Getting ahead...

I actually take one statement back...I did call the Houston, TX CIDESCO school and they are the ONLY OTHER ones that allow you to get different licenses upon graduation. They will have you complete the esthetician studies, take the exam and move on to the massage course...you complete the course, take the state board and get licensed. The same for the nail technician.

They charge $18K and I'm in Waco, TX. I would've gone there but they aren't plugged into the Federal loan system and expect you to get a private loan or pay cash.

I will move from Waco, TX to Independence, MO since my tuition was mostly subsidized.

Sorry, hit the return button to quickly:

For $10,250.00 I will have three licenses and one internationally-recognized cert, As a CIDESCO diplomate, this allows me the freedom to work in any European spa or on a cruise ship.

Do your own due-diligence like I have and see where else in the USA, can you get THREE licenses and one international certification for less than $11K + plus board.

Dorothy in Mountain View, California said: Hello Michele,
I am from Europe and living in Mountain View,CA.I have already M.S. and I decided to start something new- I would like to become an Aesthetician because I was always interested in it.I am trying to find a good school to do a course/licence in bay are(San Jose,San Francisco).As far as now I found there are lots of them and there are different price for courses,ranging $1500-$20K.
1)I learned from previous mails that Ms. Marty's is a good one. Are there any other schools(cheaper)and still good, closer to Mt.View that you can recommend?
2)What is more important nowadays for employers:school that I finish or experience that I have?
3)Finishing Clinical Aesthetician- may I work only for Do's office or can I stay in a Spa or Med Spa field?
4)Which one "Clinical Aesthetician" or "Aesthetician" gives me more job opporunieties/salary?

Thank you in advance for advices,
Dorothy

Hi Dorthy,
The best thing to do prior to enrolling in a school is to ask to sit in on a few theory and practical classes to get an idea of the quality of education. As far as whether it is more important to graduate from a great school or a mediocre school, that depends on how many years in the industry you have when applying/job. Your level of knowledge will normally increase with your years in the industry as their is no real substitute for experience. Although if you are seeking employment directly out of school with very little experience it is beneficial to have the name of a well respected school behind you. If you choose a school that has a high level of education, it will be much easier and faster for you to advance. The title of Clinical esthetician versus Esthetician, the State Board only recognizes "Esthetician". You can obtain clinical esthetic knowledge by going to a CIDESCO school or taking post graduate/medical esthetic classes but at this time there is only one type of "esthetican" license.

Diana in Nampa, Idaho said: Michele,

Hope you're loving life in the Bay Area. I just left there several months ago to go to esthy school in Portland, OR. My hopes are that I made a good career move.
My question concerns writing. How did you begin becoming a published skin care writer? For which publications do you write? Do you love it? I have a B.A.in journalism and would love to integrate writing and esthetics somehow. Don't quite know where to start.
Any info would be great!
Here's my e-mail address: vertigoon@hotmail.com

Many thanks,

Diana

Diana,
I am also in Portland and I work for a company that maybe a great addition to your planned education. If you might be interested in a career while you train for your esthetics/journalism career write me at tomorrowschoicestoday@yahoo.com

Martha Chiriboga in Las Vegas, Nevada said: Sorry, hit the return button to quickly:

For $10,250.00 I will have three licenses and one internationally-recognized cert, As a CIDESCO diplomate, this allows me the freedom to work in any European spa or on a cruise ship.

Do your own due-diligence like I have and see where else in the USA, can you get THREE licenses and one international certification for less than $11K + plus board.

Martha,
I did post this for Diana in Portland as well as to you, I am not sure if you have email alerts so not certain if you would see my other post, if you will be seeking part time income that will be right along your chosen profession, the company that I work for also has opportunities where you are and where you are moving. You can work your own choice of hours and bring in some extra money while still helping others and staying current with cutting edge products. If you would like more infor just email me at tomorrowschoicestoday@yahoo.com

Hi there! I don't know your name; thus the lack of a proper greeting. I'm Diana in Portland and just graduated from esthy school and am also wanting to mesh journalism and esthetics together. I got your message in reply to the note I sent to Michele in the Bay Area on the estheticians forum. You asked me to write you, and so here I am! I would love to hear about the company you work for and the part time income you mention. Please e-mail me at vertigoon@hotmail.com.
Many thanks,
Diana

This question is also directed to Michele:

I too wish to work in the South of France as an esthetician. How does one go about obtaining a list of American owned spas in that region?

