Oncology Esthetician | Esthetics School Career Paths

atic emotions, fear and worry. Aside from medical treatments, there is the other side of the coin that often gets forgotten. The psychological and physical wellbeing of cancer patients and those in remission. Oncology estheticians and their specialized skills provide an important service to cancer patients, helping them retain and regain their sense of personal security while they weather the storm of cancer treatments.

When it comes to career paths within the esthetician field, there are many specialties one can focus on, such as medical esthetics, anti-aging, skincare, and even oncology esthetics. As an oncology esthetician, you will have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people who are suffering from a life-altering diagnosis. In this post, we’ll explore the path of becoming an oncology esthetician, what it entails, and what you can expect from this career path.

What is an Oncology Esthetician?

An oncology esthetician is a specialized esthetician who is trained specifically to provide skin care services for cancer patients. They have received special education, training, and certification in order to safely and effectively provide treatments for those undergoing cancer treatment or in remission. Oncology estheticians must be very familiar with the physical and psychological needs of a cancer patient and how to safely provide specialized services that meet those needs.

The primary goal of an oncology esthetician is to enhance the appearance, comfort, and well-being of cancer patients through customized skincare treatments. This can include providing massages, skin analysis, facials, body wraps, skin exfoliation, and other treatments that can help improve a patient’s complexion, soothe sensitive skin, and reduce fatigue. By providing this type of therapy, oncology estheticians can play an important role in helping cancer patients heal emotionally and physically.

Types of Services Offered in Oncology Esthetics

Oncology estheticians offer a variety of treatments designed to provide relief to those facing the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatments. These services are designed to improve a patient’s physical appearance, comfort, and wellbeing by addressing skin inflammation, dryness, sensitivity, discoloration, and other common side effects.

The most common services offered by oncology estheticians include:

• Facials – Facials can help to reduce redness, irritation, and other skin conditions caused by chemotherapy and radiation. An oncology esthetician can provide customized facials that use specialized products to soothe and protect sensitive skin.

• Massage – Massage is a great way to provide relaxation, reduce stress, and help improve circulation in the face and body. An oncology esthetician can provide a variety of massage-focused treatments such as aromatherapy massage, lymphatic drainage, and deep tissue massage.

• Skin cleansing – An oncology esthetician can also provide specialized skin cleansing treatments to remove dirt, debris, and other impurities from the skin. These treatments can help to restore balance, hydration, and an overall healthier complexion.

• Hair care – Hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments and an oncology esthetician can provide specialized scalp treatments that can help to restore moisture, reduce itching, and protect the scalp from sun damage.

• Waxing – Waxing is another treatment option offered by oncology estheticians. Waxing can help to reduce the appearance of unwanted hair, which can be particularly beneficial during chemotherapy-induced hair loss periods.

Becoming an Oncology Esthetician

To become an oncology esthetician, one must first complete a comprehensive education and training program. This program may include receiving a diploma or certificate from an accredited esthetics school and passing the appropriate board examinations. In some states, additional certification may be required for working specifically with cancer patients.

In addition to traditional esthetics courses, oncology estheticians should have an advanced understanding of the physical and psychological needs of cancer patients, as well as the ability to provide safe, specialized treatments. Courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry, and nutrition are essential for developing a solid foundation of knowledge. It’s important to note that many states require estheticians to take certain continuing education courses in order to maintain their license, so you may need to take additional classes to stay current with industry standards.

In addition to courses and certifications, oncology estheticians must possess certain qualities necessary to perform their job effectively. Oncology estheticians should be compassionate, patient, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable about the latest advances in skincare. They must be able to understand their client’s needs and provide effective treatments tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances.

Career Outlook & Opportunities

As an oncology esthetician, you can have the satisfaction of helping people who are confronting a difficult time in their lives. You will also have the opportunity to work with diverse populations and to develop relationships with clients based on trust and care.

The demand for oncology estheticians is expected to grow as more people are diagnosed with cancer and seek alternative treatments. Many hospitals, health clinics, and spas now offer oncology esthetician services, and those numbers are likely to grow as the awareness of the importance of these services spreads. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment for estheticians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Being an oncology esthetician can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, both emotionally and financially. With the right qualifications, certifications, and training, you can find a place in the field of oncology esthetics and make a real difference in the lives of your clients.