Taking esthetician courses online is an excellent way for students to advance their education and achieve their career goals without committing to a traditional four-year degree.
An esthetician is a skincare professional who provides services like facials, scrubs, body wraps, waxing, and makeup treatments.
Online esthetician courses allow anyone to build a lasting career in skincare. These courses help students develop the essential skills needed for success.
This article provides detailed information on top online esthetician schools and explores key concepts in the esthetician profession.
Who Is an Esthetician?
An esthetician is a professional who specializes in skincare and the beautification of the skin. They assess a client’s skin condition to determine the best treatments to enhance their appearance and then administer those treatments.
These treatments can include facials, hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and selling skincare products.
Estheticians do not diagnose or treat skin diseases or disorders. Their focus is on skincare for overall health and beauty. However, their training allows them to recognize skin issues that may need medical attention from a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin. Another term for esthetician is aesthetician.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
Estheticians provide a variety of skincare services, including:
- Quality facial treatments for skincare issues
- Advising clients and suggesting personalized treatments
- Performing face and scalp massages for therapeutic or relaxation purposes
- Hair removal through exfoliation, waxing, threading, or chemicals
- Makeup application and makeovers for special events
- Facial extraction to remove blackheads
- Performing facial and body masks, wraps, sugar and salt scrubs, and compression wraps
Their skills and competencies enable them to cater to the diverse needs of their clients
How to Become an Esthetician Online
To pursue a career in skincare through online education, here are some steps and requirements:
- Eligibility: Most online esthetician programs are designed for adults, but students over the age of 16 can also register.
- Program Formats: While many beauty and technical schools offer on-campus training, some provide hybrid programs. These include a mix of online theory courses and on-campus, hands-on training.
- Certification: Programs usually lead to a certificate. Students can also consider related programs, like a makeup artist certificate, which offer similar foundational skills.
- Course Content: Online esthetician courses cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, and spa management skills, allowing licensed beauticians to expand their expertise in specific areas.
By meeting these requirements and completing the necessary coursework, students can become certified estheticians and advance their careers in skincare.
What is the Skincare Specialist/Esthetician School Online Certification?
Certification after completing an online esthetician training program is similar to that of traditional schools. Here are the key steps:
- Practical Training Hours: Students must complete the required number of practical training hours as mandated by the state board of cosmetology.
- State Board Exam: After completing the required hours, students are eligible to take the state board exam.
- Licensing: Upon passing the exam, students can apply for their esthetician license.
Online esthetician programs provide the necessary information and training for students to excel in their field. The online format offers flexibility, saving time, money, and energy, allowing students to focus on their studies and practical training hours required for certification.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Esthetician School Online?
The duration of online esthetician courses varies based on state requirements and the specific program. Here are some general guidelines:
- Training Hours: Most states require around 600 to 750 hours of training. This typically takes about six months to complete, though it can vary.
- Hands-On Training: Online programs also include a certain amount of hands-on training to meet state requirements.
- State-Specific Requirements: The exact number of hours and the format of training can vary by state, so it’s important to check with your state board of cosmetology for specific licensing requirements.
Some programs may offer certification in less time, depending on their structure and state regulations.
How to Choose a Specialty in an Online Esthetician School
Choosing a specialty in an online esthetician school can help you develop expertise in specific treatments and services. Here are steps to guide you:
- Identify Your Interests: Determine which areas of skincare and beauty you are most passionate about. Consider what treatments and services excite you the most.
- Research Specialties: Look into the various specialty courses offered by online esthetician schools. Common specialties include:
- Wraps
- Reiki
- Aromatherapy
- Microdermabrasion
- Body Treatments
- Innovative Spa Therapies
- Advanced Facial Massage
- Laser Hair Removal
- Advanced Acne Treatment
- Theatrical Makeup
- Permanent Makeup (Tattooing)
- Other Makeup Artistry Techniques (Airbrush, Camouflage)
- Consider Career Goals: Think about your long-term career goals and how a specialty might help you achieve them. For example, if you want to work in a high-end spa, advanced spa therapies or microdermabrasion might be beneficial.
- Check School Offerings: Not all schools offer the same specialties, so ensure the online esthetician school you choose provides the courses you’re interested in.
- State Requirements: Verify that the specialty training aligns with your state’s licensing requirements.
By carefully selecting a specialty, you can enhance your skills and increase your marketability in the beauty and skincare industry.
What is the Cost of Attending an Online Esthetician School?
