Learn How To Become an Esthetician Online

Updated June 24, 2022

Careers in the cosmetology field can provide rewarding and varied ways to help others reach their health goals. Working as an esthetician offers an exciting career choice in a growing field of skincare professionals. Online esthetician programs can provide training in the techniques and practices unique to this skin health role. In this article, we explain how to become an esthetician through online courses including the typical job functions of this position, salary and job outlook expectations and skills required to work as an esthetician.

What is an esthetician?

An esthetician is a cosmetology professional who specializes in skincare health and aesthetics. Estheticians are experts in providing solutions for skin conditioning, beautification and protection. An esthetician can help both men and women who seek ways to care for their skin.

Estheticians are educated professionals who work in a range of facilities including salons, health spas and plastic surgery practices. They undergo training to learn the best techniques to enhance skincare routines and offer restorative treatments.

What does an esthetician do?

An esthetician may complete any of the following tasks as part of their daily work:

Providing skincare analysis: An esthetician will evaluate a client's skin to help determine how to best care for them and suggest treatments through skincare procedures or products.
Advising clients on skincare options: Estheticians consult with clients to offer options for skincare treatments and products for health and aesthetic needs. An esthetician may meet with clients to discuss how they can best treat any skin health needs and complete any beauty regimen.
Providing facials and body wraps: One skincare treatment that estheticians offer may involve special products for the face and body through gentle massage, application of creams and warm compresses for the skin.
Providing exfoliation treatment: Another treatment estheticians complete is the removal of old skin cells through soft abrasive techniques that may involve rubbing salts into the skin or using other materials to rub against the skin.
Providing luxury esthetic services: Estheticians can also provide treatments like aromatherapy in a spa-like setting to help restore skin and aid in stress relief.
Cleansing pores: An esthetician may use certain products and methods to gently cleanse the pores on your skin.
Providing assistance to plastic surgeons and their patients: Estheticians sometimes work in the office of a plastic surgeon. They may prepare and clean medical equipment and consult with clients before and after surgery to ensure they have a safe and restorative skincare routine in place.
Participating in the sale of skincare products: An esthetician may also offer skincare products for sale in their office or in the facility where they work. They may help choose certain skincare items that a business offers to customers or suggest the most effective products to clients.
Providing acne treatments: If a client is suffering from acne, an esthetician can provide treatment options to help reduce this skin condition.

Esthetician salary

The national average salary for an esthetician is $35,844 per year. Some estheticians who pursue additional certifications and education can earn more based on their background and experience. Salaries also vary by location and employer. Some of the higher-paying areas for estheticians include Denver Colorado, Chicago Illinois and Atlanta Georgia.

Job outlook for estheticians

According to the United State Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the job growth outlook for estheticians or skincare specialists is 17% which is much higher than average rate for other careers. The BLS attributes this rapid growth to an increase in the number of men and women who desire solutions to mitigate the effects of aging.

Esthetician skills

Estheticians use the following skills to provide skincare solutions to clients:

Interpersonal communication: Since estheticians work with a variety of customers, they need to communicate effectively to maintain positive client relationships. Estheticians also consult with clients to suggest treatments for skin health.
Customer service: Estheticians work in various cosmetic institutions to provide specific treatments to clients. They must meet customer needs with a positive attitude and excellent service abilities.
Sales: An esthetician may need to find and retain their own clients in a salon or cosmetic facility. Many also sell lines of skincare products to enrich customer treatments.
Technical abilities: Estheticians are responsible for specialized skincare procedures that involve training and practice. Techniques like skin analysis, facials and hair removal are part of their expected job duties.

How to become an esthetician online

Consider the following steps to start your career as an esthetician through online training programs:

1. Enroll in an online esthetician program

Look for an accredited program that passes all state board requirements in the area where you plan to practice. You also need to choose from three types of esthetician programs offered online. If you plan to pursue an advanced position such as a medical esthetician, you might want to consider a program that offers an associate's degree. Online training courses also include certificate and diploma programs that focus on the basics of cosmetology and skincare techniques.

2. Complete esthetician training requirements

The average requirement to earn your esthetician license is 600 hours of specialized training that often involves the following studies:

Skin treatment procedures (facials, massage, cleansing)
Salon management
Anatomy and physiology
Skin conditions
Cosmetic science
Waxing and hair removal
Cosmetology sanitation and safety procedures
Makeup application techniques
Cosmetic ingredient analysis

Completing esthetician training online means you'll need to participate in alternative methods of hands-on learning to complete certain parts of your education. Some courses provide opportunities for internships with local partners to finish your training in a salon or spa close to your location. Another option is to submit a portfolio showing how you perform esthetic work on clients. You'll need to provide evidence for certain techniques like setting up your workstation and performing skin treatments.

3. Choose a specialization

Online esthetician programs also offer training for unique areas of skincare application. These may include:

Aromatherapy
Microdermabrasion
Body wraps
Theatrical makeup
Airbrush effects
Advanced acne treatments
Reiki
Advance facial massage techniques

4. Earn your esthetician's license

Once you pass your online training courses, you can begin the process of getting certified in the state where you will practice. Check the requirements for the state board of cosmetology where you plan to work. Some states require more training hours than others.

After you meet all state requirements, you'll need to take the examination for estheticians. Once you complete the assessment with a passing score, you can apply to earn your license and practice as a skilled esthetician.

Benefits of esthetician training online

If you choose to take an online program to become an esthetician, these are some of the key benefits:

Length: Online esthetician training can take as little as six months once you begin. Your pace depends on the amount of coursework you take on and how quickly you complete the necessary hours of training.
Price: Online classes may cost less than in-person schooling. With digital textbooks and virtual classrooms, many online schools can offer lower rates for esthetician training.
Flexibility: Enrolling in an online esthetician program gives you more flexibility to choose when and where you will complete coursework.

Tips for growing in your career as an esthetician

Here are some ideas to help you advance your career as an esthetician:

Undergo further training: Some estheticians decide to advance their careers with more education and training. Earning further certifications allows you to work in medical-related practices and other specialized fields of cosmetology.
Of**fer skincare products:** You may decide to sell specialized skincare products aside from offering skincare treatments and analysis to clients.
Open your own salon: Many online esthetician training programs include studies in the business side of cosmetology. Once you've gained experience working as an esthetician in other facilities, you might consider opening your own studio or salon to provide treatment for your own group of clients.