I know some French, basic conversation, but am not fluent.

Many thanks,

Diane

michele phelan in san francisco, California said: Hello Julia,
It takes time to develop your skill. Eight months working in a Spa is great experience but you are still considered a novice. If you enjoy working in the Spa than stay awhile longer to gain more experience. If you want to gain more advanced esthetic knowledge and the spa you are with does not offer this training you may want to consider taking advanced classes. Prior to opening one's own businss it is always a good idea to know all aspects of the business that you are planning to enter into, build a clientele, and have strong business skills and capital.
If you are interested in learning more advanced esthetic topics you can visit us at www.conceptsinstitute.com.

Let me know if you need further advice!

I was hoping to get some advice I am a CIDESCO trained esthetician with 18yrs experience I worked in the state of TN for 12 of those unfortunatley I let my license lapse. I'm now living in CA and want to get my license here but I'm unable to afford the fee's to have the transcripts read if theres any way you might know around this I would greatly appreciate it. I would love to get back into the industry and have been thinking of becoming an instructor but again can't seem to find the appropriate info.
Thanks for your time
Lisa

Hi Michelle
I was hoping that you could advise me. I have had my CIDESCO since 1990 and have lived in the states for 13yrs I lived in TN and didn't have a problem getting my state license. Unforunatley it has expired due to me taking time away from my career for children. Anyway I now live in CA and want to get my license here but they want to read the transcripts I am not in a financial position to be able to afford to do that I feel it quite unfair that I can't go back to my profession without having to fork out large sums of money!! I really would appreciate any input you may have I also am really interested in becoming an instructor but cannot find the any info on that either. So if you have the time I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. Lisa

Diane Bussee in Richmond, Virginia said: This question is also directed to Michele:

I too wish to work in the South of France as an esthetician. How does one go about obtaining a list of American owned spas in that region?

I know some French, basic conversation, but am not fluent.

Many thanks,

Diane

Hi,
For info about International Spas you can try contacting www.spaliving.co.za/Contac%20Us.asp

Lisa Cavazo in Temecula, California said: Hi Michelle
I was hoping that you could advise me. I have had my CIDESCO since 1990 and have lived in the states for 13yrs I lived in TN and didn't have a problem getting my state license. Unforunatley it has expired due to me taking time away from my career for children. Anyway I now live in CA and want to get my license here but they want to read the transcripts I am not in a financial position to be able to afford to do that I feel it quite unfair that I can't go back to my profession without having to fork out large sums of money!! I really would appreciate any input you may have I also am really interested in becoming an instructor but cannot find the any info on that either. So if you have the time I would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. Lisa

Hello,
Check with the State Board, you may need to take the test and pay the fee for this, that will probably be your best /cheapest bet, if possible. You will need your license #.
Once your license has been obtained contact basic/advanced schools and let them know you are interested in instructing..

Dreaming in Calgary, Alberta said: Hi everyone!

I am looking for a complete career change. I work as an Oil and Gas Assistant right now, and worked in the Banking Industry for over 10 years. Working in a Surgeons office, Spa clinic, working with skin and lasers has always been an intrest to me. I found this website, and am now having second thoughts. It appears to me that once completion of RN, and then completion of Esthetics i might not be able to find work. I have been looking at jobs in this field, but they have come up short here in Calgary. Can anyone give me some advise???

Thanks

I noticed that your post is about a month old but wondering if u r still looking for information/advise on your question. I live in Calgary and currently taking my esthetics training and may be able to help u with your query as I have done some research in this area.

