unlearn your mistakes and be trained at a surgical level while performing tattooing.

Aseptic Technique for Tattoo Artists

Advanced Infection Prevention for the Modern Tattoo Professional

Tattooing is an invasive procedure that intentionally creates thousands of microscopic wounds in the skin. Every procedure carries the responsibility of protecting both the client and the artist from infection, cross-contamination, and preventable complications.

While bloodborne pathogen courses satisfy regulatory requirements, they often provide only a broad overview of infection control. Medical tattooing demands a deeper understanding of aseptic principles, sterile workflow, and contamination prevention—particularly when working with surgical scars, compromised skin, and clients with complex medical histories.

Aseptic Technique for Tattoo Artists was developed to bridge that educational gap.

This live course introduces tattoo artists to the principles of surgical asepsis and demonstrates how those concepts can be adapted to elevate safety and professionalism within the tattoo studio.

Course Curriculum

This comprehensive course explores infection prevention from the perspective of both healthcare and professional tattooing.

Includes:

  • Live online instruction

  • Six months of access to course materials

  • Downloadable educational resources and checklists

  • Studio reference guides

  • Record of Completion documenting educational hours

  • Principles of Aseptic Technique

    • Medical asepsis vs. surgical asepsis

    • Sources of contamination

    • Chain of infection

    • Standard precautions

    • Maintaining a clean working environment

  • Compromised Skin and Wound Classification Awareness

    This section introduces basic wound classification principles and how skin conditions affect tattoo eligibility. It reinforces when to proceed, modify, or defer procedures based on visible skin integrity.

  • Understanding Microorganisms and Routes of Contamination

    This section breaks down how microorganisms spread in a tattoo environment, including direct contact, indirect contact, and environmental contamination. It builds awareness of how infection pathways occur during routine studio workflow.

  • Sterilization & Disinfection

    • Cleaning vs. disinfecting vs. sterilizing

    • Autoclaves

    • Sterility assurance

    • Biological monitoring

    • Chemical indicators

    • Instrument packaging and storage

    • Surface disinfectants

  • Sterilization Principles and Device Processing

    This section covers how sterilization works at a scientific level, including steam, ethylene oxide, and radiation methods. It explains sterilization parameters, failure points, and the importance of validation through indicators and monitoring systems.

  • Disinfectants in the Tattoo Environment

    This section reviews common disinfectants used in studios, including alcohol-based solutions, QACs, chlorine-based products, hydrogen peroxide, and phenolics. It defines their proper use for surfaces and equipment, and where they should never be applied.

  • Skin Antisepsis and Client Preparation

    This section outlines proper skin preparation protocols using approved antiseptic agents. It explains correct application techniques, drying time requirements, and safe handling of compromised or sensitive skin conditions.

  • Cross-Contamination Prevention

    • Common contamination pathways

    • Machine and cord protection

    • Ink handling

    • Bottle contamination

    • Glove awareness

    • Environmental cleaning

  • During the Tattoo Procedure

    • Maintaining an aseptic field

    • Glove changes

    • Managing accidental contamination

    • Safe handling of equipment

    • Client interaction without compromising sterility

  • Workstation Setup and Breakdown Procedures

    This section teaches proper setup of a controlled workstation before gloving, including barrier protection and organization. It also covers safe breakdown, disposal of contaminated materials, and post-procedure disinfection protocols.

  • Completing the Procedure

    • Safe removal of barriers

    • Equipment breakdown

    • Sharps disposal

    • Waste management

    • Terminal cleaning

    • Preparing the station for the next client

Common Mistakes

One of the primary goals of this course is identifying habits that commonly occur in tattoo studios that increase contamination risk. Students will learn practical strategies to recognize and correct these errors while creating safer, more consistent workflows.

What You'll Gain

Upon completion of this course, participants will have a stronger understanding of:

  • Advanced infection prevention principles

  • Clinical cleanliness and workflow

  • Sterile field awareness

  • Equipment handling

  • Barrier techniques

  • Proper disinfection and sterilization

  • Client safety

  • Professional documentation

  • Risk reduction strategies

These concepts can be applied not only to medical tattooing but to all forms of professional tattoo practice.

Who Should Enroll

This course is designed for:

  • Licensed tattoo artists

  • Medical tattoo artists

  • Restorative tattoo specialists

  • Apprentices seeking advanced education

  • Artists interested in elevating studio safety

  • Tattoo professionals who want to strengthen their infection prevention knowledge

Whether you specialize in traditional tattooing or restorative procedures, a thorough understanding of aseptic technique is an essential component of professional practice.