Aesthetician Training Programs and Requirements
Majors Overview March 14, 2013Clients rely on specialized body and skin treatments from professionals known as aestheticians. These professionals usually hold a high school diploma and completed state-approved training program. In order to practice their profession, they need to complete licensure requirements.
Aestheticians Training Programs
Training programs for aestheticians are not typically in the form of traditional degree or diploma programs. However, candidates who pass the program are awarded a Certificate of Completion at some schools. Aspiring aestheticians are required by a majority of states to undergo training courses offered at state-licensed schools, such as beauty academies or cosmetology schools. Training courses usually comprise hundreds of hours of classroom instruction including hands on training. Typically, coursework includes subject areas such as waxing techniques, make-up application, and skin-care treatments and analysis. Classes may also be offered in product sales and retail business practices.
Licensing Requirements
Aestheticians and other individuals performing work in the fields relating to personal appearance have to obtain licensure issued by state boards of cosmetology before being allowed to practice their profession (source: www.bls.gov). Licensing requirements can be different from state to state, but most aestheticians are expected to have completed a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, as well as undergoing training through state-approved programs and passing the state-issued exams. In several states, aestheticians are required to renew licensure throughout their entire careers.
Job Requirements
The ability to properly evaluate a client’s skin is crucial to selecting the adequate solution such as make-up, creams and lotions to enhance the skin by beautifying it. Strong interpersonal skills are also needed by aestheticians to help in developing rapport with patients and building a steady and regular clientele base. The ability to market products to customers would be an additional asset. Aestheticians also need to stay updated with current trends in the industry, including the latest services and products, in order to ensure the delivery of the most effective treatment solutions to customers.
Career Outlook
Job growth of thirty-eight percent has been predicted for skin care specialists during the period from 2008 to 2018. In May 2010, an average annual salary ranging from $20,640-$40,810 was earned by the middle half of skin care professionals. Most aestheticians build their customer base over a span of several years to earn higher incomes and accomplish advancement in their careers. Experienced aestheticians may work for state cosmetology boards, sell beauty products, open their own salons or gain advancement opportunities through specialization.