Yes. please. Any any light you can shed would be wonderful :)

hi, i also have a cosmetology liscence but want to start doing manely esthetics. i know that i do not have to go back to school, but would like to know if anyone here knows of any classes in my area or l.a. area that i can take to get knowleged of present practices so that i can do that. or will a spa usually train or send you to classes?thank you

Hi Nicole,
Often the spa or salon that hires you will train you or send you for outside training or training through their manufactures. For advanced esthetic training you can also check out www.conceptsinstitute.com

Hi,
This is my first time to this forum, and I learned a lot as I do my own research on my future goals, one of them is to attend a CIDESCO training program either to Independence Missouri or Ms Marty's...I still have a least three years before I get to attend, i'm currently in the armed forces serving in Europe...I enjoyed reading all of your threads and I hope eventually I can decide which school I attend to..I'm still unsure where we're going to live either San Diego or the DC area...Any advices?
Martha-I'm so impressed with your discipline and tenacity, after I read your comments I decided that I'd like to follow your training/career progress and see how you do it..this is like an exciting adventure to do for a living what you are passionate about!What is your previous career background?
Delia

Delia,
Gratzie! Thank you for your compliment. I'm now officially a CIDESCO student as of 4/29/2008. It's only been four days, but it feels like a few weeks! My school has the course split up into three segments, "A, B and C". I am entering into their "B" segment and it entails the 'massage and make-up' lessons. Each segment starts with theory/classroom style learning for six consecutive weeks. Then, I proceed to the clinic and practice "massage and make-up" on either customers or other students. I am also required to complete a number of massages and make-up sessions as part of my Segment B clinic homework/project (this is besides my Segment B class homework). My theory instructor, Susan, is also a CIDESCO diplomat and instructor. My practical/clinic instructor, Debbie, is a CIDESCO diplomat who is actually undertaking to become an International Examiner and her first test is this weekend!! Susan has been with the school as an instructor for 34 years and Debbie has been teaching for 14 years, both at the same school - Independence College of Cosmo.

I've learned so much that I have it all in my brain, but can't verbalize it, yet. It feels like going to medical school, because I wear these white smocks and white QUARK shoes.

To give you an overview, in the B segment, we learn: Body and Chair Massages. We learn how to apply make-up; lash & brow tinting, tweezing; AND, we also learn the use of the following machines: G5 (Cyberitic GX99 is the manufacturer) and Synergy Body.

I'm still a licensed mortgage banker (who works on commission), btw. I've been self-employed for most of my life and am generally a GO-GETTER. Yes, I will be a CIDESCO super-star!

We also learn Paraffin for the hands and feet...The company is actually spelled,
www.sybaritic.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bodysystems.dermosonic

it's suppose to vibrate your body and reduce cellulite. I don't remember what the Synergy Body is, right now.

Martha Chiriboga in Las Vegas, Nevada said: Delia,
Gratzie! Thank you for your compliment. I'm now officially a CIDESCO student as of 4/29/2008. It's only been four days, but it feels like a few weeks! My school has the course split up into three segments, "A, B and C". I am entering into their "B" segment and it entails the 'massage and make-up' lessons. Each segment starts with theory/classroom style learning for six consecutive weeks. Then, I proceed to the clinic and practice "massage and make-up" on either customers or other students. I am also required to complete a number of massages and make-up sessions as part of my Segment B clinic homework/project (this is besides my Segment B class homework). My theory instructor, Susan, is also a CIDESCO diplomat and instructor. My practical/clinic instructor, Debbie, is a CIDESCO diplomat who is actually undertaking to become an International Examiner and her first test is this weekend!! Susan has been with the school as an instructor for 34 years and Debbie has been teaching for 14 years, both at the same school - Independence College of Cosmo.

I've learned so much that I have it all in my brain, but can't verbalize it, yet. It feels like going to medical school, because I wear these white smocks and white QUARK shoes.

To give you an overview, in the B segment, we learn: Body and Chair Massages. We learn how to apply make-up; lash & brow tinting, tweezing; AND, we also learn the use of the following machines: G5 (Cyberitic GX99 is the manufacturer) and Synergy Body.

I'm still a licensed mortgage banker (who works on commission), btw. I've been self-employed for most of my life and am generally a GO-GETTER. Yes, I will be a CIDESCO super-star!

This is really cool! When you go to school it seems they give you so much information and there's so much memorization but after a while, it all clicks in...keep us updated as you reach the end of each phase okay?
Ciao/ delia

Delia,
I sure will! BTW, you don't have to include my last quote...just address the note to me and I'll know you're talking to me.

