Interested in starting your career as a Laser Technician in West Virginia and not sure where to start? 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 West Virginia estimates job market growth for skincare specialist of over 22.4% through 2024. This is greater than the national average of 13% which makes West Virginia a great location to start a Laser Technician career.

The requirements for any person providing laser treatment are set by statute and rule from the West Virginia Board of Medicine. These rules can be found by visiting the website here as well as the board opinion here.

Education Required

The West Virginia Board of Medicine ruled through statute that the use of lasers for cosmetic and medical procedures is considered the practice of medicine and surgery.

“(3) “Practice of medicine and surgery” means the diagnosis or treatment of, or operation or prescription for, any human disease, pain, injury, deformity or other physical or mental condition. “Surgery” includes the use on humans of lasers, ionizing radiation, pulsed light and radiofrequency devices. The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who is a duly licensed health care provider under other pertinent provisions of this code and who is acting within the scope of his or her license.”

Based on the definition, the state of West Virginia requires laser treatments to be performed by licensed physicians, or under their supervision by properly trained medical professionals.

A statement made by the Board od Medicine in 2009 helped clarify who could perform what procedures and under what supervision. Below is a breakdown of their ruling:

Ablative Procedures – Can be delegated to licensed physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Must have direct supervision from the physician who will do the initial patient review and create the treatment plan.

Non-Ablative Procedures – Can be delegated to a registered nurse, cosmetologist, aesthetician, medical assistant or other qualified personnel. The physician must provide direct supervision and is also responsible for ensuring the delegate has the proper education.

The following education is required for each of the delegate types above in order of greatest to least:

Physician Assistant – Completion of bachelors degree and graduate level PA program.

Nurse Practitioner – Completion of bachelors degree and Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Registered Nurse – Completion of nursing program which includes associate and bachelors degrees.

Cosmetologist – Completion of Cosmetology School. 1800 training and education hours.

Aestheticians – Completion of Aesthetician School. 600 training and education hours.

Medical Assistant – Completion of Medical Assistant School.

West Virginia Laser Technician Certification(s)

Laser procedures, including both ablative and non-ablative types, will require licensure with their respective board. Physician Assistants will require the PANCE exam, Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses will complete the state board exams and Cosmetologists, Aestheticians and Medical Assistants will take state sponsored prometric exams.

Job Opportunities

The job market in West Virginia for skincare specialist 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 West Virginia to find opportunities in your area.

Laser Technician Jobs

Salary Expectations

Skincare Specialists in the state of West Virginia can expect an average income of $50,600 per year, or $24.33/hour. Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners can make upwards of $100,000. These salary expectations are 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.