The District of Columbia is home to some of the best esthetician schools in the country. If you’re thinking about becoming an esthetician, Washington DC is a great place to start your career. If you’re looking for an esthetician school in Washington DC, we’ve put together a list of the best schools in the city.
State requirements for esthetician licensing in Washington DC
- A minimum of 600 education hours will be required before obtaining a license.
- License holders are expected to renew their licenses every 2 years.
- An alternative way of renewing the license is to invest in 6 education hours.
Estimated cost
The cost of an esthetician education within Washington DC varies depending on the school of choice. For reference, here is a breakdown of the associated cost at Bennett Career Institute.
- Tuition: $9,000
- Enrollment fee: $50
- Lab fee: $150
- Kit and course materials: $1,300
- Total cost: $10,500
While the total cost must be paid in total upon enrollment, at BCI’s discretion, however, students may be allowed to make a down payment and to pay-as-they-go.
Required skills and classes
The D.C. Board of Barber and Cosmetology has a two-tier licensing system for estheticians, a basic esthetician license, and a master esthetician manager license.
The following are the basic courses required for a basic license:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Body hair composition and growth
- Histology and dermatology
- Chemistry of esthetics products
- Skin analysis
- Treatment protocol
- Cleansing of the skin
- Skin steaming
- Skin exfoliation
- Facial masks
- Facial massage
- Hair removal methods
- Body skin treatments
- Eyelash extensions
- Makeup application
- Color theory
To qualify for a master’s license, applicants must first complete the basic license which is composed of 600 hours of training. The master in training then needs to complete another set of courses specifically targeted for the said license which is composed of the following:
- Advanced sciences
- Anatomy and physiology
- Skin histology
- Chemistry and biochemistry
- Skin analysis (classification systems)
- Cosmetic ingredients (health, lifestyle, and nutrition)
- Physics (advanced modalities)
- Esthetics
- Advanced facials
- Advanced facial massage
- Advanced body treatments
- Advanced makeup
- Advanced makeup machines
- Medical
- Surgical procedures
- Plastic surgery procedures
- Pre- and post-operative care
- Non-surgical procedures
- Medical terminology and intervention
- Business
- Business plan
- Marketing
- Business operations
- Industry relations
- Compliance and safety
State licensing exam
After completing the training program, applicants can proceed to take the licensure exam. The first step is to submit an application and scheduling form along with the required documentation.
The board will then review the said application and will set a schedule accordingly. Examiners must bring an ID and their mannequins and must successfully pass both the written and practical portions of the exams to acquire the license.
Average salary
The average yearly salary for estheticians in the District of Columbia is $77,560.
Continuing education requirements
6 education hours will be required to renew the license.
Contact information for state licensing boards
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
Address: 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20024
Website: https://dcra.dc.gov/barbers-cosmetology
Email: [email protected]
Call: 202-442-4400
Fax: 202-442-9445
