How to Become an Esthetician in Oregon

If you have a passion for skincare, spa treatments, and personalized health, then your interest lie in esthetics. Becoming an esthetician is a wonderful way to follow your dreams unlocking the inner beauty of your clients through healthy skin and personalized care. Of course, to begi an esthetician career in Oregon, you must first complete the Oregon esthetician licensing requirements. 

As a licensed esthetician, you will be able to provide truly professional advice with skincare treatments rooted in the twin pillars of medical science and beauty. If you are wondering how to become an esthetician in Oregon, we can help.  The NW College School of Beauty esthetics program has helped thousands of students achieve their esthetician licenses and begin their personal career paths.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Prepared to enroll

The first step is to make sure you are currently eligible to pursue your esthetician licence in the state of Oregon. You will need to meet the minimum age and be prepared to enroll in an accredited esthetics program in Oregon.

The minimum age to become an esthetician is 18. However, some schools will permit a 17-year-old to enroll in the esthetics program as long as their licensing exam occurs after their 18th birthday.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Esthetics Program

The second step is to enroll in a state-approved esthetics program. These can usually be found in beauty schools or cosmetology schools — two terms for the same type of academy or educational organization. Beauty schools typically provide programs for cosmetology, esthetics, hair styling, nail technology and/or barbering, but not always the full selection.

Step 3: Complete the Required Training Hours

In order to earn your esthetician certification in Oregon, you need to complete a specific number of training hours.

The total number of hours required to become an esthetician in Oregon is 484: 444 hours studying esthetics, 20 hours studying Oregon laws, and 20 hours studying how to become a business professional. This can be completed in as little as 3 months!

Of the 444 Esthetic training hours, 220 of those hours must be hands-on practical operations. This allows you to learn the necessary skills to administer skin treatments rather than simply learning about them in books.

• 444 Hours – Esthetics Coursework.
  • 220/444 practical operations
• 20 Hours – Oregon Laws and Rules
• 20 Hours – Career Development

Each accredited esthetic program, as offered at the NW College School of Beauty, will cover the minimum required training hours. Additional hours of coursework may provide a more comprehensive education and additional practical skills training.

Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exams

When your education is complete, you will be able to apply and take the licensing exams. You will test at the Oregon Health Licensing Office, where your exams will be graded as soon as they are complete.

There are two halves to the Esthetics licensing exam, written and practical. In the written exam, you will display your knowledge of procedures, safety, laws, and protocol. In the practical exam, you will show your ability to administer esthetics skincare treatments using trained techniques and in compliance with all laws and best practices.

Be prepared with your ID, application, and other requested supplies. You will need to bring your esthetician’s kit of approved items for the practical exam.

Your chosen beauty school can help you train and prepare for the exam. You can also ask your instructors and fellow students to help you study and practice.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

After you receive a passing grade on your exams, you will be able to apply for your esthetics license and receive your certificate. Estheticians will be granted their certification from the  Oregon Health Licensing Office. the same day they pass the exams.

Step 6: Start Your Career as an Esthetician

Once you receive certification to practice as a licensed esthetician, your career can begin. There are many potential career paths for an esthetician. You can find your place in salons, wellness spas, and medispas. You can work in hospitality, event planning, or in movie production. Skincare, skin treatments, and beauty expertise are needed in many contexts.

A significant number of estheticians pursue work in the medical sector, working alongside dermatologists or plastic surgeons helping patients address skin care as part of their recovery process.

You can even forge your own path as an entrepreneur and start your own business in any field where skincare takes a prominant role. You can open your own spa, develop skincare products with your knowledge of skin health, or provide personalized skin consultations as a private expert.

Why Choose NW College School of Beauty

The NW College School of Beauty esthetics program has a great deal to offer aspiring estheticians. If you are looking for a beauty school to help you achieve your dream and begin your career, there are many reasons to choose NW College School of Beauty as your alma mater.

• Excellent Curriculum – The Esthetics program excells in both the classroom and practical training, providing more than the minimum to ensure each esthetician has the skills and knowledge they need to embark on their career.
• Experienced Instructors – The instructors of the esthetics program are experiences estheticians and skilled teachers who will guide you through your learning experience.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities – In the classroom and practical training, you will delight in the latest learning technology and spa equipment.
• Six Campus Locations – You won’t have to travel far to find a campus near home.
• Student Support Services – On-Site job bulletin board, financial aid, and more will help you acheive your goals.

Becoming an Esthetician in Oregon: Start Your Journey Today

If you are ready to begin your path to becoming an esthetician in Oregon, we are here to help you along your path. With a program that provides far more than the minimum licensure requirements, you will receive an enriching education that will prepare you to become a skilled esthetician and earn your license.

Explore the esthetics program for yourself at NW College School of Beauty or contact us directly with any questions you may have.