How Long Does It Take to Become an Esthetician?

Are you considering diving into the world of skincare and beauty? Becoming an esthetician could be your gateway to a fulfilling career in a booming industry. But how long does it take to become an esthetician, and what does the journey look like? 

Let’s explore the steps and timelines involved in becoming a certified esthetician and what it takes to thrive in this vibrant field, starting with the basics. 

What is an esthetician? 

An esthetician is a skilled professional who’s all about making you look and feel your best. They’re trained in everything from facials to hair removal to makeup application, knowing all the tricks to keep your skin glowing.  

Working as an esthetician isn’t about piling on treatments. Good estheticians will analyze a client’s skin, recommend what’s best for them and make sure that they leave feeling refreshed and confident.  

Whether addressing breakouts, signs of aging or just promoting self-care, estheticians are there to help clients achieve (and maintain) healthy, radiant skin. 

How long does esthetician school take? 

In Nebraska, it takes 600 hours to complete the necessary courses, which means you can be eligible for licensing in less than a year. Xenon Academy offers a full-time schedule, with classes from Tuesday through Friday. 

What do you learn in esthetician school? 

Xenon Academy teaches students much more than just the technical parts of esthetics. You’ll need to know about skincare, anatomy and various treatments — but also how to succeed in the industry. Find a detailed list of the topics in our curriculum here. 

When can you start working as an esthetician? 

After graduating, you’ll need to take the NIC written examination. You’ll get your results the same day you take it, and the testing company will send an official score report to the Department of Health and Human Services. Within two weeks, you’ll be notified of licensure or denial.  

You can start looking for employment as soon as the Department notifies you that you’ve passed! 

What’s the difference between an aesthetician and an esthetician?  

In most cases, the difference is just the spelling. Americans are more likely to spell the profession as “esthetician” and Europeans are more likely to spell it as “aesthetician,” but they do the same kind of work, focusing on the skin. 

There are, however, also “medical aestheticians,” which refers to someone with specialized medical training who also works on clients’ skin. They are licensed for more invasive procedures than most estheticians. These professionals can be found working in plastic surgery clinics, medical spas or dermatology offices. 

How do you become an esthetician?  

After a comprehensive course of lessons, you’ll take an exam and earn your license. To get started, schedule a tour at Xenon Academy and check out how bright your future may be! 

Are there esthetician scholarships?  

Xenon Academy accepts external scholarships, including any specialized esthetician scholarships you may earn. We also offer payment plans, an internal scholarship to qualifying students and the services of our admissions team, who can help find the best options for you. Make sure you’ve filed for financial aid! 

It only takes 600 hours to finish our esthetics course — that’s around three and a half weeks total, and it takes you less than a year to complete, full-time. If you think a future in esthetics could be perfect for you, then contact us to start your journey to beauty school!