The cost of attending an online esthetician school typically ranges between $3,000 and $10,000, according to Evergreen Beauty College. The total expense depends on several factors:
- Program Length: Longer programs generally cost more.
- Location: Tuition rates can vary depending on the school’s location and state-specific requirements.
- Required Training Hours: The number of practical training hours required by your state can influence the overall cost.
In addition to tuition, there may be other fees, including:
- Textbooks
- Registration Fees
- Equipment
These additional costs can vary by program, so it’s important to check with individual schools for a detailed breakdown of all expenses.
Skincare Esthetician Classes
Estheticians are skincare experts trained in various topics, some overlapping with cosmetologist training. They learn to recognize, diagnose, and treat skin problems, becoming proficient in services such as facials, microdermabrasion, peels, and scrubs. Here are some of the common online classes offered in esthetician programs:
- Hair Removal:
- Covers methods like waxing, sugaring, depilatory creams, and electrolysis.
- Teaches how to handle facial and body hair removal.
- Makeup Application and Removal:
- Focuses on makeup techniques to enhance client appearance while ensuring skin health.
- Includes instruction on proper makeup removal.
- Body Treatments:
- Covers microdermabrasion, peels, scrubs, and blackhead extractions for the body and face.
- Teaches when and how to use each treatment.
- Nail Care:
- Provides basic knowledge of manicures, pedicures, nail structures, diseases and disorders, cuticle treatments, and nail repair.
- Skin Analysis and Massage:
- Focuses on exfoliation, facial massage techniques, facial mask treatments, and facial cleansing methods.
- Cosmetic Chemistry:
- Studies skin biology, cell physiology, emulsions, and skincare products.
- Makeup Application and Color Theory:
- Covers techniques for applying foundation and eye makeup, along with understanding application tools and skin tones.
- Medical Terminology:
- Teaches the medical terms and phrases commonly used in medical specialties, useful for medical transcription purposes.
These courses equip estheticians with the knowledge and skills needed to provide comprehensive skincare services and address various client needs effectively.
List of Online Esthetician Courses
- Beauty Therapy and Makeup
- Foundation in Skincare
- Hair Removal
- Cosmetic Chemistry
- Color Theory
- Human Anatomy
- Physiology
12 Best Online Esthetician Schools
Here is a comprehensive list of the 15 best schools offering esthetician certification online:
- Westside Tech
- Tuition and Fees: More than $3,192
- Located in Winter Garden, FL, Westside Tech offers technical certificates in various areas, including advanced esthetics. They provide Adult Basic Education, ESOL, and GED preparation programs.
- Penn Foster High School
- Tuition and Fees: $30 per course
- An accredited online high school established in 1890, Penn Foster allows students to earn diplomas from home at their own pace. It offers a range of online programs with flexible study options.
- West Tennessee Business College
- Tuition: Over $14,800
- Located in Jackson, TN, this college offers training in medical assisting, cosmetology, esthetician courses, and more. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools.
- West Georgia Technical College
- Tuition: Over $2,192 for local and $3,992 for domestic tuition
- Established in 1966 and located in Waco, GA, WGTC offers numerous associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, including esthetician courses.
- W Academy of Salon and Spa
- Located in Danville, CA, this small institution provides programs in cosmetology and esthetics, focusing on clear, precise, and consistent techniques.
- Victory’s Academy of Cosmetology
- Tuition: $11,220 to $18,455
- Situated in Kennewick, WA, Victory’s Academy offers training in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and massage therapy.
- VICI Aveda Institute
- Tuition Fees: $16,533
- Located in Milwaukee, WI, VICI Aveda Institute offers cosmetology and esthiology programs with a focus on shaping the future of fashion, wellness, and beauty.
- University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts
- Tuition Fees: Ranges from $4,000 to $20,000
- Located in Springfield, IL, USCA offers accredited programs in cosmetology, esthiology, nail technology, teaching, and massage therapy.
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
- Tuition Fees: $3,152 to $5,552
- A public community college in Valdosta, GA, offering degrees and certificates in various fields, including esthetics.
- Universal Career School
- Tuition Fees: $9,900
- Located in Miami, FL, UCS offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, skin care, and more, providing hands-on experience.
- Paul Mitchell Schools
- Tuition Fees: $17,184
- Offering a range of programs including skincare, barbering, and cosmetology, Paul Mitchell Schools are known for their extensive networking opportunities.
- Empire Beauty Schools
- Tuition Fees: $19,260
- The largest system of cosmetology schools in the U.S., Empire Beauty Schools offer hands-on training in esthetics and cosmetology.