About Esthetics
Industry & Career Outlook
Do you have an appreciation for skincare? Do you enjoy caring for others and helping improve their confidence? Maybe it’s time to consider a career as an esthetician. An esthetician, also known as a skincare specialist, is trained to perform non-invasive cosmetic skin treatments that help people look and feel their best.
Estheticians must undergo extensive study and training and be licensed by their state’s certifying board to practice their craft. Jobs for estheticians will increase by 29% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's a faster job growth rate than the average of all jobs they analyze! Entrepreneurship is boiling over in the beauty industry and consumers are supporting this surge of innovation and creativity.
From the offerings in the cosmetic and beauty services industry to the influence of digital marketing and social media, the beauty industry has taken on a whole new construct and shows no signs of slowing down!
Certificate of Achievement
This program prepares students for licensing as an Esthetician in California. The Esthetics program requires 600 hours of comprehensive training in all facets of the esthetics industry.
Courses focus on theoretical foundation, practical manipulative skills, business knowledge, career development in the field, and the professional and ethical training needed for licensing through the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Prepared with excellent entry-level and some advanced skills, students are able to work in many facets of the beauty industry. Skyline College’s Esthetics Program is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
The Esthetician program at Skyline College is a part-time schedule, full-time unit load, hybrid program designed to be completed in two semesters.
600-hour Program Required Courses and Units
Semester One
ESTI 701, 6 Units:
Esthetics Fundamentals I
ESTI 702, 6 Units:
Esthetics Fundamentals II
Semester Two
ESTI 703, 6 Units:
Esthetics Intermediate Concepts I
ESTI 704, 6 Units:
Esthetics Intermediate Concepts II
ESTI 725, 3 Units:
State Board Written Exam Prep
Elective classes are optional and are offered every summer. Classes offered may vary.
The Esthetic Program starts:
- Every August during the Fall semester for a daytime and an evening program.
- Every January during the Spring semester for a daytime and an evening program.
Applications are accepted year round. We will continue to accept applications until the program is full.
| Days | Monday - Thursday |
| Approximate Times | 8:00am to 1:30pm OR 5:00pm to 10:30pm |
| Duration | 2 semesters for a minimum for 600-hours |
| Approximate Program Cost* | $3,200 |
Admission Procedures and Requirements
The Esthetician Certificate of Achievement does not require any prerequisites or placement exam results.
However, to be considered for admission all prospective students must:
- complete the Skyline College steps to enrollment
- and submit a special program application
Successful completion of steps to enrollment and submission of a special program application packet does not guarantee enrollment. All courses within the Esthetician program are "cohort restricted." This means courses are reserved specifically for students pursuing an esthetician certificate.
The Esthetician program at Skyline College is highly sought after and students are encouraged to complete the Skyline College steps to enrollment and FAFSA, Dream Act and other financial aid applications in a timely manner. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Outreach Information Line at (650) 738-4168.