18 Best Online Esthetician Schools

What Is The Best Esthetician Program?

To become a licensed professional in the science of skincare and hair, you need formal esthetician training in one of the best Esthetician Schools.

Fortunately, many schools of esthetics across the country take this increasing field seriously. These schools’ faculties consist of professionals who have been in the field for many years. Furthermore, a school of esthetics provides students with technical skills and scientific knowledge. They as well provide real-time experience in using trade technology.

In this copy, you’ll find out what an Esthetician means and the requirement needed to become an esthetician. You’ll also discover the schools of esthetics around and the average cost.

Who Is An Esthetician?


Estheticians offer a variety of beauty services to improve the appearance of their clients. This includes improving the quality of the skin (including treatment of skin disorders), hair removal, permanent makeup, and facial massage.

Esthetics is a relatively new profession that has grown tremendously over the last decade. However, Some types of estheticians, such as medical estheticians, offer highly specialized procedures. And such requires detailed training to perform safely and effectively.

Medical estheticians can assist people with severe skin disorders, burns, other trauma, and pre-and post-surgery that affect skin health. Thus, Individuals who wish to become licensed estheticians must attend the school of esthetics to undergo Esthetician training.

What Is The Difference Between Esthetician And Aesthetician?

Sometimes they are interchangeable, but there may be a technical difference. In general, esthetics focuses on cosmetic remedies while aestheticians’ roles are more of specialists. Due to this disparity, the aesthetic titles may also include medical doctors, clinics, or paramedics.

How To Become An Esthetician

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can become an esthetician.

  • Coming of Age
  • Check Your State’s Requirements
  • Find an Accredited School
  • Choose Your Specialty
  • Take the Exam
  • Search for Employment
  • Continue Learning

1. Age

To enroll in an Esthetician training program, you must be 16 years of age and above. You must also have a high school diploma or equivalent of the GED.


2. Check Your State’s Requirements

All states (except Connecticut) require that an esthetician be licensed and have completed a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician training program. 

However, the required esthetician school training time and the learning time are very different. In Florida, for example, you only need 250 hours of Esthetician training in school and no apprenticeship.

In contrast, California  Esthetician classes training require 600 hours and 3,200 hours of apprenticeship. Therefore, you should first check the requirements of the state in which you plan to hold your license.

3. Find an Accredited School

When looking for an esthetician training school, always make sure it is part of a state-approved and accredited School of esthetics or cosmetology program.

One of the best accreditation bodies is the National Accreditation Commission for the Arts and Sciences of Cosmetology (NACCAS).

The certification program can take up to 6 months. However, it can take up to 2 years or more to earn an associate’s degree in esthetics. 

Nevertheless, You may be able to complete your apprenticeship at the same time as your school studies, or it can be done after graduation.

4. Choose Your Specialty

You may want to be a standard esthetician, or you may want to be a more professional esthetician working in a clinic.

When enrolling in a school of esthetics, make sure you take the appropriate courses needed to pursue the type of employment you are looking for.

Thus, we recommend that you choose a specific school of esthetics that offers a particular program tailored to your area of ​​expertise.

In the school of esthetics, you will learn about cosmetology, hair removal and waxing, safety and sterilization, human physiology, cosmetic techniques, and the skin, the largest organ in the body.

5. Take the Exam

Therefore, After completing the required Esthetician training and learning time in the state, the final step is to take the state board exam.

This exam includes both the written and practical parts. This implies that you will need to show your skills directly to the proctor.

Medical estheticians must take and pass a special paramedical esthetician examination.

6. Search for Employment

After you have fulfilled all the requirements to become an Esthetician, you can start applying for a job. Luckily, Some schools offer employment programs. 

When approaching future employers with a polished resume, always focus on your technical background and the professional training you have received. 

After gaining more work experience and gaining satisfied clients, some beauticians choose to go out on their own. However, If you decide to start your own business, you may find that additional business management training may be helpful.

7. Continue Learning

In some states, estheticians are required to take continuing education courses to keep up with the latest technology and techniques. This is to refresh their memory of what they already know.

It is therefore important to follow all state guidelines to avoid losing your license which may prevent you from continuing to work until you get your license back.

How Long Is Esthetician School?

If you are a full-time student, the school of esthetics can last 4 to 6 months. For part-time, it can take 9 to 12 months.

It all depends on the time you have to focus on it and the program you choose. Either way, it’s a pretty big commitment.

Some states require up to 750 hours of training, but on average you can expect to spend about 600 hours on an esthetician school online course in 6 months. You can look up specific training time requirements based on state board licensing requirements.

