If you’re interested in skin care and want to build a career in the beauty industry, becoming an esthetician can be a rewarding career path. Estheticians work with clients on a variety of skin care and beauty services, including facials, skin treatments, hair removal and more. As skincare specialists, estheticians help clients care for their skin while working in the growing skincare industry.

But before you can start working as a licensed esthetician, you’ll need to complete the required education and training.

So, how long does it take to become an esthetician in Idaho?

In Idaho, students who attend an approved esthetics school must complete 600 hours of esthetics instruction before they can qualify for an esthetician license. For aspiring estheticians, understanding the required training hours can help make planning for a future in the esthetics industry easier.

How Many Hours Does It Take to Become an Esthetician in Idaho?

Idaho requires aspiring estheticians to complete at least 600 hours of instruction at a school approved by the Idaho Board of Cosmetology. An alternative path is to complete 1,200 hours through an approved apprenticeship.

For most students, completing an esthetics program at a beauty school is the more direct way to complete the required education. Esthetician programs provide the formal education and hands-on education students need to build essential skills before entering the profession.

The 600 hours include both classroom education and practical training. This gives students an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of esthetics while also developing hands-on skills. Through hands-on practice, students can build technical skills and prepare for the practical exam and state licensing exam required for licensure.

How Long Is 600 Hours of Esthetics School?

The actual amount of calendar time it takes to complete 600 hours depends on the school’s schedule and how many hours you attend each week.

For example, a student attending full-time could complete the required hours considerably faster than someone attending part-time.

Some Idaho esthetics programs list 600-hour programs that can be completed in approximately 18 to 21 weeks, depending on the school’s schedule.

This means that 600 hours does not necessarily mean spending a full year in school. Your schedule, attendance and the structure of your program all affect how quickly you complete your training. For many students, completing an esthetics program can take less than a year, making it a relatively direct path into the beauty industry.

What Do You Learn in Esthetician School?

Esthetics school involves more than learning how to perform individual skin care services. You’ll develop knowledge and practical skills that can help prepare you for working with clients professionally.

An esthetics curriculum is designed to prepare students for entry-level work by combining foundational knowledge with practical instruction. Depending on the program, training may introduce students to services and techniques used throughout the skincare and wellness industries.

Your training may include areas such as:

• Skin analysis
• Facials and skin treatments
• Hair removal
• Makeup application
• Skin care products and ingredients
• Sanitation and safety
• Client consultations
• Skin care techniques
• Professional practices
• Hands-on experience

As you progress through your training, you can develop the essential skills needed to perform services safely, communicate with clients and understand their skin care needs. Some estheticians pursue advanced training after graduation to learn advanced techniques and advanced treatments, such as chemical peels, where permitted by their license and applicable regulations.

The combination of classroom instruction and practical training helps students develop the skills they need to begin working in the beauty industry after completing their education.

What Happens After You Complete Esthetician School?

Completing your required education is an important step, but it isn’t the only step toward becoming a licensed esthetician in Idaho.

After completing an approved esthetics program, you’ll need to meet the state’s licensing requirements and pass the required examinations before receiving your license. Idaho’s licensing requirements include completing the required education and successfully passing the esthetician examination. Depending on the applicable licensing process, this may include written and practical testing. Preparing for licensing exams is an important part of moving from esthetics school into professional practice.

Once you’re licensed, you can begin pursuing opportunities in the beauty and skin care industry.

Depending on your interests and career goals, you may find opportunities working in salons, spas and other businesses that offer skin care services. Some licensed estheticians work in medical spas, wellness centers or other settings focused on skin care and wellness. Others choose to gain experience before pursuing additional education or advanced training.

Is Esthetics a Good Career?

Esthetics can be a good option for people who enjoy working directly with clients and have an interest in skin care and beauty.

One advantage of becoming an esthetician is that the required education is shorter than some other beauty-industry programs. In Idaho, the school-based esthetics requirement is 600 hours, compared with 1,600 hours for cosmetology.

That can make esthetics an appealing option for someone who wants to enter the beauty industry without completing a full cosmetology program.

It’s also a career where you can continue developing your skills and learning about new products, services and techniques throughout your career. With experience and additional education, estheticians may explore specialized services and advanced treatments as their professional goals evolve. Opportunities can vary based on employer requirements, state regulations and the services an esthetician is qualified to perform.

Start Your Esthetics Career in Idaho

If you’re ready to begin a career in skin care, choosing the right beauty school is an important first step.

At Austin Kade Academy, students can develop their esthetics skills through hands-on education and training in a professional learning environment. The program is designed to help students build the knowledge and practical experience they need to pursue a career in esthetics. For students interested in joining the esthetics industry, this training can provide a foundation for developing professional skills and preparing for the next steps toward licensure.

If you’re interested in becoming an esthetician in Idaho, learn more about Austin Kade Academy’s esthetics program and take the first step toward your new career.