Aesthetics School Programs

Aesthetics school programs prepare students to provide specialized skin and body care treatments to clients at spas, salons, dermatologists, and doctors' offices.

Aesthetics is a discipline that deals with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, and with the creation and appreciation of beauty. Aestheticians are trained professionals who use their hands and specialty tools and machines like galvanic current machines and steaming equipment, to refurbish skin tone and texture. Medical aestheticians are different in that they work under the supervision of physicians to assist patients with skin repair and beautification. To be accepted into an aesthetics college, a high school diploma or GED is required. Aesthetician training programs are offered through private beauty academies, cosmetology colleges, technical institutes, vocational colleges and community colleges. Aesthetician training programs consist of several hundred hours of classroom instructions, which include theory and hands-on experience. Students learn to perform skin beauty treatments that involve chemicals, oils, lotions, tonics and cosmetics.

Aesthetics Education and Training

At the basic level of training students learn about epidermal disorders and develop in-depth knowledge that is necessary to analyze and treat different skin types and skin care techniques. They learn about sanitization of tools and equipment, and safety regulations and requirements. They also learn skills in body exfoliation and wraps, facials and waxing procedures. In addition, aesthetician students learn to apply makeup.

The goal of the advanced aesthetician training programs is for students to become master aestheticians. They undergo advanced training in body treatments, like detoxification, microdermabrasion and lymphatic massage. They also learn about advanced makeup application. In addition, they learn to provide chemical, airbrush and laser treatments. In some aesthetics school programs, CPR may be part of the required curriculum.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that prior to professional practice, one must obtain a license through the state board of cosmetology in the state in which they wish to practice. While the minimum requirements vary by state, one mush at least a high school diploma or GED, complete training courses at state-approved schools and then take and pass state-issued exams. Several states also require that aestheticians renew their licenses accordingly.

Licenses and Certifications

A majority of U.S. states require aestheticians to be licensed. Licenses are offered by participating states’ board of cosmetology. To qualify for licensure, aestheticians must have completed accredited programs comprised of 300-1500 hours of training at a minimum. Most states also require 600 hours of practical training for a basic aesthetician license as part of aesthetics school requirements.

Aesthetician Careers

For an aesthetics career, many employers require applicants to have one to three years of practical experience. Experience can be gained in spas, hotels and medical office setting. In addition, many employers require knowledge of CPR is preferred.

Trainee aestheticians can gain several months of experience working in clinics. Several industry organizations sponsor two to three day educational conferences, workshops and seminars year round. An example is the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference. Professional development is also important and these conferences are a way to stay up-to-date. Day-to-day tasks may include:

• Sterilizing work equipment and work stations
• Evaluate clients’ skin appearance and condition
• Making recommendations on skin care products
• Shampooing and styling hair
  

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

Aestheticians can earn an hourly wage or receive an annual salary. Aestheticians working in the fashion and beauty industries receive tips from their clients and commissions for selling products. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), skin care specialists earn a median wage of $13.81 an hour, including tips. The employment of skincare specialists is expected to grow 25% between 2010 and 2020.

Aestheticians working in hospitals earn annual salaries ranging from $20,168 to $50,868. Entry-level medical aestheticians with less than four years of work experience earn between $29,207 and $39,257 a year. With ten to twenty year of experience the income level is 34,968 to over $50,000 annually. As of 2010 this translated to about $13.90 an hour with a range of about $8.22 to $24.47 an hour.

Aesthetics school will therefore prepare you to work in this dynamic field. The BLS reports that the job outlook in cosmetology fields is expected to grow about as fast or faster that the average for all occupations. This underscores the importance of completing aesthetics school requirements.

Aesthetics school programs and esthetics training