The Steps Required for Becoming an Esthetician

Estheticians work in beauty salons providing exfoliation treatments, skin polishing, body wraps, facials, waxing, hair removal and other specialized skin care services. Esthetic trained professionals must have a license issued by the state to offer their services to clients.

Steps for Becoming an Esthetician

Here are the steps you must take if you are interested in becoming an esthetician:

Learn About the Job

Before enrolling in a training program, take the time to find out what an esthetician does. You can observe someone who is already working in this field. Qualified individuals enjoy working with people and are able to make clients feel relaxed and comfortable.

Have a High School Diploma or Equivalent

To begin a training program, you must graduate from high school or earn a GED.

Apply for an Accredited Training Program

Find a suitable program with accreditation from the NACCAS. You can enroll in a cosmetology school, technical college or local community college offering this type of training. You will need to fill out an application, pass an entrance exam, pay a registration fee and provide a valid photo ID and copies of your high school transcripts. You may also have to complete a live interview for acceptance.

Earn a Certificate

Earning a certificate will take between six and 12 weeks depending on whether you attend classes part time or full time. Courses include physiology, esthetician theory, skin analysis, color theory, safety, nutrition, anatomy, facial treatments, hair removal and sanitation. Many programs offer ways to receive hands-on training. You may also have to take courses in marketing, bookkeeping and business management.

Obtain a License

Licensing requirements vary by state but in most cases, you will have to earn a certificate, have 300 hours experience in a supervised setting and pass practical and written exams.

Apply for a Job

Some training programs offer assistance with job placement for graduates. The National Cosmetology Association lists job resources on its website. You can apply for a job in a salon, resort or local spa. You can work with a licensed esthetician as an apprentice until you find employment.