How to Become a Esthetician in NYC

You can help clients achieve healthy skin as an esthetician in NYC.

An esthetician (or aesthetician), is a person employed in the cosmetology field who focuses on the routine care of facial and body skin. Professionals often find employment at day and extended stay spas, where they perform consultations and facial and body treatments. Training to become an esthetician involves training in cosmetology theory, the basics of skin care, the treatment of facial skin problems, and body treatments like waxing and applying makeup. To become an esthetician in NYC you must complete a training program certified by the New York State Board and obtain a state license.

Instructions

1. Attend one of New York City's esthetician training institutes. New York state requires completion of 600 hours of education and training toward a New York state esthetician license. Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics, the Aveda Institute located in the Soho neighborhood of New York City and the New York School of Esthetics offer full- and part-time training courses throughout the year.

2. Choose a specialty area to receive certification in conjunction with your basic esthiology training to make yourself more marketable in this competitive field. Consider if your goal as an esthetician leans more towards the medical side--working alongside dermatologists in the focus of healthy skin care, or more toward the cosmetic side, which can range from facials and make-up application to full body grooming and treatments. The Atelier Esthetique Institute offers esthetic laser specialist training. The New York School of Esthetics offers microdermabrasion and chemical peel certification. Esthetic training at the Aveda Institute focuses on using pure plant and flower essences in skin care treatments. You may also find a combination of these specialty certifications offered within these institutes and other New York City area esthetic training schools.

3. Submit an exam application to the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services to receive an admission card to take the Esthetician licensing exam after you have successfully completed your esthetician training program. The application can be downloaded from the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services website. (See Reference 4.) Exam schedules and testing locations within New York state are also listed.

4. Take advantage of your institute's job placement programs, or apply to NYC area spas, salons or cosmetic and dermatology offices to begin work as an esthetician based on your specialized skills. The New York School of Esthetics offers job placement assistance but cannot guarantee placement. The exclusive training at the Aveda Institute offers the opportunity to work in Aveda networks in more than 6,500 spas and salons across the U.S. and in more than 20 countries.

References

• Atelier Esthétique Institute of Esthetics
• New York School of Esthetics
• Aveda Institute
• New York State Department of Licensing Services