Interested in starting your career as a Laser Technician in Oregon but not sure where to begin? Take a moment and read our summary of what education you need, any certifications required, job opportunities and salary expectations.

Based on the US Labor Bureau, the state of Oregon estimates job market growth for skincare specialist of over 15.2% through 2024. This is greater than the national average of 13% which makes Oregon an excellent location start a Laser Technician career.

The requirements for any person providing laser treatment are set by the Oklahoma Medical Board as well as the Board of Advanced Aesthetics. These rules can be found on their homepages here and here.

Education Required

In 2002, an administrative order by the Oregon Medical Board determines that laser treatments were considered the practice of medicine and as such should be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed physician.

In 2015, house bill 2642 was passed which looked to clarify education and training requirements to operate a cosmetic laser and also provide a route for licensure. This bill created the Board of Certified Advanced Aesthetics which oversees the usage of lasers for cosmetic procedures in the state.

Before applying for an advanced aesthetics certification, applicants must become licensed estheticians with the state. This requires completion of 250 hours of an esthetician school program, plus 150 hours of safety/infection control and 100 hours of career development classes.

To be apply for your advanced certification, a licensed esthetician must complete one of the following two routes before applying for examination:

Pathway One – 500 supervised hours of experience. Must be supervised by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or dentist. The physician will need to sign off on completion of these hours.

Pathway Two – 168 hours of experience and 40 hours of education. The education must be related to laser theory and fundamentals and of having completed 24 hours of practical experience performing each of the modalities below.

Once completed (with the examination requirement below) laser technicians in the state may perform the following non-ablative modalities: skin rejuvenation, body contouring, dyschromia reduction, cellulite reduction, hair removal or reduction, and nonablative tattoo removal.

Another benefit of completing your advanced aesthetics certification is the ability to perform procedures without the direct supervision of a physician. This allows laser technicians to own their own treatment facilities.

Oregon Laser Technician Certification(s)

Before applying for an advanced aesthetics certification, one must first hold an esthetician license. This license will require completion of the state administered exam. Information on the exam can be found here. Estheticians may then apply for an advanced certification after completion of the above training requirements and a passing score on one of the following National Accredited Exams:

• National Council on Laser Certification – Certified Laser Operator / Aesthetic (Includes laser hair removal) – NCLC/ CLO/A
• The Laser Training Institute – Aesthetic Laser & Light based Procedures (Includes Hair & Tattoo Removal) – LTI/ALLP
• The American Board of Laser Surgery – Qualified Non-Physician Laser and Light Cosmetics – ABLS/QNPLLC

 

Job Opportunities

The job market in Oregon for estheticians and advanced practitioners has been growing year over year, with a wealth of opportunities to start a career. You can see a detailed list of job postings on our Laser Technician Jobs page. Just filter to Oregon to find opportunities in your area.

Laser Technician Jobs

Salary Expectations

Skincare Specialists included advanced estheticians in the state of Oregon can expect an average income of $45,170 per year, or $21.72/hour. This salary expectation is greater than the national average of $30,270 which is driven by the required training and licensure to practice laser treatments in this state. Experience can also increase your salary over time.