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There are many different aesthetic careers you can pursue in the beauty industry. While all are exciting and rewarding professional choices, few offer lucrative financial and professional growth opportunities.
If you are wondering what kind of academic credentials you would need to become a Certified Aesthetic Professional. Then let us look at what aesthetics training program entails.
What Does a Certification Mean for Aesthetic Training?
To be certified as an aesthetician, you must first complete a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited course at a vocational school or a postsecondary educational institute. In case, CAAHEP does not accredit your school, you need to transfer your academic credits to an accredited school to earn the certification.
Your program should typically include the following courses:
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Sanitation, Safety, and Infection Control Procedures for Aesthetics
- Topics in Skin and Body Anatomy
- Histology and Epidermis
- Cosmetic Chemistry/Skincare Technology
- Color Science and Technical Applications for Cosmetics
- Social and Ethical Issues in the Aesthetic Profession
- Ethics, Code of Professional Conduct, and Client Rights & Responsibilities
- Community Health Concerns
- Medical Aesthetics and Office Management/Bookkeeping
- Elective courses that pertain to the student’s interests, needs, and future goals in aesthetics
- Scientific Research Paper or Thesis
Once you finish your coursework, you must pass a national clinical board examination to become certified. The exam is divided into 1) theoretical, 2) practical application of procedures, and 3) client consultation skills.
What Are the Career Prospects?
Once you complete this process, your certification is good for five years before another renewal process (which includes continuing education) commences.
Aestheticians acquire many types of professional roles. The most common ones are:
- Spas and Salons (Full-Time)
- Day Spas (Full-Time)
- Aesthetician Consultants for Salon Chains (Part-Time)
- Medical Aesthetician at a Medical Spa (Part-Time)
- Aesthetician/Skin Care Instructor (Full-Time or Part-Time)
While most aesthetic professionals work in salons and spas, there are also opportunities in beauty product sales marketing and skincare training.
Factors to Consider Before Enrolling in an Aesthetics Course
While many different schools offer degree programs in the discipline, you need to do a thorough research before enrolling. Secondly, inquire about the time it takes to complete an aesthetics training program and what financial aid is available to students.
In addition, ensure the school has a good reputation in the industry and ask if their aesthetician graduates are suitably placed after graduation. Lastly, find out what the school’s passing rates are for their aesthetician certification board examinations.
How Long Will it Take to Become a Certified Aesthetic Professional?
To become a licensed esthetician, you need to invest a minimum of two years for completing state-licensed vocational schools or cosmetology programs. The hands-on training required to complete this program will enable you to learn the skills necessary to pass the licensing board exam and excel at your job as an aesthetician.
What Salary Can a Certified Aesthetic Professional Expect after Obtaining a License?
After completing your training and passing state exams, you are legally allowed to begin your career as an aesthetician. While the salaries vary from region to region, you can earn anything between $10-20 per hour. However, you can get an advantage if you are employed in places with spa facilities or aesthetic centers where the demand for spa services is high.
What Kind of Skills or Qualities Do You Need to Become a Certified Aesthetic Professional?
To begin with, aesthetic professionals need to have good communication skills. They must be willing to enjoy serving different clients and cater to their concerns. Professionals also need to master time management because multitasking is an essential skill for this profession. Lastly, use your good judgment and strictly follow the ethical standards set out by the state board for regulating your profession.