While this information may provide some resources – view the list below – it is neither a guideline nor a comprehensive analysis on education currently available to aestheticians. I have asked several of my colleagues to share their insight and they have done so generously. I would have wished to relate the opinions of many more skin care experts and educators; however, space is of course a limited commodity in print.
Scope of Practice
Before you take a class or add a new service to your menu or products for retail, understand your scope of practice. Each state has different regulations. It is advisable to directly check with your State Board to confirm you will be able to practice what you are planning to study. Be aware that you may get confusing and sometimes conflicting information when you call, especially when new technology is involved; it is therefore advisable to research the information online and print the documents for your records and your insurance providers. While some distributors and manufacturers are well informed and have done the appropriate research, laws and regulations change often, and the burden is on you to check facts. Provide full disclosure to your insurance provider and obtain
adequate coverage.
Credentials
Many in the aesthetic industry, particularly those who are just beginning their professional life, are confused by all the terminology they hear concerning credentials. The three main types of credentials and their definitions are
as follows.
License: (as defined by Dictionary.com)
Formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession.
To grant authoritative permission or license to.
Certificate: (as defined by Concise Oxford American Dictionary)
A document attesting a level of achievement in a course of study
or training.
Accredit: (as defined by Concise Oxford American Dictionary)
(Of an official body) give authority or sanction to (someone or something) when recognized standards have
been met.
To put these in the context of the aesthetic industry, a license is required in 49 states in order to legally practice skin care. The only state that doesn’t currently require a license is Connecticut. Of the 49 states that require licensing only two (Utah and Virginia) recognize a higher level of training (Master Esthetician) beyond the standard licensing, which in the majority of states is only 600 hours and in a few states is as low as 250 to 300 hours. Because the industry is in a constant state of change (new science, technology, ingredients, etc.) most associations, manufacturers/distributors, and schools have created additional education which you can take beyond your licensing hours. In other words licensing is mandatory in most states; whereas certification is voluntary. Nevertheless, continuing education (CE) certification and accreditation are extremely important in advancing your knowledge and building your confidence as well as that of your clients in your ability to care for their skin care needs.
In selecting programs, classes, and trainings that you want to attend; be an informed decision maker. First and foremost have a thorough understanding of your scope of practice as outlined in your license. Regardless of training, do not cross beyond the bounds of your license. Primarily because it would be unethical to do so, secondly because the moment you step beyond that limit your liability insurance will not cover any incident that occurs as a consequence. Before you spend your time, energy, and money on a class, you want to make sure it is something you will be able to utilize. Learn as much as you can about the individual or institution offering the education. What are their background and credentials? Are they accredited or recognized in some manner to offer the course? Due diligence will go a long way here to help you filter through the reputable from the not so
reputable offerings.
Unlike licensing and certification, which is focused on the individual; accreditation is focused on the educating body, be it a school or special training program. In other words a school, institute, university, etc. has met a certain set of parameters and has thereby been sanctioned by an official body. Not all aesthetic schools choose to get accreditation due to the costs and administrative burden. They may be licensed by the state.
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Catherine Atzen is a Business Consultant, a Skin Care and Spa Expert based in CA. She can be reached at catherineatzen@flash.net. She holds MBAs from the Haas School of Business, UC California, Berkeley, and from Columbia University, NY, a CIDESCO diploma, and is NCEA Certified. She is a Member of Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society, has earned 18 industry awards, and is credited with coining the term ‘Day Spa.’ She developed the ATZEN skin care line and Lymphobiology® lymphatic drainage device distributed by Universal Companies.