Esthetician School Cost

The cost of the school of esthetics varies widely. Esthetician training Programs to become a medical esthetician are more expensive than basic esthetician training.

Tuition fees at community colleges are more affordable than at private schools. Tuition fees range from $4,000 for a 6-month training course to $ 20,000 for a master esthetician training.

Master esthetician training can often cost twice as much as basic esthetician training. However, Financial assistance may be available for esthetician training courses.

Esthetician School Cost

Esthetician school costs vary by program but typically cost between $ 3,000 and $ 10,000. In some cases, as mentioned above, you can choose a course that can be specialized in a particular area. However, if you need more training in a particular area like micro-needling, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels, the cost depends on the program and who is offering it.

Best Online Esthetician Schools in 2023

Here are 18 of the best schools of Esthetics for aspiring estheticians. Each offers a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of topics so that graduates are well prepared for licensure exams. These schools of esthetics offer esthetician certification or license online and In-School.

1. West Tennessee Business College

West Tennessee Business College offers a variety of programs in the healthcare field, including an Esthetician program. Students will learn to provide beauty services and skin care treatments to clients in a professional and safe manner.

The course includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on practice. For example, students will learn about the different types of facials, including chemical peels and microdermabrasion, along with how to use different types of facial masks, scrubs and toners.

They’ll also learn about facial waxing and other esthetician skills. This program can help you prepare for an esthetician career or advance your career if you already have one.

2. W Academy of Salon and Spa

The W Academy of Salon and Spa Esthetician programme is designed to teach all aspects of esthetics, including skin care, waxing and hair removal. The curriculum covers everything from facials to manicures and pedicures.

The programme is suitable for both men and women, with a flexible schedule that can be completed in as little as two years.

The school’s instructors are experienced in their fields, as well as being knowledgeable about the latest trends in the beauty industry. They will provide you with practical training as well as theoretical knowledge so that you can work confidently on your clients’ skin and hair.

The W Academy of Salon and Spa Esthetician programme provides students with the opportunity to work at the school’s salon after graduation until they secure employment elsewhere.

3. West Georgia Technical College

West Georgia Technical College Esthetician Programme

West Georgia Technical College is an accredited, public two-year college located in Carrollton, Georgia. The school offers a variety of associate degrees and technical certificates to prepare students for careers in multiple industries.

The West Georgia Technical College Esthetician programme is designed for students who want to obtain an education in the cosmetology field. The curriculum includes courses in skin science, hair removal techniques, and advanced makeup application. The programme also includes practical training at local salons.

Students can enroll on either a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time students take three classes per semester while full-time students take five classes per semester. The school offers flexible scheduling options that allow students to complete their coursework at their own pace.

4. Westside Tech

Westside Tech is the first school to offer esthetician training in the province of British Columbia. We have been providing Vancouver students with a comprehensive education in esthetics since 2008. Our graduates are working as professionals in the field and are earning high wages upon graduation. Our graduates are being accepted into advanced programs at other schools such as college or university and universities offering advanced degrees in esthetics.

The Esthetician Program at Westside Tech is designed for students who want to learn about skin care, skin analysis, hair removal, makeup application, facials and other beauty treatments. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have the skills to work as an esthetician or spa therapist in any number of settings including: spas, salons, day spas, resorts or private practice.

5. Penn Foster High school

The Penn Foster High school Programme is a distance-learning high school programme that offers students the opportunity to earn their high school diploma at home. The program is designed for students who want to complete their high school education at home, in a flexible environment that works around your life.

You can complete your high school diploma online by taking courses in four subject areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition to these core subjects, you may choose from a wide range of electives including Aviation Science, Business Fundamentals, Computer Programming and Web Development, Criminal Justice, Multimedia Technology and more.

Penn Foster High school programmes are available in three different levels: Standard Level (9th-12th grades), Advanced Level (11th-12th grades) and College Preparatory Level (10th grade – 12th grade).

6. Victory Academy of Cosmetology

Victory Academy of Cosmetology Online Esthetician is the perfect program for anyone looking to become an esthetician. This online school offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of the beauty industry, including facials, waxing, makeup application, hair care and more. Students can enroll in the program at any time throughout the year and take as long as they need to complete it.

The Victory Academy of Cosmetology Online Esthetician program is designed for students who are looking for an affordable education that will help them succeed in their chosen field. The tuition for this program is only $1,495 per academic year (no hidden fees). If you qualify for financial aid, you may be able to receive up to $3,000 per academic year in grants and scholarships.

Victory Academy of Cosmetology Online Esthetician focuses on providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers. In addition to learning about basic esthetics techniques like facials and makeup application, students also learn about other aspects of cosmetology like hairstyling and manicures/pedicures. This allows them to gain a deeper understanding of everything involved in being a successful esthetician or cosmetologist.

