What is a Certificate Program in Esthetics?
A certificate program in esthetics will prepare you with the knowledge you need for a rewarding career as an esthetician. These programs also prepare students to take and pass necessary licensing tests as mandated by the states. The subjects covered in an esthetics certificate program typically include facials, skincare, hair removal, makeup, and some business topics.
Courses will occur both in the classroom and via hands-on learning. If you want to make a difference in peoples' lives, enjoy working with your hands and closely with people, and enjoy skincare, then an esthetics certificate may be right for you. Some estheticians even own their own business, so entrepreneurs may also fit well in this field. Esthetics is an important field because estheticians educate people on taking care of their skin so they can feel healthy, empowered and at their best. Esthetics is a growing field with always-changing techniques and products.
Certificates in Esthetics
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Placement Services | Career Services | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jacinto Community College | $17500 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Ridgewater College | $20948 | 71 | No | Yes |
| 3 | Eastern Wyoming College | $11721 | 96 | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Central Wyoming College | $16700 | 70 | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Northern Michigan University | $9072 | 66 | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Minnesota West Community and Technical College | $7694 | 63 | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College | $34833 | 76 | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Blue Ridge Community College | $9288 | 84 | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Minnesota State College Southeast | $34833 | 76 | Yes | Yes |
| 10 | Rend Lake College | $14441 | 71 | Yes | No |
| 11 | Kishwaukee College | $19500 | 62 | Yes | Yes |
| 12 | Trinidad State Junior College | $9917 | 62 | Yes | Yes |
| 13 | Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | $15960 | 0 | No | Yes |
| 14 | Edgecombe Community College | $12480 | 0 | No | No |
| 15 | Davidson County Community College | $17130 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Degree in Esthetics?
An alternative to a certificate program in esthetics is an associate degree program in esthetics. Compared to an esthetics certificate that takes about 6 months to complete on average, an associate degree in esthetics will take about two years. The degree earned will typically be an Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology with a concentration in esthetics.
Unlike an esthetics certificate, an associate degree will require you to complete general education courses in subjects like English, Mathematics, Humanities, and Science as well as other cosmetology subjects. In a certificate program, your courses will only cover esthetics topics. You will still be required to pass the licensure exam to become an esthetician after completing an associate degree program.
Should I Get a Certificate in Esthetics?
Once you earn a certificate in esthetics, you will have the knowledge and skills you need to begin a career in the field. Compared to a degree program, a certificate program in esthetics will cost less money and take less time to complete. A certificate in esthetics can cost about $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the program.
There will be more fees for an associate degree, since there will be more credits required to graduate. A certificate program will take about six months to one year to complete. An attractive aspect of an esthetics certificate is that your classes will only cover topics that interest you and will benefit your future career. In a certificate program, you will learn skills not only to work as an esthetician professionally but also self-care skills you will know and use for the rest of your life. You will also have the knowledge and ability to work with a wide variety of clients, which means your job as an esthetician will always be changing.
Career Options After Completing a Certificate Program in Esthetics
After you complete your esthetician certificate and pass the state licensing exam, you can apply for various jobs in the field, depending on your interests. The most common jobs you may think of first are probably those of esthetician technologists in spas and salons. In these locations, estheticians may perform job duties such as facials, waxing services, or other skin treatments. You may even be able to work your way up to a manager role at a spa or salon.
There will also be the option to start your own esthetician business in a niche most interesting and exciting to you. Other career options after completing a certificate program in esthetics include medical estheticians and esthetician instructors.
Beauty Blogger or Writer Career
Becoming a master of any trade means you have the skills to educate others. If writing and social media are two of your specialties, then becoming a knowledgeable beauty blogger may be a career option for you after completing a certificate program in esthetics. Being a beauty blogger or writer means sharing what you know about skincare, makeup, waxing, and other self-care tips that many people want to know for themselves.
Medical Esthetician Career
You can become a medical esthetician with additional training. Medical estheticians perform laser procedures for patients with skin conditions or traumas. As a medical esthetician, you may work in a hospital, clinic, or another healthcare facility. Some medical estheticians work for plastic surgeons or dermatologists, while others are self-employed.
Esthetician Instructor Career
Some estheticians interested in education become esthetician instructors to advance their careers. A career as an esthetician instructor may be more stable than other career paths in the field due to the elimination of the sales and other business aspects of working in a spa. Plus, being an instructor means the satisfaction of educating the next estheticians into your field.
Continued Education after an Esthetics Certificate Program
Continuing education courses and certificates provide you with more job opportunities and more knowledge in the field of esthetics. There are many specialized esthetics courses to choose from to continue your education, including medical esthetics, laser therapies, oncology esthetics, skin conditions, chemical peels, and aromatherapy.
