Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be certified after completion of courses?
Currently there is no national or state-sanctioned certification for Oncology Esthetics (or Oncology Massage) in the US or any other country. There are some individual institutions and unregulated organizations that offer comprehensive programs that award a certification upon completion. An Esthetician or Spa therapist may claim to be “certified in oncology esthetics” by a designated organization (see details in next question below) upon graduation from the prescribed course offered by that organization. However, as explained below, it is not appropriate to simply claim to be “certified in oncology esthetics."
Why do some companies offer certification?
What does certification require?
What does Oncology-Trained mean?
Oncology-trained means that you have attended a min. 24 hr specialized training to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to work with someone who has cancer. When done you will need to know the following: effects of cancer on the body and the mind, the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and modifications for treatment based on each clients’ specific needs. Modifications include but not limited to positioning on the bed, when/where to prop, when to adjust pressure, direction and speed. Safe product and equipment choices and how to care for typical skin conditions. When to/not to treat and understanding: neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, metastasis, dermal toxicity, existing or risk of lymphedema, existing or risk of blood clots, compromised organ function, medication and anti-cancer drug agents/side-effects and fragile or unstable tissues, scar treatments, palliative and end-of-life care.