7. Empire Beauty School

Empire Beauty School Online Esthetician programme is a 100% online esthetic training course. This course is designed for students looking to become a licensed esthetician in the state of California.

The course is delivered by our expert instructors who have years of experience in the beauty industry and they will guide you through your journey as an esthetician.

This course includes 7 modules that cover all aspects of becoming a licensed esthetician, from basic theory and theory sessions to hands-on practical training. You will be able to learn about skin care products, how to perform different facial treatments, waxing and other essential skills.

You will also gain access to our self-paced learning platform where you can take your time learning at your own pace, anywhere you are!

8. Universal Career School

Universal Career School is a private, accredited institution of higher learning offering an online Esthetician programme. The school was founded in 2001 to provide students with quality education that is affordable and convenient for working adults.

The online esthetician programme is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career as an esthetician or nail technician. It provides the essential knowledge required to pursue careers in the beauty industry.

This programme provides a foundational education in skin care, makeup application, and facial treatments; it also prepares students to take state board exams so they can become licensed estheticians or nail technicians.

In order to become an esthetician, students must complete 1,500 hours of hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed instructor. Students will work on real clients during their practicum and will receive feedback from their instructors on how well they perform their duties as well as any areas where improvement may be necessary. Students must also pass two exams at the end of their program; one exam covers theory topics such as chemistry and anatomy while the other covers practical skills like skin care techniques and facial massage techniques which are tested through written questions and mock patient interactions.

9. Paul Mitchell Schools

The Paul Mitchell Schools Online Esthetician program is the perfect way to pursue your career in esthetics. This advanced training gives you the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective esthetician, perform manicures and pedicures, and provide skin care services for clients in the salon or spa setting.

The esthetician program at Paul Mitchell Schools takes place entirely online. Once you enroll, you will be assigned an instructor who works with you throughout the entire course. Your instructor will be available through contact methods such as email and phone calls. In addition, you will have access to a dedicated student support team that can help answer any questions about your coursework or career goals.

With this program, you can choose between two different paths:

The Basic Esthetics Certificate is designed for students who wish to learn basic skin care techniques such as facials, body treatments and waxing. With this certificate, students can become certified in basic esthetics services offered at salons and spas.

The Advanced Esthetics Certificate is designed for students who wish to learn advanced skin care techniques such as microdermabrasion treatments, laser procedures and chemical peels. With this certificate, students can become certified in advanced esthetics services.

10. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

The online esthetician program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the field of esthetics.

Our courses are taught by experienced professionals in the field who have been practicing for years. They will teach you what you need to know to become an esthetician.

Students learn how to give facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, as well as spa treatments like hot stone massages. You will also learn about skin care products and how to sell them.

The program is designed for people who have some experience in the beauty industry but have not yet completed a formal education. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, this program can help you develop your skills and get an edge over other applicants looking for jobs in this competitive field.

11. University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts

The Online Esthetician programme at University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts is a one-year, full-time degree course that offers students the opportunity to learn the skills required to become a qualified esthetician.

The programme will teach you everything you need to know about skin care, facials and massage techniques. The course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career as an esthetician within the beauty industry.

You will also gain experience in working on real clients during your time on the programme as well as developing a strong business sense. This can help you make a successful transition into your chosen career path after graduation.

12. Mirage Spa Education

The Mirage Spa Education Online Esthetician Course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to work as an esthetician. The course covers a broad range of topics, including anatomy, skin care, makeup application, corrective color theory and business practices.

The course is intended for students who want to enter the field of cosmetology and pursue a career as an esthetician. It does not lead to state licensure or certification and does not prepare students for licensure in any other state.

The program consists of two levels: Level 1 (Basic) and Level 2 (Intermediate). Both levels require approximately 150 hours of online instruction plus time spent in the classroom during on-site training at one of our partner schools (the exact number of hours will vary by school).

Students must complete both levels before receiving a certificate of completion from Mirage Spa Education.

13. Aveda Institute

The Online Esthetician programme at Aveda Institute is a professional, comprehensive esthetic education that provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful and respected professional. You’ll learn how to provide skin care treatments for both men and women, including facials, body treatments, waxing and makeup application.

The course is taught by experienced instructors who are experts in their field. This means you will be learning from people who have real world experience in their industry.

After completing this course, you will gain the skills needed to become a licensed esthetician in your state. You will also be eligible for employment within spas and salons as well as other areas of the beauty industry.

14. Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics

Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics offers an Online Esthetician programme for those who are looking for a career in the skincare industry. The program has been designed to cover the basics of skin care and beauty, including the science of skin, application techniques and the business side of running your own beauty business.