Many states require continuing education credits to be completed to maintain an esthetician license. Besides continuing education credits, you could choose to complete advanced specialty certifications in esthetics, such as lasers, waxing, or medical esthetics. Advanced certifications will have a cost, while some continuing education courses will be free or have a small fee.
Courses for a Certificate Program in Esthetics
As a student in a certificate program in esthetics, you will be taking classes in both a lecture format and a hands-on experience format. Some programs even offer esthetics classes online rather than in a classroom. Courses will cover topics that will be important to a career as an esthetician. Some courses will teach students the skills to perform tasks like facials and waxing, while other classes will teach business skills.
There are also options for courses that teach students to become esthetics instructors. The average amount of course credits required in an esthetics certificate program is 20 credits, and the average number of hours of hands-on experience required before graduation is 600 hours.
Core Curriculum in Esthetics Certificate Programs
The classes you will take as a student in an esthetics certificate program will vary by program and concentration. However, there are similarities among esthetics certificate programs. Courses in certificate programs are only focused on esthetics topics.
Common core courses in esthetics certificate programs include:
- Facials and Skincare
- Makeup
- Waxing and Hair Removal
- Laws and Regulations
- Disinfection, Sanitation, and Safety
- Management and Sales
Learning Outcomes for Certificate Programs in Esthetics
Certificate programs in esthetics have learning outcomes for their students that help shape the program and ensure students are set up for success. Some common learning outcomes include:
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Participation in various settings
- Application of skincare knowledge
- Development of customer care skills and strategies
- Ability to perform a variety of specialized body and skin treatments
- Successful completion of at least 600 hours of practice prior to graduation
- Identification of career goals and specializations of interest
How Long Does a Certificate Program in Esthetics Take?
You can earn a certificate in esthetics in as little as six months, though some programs will take closer to one year to complete. The length will depend on the program and the type of esthetician you are becoming. For example, becoming a master esthetician will take more time than becoming a general esthetician.
The number of hands-on hours required to graduate from an esthetics certificate program varies by state. These hours range from 260 to 1,000, with the majority of states requiring 600 hours of hands-on experience prior to finishing your certification and passing the licensure exam.
How to Choose a Certificate Program in Esthetics
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a certificate program in esthetics. The location of the program may be important to some students (near your home or job, vs starting in a new state), while others may be more concerned about the cost or program format. There are esthetician certificate programs held by all 50 states in the U.S, with some taking place on campus and some online. Keep in mind that there will be hands-on experience required before graduation even for online programs.
Another consideration for esthetics students may be the length of the program (a year may be less desirable than 6 month options). Become familiar with the curriculum offered at programs you are considering to make sure the courses are of interest to you and meet your preferred schedule. Some final factors to consider are the reputation of the program and the staff. If possible, getting information or recommendations from friends or family who have been through esthetician programs can help you choose a program you will be comfortable with and proud of. The Associated Skin Care Professionals website has a helpful tool on their website for finding program information by state.
How to Get into Esthetics Certificate Programs
Once you have decided which esthetics certificate program you want to complete, the next step will be to apply to the program. Application requirements for a certificate program in esthetics tend to be short and simple. Common requirements for admission are a high school diploma or GED and a completed application, including any applicable fees. Some schools may also require an admission exam or interview.
Prerequisite classes are not typically required to be considered for enrollment in an esthetician certificate program. Previous professional experience in the field of esthetics will not be required either (though if have any it may help you excel in the program or future careers). Many schools offer enrollment multiple times a year, so be sure to know when applications are due to start on your desired date. If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, the certificate program should have advisors who are available to help you.
Cost of an Esthetics Certificate Program
The total cost of an esthetics certificate program will include tuition and materials, as well as personal costs for transportation, food, and board. The average tuition of an esthetics certificate ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, so know how much you can afford. There may also be administrative fees you will have to pay per class or semester.
An additional cost of esthetics programs is that of a required program kit that will include items for completing the hands-on experience needed to graduate. These kits will include tools, makeup, and skincare products and can range in price from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the program and items in the kit. There will also be the cost of textbooks and school supplies to consider.
Once you have graduated, there will be a fee to take the required licensure exam to become an esthetician, the cost of which will vary by state.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Esthetics Certificate Programs
Financial aid to help you pay for an esthetics certificate program is available. One of the first steps is to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which will let you know if you are eligible for federal aid. To be considered for financial aid there will usually be evidence of financial need. You will still need to complete a FAFSA even if applying for financial aid through your certificate program.
Some esthetics certificate programs also offer financial aid for which you can apply. Other financial aid options include private loans and financial assistance through an employer. Your program may also offer payment plans so you do not have to pay tuition all at once.
There are even grants and scholarships specifically for esthetics and cosmetology students that can be found through the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation, the National Coalition of Estheticians Association, and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. A final option is to use search engines like the one found on Scholarships.com that help students find various scholarships.