Depends on the locale of the artists. Some have specific legislation against using medical devices for anything other than healthcare setting situations.  Some have no regulation what so ever. Hard core mod professionals will usually train under someone who has mastery of the technique. The are no college classes for such short of anatomy, and even if you took those, it would not affect the legality of those procedures in your region.  Most states require bloodborne pathogens, first aid, and potentially cpr.  These are taught by groups like the american red cross, or by you local health dept. No one easy answer for your question. 

Edited by MontanaPiercer - November/09/2012 at 5:40pm

APP has a lot of workshops and classes, but they do not teach you to use items deemed medical devices like punches and scalpels. The best way is to learn under someone who is skilled in these specific procedures. My honest opinion though, become a good piercer first, then worry about heavy modifications later. It comes with time and hard work, and over time you understand anatomy and situations and safety, then begin to broaden your horizons. If you're doing heavy modifications right away, chances are you may not even do piercing well, and it's important to do piercing well, as this will be your bread and butter over heavier modification. I see too many "professionals" just going at people with punches and scalpels when they can't even land a navel piercing properly. Be smart, and safe!

Good advice is, start with piercing and get that down solid before venturing out to the other disciplines you mentioned.