The Online Esthetician program is delivered by our experienced instructors, who are fully qualified and registered with the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA). They have also completed training in advanced anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Students will learn how to:

Apply basic skincare treatments such as facials, body wraps and waxing services

Understand how cosmetics work on your skin and how to apply them properly

Learn about nutrition so that you can advise clients on how to maintain a healthy diet.

15. The Ogle School

The Ogle School is one of the leading providers of Esthetician training and education in the USA. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of skin care, including facials, waxing and body treatments.

The program is recognized by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), which is accredited by the US Department of Education. The Ogle School has been providing quality education since 1926 and has trained thousands of students as estheticians, cosmetologists and nail technicians.

The online esthetician programme at The Ogle School consists of five courses: Introduction to Esthetics (40 hours), Anatomy & Physiology (15 hours), Theory & Practice (75 hours), Microdermabrasion (25 hours) and Chemical Peel (25 hours). All five courses must be completed in order to graduate from the program.

16. Xenon Academy

Xenon Academy offers an online esthetician school for those looking to learn the skin care industry. The program is designed to be flexible and can be completed in as little as three months or up to 12 months.

The curriculum covers all of the basics, including chemistry, anatomy, physiology, salon management and business skills. In addition to the course material, students will also have access to Xenon Academy’s membership portal where they can find additional resources including blogs, forums and more.

Xenon Academy’s online esthetician course comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase at any point within 30 days of signing up for the course, you’ll receive a full refund.

17. Marinello Schools of Beauty

Marinello Schools of Beauty’s Online Esthetician Program is a unique and innovative approach to educating professional estheticians. It is designed to meet the needs of individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as an esthetician but do not necessarily have the time or resources for traditional college courses.

Marinello’s Online Esthetician program provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that includes all aspects of esthetics, including skin care theory, physiology, anatomy and physiology, anatomy and physiology of hair, skin analysis, facial treatments including facials, body treatments including body wraps and waxing. Students learn how to treat acne and rosacea; they study advanced skin care products such as chemical peels; they learn about laser resurfacing procedures; they study advanced cleansing techniques; they practice massage techniques; they learn about makeup application; they study skin cancer prevention strategies and much more!

The Marinello Online Esthetician program provides you with the knowledge you need to begin your career as an esthetician. Once you complete this program, you will be able to take your state board exam (where required) and receive your license which will allow you to work in any salon or spa across the country!

18. Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers

The Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers is one of the best online esthetician schools. It offers a wide range of courses from a certificate level to a master’s degree. The school was established in 1997, and it has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools since 2008.

The school offers an online esthetics program that can be completed in less than two years. The curriculum includes coursework about anatomy and physiology, skin care, and business principles. Students also receive training on how to perform facials and other skin treatments, as well as how to use equipment such as microdermabrasion machines and dermaplaning blades.

The school also offers an online cosmetology program that trains students on how to cut hair, color hair, do manicures and pedicures, set hair with rollers or curlers, and apply makeup for bridal parties or special events like weddings or proms. The program can be completed in less than two years if you have already taken some cosmetology courses at another institution before enrolling in this school’s program.

Esthetician License

If you are looking to start a career in esthetics, Before being able to work legally as an esthetician, you must get a license. Because an esthetician license either online or in-school qualifies you to perform aesthetic services in your state.

However, the only exception is Connecticut which is the only state in the United States where there are no rights that regulate this type of work.

Anywhere, the license is a career ticket in this field. Also, you must pass the number of training hours that you will have to complete. 

Alabama, for instance, requires the completion of 1000 hours of training to obtain a license. While the aesthetics aspirants in Alaska must complete only 350.

To obtain an Esthetician license online or in-school, you’ll have to:

  • Complete esthetician training classes or complete an apprenticeship (allowed in some states).
  • Submit evidence of training/apprenticeship hours to your state board.
  • Sit for and pass all required exams.
  • Pay a license fee.

Summary

The beauty industry is growing – fast! With so many diverse career opportunities in the fields of beauty and aesthetics. Therefore, it’s time to embark on an exciting and rewarding professional journey.

For beauticians, it’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. Because you make people feel good and feel good. Also, In this beautician career, you can have a very flexible schedule.

Hence, you need to apply online for the best beautician school in the world. It’s a good looking business.

Frequency Asked Questions

How Long does it take to complete an esthetician online school?

On average, you can expect to spend around 600 hours over six months for esthetician school

Is esthetician a good career?

Estheticians are in high demand

Is the esthetician test hard?

It’s a daunting hurdle and many people find the exam process very stressful.

Scroll to Top