Esthetician (EST)

About the Program

This two-year diploma program has been leading the field in esthetician training for more than 20 years. You will learn about and master facials, manicures, pedicures, body treatments and waxing, ensuring your ability to assist all clients with their personal skin care concerns.

Your studies will allow you to practice advanced esthetic treatments including microdermabrasion, light therapies and various anti-aging treatments. As you learn to address skin care concerns, and the nuances of business and customer interaction, you will become a confident and knowledgeable professional.

Credential Awarded

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

4 Semesters (2 Years)

Starts

January, September

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.

Academic Schedule Starting September

Academic Schedule
Year	September	January	May
Year 1	Semester 1	Semester 2	Break
Year 2	Semester 3	Semester 4

Academic Schedule Starting January

Academic Schedule
Year	September	January	May
Year 1		Semester 1	Semester 2
Year 2	Semester 3	Semester 4

Skills

Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:

Manicures
Pedicures
Waxing and Tinting
Basic and Advanced Facials
Basic and Advanced Body Treatments
Skincare Analysis
Spa Business Operations

You will also gain knowledge and experience working with products and equipment which spa employers are looking for in the estheticians they hire.

Your Career

When you graduate from this program, these are the types of career options you can explore:

Day Spas
Hotel/Resort Spas
Destination Spas
Medical Spas
Cruise Ships
Nail and Hair Salons
Wellness/Fitness Centers
National retailers and vendors of beauty products

Using the knowledge, skills and experiences from this program, you may also choose to open your own business as an esthetician or consultant.

Affiliations/Associations

CIDESCO
Leading Spas of Canada
iSPA International Spa Association
Cosmetics Alliance Canada
International Pedicure Association (IPA)

Program of Study

Course List
Course Code	Course Name	Weekly Hours
Semester 1
COM101	Communicating Across Contexts	3
or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)
ETC103	Hand Anatomy - Physiology and Care	3
ETC104	Foot Anatomy - Physiology and Care	4
ETC115	Skin Care I	5
SPM101	Spa Customer Service	3
Semester 2
ETB215	Product Knowledge	3
ETC205	Waxing	4
ETC216	Skin Care II	4
SPM108	Skin Analysis	3
SPM200	Evolutions Spa ¹	4
plus: General Education Course (1)		3
Semester 3
EST560	Nutrition and Health	3
ETC310	Spa Treatments I	4
ETC317	Skin Care III	4
SPM300	Evolutions Spa ¹	4
SPM302	Spa Business Operations I	3
plus: General Education Course (1)		3
Semester 4
ETC313	Make-Up Techniques and Application	4
ETC418	Skin Care IV	4
SPM400	Evolutions Spa ¹	4
SPM402	Spa Business Operations II	3
WES410	Wellness and Esthetics	3
plus: General Education Course (1)		3

¹: Students have eight clinic hours every other week.

Additional

A Standard First Aid Certificate and Medical & Immunization Report are required to graduate from this program.

Notes:

The following courses will not fulfil a General Education requirement: NAT112 Physiology of Fitness, NAT160 Natural Science: Nutrition.
Professional practice in the spa on campus is an exciting component of the program. Throughout the program all students are required to work a prescribed number of hours in the on-campus spa, Evolutions Spa. A qualified esthetician will be on duty at all times to reinforce theory and to ensure professional standards are maintained.

Program Learning Outcomes

This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate 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 make up 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 regulations.
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.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may satisfy the English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.

Additional Information

After admission but prior to the start of classes, you must obtain:

Valid Standard First Aid with CPR C certificate (two-day course)
Esthetics Clinical Preparedness permit that includes confirmation of Mantoux Skin Test and Immunizations (MMR, Polio, Varicella, TD, Hepatitis B, Flu Shot)

Once you’ve secured a seat in the program, you’ll receive an email with details about how to complete and submit the Clinical Preparedness Permit. You may obtain the First Aid and CPR C certificate through any WSIB-approved training provider.

Your participation in first semester practical experiences will be restricted until both requirements are complete.

Notes

Although not required for admission, completion of a senior biology or exercise science course is recommended for your success in the program.

International Student Information

International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).