Online Continuing Education for Estheticians
A few continuing education (CE) courses for estheticians are offered online, but most courses are only available on campus. Read about some CE course topics that estheticians might study, such as new skin care procedures and treatments. Review the requirements for enrolling in these CE courses, including holding an esthetician license. Find out how CE courses can help you maintain your license or certification, and check the job outlook for estheticians.
What Kind of Online Continuing Education is Available for Estheticians?
Many schools offer continuing education for estheticians, however, these courses are rarely offered online due to the hands-on nature of the field. Some courses require you to perform services on customers in a spa or salon environment. Some schools also offer programs for experienced estheticians interested in becoming esthetics instructors, but these programs are typically also offered on campus.
A few continuing education courses are offered online for estheticians in certain states. These courses may be offered through a school but administered by a partner company that specializes in providing online programs.
| Online CE Options | Online esthetics CE courses are rare, though they can be found in some states |
| Common Topics | CE courses cover specialized skin treatments, advanced techniques in exfoliation or cosmetics, current techniques and advanced product training |
| Requirements | Must be a licensed esthetician with appropriate background courses or experience |
| Career Outlook | Esthetician jobs are projected to grow, with increased demand for modern skin procedures |
| Median Salary (2020) | $36,510 (Skincare Specialists) |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 17% growth (Skincare Specialists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
What Will I Learn?
As an esthetician in a continuing education program, you'll learn to perform comprehensive esthetic procedures while keeping up with new and advanced trends and techniques. You'll learn all aspects of esthetics from advanced makeup techniques and acne treatment to laser treatments and detoxification of the skin. Your curriculum may vary depending on your career goals. Topics of study may include:
- Layers and functions of the skin
- Cosmetology regulations and laws
- Chemical exfoliation techniques
- Current trends in esthetician equipment and procedures
- Advanced extraction techniques
- Aromatherapy skin procedures
- Advanced skin care products
- Makeup and cosmetic application techniques
Programs that train you to become an esthetician instructor include such topics as lesson planning, student assessment, educational theory, lecturing methods and record keeping. You typically receive a certificate upon successful completion of the coursework.
Are There Any Requirements?
Esthetician continuing education requires you to be a licensed esthetician with a designated amount of experience and training. Some schools offering continuing education may require you to complete one program or course before enrolling in the next. If you're a practicing esthetician training for recertification, you may be required to successfully complete certain courses or esthetic procedures.
What Is My Career Outlook?
By keeping up with continuing education, you'll be eligible for recertification or re-licensing, which enhances your earning potential. You may be required to put in a designated number of training hours for recertification. This may vary by state, so check with the state where you hold your license.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, estheticians should see good job growth up to 17% from 2019-2029. The popularity of various skin care treatments is one of the main reasons for the excellent employment growth for estheticians.