Before You Go: Esthetician School Questions

(1) How difficult is it to get in to esthetician school?
 
(A) Most esthetician schools are fairly easy to get in to. You will need, in most cases, a high school diploma or GED to be accepted.

(2) What is the cost for esthetician school?

(A) This can vary widely by city or state, public or private institution, but the costs are anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $25,000 for elite private schools.

(3) Should I attend a an expensive school with all the bells and whistles?

(A) It depends on your budget. If you want to attend a very expensive school with all the bells and whistles and you can afford it great. Remember, taking student loans is not a free ride and if you take a loan for say $25,000 for that education you have to pay it back 6 months after you graduate and it will appear on your credit score. You can get your basic licensing requirements at most community colleges for a fraction of the price.

(4) Are all esthetician programs created equal?

(A) No, not all esthetician programs are created equally. They can vary drastically from institution to institution. I would recommend visiting several esthetician schools before signing on the dotted line. Do not get whisked away by bells and whistles unless they offer something very different than the other schools. Remember, esthetician school is your basic licensing program, it is to help you pass the state boards and get your initial license. There is so much more to learn beyond that point with master/advanced classes. The most important feature to esthetician school is a reputable program that has teachers who care about the success of the students, and a program that goes the extra mile and offers more than just basic licensing requirements. A good program will have strict sanitation guidelines, school projects, esthetician speakers, and teachers who have real world experience in the field.

(5) Are there any fees associated with esthetician school beyond tuition?

(A) Yes, depending on your school. In some of the expensive schools you might not have to purchase a kit or books, but in the less expensive schools you will need to buy the following: uniforms, kit (which includes make-up & implements), mannequin heads, and basic cotton supplies.

(6) Will my school help me find a job once I graduate?

(A) Some schools promise to help you find a job after graduation, if that is true I do not know for a fact, it depends on the school. Some schools do have a job board and a person on staff who reaches out to the community to help graduates find jobs. At the smaller scale and less expensive schools, generally the teachers will get calls from local salons/spas looking to hire estheticians and they will post it on a whiteboard or job board area. So, while they don't necessarily help you find the job they can be a great resource to you.

(7) I am not great at schoool...will I have to study to get an esthetics license?

(A) Yes, absolutely. You have to study to get through this program. While there might be some easy material, there is also harder material like chemistry and skin histology. Some schools will require you to do projects as well. If you are passionate about this field you will find a way to get through it. I knew a girl with learning disabilities who manage to do very well despite having the odds stacked against her. If you put your studies as a top priority in your life, you will reap the benefits.

(8) Do I have to look good every day in esthetician school?

(A) Yes and no. You must be clean and well manicured, and smoke free. You don't have to be a supermodel to be in esthetics, and your skin doesn't have to be perfect all the time. The key is to be well groomed. There is nothing you can do about an acne flare up, it happens and people understand. What they don't appreciate is someone who reeks of smoke and perfume to cover it up. They don't appreciate someone who comes in with greasy hair and looks like they've had a night on the town.

(9) Is esthetician school only for young people?

(A) No, absolutely not. I've seen everyone from 19 year-old's to 50 year-old's in class. The students come from all walks of life, all age groups and racial backgrounds. Some students are fresh out of high school while some are career changers looking for a new career. The great thing is everyone needs esthetics for every age, so this career can use young estheticians as much as they need aging estheticians, they all give a unique perspective to the career field.


Grace Riley, author of Jump Start Your Esthetics Career: A Guide For Newly Licensed Estheticians