After the six weeks of theory/classroom lectures, Delia, I will be in the clinic for seven weeks perfecting my newly learned skills. It may be eight weeks, if I don't know to attend my schools CIDESCO post-graduate training. This is available to all students while you attend school (outsiders have to pay $1,200 for five days training - every time). We, as students, can attend it an unlimited amount.

This eighth calender-week is also reserved for students who have excellent attendance and a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least a 70% to take their microdermabrasion course. It's a week long, too, and it happens on the eighth week before my next segment. BOTH your attendance and GPA have to be at least 70% to take the microdermabrasion course.

If you want to study and get advanced training before you begin your course, here, then I recommend that you read, absorb and challenge the Milady's online testing prep course at:

www.miladyonline.cengage.com/esthetics.aspx

You may be able to purchase the 2008 textbook on eBay, though, if you want to save money.

i meant to say, "2004" version of the Milady book, which is the latest edition.

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: You do not need to go through nursing to be a Medical Esty. Matter of fact, there is no such thing. What makes you a Medical esthetician is the fact that you are working for a doctor. Otherwise, you must use the term Clinical Esthetician.

However, most physician's which I talk to prefer that the esty is also an RN. I know many who have actually paid for their RN's to go to cosmetology school since it's only an average of 600 hours.

Hope this helps.

Jeff

Jeff: Know of any Doctors willing to pay for an esthetician to become an RN? :-) lol. I come across a lot of RN's becoming Aestheticians, but what about the other way around?? I want to further my career, and I'm finding states not allowing estheticians to do laser hair removal, IPL treatments (photofacials), etc. I'm concerned about going to these schools claiming "Medical Esthetician" certifications. To me that's bogus and who knows if in 3-years if that will even hold-up. Your thoughts would be appreciated (by the way that's me [J.L] who emailed you today :-)

Hello,
I am a licensed Medical Esthetician and I am planning on moving to Canada in a few years. In NJ, I took a 600 hour skin care course and a 85 hour advanced medical esthetician course.
I was looking online at Canada's beauty schools and saw that the skin care course was a 900 hour course. When I move does that mean I will have to take another 300 hours of skin care or will I just need to take a new test to approve my license in Canada?
Hopefully someone could help answer my questions..Thanks SO much!!
-Alison

Martha,
Thanks for the website link! You're awesome...I'm also thinking about doing massage school before attending CIDESCO school...since I have at least a couple of years to wait I will read up on this prep course on my free time to get ready for it! By the way, my husband thinks it's a waste of my time to study this because I can make pretty good wages in my field (dental hygiene) but I do want to pursue this skin care on my free time (I love the healing feeling of it)! Thanks again!

Alison,
Don't rely on us for your answers....call CANADA's board of esthetician in your province and ask them...NOT us! You want to handle your license with care...so, go to the source.

Delia,
Your husband is short-sighted and perhaps a divorce is in order. You need to be with people who will support and encourage you in whatever you choose to do in life. Money isn't everything. Did he marry you for your money?

As for the healing part of it, it is true. You and the client leave a session feeling refreshed and renewed - especially in the massage treatments.

My CIDESCO school at Independence School of Cosmo, they will supply you with a transcript to become a licensed, massage therapist...and become certified thru:

www.ncbtmb.org/

Remember what my mother said, "it's better to be alone, than with bad company". Tell your husband that you will do whatever you want (with or without him)!!

Ciao!

PerfectHealth in Denver, Colorado said: Jeff: Know of any Doctors willing to pay for an esthetician to become an RN? :-) lol. I come across a lot of RN's becoming Aestheticians, but what about the other way around?? I want to further my career, and I'm finding states not allowing estheticians to do laser hair removal, IPL treatments (photofacials), etc. I'm concerned about going to these schools claiming "Medical Esthetician" certifications. To me that's bogus and who knows if in 3-years if that will even hold-up. Your thoughts would be appreciated (by the way that's me [J.L] who emailed you today :-)

Sorry to say I don't know of any physicians who have done the opposite. This is usually because those who have done this already have someone on their staff who wants to learn (the licensed is not as important as the techniques) in order to incorporate the cosmetic techniques into their treatment practice.

