How to Become a Paramedical Esthetician

Estheticians work to improve the health of your skin, expecially your face.

Estheticians are licensed skin care specialists. As an esthetician you'd find work in a salon or health spa, or in a medical office as a paramedical esthetician. In that role you would work under the guidance of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, giving people treatments to prepare their skin for surgery and to help them through the healing process.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED
• (or proof of other minimum schooling)
• Proof of age
• 600-hour Esthetician training course certificate
• State license

Instructions

1. Look into the state requirements for where you live or intend to go. Some states require a high school diploma or GED, others an 8th or 9th grade education. Minimum ages also vary from state to state. Beauty School Directory.com (http://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/faq/esthetics.php) has links to each state's licensing requirements.

2. Take a 600-hour course of esthetician training from an accredited school. A directory of programs is available through the Beauty Schools Directory listed below in References. Some states accept a year or two of apprenticeship as an acceptable alternative.

3. Take advanced paramedical esthetician training classes. This is just one of the areas of specialization open to you after you've successfully completed the basic training program.

4. Get a state license where you plan to practice. Each state has a licensing exam you need to pass before you can look for a job or clients. Some states engage in reciprocity and will transfer a license from another state with similar requirements.

References

• Calif. Employment Development Department Labor Market Information: Skin Care Specialists (Estheticians)
• Beauty School Directory: Becoming an Esthetician
• Education Online Search: Esthetician
• Beauty School Directory: School Programs

Resources

• Associated Skin Care Professionals: Skin Cae Educators' Curriculum Information