Overview

The Esthetician (Accelerated) program at St. Lawrence College (SLC) offers students a unique opportunity to earn an Ontario College Diploma in a condensed format over 38 weeks. This program provides extensive practical training, theoretical knowledge, and experience in the field of esthetics, making it one of the few accelerated programs of its kind in Canada.

Students will engage in hands-on training at the in-house salon, Dynamic Designs, which serves the community and allows for practical application of skills encompassing both advanced and medical esthetics. The curriculum is designed to address the latest trends and techniques in the beauty industry, preparing students for a diverse range of career paths.

Program Details

• Program Code: 0736
• CIP Code: 12.0409
• Start Date: September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 1 Year (38 weeks)
• Delivery Mode: Full-Time

Program Highlights

The program adheres to the Esthetician Standards set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. Key areas of focus include:

• Theoretical and practical knowledge in:
  • Basic and advanced skin care
  • Hair removal techniques
  • Body massage and treatments
  • Make-up artistry
  • Nail care and advanced techniques
  • Chemical peels
  • Lash/brow tinting and lifting
  • Lash extensions
  • Sales and customer service
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Professional and health-regulated standards
  • Skin care formulation and chemistry
  • Business ethics and communication

Advanced medical esthetics technologies covered include:

• Microdermabrasion
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
• Body contouring
• Photo facials
• SRS
• Oxygeneo
• Vasculyse/electrocoagulation

Program Outline

Semester 1

• COMM 52: Communications and Customer Relationships
• ESTH 11: Anatomy and Physiology 1
• ESTH 12: Nail Care Techniques
• ESTH 14: Hair Removal
• ESTH 15: Skin Care 1: Facial Treatments
• ESTH 17: Advanced Techniques in Medical Esthetics
• ESTH 27: Dynamic Designs 1: Introduction to Client Services
• WORK 44: Work Placement 1
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 2

• ESTH 8: Chemistry in the Beauty Industry I
• ESTH 18: Advanced Nail Techniques
• ESTH 28: Skin Care 2: Technologies
• ESTH 32: Dynamic Designs 2: Client Services
• ESTH 34: Body Treatments and Anatomy
• ESTH 46: Makeup
• WORK 45: Work Placement 2

Semester 3

• ESTH 9: Aging Skin, Nutrition, and Exercise
• ESTH 16: Medical Treatments and Terminology
• ESTH 35: Skin Care 3: Current Trends and Techniques
• ESTH 42: Dynamic Designs 3: Client Services
• ESTH 47: Chemistry in the Beauty Industry II
• ESTH 48: Professional Development and Client Relationships in Esthetics
• GENE 34: Entrepreneurship
• GENE: General Education Course

Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including:
  • Grade 12 English at the C or U level
  • Grade 11 Math

For further details regarding OSSD equivalency options, consult the admission requirements section.

Other Requirements

• Co-op Work Permit (for all international students): This document is necessary for placements.

Client labs are a crucial component of the program, allowing students to practice their skills outside regular class hours.

Placement

Students are offered two work placements, each comprising 35 hours, enabling hands-on experience in a spa environment. The placements aim to enhance employability in the esthetics field, with many students securing job opportunities during or shortly after their placements.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $5,551.56 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,325.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,067.04 CAD
• Total: $8,943.60 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $34,422.60 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,325.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,879.41 CAD
• Total: $38,627.01 CAD

Fees are estimates and are based on a three-semester program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Esthetician program can discover a multitude of career paths, including:

• Skin Care Specialist
• Film or Fashion Makeup Artist
• Esthetics or Medical Esthetics Instructor
• Makeup Artist
• Marketing and Retail in Cosmetic Firms
• Nail Technologist
• Esthetic Business Owner
• Self-employment as a Consultant
• IPL/Laser Technician
• Positions in Day Spas, Medical Spa Clinics, or Collaboration with Dermatologists
• Salon/Spa Manager or Consultant
• Employment in Product Distribution and Retail

Testimonials

"Completing the Esthetician program at SLC was pivotal in launching my second career. The knowledge imparted by my professors and their ongoing mentorship have been invaluable." - Lupita Torres

"Upon graduating, I quickly secured a position at a high-end spa. The practical skills I developed at SLC positioned me ahead of my peers." - Shannen McCuaig

Additional Costs

Students should budget approximately $1,700 for books, supplies, and implements required for the program.

Esthetician (Accelerated) Program at St. Lawrence College

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for a career in the growing field of esthetics. It is a condensed program, offered in 38 weeks, and is one of the only programs in Canada to offer this format. Students will learn the latest techniques in both basic and advanced esthetics, including medical esthetics. The program also includes extensive coverage of business and interpersonal skills.

Outline:

The program is divided into three semesters, with each semester focusing on different aspects of esthetics.

