Online Esthetician Programs, Courses & Licensure

Learn about important considerations when selecting an online esthetics school. Keep reading to get an overview of the program options, hands-on requirements, and common curricula offered for this field of study.

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Esthetician School Online

Estheticians are licensed skin care specialists. Estheticians may focus more on cosmetic skin care, whereas aestheticians focus on medical care. Both must complete coursework, hands on training, and pass a state exam to become licensed. Although the hands-on nature of esthetics lends itself to in person programs, it is possible to complete some training for an esthetician online.

Esthetician school online can help you become an esthetician
esthetician school online

Fully online esthetics programs do not exist, but hybrid programs may be available. When previewing these programs, it is important to consider factors like the course curriculum, programs available, and your career goals to make an informed decision. Similarly, finding a medical esthetician school online or a medical aesthetician school online is rare, but some course requirements can be completed in a hybrid model. Aesthetician school online includes more medical based courses compared to esthetician school online.

Students considering online esthetics programs must make their decision based on several key factors. There are currently no schools in the United States offering accredited esthetics programs online. Some colleges offer hybrid courses that allow students to complete theoretical study online; however, the study of esthetics requires hands-on learning. Many esthetics programs are offered at community colleges, nursing schools, and cosmetology schools located throughout the United States.

Curriculum

Coursework in the certificate program includes an introduction to cosmetology and skin care, science, and salon management. College programs in esthetics provide training in disorders of the skin, skin science, sanitation, facial treatments, nutrition for the skin, and esthetician theory and practice. Advanced training covers the use of Botox, chemical peels, microsclerotheraphy, and dermal fillers.

Classes may be part of a cosmetology program unless a student wishes to seek esthetics training only. Many estheticians complete cosmetology courses to round out their training and increase their marketable professional skills. Some estheticians become make-up artists, while others may work in paramedical esthetics.

Online Certificate Programs

Certificate programs in esthetics are available at nursing colleges and online universities that teach the anatomy and physiology of the skin, wound assessment, and wound management. Programs usually last six weeks. The program may count as a continuing education credit for nursing professionals who need to maintain their professional licensure. Like coursework, esthetician certification online is possible, but practical training and examination must be completed in person.

Advanced training in esthetics for health care professionals focuses on the use of lasers for cosmetic skin surgery. Students learn about different types of lasers and their applications. Training can be completed in mesotheraphy, or the removal of cellulite. Workshops are available in pain management and dermatology procedures.

Online Esthetician Program

The Fortis Institute is one of the few schools in the United States offering online education in esthetics. While the majority of practical skills are built through in person work due to the nature of the job, some theory and lecture courses can be completed in an online format. Students learn about many different skills in aesthetics and skin care, as well as some business fundamentals. Graduates have the skills and experience necessary to find employment in a multitude of venues, from travel to medicine and beyond.

While online programs in esthetics are hard to find, those that do exist offer a good opportunity to students by blending online coursework with hands-on practice. Remember to consider the programs available, a program's curriculum, and your career goals when deciding where to enroll.

Can I Get My Esthetician License Online?

Estheticians are required to gain licensure in the state they practice in. Different states have different requirements, but in general coursework, hands on training and passing of a state exam is necessary. Some online esthetician programs allow for online completion of coursework, but the training hours and exam must be completed in person. Thus, it is not possible to get your esthetician license online completely, even through an esthetician school online.

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