How Long Is Esthetician School?

 If you have a passion for beauty and want to help people look and feel their best, the first step to becoming a licensed esthetician is enrolling in beauty school. But before signing up, you’ll want to know what kind of commitment you’re agreeing to and what you can expect to get from a training program. Today, we’re discussing the ins and outs of esthetician school so you can begin planning for the future. 

What is esthetician school like?

Every esthetician school is different, but they all have similar goals: to help aspiring skin care specialists become knowledgeable industry experts. Here are some common questions about cosmetology school:

Are there any prerequisites for esthetician school?

While there aren’t any prerequisite courses you need to take before enrolling in beauty school, most require a GED or high school diploma, photo identification, a completed application, and sometimes an application fee. In rare cases, you may need to pass an entrance exam. 

What kinds of programs are available?

Esthetician training programs may be full-time or part-time. You’ll find many dedicated cosmetology schools that strictly focus on esthetician training. However, many community colleges also offer certificates or associate degrees in the field. 

In either case, you should look for a holistic program that covers a wide range of subject matter and, at a minimum, meets your state’s requirements for licensed estheticians.

How much does esthetician school typically cost?

Depending on your location, school, and type of program you choose, esthetician school can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, however, the average cost is around $5,000. Many institutions offer financial aid or payment plans, which can be especially helpful for full-time students. 

What do you learn in esthetician school?

Esthetician school covers more than just the basics of skincare. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll learn in a standard program. 

Basic anatomy, sanitation, and safety

In cosmetology school, you’ll gain a solid understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, which form the foundation of your skincare knowledge base. Your school should offer courses on general skin health and common skin conditions you’ll see in the field. 

Additionally, you’ll learn proper sanitation techniques and general safety standards for the beauty industry. 

A multitude of skincare and beauty techniques

The backbone of esthetician school is made up of practical and theoretical applications of skincare and beauty treatments. You’ll learn about and get hands-on experience with treatments like brow tinting, laser hair removal, chemical peels, classic makeup applications, permanent makeup, and much more. 

Of course, it’s important to note that many training programs give future estheticians a little taste of everything. You’ll likely need continuing education to learn advanced techniques and skincare treatments. Plus, continuing education may be a requirement in some states to maintain your license.

Business skills

A great esthetician school can also help you learn how to effectively communicate with clients. You should learn a range of customer service skills and business etiquette to help you manage your future career.

Getting your licensure and certifications

Once you’ve completed your required training, it’s time to become a certified or licensed esthetician. Here’s what you can expect after graduation:

The state you reside in

Each state has different training and licensing requirements, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand hours. Some also allow estheticians to train through apprenticeship programs with a qualified professional. 

After completing training programs, students in most states must pass written and practical exams that cover the material they learned in school. 

How much the school you enroll in teaches

In some cases, schools and training programs fail to meet state requirements for licensed or certified estheticians. In these instances, you might be able to supplement your education with apprenticeship hours or hands-on training. 

If you find yourself in this situation, contact your state licensing board to find out more about your options. You may be able to take online classes to cover additional material before your licensing exams. 

Continuing education after esthetician school

Some, but not all, states require ongoing continuing education for licensed estheticians and beauty experts. You might need to complete 10 to 20 hours of coursework every couple of years in order to maintain your license. But this is a great way to stay on the cutting edge of the industry and offer your clients the best possible care. 

Bosses in Beauty knows the ins and outs of the esthetics industry!

At Bosses in Beauty, we’re committed to helping our clients maximize their esthetics business and stand out from the competition. We offer courses to help you transition to a solo career or jump to the next tax bracket.

Whether you’re just starting out on your journey or you’re a long-standing industry expert, we can help you take your business to the next level. Check out our glowing reviews or contact us today to learn more about our services. We’re here to provide the best education and information to current and future estheticians around the globe.