Whats your path?

Skills & knowledge you need to work in different locations

  • Medical Esthetics

    Working in these environments takes a different skill set than the one we learned in esthetics school. If you are wanting to work with lasers or perform medium depth peels these would be considered out of your scope and need to be supervised by a medical professional if your state allows. For more on your scope, check out the advocacy section.

  • Spa, Day Spa, Wellness Center, Skin Clinic

    Working in these environments are very rewarding and demanding. A well-trained esthetician can make a good living and make a difference in the skin health and emotional well being of their clients.

  • Independant Esthetician

    Being self-employed requires a different level of skill set in addition to your core training. If this is your path, the benefits can be high but so is the stress. Being well prepared is essential for success.

Working In Medical Esthetics

Skills & knowledge needed for success

  • Device Techniques: Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Microneedling, Radio Frequency, Electrodesiccation, Ultrasound, Light Therapy Laser Certification (IPL, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Lipolysis, Non-Ablative Treatments)

  • Skin Assessment: recognize skin types and conditions, including Fitzpatrick typing Advanced Chemical Peels Medical Charting/HIPPA Extraction

  • Medical Knowledge Competency: Cosmetic medical procedures: fillers, neuromodulators (i.e. botox)

  • Knowledge Competency: Advanced skin science: skin function, structure, biochemistry, disease & disorders, understand common pharmacology with sun sensitivity guidelines

  • Product knowledge/Cosmetic Chemistry Understanding how to sell/Patient follow-up

  • Medical terminology and HIPPA Guidelines Medical Charting

  • Working with cancer patients and others with health issues

  • Critical thinking skills

  • Safety & Sanitation (includes autoclave use)

Working in a Spa, Day Spa, Independent Practice

Skills & knowledge needed for success

  • Advanced Massage Techniques

  • Skin Assessment: recognize skin types and conditions

  • Device techniques: Electrotherapy, Light Therapy, Basic Equipment, Microdermabrasion, Ultrasonic, Microcurrent

  • Aromatherapy protocols

  • Body treatments and spa therapies

  • Facial protocols: European facial, Chemical Exfoliation, Manufacturer protocols, Extraction

  • Knowledge Competency: Product knowledge/Cosmetic Chemistry, Understanding how to sell, follow up and rebook, Aromatherapy theory & cautions, Working with cancer patients and others with health issues, Understanding holistic modalities such as Ayurveda, herbology and nutrition basics, Body treatments and spa therapies, Skin science, Critical thinking skills, Resilience and the ability to work independently, Safety & Sanitation