Esthetician
Start your wellness career within one year.
- Gain skills and on-the-job experience in skin care, nail care, body treatments and more in our industry-standard Salon, Spa & Boutique
- A focus on developing customer relations skills teaches you how to build a strong and loyal customer base
- You'll learn and apply the latest esthetics trends in a growing, dynamic industry
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
This accelerated two-year Esthetician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), prepares you to enter the high-demand wellness industry in less than one year.
Learn and apply the latest esthetics trends to promote health and well-being in this growing, dynamic industry. By combining theory and hands-on learning, the Esthetician program teaches you essential skills in skin care, nail care, hair removal, makeup application and body treatments. An emphasis is also placed on developing customer relations skills to help build a strong and loyal customer base....(read more)
Overview
Start your wellness career within one year.
This accelerated two-year Esthetician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), prepares you to enter the high-demand wellness industry in less than one year.
Learn and apply the latest esthetics trends to promote health and well-being in this growing, dynamic industry. By combining theory and hands-on learning, the Esthetician program teaches you essential skills in skin care, nail care, hair removal, makeup application and body treatments. An emphasis is also placed on developing customer relations skills to help build a strong and loyal customer base.
Gain on-the-job experience applying your skills on real clients at the Salon, Spa and Boutique, Algonquin College`s on-campus, student-run spa facility. During this time, you gain experience and knowledge, and become comfortable providing professional esthetic services to clients.
The skills you gain at Algonquin open the doors to a variety of wellness careers at:
- day or resort spas
- wellness centres
- beauty institutes
- health clubs
- cruise ships
- cosmetic firms
Specific positions include:
- esthetician
- cosmetician/makeup artist
- nail technician
- beauty consultant
- product representative for manufacturers
- distributor and retailer of esthetic products
You may also choose to pursue self-employment opportunities or small business ownership after completing the program.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy interacting with people and providing superior service to clients.
- Have strong communication (oral and written) skills.
- Are organized and energetic.
- Are interested in beauty trends.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
CSP3000
Course Name:
Customer Care and Interpersonal Dynamics
Course Description:
Clients are the mainstay of any Wellness Centre's existence. Students obtain the skills needed to provide effective customer service. Studen... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
DAT2000
Course Name:
Computer Skills for Salon and Spa
Course Description:
Students examine how various software applications are used to facilitate the daily operations of a Wellness Centre. They learn how to book ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813H
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN1002
Course Name:
Morals, Values and Ethical Principles: What Influences You?
Course Description:
Some would say that "there is a hole in the moral ozone and it's getting bigger." Ethical challenges we face every day are examined and addr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT1101
Course Name:
Skin Care I
Course Description:
The science of skin histology and physiology are the foundations that estheticians need to know before caring for the skin. The structure, c... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT1102
Course Name:
Nail Care Techniques
Course Description:
The nail and its structure and composition, bacteria and fungus nail diseases and disorders, proper nail care techniques, and manicure and p... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT1103
Course Name:
Esthetics Practical Lab I
Course Description:
Students apply acquired skills and knowledge to a hands-on lab environment. Working on classmates and clients, students practice a variety o... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
HLT1112
Course Name:
Health and Safety
Course Description:
Maintaining a healthy and safe workplace is crucial within the service industry. Students examine and apply relevant standards and legislati... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
COS2000
Course Name:
Makeup Artistry and Cosmetology
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the root of makeup artistry through the color wheel, color theories, facial shapes and facial features. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1823H
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Employers emphasize the need for communication skills that are effective in challenging workplace situations. Using a practical, vocational ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD2109
Course Name:
Spa Operations I
Course Description:
The spa operation component provides students with an opportunity to apply practical knowledge through a simulated esthetics environment. St... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HLT1100
Course Name:
Hair Removal
Course Description:
General differences and methods of hair removal are examined for esthetic, cultural, gender, medical and religious reasons. Students study ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT2000
Course Name:
Skin Care II
Course Description:
Students develop skills in using esthetic equipment while performing a wide variety of facial treatments. Students learn how to professional... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT2102
Course Name:
Esthetics Practical Lab II
Course Description:
Students apply acquired skills and techniques on classmates and clients. A variety of spa services including skin analysis and facial techni... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
GED1103
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FLD3100
Course Name:
Spa Operation II
Course Description:
Students gain experience in a simulated esthetics spa/business environment. Students practise techniques introduced in theory and practical ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HLT2101
Course Name:
Spa and Body Treatments
Course Description:
As demographics show the predominance of the population aging, spa and body treatments are more in demand. Students are introduced to the st... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT3000
Course Name:
Skin Care III
Course Description:
Over the years, medical teams have recognized a need for trained clinical estheticians, as they have the skills to perform advanced skin car... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT3101
Course Name:
Esthetics Practical Lab III
Course Description:
Students apply the skills and techniques gained through a hands-on lab environ of spa services including advanced skin care procedures, adva... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
MGT3000
Course Name:
Small Business Practices
Course Description:
Entrepreneurship and small business ownership practices are introduced. Students explore financial planning for business and learn career bu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1103
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in a variety of wellness careers at day or resort spas; wellness centres; beauty institutes; health clubs; cruise ships; cosmetic firms.
Specific positions include: esthetician; sales representative for manufacturers; distributor and retailer of esthetic products; cosmetician/makeup artist; nail technician; beauty consultant; product representative for manufacturers; distributor and retailer of esthetic products.