Semester 1:

• COMM 52: Communications and Customer Relationships: This course teaches students how to effectively communicate with clients and build relationships.
• ESTH 11: Anatomy and Physiology 1: This course provides students with a foundation in the anatomy and physiology of the skin and body.
• ESTH 12: Nail Care Techniques: This course teaches students how to perform safe and professional manicures and pedicures.
• ESTH 14: Hair Removal: This course teaches students the theory and practice of waxing.
• ESTH 15: Skin Care 1: Facial Treatments: This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical components of skin care.
• ESTH 17: Advanced Techniques in Medical Esthetics: This course focuses on the use of advanced skin care technologies.
• ESTH 22: Dynamic Designs 1: Introduction to Client Services: This course gives students the opportunity to practice their interpersonal, technical, and business client service skills in a training salon.
• WORK 44: Work Placement 1: This course provides students with hands-on experience in an esthetic setting.
• GENE: General Education Course: This course provides students with general education skills.

Semester 2:

• ESTH 8: Chemistry in the Beauty Industry: This course teaches students about the chemistry of skin care products.
• ESTH 18: Advanced Nail Techniques: This course teaches students advanced nail techniques, including the use of artificial nails.
• ESTH 25: Skin Care 2: Technology: This course teaches students how to use electrical therapy in skin care treatments.
• ESTH 32: Dynamic Designs 2a: Client Services: This course gives students the opportunity to further develop their technical, business, and interpersonal skills in the training salon.
• ESTH 33: Body Treatments: This course teaches students how to perform a variety of body massages and treatments.
• ESTH 43: Makeup: This course teaches students the theory and practice of makeup application.
• WORK 45: Work Placement 2: This course provides students with further hands-on experience in an esthetic setting.
• GENE: General Education Course: This course provides students with general education skills.

Semester 3:

• ESTH 9: Aging Skin, Nutrition, and Exercise: This course teaches students about the effects of aging on the skin and how to treat it.
• ESTH 16: Medical Treatments and Terminology: This course teaches students about the role of estheticians in medical spas.
• ESTH 35: Skin Care 3: Current Trends: This course teaches students about current trends in the esthetics industry.
• ESTH 42: Dynamic Designs 2b: Client Services: This course gives students the opportunity to further develop their technical, business, and interpersonal skills in the training salon.
• GENE 34: Entrepreneurship: This course teaches students about the skills and knowledge required to become successful entrepreneurs.
• GENE: General Education Course: This course provides students with general education skills.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, and practical assessments.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced and qualified instructors who are passionate about esthetics. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can find employment in a variety of settings, including spas, salons, medical spas, and cosmetic firms. They can also choose to become self-employed or work on a consultation basis.

Other:

• The program includes two one-week placements of 35 hours each.
• The program is offered at the Kingston campus of St. Lawrence College.
• The program is open to both domestic and international students.
• The cost of the program is $8,202.05 for domestic students and $36,029.35 for international students.
• The program has a high success rate, with many graduates finding employment in the esthetics field.

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology located in Eastern Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall. Established in 1967 as part of the Ontario college system, SLC has served its communities for more than 50 years, combining modern, expansive facilities across three vibrant eastern Ontario cities with the advantages of small-town living and genuine personal attention to every student. With more than 140,000 alumni worldwide, over 5,500 student placements annually and more than 55 programs, SLC remains one of Eastern Ontario's most trusted and dynamic post-secondary institutions.

St. Lawrence College is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. SLC is always grateful to live and learn on these lands.

Founding history

St. Lawrence College was born out of the broader creation of Ontario's college system in 1967, a vision championed by Premier William Davis — now regarded as the father of the Ontario College System — who responded to growing demand for technical education by establishing colleges of applied arts and technology across the province.

Cornwall and Kingston were selected to serve six counties in the Eastern Ontario region: Frontenac, Leeds, Grenville, Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry. In Kingston, the 59-acre former Ontario Psychiatric Hospital farmland at King Street and Portsmouth Avenue was acquired from the provincial government for one dollar. By September 1969, students were attending classes in the campus's first permanent building — a white steel structure comprising a gymnasium, cafeteria, administrative office and student lounges — while Dundas and Stormont Halls were still under construction around them. The first programs included Business Administration, General Business, Home Economics, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology and Electronics Technician.

In 1968, Cornwall Classical College, a private Catholic school, was purchased and renamed Moulinette Hall. Brockville was formally recognised as a third campus in 1970, acquiring Ontario Hospital farmland on Parkedale Avenue, also for one dollar. By its tenth anniversary, St. Lawrence College had established itself as a strong and creative force in its region, and has continued evolving ever since to meet the needs of students seeking skills that lead to a better quality of life.

