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Esthetician

If you are interested in becoming a professional esthetician, our one-year certificate program will prepare you for a career in skin care as an esthetician.

You will receive training in all phases of skin care, including the use of the most modern facial machines, temporary hair removal (including waxing) and various types of facial treatments. You will learn face, neck and hand massage techniques.

In addition, safety and sanitation measures are stressed throughout the program, and you will prepare you to take the Washington State Examination in esthetics. You will also gain real-world experience in our student-operated salon, Inspirations.

  1. Apply core esthetics theory to professional practice by reading, interpreting, and accurately following technical content such as product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), service protocols, and state regulations.
  2. Perform esthetic services safely and effectively, using appropriate mathematical skills—including ratios, measurements, timing, and product calculations—to prepare materials, mix formulations, and manage service procedures. 
  3. Communicate professionally with clients and colleagues, demonstrate active listening, clear verbal explanations, conflict resolution strategies, accurate written documentation, and the ability to provide understandable homecare instructions. 
  4. Use information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and apply reliable esthetics related information, including manufacturer guidelines, scientific research, and state board updates, to ensure safe and current practice. 
  5. Implement industry standard sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, and first aid procedures, accurately documenting safety practices and demonstrating applied understanding of health sciences, infection control theory, and relevant state laws. 
  6. Demonstrate readiness for Washington State esthetics licensure by integrating theoretical knowledge, technical skill proficiency, client communication skills, and accurate interpretation of written exam materials to meet all state board testing requirements.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

Students enrolled in the Esthetician Certificate program will receive training in all phases of skin care. Emphasis will be on the use of facial machines; temporary hair removal; various types of facial treatments; face, neck, and hand massage techniques; and all safety and sanitation measures involved with these processes. Upon successful completion of the coursework, the student will be prepared to take the Washington State Examination in Esthetics.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 45


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
COS 123
Esthetics Concepts I  
5
COS 124
Esthetics Applications I  
10
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
COS 125
Esthetics Concepts II  
5
COS 126
Esthetics Applications II  
10
Total Credits
 
15

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
COS 135
Esthetics Concepts III  
5
COS 136
Esthetics Applications III   1
10
Total Credits
 
15

1 May be substiuted with COS 288. Washington State Licensure requirements allow up to 10% of the students' academic instruction to be met at an "off–campus" site.

Program Requirements

  • Students must maintain a 2.0 in all professional classes to complete the program and pass exit exams with a minimum score of 2.0 to be prepared to take the Washington State licensing examination of esthetics.   
  • Students must successfully complete all required courses to sit for the Washington State Department of License esthetics exam.

Physical Requirements

  • Normal or corrected vision      
  • Physical dexterity, i.e., small object manipulation      
  • Must be able to work with arms at shoulder level for extended periods of time        
  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 4,870
$ 6,317
$ 11,209
Books
$ 479
$ 479
$ 479
Course Fees
$ 792
$ 792
$ 792
Institutional Fees
$ 336
$ 336
$ 1,597
Total Costs
$ 6,477
$ 7,924
$ 14,077

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Alaynah Hardesty

Workforce Transition Specialist
Alaynah.Hardesty@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7398

Paula Anselmo

Department Co-Chair
Paula.Anselmo@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8317

Deanna Eckel

Department Co-Chair
Deanna.Eckel@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8361