As for; "I'm finding states not allowing estheticians to do laser hair removal, IPL treatments (photofacials), etc." All of those mentioned are considered outside the scope of practice for an "Aesthetician" in all States that I can think of off hand. However, this does not mean that a person who has an esty's license could not also have a certification or license for lasers.

I know that this becomes very confusing to people and it's hard to explain this in that message boards such as this have users from all over the world. What compounds this is that there is really no such thing.

Try to think of it as having a number of occupational hats. As an esthetician, there are certain things that you can do. The fact that you are working with, or for, a physician does not give you anymore freedom to the Cosmetology State Board under their license.

Jeff

I am a primary teacher and after 7 years in this profession I am making 43k. I am interested in changing careers into medical esthetics. Can anyone advise me on what type of money I will be looking at making on my first year. I am wondering if the pay is the same as I would be making teaching. Teaching is great but I love the beauty industry and would like to experience it.

Ginger,
Don't get into the beauty business for the income potential. Get started into a CIDESCO school part-time to see if you even enjoy doing one facial. If you graduate and love it, then you can write your own checks in seven years!

Hello, I am an esthetitian for 7 years and am very interested in becoming a cidesco, Is it additional schooling or a test?

Colleen,
You may want to start from the beginning of the thread and actually R.E.A.D. This will answer your questions.

Martha

colleen in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey said: Hello, I am an esthetitian for 7 years and am very interested in becoming a cidesco, Is it additional schooling or a test?

Hello Colleen,
If you are a licensed esthetican in the US, the only way to become CIDESCO certified is to take a short course at a CIDESCO approved school and challenge the exam. The other way to become a CIDESCO diplomat would be to go to a CIDESCO school for the full 1200 or 1500 hours and than take the exam. The later would not apply to you as you have already attended school and are licensed.

i might be starting school for an esthetician but i dont know if it would be worth it, i am debating between that and nursing but i dont know if i can handle the whole school thing for nursing. i love helping and being with people though. please help me thank you.

michele phelan in san francisco, California said: Hello,
I have been a licensed esthetician for over twenty year, spa business owner as well as a current esthetician and CIDESCO educator, multi published skin care writer and registered aromatherapist.
I encourage my students to always stay abreast of the latest treatments, products, ingredients and machines available. In this ever progressive industry it is essential. Taking post graduate education classes on the above is benefical as well as reading industry trade journals. Sales of skin care products is just as important as services, both for the health and maintainence of your client's skin and for your bottom line. Taking classes in sales and product knowledge, also priceless.
There are many directions you can go with an esthetician license today eg: sales, salon, spa, medi spa, make up artistry, education, to name a few.
Hope this has been somewhat helpful. Interested in post graduate training, feel free to contact me.

I recently just got out of esthetics school and my teacher changed my life. She was amazing. Blunt and honest but made you learn what you need to learn. I called her a brain with 2 feets. She is a cidesco educator as well, so I have such respect for you. I am out on my own now and working with a brand new salon and spa and they are looking to set up an esthetics room. But its kind of all on me to set up. I have found placed to get my furniture and equiment but I am having so much trouble finding out how to buy peels and what not. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time.

Heather Bo in Glendale, Arizona said: I recently just got out of esthetics school and my teacher changed my life. She was amazing. Blunt and honest but made you learn what you need to learn. I called her a brain with 2 feets. She is a cidesco educator as well, so I have such respect for you. I am out on my own now and working with a brand new salon and spa and they are looking to set up an esthetics room. But its kind of all on me to set up. I have found placed to get my furniture and equiment but I am having so much trouble finding out how to buy peels and what not. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time.

Hi Heather,
Regarding peels, first find out from your state board if they have criteria regarding % and ph. Most insurance companies will charge you a drastically higher amount for ph under 3 and % over 30. Contact several distributors and make sure that they have educational support and/or you should be thoroughly trained in different types of peels prior to performing the procedures. You may want to check out Glymed, Murad and HDS, depending on the srength and treatments you wish to perform.

thank you so much! You have helped a lot! Keep in touch!

