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Academy founder Ruta
Ruta, founder of Beauty Therapy Academy, has 28+ years of skincare expertise, training students in advanced techniques.
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Are you considering a career in esthetics? Wondering how long an esthetician program takes and what factors influence the time it takes to complete? Becoming a professional esthetician requires proper training, hands-on experience, and licensure. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about enrolling in an esthetician school, the length of an esthetician program, and the steps towards becoming a licensed esthetician. Read on to discover if a beauty school program might be right for you!
1. What Is an Esthetician and What Do They Do?
An esthetician is a trained skincare specialist who provides various treatments to improve skin health and appearance, gaining extensive knowledge and skills. Estheticians perform facials, exfoliation, chemical peels, waxing, and more. Their expertise helps clients maintain clear, healthy skin while addressing specific concerns like acne, aging, and hydration.
2. How Long Does an Esthetician Program Take?
The length of an esthetician program varies depending on the state and the program you choose. A full-time esthetician program typically takes about 4 to 6 months, while others may take 9 to 12 months to complete. The number of training hours required also differs by state, with most states requiring around 600 hours of instruction.
At Beauty Therapy Academy in Illinois, Arlington Heights, course lengths are:
Cleansing Techniques are essential skills for obtaining a license. (Face & Body) – 58 hours
Microdermabrasion is a popular treatment in the field of cosmetology. (Face) – 38.5 hours
Body Treatments – 19.5 hours is a common requirement for training in esthetician education.
3. Full-Time vs. Part-Time Esthetician Programs
If you want to complete the program as quickly as possible, enrolling in a full-time program is the best choice. However, a part-time program is ideal for those balancing work or other commitments while pursuing their license. The decision depends on your schedule and how fast you want to enter the beauty industry.
4. What Factors Influence the Length of an Esthetician Program?
Several factors influence how long an esthetician program takes, including:
State requirements – Each state has its own set of training hours needed to take to become an esthetician.
Program curriculum for esthetician education – Some schools offer advanced programs that require more hours.
Full-time or part-time timetable – Students enrolled in partial study programs require a longer duration to finish their training.
5. What Is Included in Curriculum?
A typical esthetician program covers:
Skincare techniques such as cleansing, exfoliation, and facial massage are vital for working as an esthetician.
Advanced treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion
Waxing and hair removal techniques
Safety, sanitation, and client consultation
Anatomy, physiology, and skin disorders
6. Is Esthetician School Hard? What to Expect
Esthetician school requires dedication, practice, and studying to prepare students for their career path. Students must complete hands-on training hours and pass practical exams. While esthetician students may find some topics challenging, those with a passion for skincare will enjoy learning and growing in this field, as it prepares them for working as an esthetician.
7. Requirements to Become a Licensed Esthetician
To become licensed, students must complete an accredited beauty school program, fulfill required training hours, and pass a state licensure exam. Some states also require continuing education to maintain certification.
8. How Many Hours of Training Do You Need to Complete?
The required hours of training vary by state, typically ranging from 300 to 1,500 hours. Most states, including Illinois, require around time in school to obtain an esthetician license. 600 hours of training before students can take their licensing exam.
At the Beauty Therapy Academy located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, we provide practical training so students acquire experience applicable to real-world scenarios. Our curriculum encompasses:
Facial and Body Cleansing Methods – 58 hours
Facial Microdermabrasion – 38.5 hours
Body Care Procedures – 19.5 hours
9. What Are the Career Opportunities for Estheticians?
After completing esthetician training, licensed estheticians can work in:
Spas and salons are great places to gain experience while working as an esthetician.
Medical esthetics clinics
Luxury resorts
Freelance skincare consulting
10. Choosing the Right Esthetician School
When selecting an esthetician school, consider:
Accreditation – Ensure the school meets state requirements.
Curriculum – Choose a program that aligns with your career goals in cosmetology.
Hands-on training – Practical experience is essential for success.
Key Takeaways
The length of an esthetician program varies depending on state regulations and program type.
Full-time programs take about 4-6 months, while part-time programs can take up to a year, depending on how long it takes to complete the esthetician education.
A typical esthetician program includes skincare techniques, facial treatments, and waxing.
To become licensed, students must complete an accredited esthetics program and pass a state exam.
Career opportunities in the beauty industry are vast, from spas to medical esthetics clinics.
If you’re ready to start your journey towards becoming an esthetician, Give us a call today to learn more about our esthetics program and how it can help you obtain your esthetician license!
FAQ
How Long Does an Esthetician Program Take to Complete?
The length of a program varies based on several factors. A full-time program typically requires around 600 hours of training, taking about four to six months to complete. Part-time programs may take longer, extending up to eight to twelve months. The exact duration depends on the esthetics school and state licensure requirements.
At Beauty Therapy Academy in Illinois, Arlington Heights, we offer hands-on training to ensure students gain real-world experience. Our program includes:
Cleansing Techniques (Face & Body) – 58 hours
Microdermabrasion (Face) – 38.5 hours
Body Treatments – 19.5 hours
Through live demonstrations and supervised practice, students develop essential skincare skills, preparing them for licensure and a career in esthetics.
What Are the Factors That Influence the Length of an Esthetician Program?
Several factors can influence the length of an esthetician program. These include the specific curriculum set by the accredited beauty school, whether you enroll full-time or part-time, and the state regulations regarding required training hours. Some states require more than 600 hours of training, while others may require fewer. Additionally, personal commitments and the school’s schedule can also impact how long it takes to complete the program.
Is Esthetician School Hard?
While esthetician school can be challenging, it is designed to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the beauty industry. The curriculum typically covers various aspects of skincare, including facial techniques, product knowledge, and client consultations. Like any educational program, dedication and a passion for esthetics can make the learning process more manageable.
What Steps Are Involved in Becoming a Licensed Esthetician?
To become a licensed esthetician, you must first enroll in and complete an accredited esthetician program. Upon completing the required training hours, you will then need to pass a state licensing exam, which typically includes both written and practical components. After passing the exam, you can apply for your esthetician license and start working as an esthetician in your chosen field.
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