Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1464744
New member benefit! Get the ASCP SkinPro app at ascpskincare.com/skinpro 71 facial protocol, and [then] determine which steps need to be eliminated and/or modified. "So, it really should not matter whether the training is online or in class. For those estheticians who like the interaction with other students and to be in a social environment, in-class [learning] would be for them. COVID has somewhat projected online training to be more accepted, as well, even for 'touch' therapy practices." What is the average salary for licensed estheticians with this specialty? According to Kuehn, "This is a modality that is often included in a spa menu, and typically priced a little less than the average 'antiaging' type of service. So, it is not a money guarantee; it is more of a soul-satisfaction guarantee. However, I have many grads who have increased their client base with it (doctor referrals, patient referrals, friends, family members, and medical teams come in based on the wonderful service offered to the patient)." "Estheticians certified in caring for oncology patients can earn up to $75,000 per year if working in a private oncology practice," adds Currin, but "earnings can start at zero—if doing volunteer work initially—until you're gradually put on the payroll. A lot depends on the business/ practice model and whether they budget for an esthetician on staff." But "estheticians must remember not to devalue their time, skills, and experience," she continues. "If you allow a business to not pay you for volunteering time/expertise, they will leave the status as such. Create the demand with patients/clients and negotiate for a paid position." Why would you suggest a career specializing in caring for oncology patients? "I firmly believe that no matter what profession or life choice you make, you should learn everything you can about it, and make it your goal to be the best you can be," Kuehn says. "Learn and be prepared for when your favorite client, family member, or friend gets a cancer diagnosis. I know I would want to help and not have to send them someplace else when I could so easily get oncology training and be able to offer help, hope, and care." "Working with cancer patients is a specialty area of esthetics, just like in the nursing world," Currin adds, "You get oncology nurses in the general oncology ward, and you get a different specialty of oncology nurses in the bone marrow ward. Same applies to estheticians. If they are really passionate about a role in oncology, they can create it. When OTI started teaching in 2008, there was lots of resistance. There are many, many more openings in hospitals, oncology units, wellness centers, etc., now for estheticians. We have many of our graduates to thank for making these inroads and breaking the barrier to esthetics for oncology patients." Notes 1. National Cancer Institute, "Cancer Statistics," updated September 25, 2020, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. 2. Rebecca L. Siegel et al., "Cancer Statistics: 2022," CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 71, no. 1 (January/February 2022): 7–33, https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21708. Resources ASCP Blog, "Oncology Skin Care" by Becky Kuehn (ascpskincare. com/updates/blog-posts/oncology-skin-care-becky-kuehn). Color Up CDB Blog by Shauna Blanch (colorupco.com/cbd-blog). Health Challenged Skin: The Estheticians' Desk Reference by Mórag Currin (Carol Stream: Allured Business Media, 2012). Life-Changing Esthetics: A Guide for Skin Care Professionals by Becky Kuehn ( Tacoma: Oncology Spa Solutions, 2017). Oncology Esthetics: A Practitioner's Guide (revised/expanded ed.) by Mórag Currin (Carol Stream: Allured Business Media, 2014). OTI Blog by Mórag Currin (oti-oncologytraining.com/blog). Oncology Client Pretreatment Considerations It is critical to have advanced training before treating any of your clients who are diagnosed with cancer. Once trained, esties need to consider all aspects of a client's situation before determining best treatments by asking questions such as: • Have your treatments/medications caused any rashes, irritations, or acne-like symptoms? • Have you noticed any changes in skin tone, texture, or temperature? • Have your nails become dry and brittle? • Have you experienced any neuropathy? • Have you had lymph nodes removed? • Do you have an active port? • Are you experiencing hair loss?