Graduates may also choose to pursue self-employment opportunities or small business ownership after completing the program.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Perform a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct procedures and precautions and supporting client needs (including and not limited to facials, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, and makeup applications).
- Use a range of specialized equipment and products, in compliance with established national, provincial, industry, and other related standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Apply relevant knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and histology to the provision of specialized esthetic treatments and services.
- Adhere to health, safety, sanitation, and infection and prevention control guidelines, according to current legislation and national, provincial, municipal, and industry standards and legislation.
- Identify business skills and activities required for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetic business in a salon or spa environment.
- Select and recommend the use of esthetic products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified needs.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships in adherence to standards and ethics associated with the profession.
- Develop customer service strategies that meet and adapt to individual needs and expectations in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
- Determine professional development strategies that lead to the enhancement of work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry change.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books cost approximately $200 for the program duration and can be purchased in the campus bookstore.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants are selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
ESTHETICIAN
Program Code 1103X04FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Note: Students must practice health and safety awareness with regards to commonly used substances in an Esthetics environment including skin-care, beauty and wellness products, cleaners and sanitation chemicals.
Contact
Sylvie Canonico
Program Coordinator and Professor
Room A115a
Sylvie began teaching in 2009, she is a professor in the Esthetician diploma.
Sylvie has over 30 years of hands on experience in esthetics and makeup artistry.
She started her career in one of Ottawa’s most prestigious salon, Rinaldo Hair Designers & Spa in 1987 where she would remain employed for 24 years. This stability allowed her to actively work as a manager for 15 years. Sylvie excelled at customer service and staff interaction, trained employees to company standards and eventually had a helping hand in the opening of two Rinaldo franchises.
She keeps her skills current as a facilitator, recently graduated from the TALL program at Algonquin College. She attends workshops on a regular basis and believes in serving our clientele – the student – to the best of her abilities.
Her teaching philosophy is: “Never give up on a student. I cannot motivate them, however I can inspire them. When they get it and make the connection, it is the sweetest moment”.
Linda Ducharme
Professor
Room A102
Linda Ducharme has over 25 years of experience as an esthetician which includes having her own business downtown Ottawa for over 10 years. She has a diverse background which includes training in skin care (basic to advance skin care procedures), makeup artistry, worked with many professional skin care products, clinical settings and worked with a medical team. She is also is a certified and authorized clinical trainer for an international medical laser company.
Linda’s background includes over 10 certificates, including a Ministry Esthetician Diploma, Fine Arts, Multiple Laser Units, Nail & Bio Sculptured Gel nails Technician, and Electrolysis Technician. She has over eight years of teaching and training experience and is the Program Coordinator for the Esthetician Program at Algonquin College.
Dianne Williamson
Professor
Lee-Ann Zanelli
Professor
Lee-Ann Zanelli has always had an interest in the esthetics field. A day of job shadowing in her cousin’s spa in the ninth grade solidified her decision to pursue the field. Lee-Ann has been an Esthetician for 18 years and a business owner for 16. She has a vast knowledge of the day-to-day operations of running a spa, marketing strategies, retailing, and of course all of the spa services.
She is trained in a number of skin care lines, specializes in electrolysis, and has had a loyal following of customers for many years. Her spa was nominated for a Torch Award with the BBB for excellence in business. Lee-Ann is very excited to be joining the Spa Management team and looking forward to sharing all of her knowledge with the students of Algonquin College.
Evelyn Ross-Linton
Instructor
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Evey began her esthetics career in 1997 after graduating from Coatbridge College with a Higher National Diploma in Beauty Therapy when she began working for Salon Belissima, gaining experience with AVEDA skin care, also with Micropigmentation, Tattooing and Body Piercing.
From there she moved to About Face Specialist Electrolysis and Beauty Clinic, working with Sothey Skin Care, CACI non-surgical face lift technology, while specializing in Electrolysis and Thermocoagulation treatments, working predominantly with the LGBTQ community.
Understanding that my passion was with developing and teaching my skills to fellow colleagues, the next part of Evey’s journey took her to Stirling University in Scotland to gain her Teaching Degree (TQFE) which led her to teaching Esthetics at John Wheatley College in Glasgow for seven years, which included working with Glasgow City Council community based projects and SQA developing courses for:
- Roots Out of Prostitution,
- EVIP (Enhanced Vocational Inclusion Program 12-16 year olds)
- SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) Personal Presentation Course for Support for Learning students
- Higher National Certificate Body Massage course for SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority)
On arriving in Ottawa, Evey became a student at Algonquin College and graduated from the Print Media program with Honours in 2012.
Her esthetics career continued at Oresta Organic Spa as Manager and Holistic Esthetician and Peppermint Organic as Manager and Holistic Esthetician, working with Eminence and enhancing my skin care knowledge, receiving training with internationally renowned Boldijarre Koronczay, president of Eminence.
Evey returned to her passion of teaching in the Esthetician diploma program at Algonquin College in 2018 as both Lab Instructor and Professor of theoretical studies where she continues to learn and develop my skills through working with a fantastic team of professionals.
Natalie Dupuis
Instructor
As an experienced service-oriented professional with almost two decades working in esthetics, Natalie thrives on creating a welcoming and caring environment in her workplace.
In addition to providing outstanding skincare service to clients, she has management experience, having been co-owner of two esthetic salons, and is bilingual and fluent in reading, writing and speaking English and French.
The highlight of her career so far has been teaching esthetics to students at La Cité Collégiale and here at Algonquin College as it has allowed her to share my knowledge as well as develop her passion for teaching.