Becoming an esthetician involves completing an accredited program, passing exams, and gaining practical experience. It is an exciting journey that leads to a fulfilling career in the beauty industry. Here are the four steps explained:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Diploma Program
To start your career, you need to complete an accredited diploma program. This will cover all necessary theory and hands-on training. At Wrapture Beauty Academy, we offer several diploma programs accredited through Apprenticeship Manitoba:
Specializations Explained:
Esthetician Diploma Program
A full Esthetician is trained in both nail and skin care. They offer a wide range of beauty services, combining skills from both specializations, as well as classic beauty services. This comprehensive training allows them to provide the entire range of beauty care.
Nail Technician Diploma Program
A Nail Technician specializes in nail care. This includes manicures, pedicures, nail art, and other nail treatments. They focus on the beauty and health of the nails.
Esthetician: Skin Technician Diploma Program
A Skin Technician specializes in classic and advanced skin care. This includes treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and other skin treatments. In addition, this program also teaches classic beauty services such as lash extensions, makeup, waxing, and body treatments.
Step 2: Pass the Practical Exam
After completing your training, take the practical exam conducted by Apprenticeship Manitoba. Our dedicated educators will ensure you feel confident to take this step. This exam verifies your competencies and ensures you are ready for professional practice.
Step 3: Find Employment and Register as an Apprentice
Secure employment in a spa or salon. Here, you will register as an apprentice and complete required work hours:
- Nail Technician: 1,000 hours (about 7 months of full-time employment)
- Skin Technician: 1,100 hours (about 7 months of full-time employment)
- Esthetician: 3,200 hours (about 19 months of full-time employment)
Step 4: Pass the Licensing Exam
The final step is to pass the written Apprenticeship Manitoba Licensing Exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills, ensuring you meet industry standards.After passing the exam, you will receive your license.
Congratulations! You have now become a licensed esthetician, ready to start your professionally licensed career in an amazing, fulfilling field full of opportunities to grow and expand.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Esthetician in Canada?
Considering both education and apprenticeship, the total time to become a licensed esthetician can range from one to two years.
Here is a breakdown of the typical durations for each pathway in Manitoba:
Esthetics Diploma Program
Duration: 40 weeks
This comprehensive program covers both skin care and nail care, preparing you for a wide range of beauty services.
Esthetician – Skin Care Technician Diploma Program
Duration: 30 weeks
Focused primarily on skin care techniques (with other beauty services), this program is shorter but intensive, equipping you with specialized skills.
Nail Technician Diploma Program
Duration: 16 weeks
This program is the shortest and focuses exclusively on nail care, making it a streamlined path to entering a full-time career in the beauty industry.
Practical Experience and Apprenticeship
After completing your diploma program, you will then gain practical experience through apprenticeship employment at a beauty business. The required apprenticeship hours vary by specialization from 1100 hours (Nail or Skin Technician: about 7 months of full-time employment) to 3200 hours (full Esthetician: about 19 months of full-time employment).
What Type of Estheticians Make the Most Money?
Estheticians specializing in medical esthetics often make the most money. These professionals work in medical spas or advanced beauty settings, providing treatments such as laser, IPL, radiofrequency, and microneedling. Read about the four most in-demand services for medical estheticians here.
How can I become a medical esthetician?
In the competitive field of esthetics, becoming a medical esthetician can significantly boost your earning potential, enhance your desirability to potential employers, and expand your career opportunities.
Adding this skill set to your esthetician studies is an easy way to achieve these goals.
Steps to Becoming a Medical Esthetician
- Complete an Accredited Esthetician Diploma Program
Start with a foundational program such as the Esthetics Diploma Program or Skin Care Technician Program. These programs cover essential skin science and practical skills.
- Add-On Specialized Courses
If you are an esthetician, you can add specialized courses to your diploma studies. Consider enrolling in a Laser Technician Program and a Microneedling Course.
If you are studying to be an esthetician, the theory portion of these courses will be much more concise, since you will have just learned much of the skin science in your diploma program.
You will gain hands-on practice with your very own Wrapture Beauty Academy educators, allowing you to confidently learn advanced techniques.
What is the difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician?
Esthetician
An esthetician focuses on providing services such as nail care, beauty treatments, and skin care like facials, exfoliations, and waxing. They primarily treat the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, and aim to improve its appearance and health through traditional techniques enhanced by current knowledge.
Medical Esthetician
Medical estheticians take skin care a step further by incorporating advanced treatments. They treat the deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis, using innovative equipment and techniques, including lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL), radiofrequency technology, microneedling, and advanced clinical procedures. This specialized training allows them to achieve dramatic results and address more complex skin concerns.
Advancing Your Career
Many students begin their journey with the Esthetics Diploma Program and then advance their skill set through supplementary training. This pathway easily allows them to become medical estheticians. Others may start with the Skin Care Technician Program and eventually take advanced courses like microneedling and laser hair removal, ultimately achieving the designation of a medical esthetician.
Your Path to a Rewarding Career
Becoming an esthetician involves completing an accredited program, passing exams, and gaining practical experience.
Whether you choose to specialize, become a full esthetician, or become a medical esthetician, the opportunities are vast and rewarding. Start your journey today and embrace the world of beauty and wellness!