Estheticians enjoy a flexible and varied career that allows them to meet a wide range of client needs. If you are considering becoming an esthetician, research to find a reputable program that meets state licensing requirements.
Estheticians must be able to tap into modern marketing methods to build their businesses. To do this, they need a strong portfolio of professional photos to showcase their work.
Education Requirements
To become an esthetician, you must finish a specific school offering classroom and practical instruction. The first stage how to become an esthetician is to complete supervised training that typically takes between 800 and 1500 hours.
The best esthetician schools offer flexible schedules for working professionals, including day and evening classes. Some even offer externship opportunities to provide students with valuable on-the-job experience.
During your coursework, you will learn the anatomy of the skin and how to apply products safely and effectively. You will also learn about facials, skin care treatments, and makeup applications.
The school’s highly individualized approach helps students develop their skills and expertise to the best of their ability. Students can enroll online or take a hybrid course that combines classroom courses with on-site, hands-on training.
State Licensing Requirements
Once you have completed your schooling, you must obtain a state license to begin working as an esthetician. Most states require estheticians to complete a cosmetology program of 600 hours or more and pass both a written and practical exam. A few states also allow candidates to complete an apprenticeship to fulfill training and practice hour requirements.
Many beauty schools offer externships to give students real-world experience and hands-on practice. This experience is essential, as it will help you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to your work.
Getting business insurance is also a good idea if you plan to be a freelance esthetician. You’ll want to protect your small business so you can focus on delivering quality services to your clients.
License Requirements
New York is famous for fashion, broadway shows, and millionaires, but it is also home to top esthetician schools. Licensed estheticians can work in high-end salons, spas, dermatologist offices, and even cancer hospitals, providing facials, skincare, makeup consultations, and hair removal.
To become a licensed esthetician, you must have completed a cosmetology program at an accredited school. Many of these programs will accept Title IV federal financial aid so that students can attend at a reduced cost with low student loan debt.
Those who wish to be licensed in New York must pass a state examination. The exam is typically conducted at a proctored testing site. Individuals previously licensed in a jurisdiction with similar licensing requirements may be eligible for licensure by endorsement without taking the state examination. To apply for licensure this way, you must submit the original certification from your previous licensing agency and detailed letters from clients indicating the exact dates and services performed.
Work Experience
Depending on the state, an esthetician might need to pass a licensing exam or complete a certain number of classroom and practical education hours. In addition, an esthetician might need to monitor new findings in skincare and practice.
This program teaches students the skills necessary for the job, including how to give facials and the importance of pressure points during treatments. Students also learn about product ingredients, skin types, and their reactions to different products as well as chemical exfoliation techniques.
This program is a good option for students who want to work in high-end spas and salons. It also meets the educational requirements for licensure in most states.
