Esthetics Program

Explore the world of skin care and beauty from a cosmetic and corrective approach.

I just wanted to commend you for your quality of graduating students. I have had the pleasure of having a few in my post graduate classes. Your students have been far above the other students. Great job and thank you.
- Jan Cutler,
Professional Skin Care, Inc.

The Esthetics program gives the student the latest and very best instruction available in academic knowledge, laboratory skills, clinical studies, and technical proficiency pertaining to the facial industry.

Graduates are trained to recognize and correct non-medical skin disorders and assist patrons in proper skin care, treatment, and proper selection and application of cosmetic and skin-care products.  Students develop the ability to enhance a patron’s features through the use of various professional techniques and products. Graduates will be prepared to take any required Oregon State examination and will be trained as a competent professional Facial Technologist.

The Institute offers two certificates in Esthetics: basics and masters. The Basics program satisfies the basic requirements for the State of Oregon for entry level positions after graduating.  The Masters program includes everything offered within the Basics program but is designed to include the more advanced parts of the profession.  Areas included only in the Masters program include Micro-Dermabrasion, Micro-Current, and Laser Certification.
See the certificate comparison here.

What Is Competency-Based

The State of Oregon allows two types of programs: hourly and competency-based. The competency-based programs are not meant to be a quick fix or shortcut to the profession. At the Aesthetics Institute when your skills are proficient and you have completed your theory, you are eligible for graduation prior to completing your 500 hours.  Hourly programs require students to complete a set number of hours regardless of their proficiency level.  The Aesthetics Institute competency-based format allows students to get on to their careers as soon as they are proficient.

With the competency-based program, there is still a maximum number of hours to complete the program.  However, if students continue making progress in their coursework and reach the 500 hours and would like to stay longer, they can apply for scholarships to extend their stay. Read about the scholarships here.

Why choose a career in Esthetics?

Estheticians find great satisfaction in making people and their skin feel and look good. An Esthetician has a wide variety of career possibilities. Estheticians can be a product rep or educator. As part of the hospitality industry, Estheticians can work on cruise ships or spas; they can also run their own businesses. In short, a proficiently-trained Esthetician can have incredible control over their destiny.

Financial Aid

At this time we do not accept federal financial aid; however, we do offer a standard monthly payment plan for students. Ask an Institute representative for details.