Becoming an esthetician in British Columbia is slightly different than it is in other areas.
There are no requirements in terms of hours, but you do still need to know what you’re doing.
One of the best ways to learn how to be an esthetician is to take courses at a professional training school. Training through a cosmetology program allows you to learn everything that you’ll need to know in order to be a professional esthetician and may possibly even get trained as a medical esthetician. You’ll learn techniques, skills, and information that will serve you for years to come.
Consider Becoming an Aesthetics Apprentice in BC
You might also find an esthetician who is willing to give you on-the-job training and become an apprentice, in this way you may even be able to study holistic esthetics. This can give you a varied education right out of the gate on so many different aspects of being an esthetician. It’s also an excellent option if you don’t have the funding (let’s face it esthetician school can cost a lot) to take a full course load at a cosmetology school. Supplementing your coursework with apprenticeship hours is also a good idea.
Becoming Certified Through Exams
It’s a good idea to take the certification exam at The Beauty Council, regardless of which method you choose to learn about being an esthetician. In order to take the exam, you’ll need to provide proof of at least 800 school hours (some of which you may be able to get online). Once you pass the exam, you’ll be able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you take your training as an esthetician seriously and that you know what you’re doing.
Becoming a member of The Beauty Council is voluntary, but it also gives you certain benefits. You’ll have access to additional training and education and you’ll also be able to list yourself in a database of cosmetology professionals across Western Canada. This can be an incredible networking tool, especially when you’re just starting out as an esthetician.
Keeping Your Clients (& Yourself) Safe
In addition, you may also want to take the BeautySafe certification exam. The BeautySafe program involves training estheticians and other cosmetology professionals about sterilization, chemical practices, and other safety information that is vital to keeping patients and practitioners safe and healthy while undergoing beauty procedures. The certification is good for three years, after which you’ll need to take the course and exam again.
Some Esthetician Schools in British Columbia
| Name | Address | Cost | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms Lorea's College Of Esthetics & Nail Technology | 1593 3rd Avenue Prince George, V2L 3G3 | Registration Fee of $200 (non-refundable) Tuition: $4,500 | Nail Technology |
| Protege School | 3390 Midland Avenue, Unit 10, M1V 5K3 | Tuition: $7,980 | Massage Therapy, Beauty Therapy, Skin Care Technician, Electrolysis, Nail Technician |
| Senniyo Aesthetics International School of Canada Inc. | 7300 Westminster Highway, Richmond, V6X 1A1 | Register Fee: (Domestic-$100)(International-$300) Tuition Fee:(Domestic-$6,800)(International-$13,800) Student Material Fee- $1,084.50 | Makeup, Nail Art |
| Interior Academy | 113 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC Canada, V2C 1Z4 | Domestic Tuition Rate: $7,900 Pro Kit/Supplies/LAB Access/Tax: $2,200 | Hair, Makeup, Nails, Short beauty program courses |
| Blanche Macdonald Centre | 201–410 Robson Street Vancouver, V6B 0H3 | Tuition: $13,800 | Makeup Programs, Fashion Programs, Hair Programs, Nail Studio |
| Mark Anthony Academy Of Cosmetology | 5735 - 203 Street, Unit 103, Langley, V3A 8A7 | Tuition $10,000 Registration $100 Textbook & Materials $1,700 Total: $11,800 | Hairdressing, Medical Esthetics Laser Program, Medical Laser Program, Waxing Program, Nail Technology Program |
Advance School Of Hair Design & Esthetics – Victoria
Alberni Beauty Academy – Port Alberni
Artistic Beauty College of Sidney – 2405 Beacon Ave W, Sidney, BC – not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but it gets one good review on Yelp. It is apparently a good place to go for inexpensive student facials and other skin care.
Avanti School – Surrey
Comox Valley Beauty School – Courtenay
Deja Vu Intl School Of Cosmetology – Vancouver
Dominelli European College – Burnaby
Kamloops School of Hairdressing – Kamloops
Lam School of Advanced Esthetics – Courtenay
Maple Ridge School of Esthetics – Maple Ridge
MBC Medical Esthetics Clinic and Training – Coquitlam
Moderne College – Vancouver
BM Chan International Cosmetology College – Vancouver
Northern Lights Cosmetics, Hair Design & Esthetics Academy – Coquitlam
The Canadian Institute of Natural Health & Healing – Kelowna
Other British Columbia schools for massage, nail techs, barbering, cosmetologists and makeup artists.
academyofexcellencevictoria.com
Ms. Lorea’s College of Esthetics & Nail Technology – Prince George – Miss Lorea’s ranks as an A+ on the Better Business Bureau’s website simply due to how long it has been operating and the fact that it has had no complaints. It gets a lot of good reviews averaging 8.2 out of 10 on some sites.
Did we miss any BC esthetician schools? Please contact us to let us know.