Skin can be a delicate business. Helping people look and feel their best is only part of it. A dedicated esthetician also understands how the health of your skin reflects your overall health. They can recognize skin disorders and problems, and help you achieve clearer, healthier, younger skin. If you are interested in becoming an esthetician, Iowa has many college programs, and cosmetology schools to help you on your journey, to this fascinating career.
Iowa flag

Iowa Esthetician Schools Hours Required

In Iowa, your journey to becoming an esthetician begin with a 600-hour course. More than half that time is spent on practical application of the theory you’re learning, covering makeup, hair removal, and use of the electrical equipment.

Theory courses include anatomy and personal and professional development. Though Iowa doesn’t have an apprenticeship program, you should leave your program with all the technical and business know-how to help you get work and even help you build your own business.

Getting Your Esthetician License in IA

Before you start work, you’ll need to pass your written and theory exams. Iowa administers the NIC written exam online. You can schedule the exam yourself, or have your institution do it for you. There is no practical exam. You send away your exam results, and submit your application. Your education provider will submit your official transcripts. These have to come from the school. They cannot come from you.

How To Get Your License If You’re Coming From Another State

If you’re currently holding an active out-of-state license, or you have held one for a 12 month period in the last 24 months, you are eligible to have your licensed endorsed by the state of Iowa so you can work there. You’ll need to submit your passing scores, and official school transcripts, as well as verifying your last license.

How To Renew Your Esthetician License

The renewal cycle for Iowa’s State Board is every two years. The date of renewal is March 31st. To renew your license, you need to complete eight hours of continuing education.

In this case, that means two hours spent on Iowa’s rules and regulations, and at least four hours specific to skills. The other two hours may be spent at trade shows, safety training, or even business courses.

Iowa Employment Options in Esthetics

Skin care is a growing field across the country, and Iowa is no different. With a variety of medical offices looking for specialists in skin care, you are sure to find rewarding employment.

If you’re looking more at the beauty industry, Iowa has a variety of salons, makeup and product representative jobs to keep you growing and learning, and making others feel beautiful.

You can even specialize, and apply for a certification to perform laser therapy at your own salon or clinic!

Also see our cost of training for esthetics page to get an idea how much your training will be.

Some Iowa Esthetician Schools

NameAddressCostOther Programs
Iowa School of Beauty3305 70th Street, Urbandale, 50322Application fee $50
Equipment & Textbooks $1,825
Tuition $8,100
Total Cost $9,975
Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Continuing Education
Capri College2540 East 53rd Street, Davenport, 52807Kit Fees $1,740.00
Tuition $7,835
Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Continuing Education
La' James International College 227 East Market Street, Iowa City, 52245$10,590 for tuition and fees
$1,950 for books and supplies
$3,750 for off-campus room and board
Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy
PCI Academy Iowa309 Kitty Hawk Drive, Ames, 50010$100 application fee
$11,816 tuition
Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy
World of Beauty Academy3409 Southeast 14th Street, Des Moines, 50320UnknownCosmetology, Nail Technology
The Salon Professional Academy Iowa City1550 South 1st Avenue, Iowa City, 52240$5,409Cosmetology, Nail Technology

La’ James College – Mason City

La’ James College – Cedar Falls

La’ James College – Davenport

La’ James College – Fort Dodge

La’ James College – Iowa City

La’ James College – Johnston

Capri College – Cedar Rapids

Capri College – Davenport

Capri College – Dubuque

Capri College – Waterloo

Iowa School of Beauty – 3305 70th Street, Urbandale 50322

Iowa School of Beauty – 609 W. 2nd, Ottumwa 52501

Iowa School of Beauty – 3320 Line Dr., Sioux City 51106

The Salon Professional Academy – Iowa City

Other Iowa schools for nail techs, barbers, cosmetologists and makeup artists.

School links:
avedainstitutedesmoines.com

capricollege.edu

hairtech.us

hairtech.us

iowaschoolofbeauty.com

lajames.com

mcohd.com

pci-academy.com

Did we miss any Iowa esthetics institutes? Please contact us to let us know.