Program Overview

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Esthetician Program

The Esthetician program at St. Lawrence College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the esthetics industry. This program is offered at the Kingston campus and is open to international students.

Overview

The Esthetician program is a four-semester diploma program that teaches students the theoretical and practical skills required to become a successful esthetician. The program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, skin care, hair removal, makeup, and nail care, as well as business and interpersonal skills.

Program Details

• Code: 1126
• Start Date: September 2026
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 4 Semesters
• Delivery: Full-Time

Program Highlights

The program teaches in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of general, advanced, and medical esthetics, including:

• Basic and advanced skin care
• Hair removal
• Body massage and treatments
• Make-up artistry
• Nail care
• Advanced nail techniques
• Chemical peels
• Lash/brow tinting and lifting
• Lash extensions
• Sales and customer service
• Human anatomy
• Physiology
• Professional and health regulated standards
• Skin care formulation and chemistry
• Ethics
• Communication
• Business

Program Outline

The program is divided into four semesters, each with a combination of theoretical and practical courses. Some of the courses include:

Semester 1

• ESTH 11: Anatomy and Physiology 1
• ESTH 12: Nail Care Techniques
• ESTH 14: Hair Removal
• ESTH 15: Skin Care 1: Facial Treatments
• ESTH 27: Dynamic Designs 1: Introduction to Client Services
• WORK 44: Work Placement 1

Semester 2

• ESTH 28: Skin Care 2: Technologies
• ESTH 26: Dynamic Designs 2A: Client Services
• ESTH 34: Body Treatments and Anatomy
• ESTH 46: Makeup
• WORK 45: Work Placement 2

Semester 3

• COMM 52: Communications and Customer Relationships
• ESTH 8: Chemistry in the Beauty Industry I
• ESTH 9: Aging Skin, Nutrition, and Exercise
• ESTH 16: Medical Treatments and Terminology
• ESTH 17: Advanced Techniques in Medical Esthetics
• ESTH 36: Dynamic Designs 2B: Client Services
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 4

• ESTH 47: Chemistry in the Beauty Industry II
• ESTH 18: Advanced Nail Techniques
• ESTH 35: Skin Care 3: Current Trends and Techniques
• ESTH 49: Dynamic Designs 3: Client Services
• 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
• Grade 12 English at the C or U level
• Grade 11 Math

Other Requirements

• Co-op Work Permit (for international students)

Placement

Students will have two one-week placements of 35 hours each, which provides hands-on experience in a spa setting and possible future employment.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $2,721.36 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,325.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,617.67 CAD
• Total: $5,664.03 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $16,920.00 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,325.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,385.78 CAD
• Total: $20,630.78 CAD

Career Opportunities

Graduates can find employment in various areas, 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
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Self-employment or on a consultation basis
• Beauty writer
• IPL/Laser Technician
• Working in a day or destination spa
• Working in medical spa clinics
• Working alongside Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons
• Salon/Spa Manager
• Spa or Medical-Spa Consultant
• Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of beauty products or medical-spa and spa equipment
• Health clubs

Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from graduates, who have found success in their careers and attribute their success to the program.

Other Information

• Additional Costs: Books, supplies, and implements are estimated to cost $1,700.
• Credit Transfer Opportunities: Available with Technological University of the Shannon - BA in Business Studies with Beauty and Spa Management.
• Related Programs: Esthetician (Accelerated), Hairstyling - Apprenticeship, Hairstyling (Accelerated).