How Long Does Esthetician School Take?

Starting your journey toward becoming a licensed esthetician can be an exciting step into the world of skincare and beauty. One of the first questions many aspiring estheticians ask is, “How long does esthetician school take?” At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, we understand that this time commitment is an important consideration when planning your future in esthetics. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, knowing the time involved helps you make informed decisions about your education. 

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect in terms of time investment when attending esthetician school in Washington, and how the flexibility of our programs could work for your schedule. Let’s explore the path to becoming a skilled esthetician! 

What to Expect from Esthetician School in Washington

Esthetician school is your gateway to mastering the art and science of skincare. At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, we provide flexible full-time programs designed to meet the needs of students based on feedback from previous inquiries. This flexibility allows students to balance their education with other life commitments while receiving a comprehensive education in esthetics.

• Standard Esthetics Program (750 Hours): Our Standard Esthetics Program includes 750 hours of training, covering essential skills such as facials, waxing, skin analysis, and more.
• Advanced Esthetics Program (1200 Hours): The Advanced Esthetics Program offers 1200 hours of specialized training, preparing you for more advanced skincare techniques and treatments. Whether you’re looking to broaden your skills or focus on specific areas of skincare, this program provides the depth needed for a thorough understanding of esthetics.

Full-Time Schedule Options: We offer two full-time schedule options to accommodate different lifestyles:

• Day Schedule: Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with an additional 10 hours of online training that can be completed anytime during the rest of the week.
• Evening Schedule: Monday through Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with 10 hours of online training available to complete during the remaining days of the week.

This full-time format allows students to progress steadily while benefiting from a schedule that offers both hands-on experience and the flexibility of online learning. The time you dedicate to your education with us will prepare you to take the next steps in your skincare journey.

Factors That Can Affect the Duration of Esthetician School

When considering how long it takes to complete esthetician school, several factors can influence the timeline. While Olympia School of Advanced Skincare offers structured full-time programs, the exact duration depends on individual circumstances and the specific program you choose.

• Program Hours and Requirements: In Washington, state regulations require a set number of training hours to become a licensed esthetician. For the Standard Esthetics Program, this means 750 hours of training, and for the Advanced Esthetics Program, it requires 1200 hours. The time it takes to complete either program depends on how consistently you’re able to attend and complete the necessary coursework.
• Full-Time Schedules: Both our day and evening schedules are designed with flexibility in mind, but they still require a full-time commitment. Whether you choose the day or evening track, your weekly schedule includes both in-person and online training, allowing you to balance hands-on learning with the convenience of completing coursework at home.
• Individual Pace and Consistency: While the structure of our programs ensures steady progress, the pace at which you complete the training may depend on your personal circumstances. Staying consistent with the weekly schedule and completing the required online coursework on time can keep you on track to finish your education within the expected time frame.

Ultimately, the time it takes to complete esthetician school at Olympia School of Advanced Skincare can vary based on the program you choose, the schedule that works best for you, and your ability to stay committed to the course load. Our goal is to provide an educational experience that prepares you thoroughly for your future in esthetics, without overwhelming your schedule.

Why Time Invested in Esthetics Education Matters

The time you spend in esthetician school is an investment in your future skills and success in the skincare industry. At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, both our Standard and Advanced Esthetics Programs are designed to give you the comprehensive education needed to thrive in a growing field. Here’s why every hour counts.

In the Standard Esthetics Program, your 750 hours of training focus on essential skills such as skin analysis, facials, waxing, and sanitation practices. These foundational skills are crucial for providing top-notch services to future clients. By dedicating the time to mastering these areas, you’ll be well-prepared for the practical aspects of being an esthetician in real-world settings.

The 1200-hour Advanced Esthetics Program goes deeper, allowing students to learn specialized skincare treatments and advanced techniques. The extended program gives you the chance to explore more complex services like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and more, which can set you apart in the industry. This extra time in school is an opportunity to build expertise that could expand your future service offerings and enhance your confidence as a skincare professional.

One of the most critical aspects of your time in esthetician school is preparing for the state board exams in Washington. The comprehensive education and hands-on training you receive can help you be ready to sit for the exams with confidence. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that every minute spent in class and online builds toward your success in passing the required tests for licensure.

During your time in esthetician school, you won’t just learn theory—you’ll also gain practical, hands-on experience. Whether it’s working with real clients in a supervised setting or practicing advanced techniques on models, this experience is key to becoming a skilled esthetician. The hours you spend honing these skills can be invaluable as you transition from student to professional.

The time invested in your education at Olympia School of Advanced Skincare is more than just a countdown of hours. It’s a journey that equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and experience needed to enter the skincare field prepared and ready for success.

What Comes After Completing Esthetician School?

Once you’ve completed your esthetician education at Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, you’ll be prepared to take the next steps toward your future in skincare. While your time in school builds a solid foundation, what happens after graduation is just as important.

After finishing the required hours of training, the next major milestone is passing the Washington State Board exams to become a licensed esthetician. Olympia School of Advanced Skincare is dedicated to making sure you’re ready. Our curriculum is designed to align with Washington state licensing requirements, ensuring you’ve covered everything you need to succeed. From infection control to skin anatomy, the skills you’ve learned throughout the program will be essential as you move into this testing phase.

Even after completing esthetician school, many students choose to further their education with specialized courses or certifications. Esthetics is a field that’s always evolving with new treatments, technologies, and techniques. Whether you decide to pursue advanced training in areas like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or lash and brow services, continuing your education allows you to stay current and expand your service offerings.

The hands-on training you receive during your time at Olympia School of Advanced Skincare can help you feel confident in your ability to provide high-quality services. From practicing facials and waxing to mastering more advanced techniques in the Advanced Esthetics Program, you’ll be well-equipped to meet the needs of clients in various settings. This confidence will be key as you transition from a student into a licensed professional.

At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, we go a step further by facilitating career readiness through our Externship Program. We’ve built valuable partnerships with prominent salons and spas in our community, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in firsthand experience and training within esteemed establishments. While we cannot guarantee employment, this program helps nurture strong working relationships with salon and spa management and staff, enhancing the potential for post-graduation opportunities. It’s an excellent way to gain industry insights and hands-on practice before officially entering the workforce.

Taking the Next Steps in Your Esthetics Journey

Choosing to become an esthetician is an exciting decision, and understanding the time commitment involved is a key step in planning your future. At Olympia School of Advanced Skincare, we’ve designed our programs to provide comprehensive training, flexible full-time scheduling, and hands-on experience that can prepare you for success in the skincare field. Whether you’re pursuing our Standard Esthetics Program with 750 hours of foundational education or diving deeper into our Advanced Esthetics Program with 1200 hours of specialized training, the time you invest now can set the groundwork for your future.

As you begin on this journey, remember that it’s not just about fulfilling the required hours—it’s about building the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive as a skincare professional. Ready to learn more about how to begin? Start your education with us today and take the first step toward an education in esthetics.