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Esthetician

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Human Services cluster Personal Care Services pathway.

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The educational requirements for estheticians vary depending on where you plan to practice. Estheticians must be licensed. This generally requires graduating from an accredited school of cosmetology and taking an exam. If there are no regulations in your area, look for a program that is at least 800 hours long. The more material you learn, the more services you'll be able to provide.

"Lots of estheticians train. But not all stay in the industry and even fewer are really good. So there will always be a demand," Krista Nugent says. She is an esthetician and make-up artist, with her own salon.

Nugent graduated from a 1,500-hour esthetics and spa therapy program. So she is able to provide a broad range of services. That includes manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting, facials, makeup, scrubs, wraps, cellulite compression wraps and relaxation massage.

Estheticians are more likely to find work if they are well trained. Some beauty schools will admit students while they are in high school. Some high schools even offer cosmetology courses.

"I think the minimum requirement to enter the [esthetics] program is Grade 10, but I personally encourage anyone considering this line of work to get a full Grade 12 diploma. In the long run it looks far better to employers," says esthetician Amy Lee. She runs her own traveling spa business

Keeping up with the latest trends is important for estheticians. They need to keep training throughout their careers.

"There are many opportunities as well for continuing education. Day and evening courses are offered to expand your skills as well as a medical esthetics course," says Lee.

High school art classes along with biology, chemistry and business will help future estheticians.

Well-trained estheticians can recognize skin problems that require medical attention. Anatomy and physiology may be studied. An esthetician-in-training can learn about first aid, hygiene, and diseases of the skin including bacteriology, disinfection, decontamination and infection control.

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.