Three campuses

• Kingston (main campus): 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5A6 — Phone: 613.544.5400. The largest campus, set on the original 59-acre site, with modern facilities across multiple buildings and full access to student services, athletics, residences and libraries.
• Brockville: 2288 Parkedale Avenue, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5X3 — Phone: 613.345.0660. Located on the hill of Parkedale Avenue on the former Ontario Hospital farmland, serving the Brockville community and region.
• Cornwall: 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 4Z1 — Phone: 613.933.6080. Built around the heritage Moulinette Hall site, serving Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties in the francophone and bilingual heart of Eastern Ontario.

Areas of study and programs

SLC offers more than 55 full-time programs across nine areas of study, available on campus, online, in hybrid formats and through fast-track delivery options:

• Apprenticeships
• Business
• Community and Social Services
• Design (Arts, Media and Design)
• Graduate Certificates
• Health Sciences
• Justice Studies
• Science and Technology
• Skilled Trades

Programs are available as certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates and four-year degrees. Online and part-time learning options extend access to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners across Ontario and beyond. Credential types and delivery formats are designed to fit different stages of life and career.

Recent milestones and new programs

SLC has achieved several significant milestones in 2025 and 2026. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program received a seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), making SLC the first college in Ontario to achieve Path B accreditation for a standalone BScN degree — the maximum accreditation term possible, applying to the BScN program across all three campuses as well as the Practical Nurse to BScN Bridge program.

SLC also expanded its specialty nursing portfolio with three new certificate programs for registered nurses seeking advanced skills in high-demand healthcare areas: Mental Health Nursing, Registered Nurse Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), and Registered Nurse Perianesthesia Nursing (PACU). All three programs are offered online with flexible delivery to allow nurses to study while continuing to work. In 2026, SLC launched The Next Wave, a new brand campaign and platform that reimagines its iconic wave logo as a symbol of momentum, leadership and collective impact.

Graduate certificates

Graduate certificates are a key strength of the SLC portfolio, offering diploma and degree holders a focused pathway to gain specialised, industry-driven skills in a shorter timeframe. Programs are designed around real-world learning opportunities and current employer needs, providing a fast track into advanced or specialist roles across many of SLC's program areas. The Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate, for example, prepares graduates to work alongside Registered Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in a variety of settings, and is available in both in-class and online formats across Ontario.

Student support services

• Academic and Student Success: academic advising, tutoring, learning supports and success coaching
• Student Wellness and Accessibility: mental health services, counselling, and accessibility accommodations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Indigenous Services: dedicated cultural and academic support for Indigenous students, including connections to Elders and community resources
• Career Services: job search support, resume assistance, employer connections and placement partnerships
• Housing: campus residences available at all three campuses, providing a safe and convenient home-away-from-home for students
• Athletics and Recreation: varsity and recreational sports, fitness facilities and wellness programming across campuses
• International Student Services: dedicated advising, study permit guidance, orientation, homestay coordination and community integration support
• Libraries: campus libraries with digital and physical collections and student study spaces
• Student Governments: student-elected governments at each campus representing students' interests and organising campus life programming
• Financial Aid: OSAP, bursaries, scholarships (donor-supported and SLC/government-sponsored), Ontario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility, and the Better Jobs Program

Belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion

SLC is committed to creating a campus community where every student, staff member and faculty member belongs. Its Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) framework guides institutional practice and programming, complemented by the School of Contemporary Teaching and Learning, which supports the ongoing development of educators and teaching practices across the college.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an embedded institutional commitment at SLC, with a dedicated Sustainability strategy guiding decisions across campus operations, curriculum and community partnerships. SLC's approach to sustainability reflects its responsibility to the communities and lands it serves across Eastern Ontario.

Pathways and credit transfer

SLC actively supports students in building on their SLC credentials. Credit transfer, pathway and articulation agreements allow eligible SLC graduates to continue into degree programs at partner universities, with recognised transfer credits reducing duplication and shortening time to degree completion. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows students to receive credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom. Dual Credit programs for high school students create early pathways into college-level study.

International students

SLC welcomes international students to all three campuses, offering dedicated admissions support, English proficiency guidance, study permit assistance, and a comprehensive international student services office. Cost information for international students, payment guidance and placement agency partner listings are all published on the SLC website to support students and agents through the admissions process.

Why St. Lawrence College

1. A publicly funded Ontario college with more than 50 years of history, 140,000+ alumni worldwide and a consistent track record of preparing graduates for real careers in Eastern Ontario and beyond
2. Three campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall, combining modern facilities with the personal attention and community connection of smaller-city life
3. More than 55 programs across nine areas of study, from apprenticeships and skilled trades through to four-year degrees, graduate certificates and online and part-time options
4. The first college in Ontario to receive seven-year CASN accreditation for its BScN program — the maximum term possible — across all three campuses
5. Over 5,500 student placements annually, with career services, placement agency partners and strong employer connections embedded across all program areas
6. Comprehensive student support including wellness and accessibility, Indigenous services, athletics, housing, financial aid and dedicated international student services.
7. The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant and other provincial funding options support students who study and remain in the region, addressing Eastern Ontario's priority workforce needs