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.

Victoria, BC skyline
Victoria, BC skyline

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

NameAddressCostOther Programs
Ms Lorea's College Of Esthetics & Nail Technology1593 3rd Avenue Prince George, V2L 3G3Registration Fee of $200 (non-refundable)
Tuition: $4,500
Nail Technology
Protege School3390 Midland Avenue, Unit 10, M1V 5K3
Tuition: $7,980Massage 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 Academy113 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 Centre201–410 Robson Street
Vancouver, V6B 0H3
Tuition: $13,800
Makeup Programs, Fashion Programs, Hair Programs, Nail Studio
Mark Anthony Academy Of Cosmetology5735 - 203 Street, Unit 103, Langley, V3A 8A7Tuition $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

blanchemacdonald.com

escharles.com

interioracademy.com

mccollege.ca

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.

ocihair.com

protegeschool.com

senniyobeautyschool.com

stenbergcollege.com

Did we miss any BC esthetician schools? Please contact us to let us know.