Ive been an aesthetician for aout 3 years now. My feelings on that are if you are going to go through the trouble of getting a nursing degree just be a nurse. They are in demand right now aestheticians are not plus you will make more. Aestheticians usually make about 30k a year or much less. Some like myself will get lucky and do like 45 to 50k but thats few a far between especially in an economy going into reccession. As a nurse u will likely start at 35 to 40k. As a nurse you can always go to work for a dermatologist and still be into the skin aspect of things. But I would say no do not go through the trouble of getting a nursing degree just to be a better aesthetician. Plus there is no such thing as a medical aesthetician. In every U.S. state you just get an aesthetics license. Medical only implies you work in a medical setting not a spa. Sure you can get "medical certifications" which might help a little but most likely if you get hired by a derm or plastic surg. they will train you their way. Hope this helped. sorry for anything mispelled I am typing sloppy.

thanks so much for everyones help..but i am going to school for esthetican but i also am going to go for nursing after i am done with this...i hope it wud do good..i think if you get good cliental and a good location you can make great money

I dont know where your located but if you work in a destination spa you can make alot of money....ilive on the east coast and know alot of estys in a medical setting and the pay starts at 50k and casino spas range around 60k-80k. I also heard that in vegas casinos some estys make six figures (I heard)

wow that sounds great...if you dont mind me asking how old are u by the way

rana in Sterling Heights, Michigan said: wow that sounds great...if you dont mind me asking how old are u by the way

38 and have been an esthetician for 6 years....why?

i dont know but its a compliment. i think you have a great mind, i thank you for everything. i just hope im making the right decision and i do great at what i do.thanks so much

thank you so much! you will do fabulous dont let anyone put limits on you, you will be as successful as you let yourself, Ive thought about nursing myself....If you love people you will you will be a fabulous nurse and or esty! best of luck to you, ps how old are you??

thank you so much:)i am 20 years old..BTW...i wish u the best luck in everything and please update me whenever you can i would highly appreciate it and your time.

personaly i would go stick with esthetics and find a job with tuition reimbursment and then go for nursing

Nicole in Hermitage, Tennessee said: Ive been an aesthetician for aout 3 years now. My feelings on that are if you are going to go through the trouble of getting a nursing degree just be a nurse. They are in demand right now aestheticians are not plus you will make more. Aestheticians usually make about 30k a year or much less. Some like myself will get lucky and do like 45 to 50k but thats few a far between especially in an economy going into reccession. As a nurse u will likely start at 35 to 40k. As a nurse you can always go to work for a dermatologist and still be into the skin aspect of things. But I would say no do not go through the trouble of getting a nursing degree just to be a better aesthetician. Plus there is no such thing as a medical aesthetician. In every U.S. state you just get an aesthetics license. Medical only implies you work in a medical setting not a spa. Sure you can get "medical certifications" which might help a little but most likely if you get hired by a derm or plastic surg. they will train you their way. Hope this helped. sorry for anything mispelled I am typing sloppy.

In no disrespect to you... nursing would be a good career choice but I also think working as an esthetician in the medical side isnt a bad choice either. It just depends on what you want to do and what you enjoy doing. I could work as an esthetician in a med spa and get laser certified and make pretty good money. If your into making people feel good that would be a good choice. So nursing isnt always the better way to go you just have to ask yourself what your looking for? Are you in it for the money or for the actual job. Either one is a good way to go. They say by 2010 laser are gunna take over the esthetics world. We will see...

wow thank you soo much......but yeah i wasnt going into nurse esthetican i was just going to go for nursing but i might just do esthetics and than if that works okay i can still go to nursing just in general. but im not sure yet...thank u so much for ur help..so laser would be good than if u get ur esthetics license..hopefully everything can be fine..thankss thoughh

Make sure you check your state and local laws. In California you have to be an RN to perform laser therapies of any kind and you must be under a Doctor's license and malpractice insurance.

I am interested in attending school Esthetics, but i seem to be stuck at a particular crossroad. Do i go to Miller-Motte College(private school), and promise my future first born in exchange for paying the tution or could i get the same level of knowledge from a local community college, where the tuition is about $4,000 cheaper. Thank you for any responses

you are better off at the community college; miller motte is too high for the same education

I just finished my esthetics training at Miller Motte College and it was a wonderful beginning. I will be starting in a spa but I would also like to do equipment sales and training classes. Is it possible to have an esthetic practice and do sales too?