Finding the right esthetician school can be a daunting task. But with the right information, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing what to look for in a good esthetician school, the requirements for admission, and the cost of attendance can help simplify the process.
Finding an accredited school ensures that the program meets certain standards and provides a quality education. We’ve compiled a list of esthetician schools in West Virginia that are accredited and can provide you with the education you need to pursue a career in this field.
State requirements for esthetician licensing in West Virginia:
- A minimum of six hundred (600) hours of schooling from a state-approved esthetician program.
- Mandatory annual license renewal.
Estimated cost – the state of WV is no stranger to spas and beauty salons which makes this an ideal jumping-off point for aspiring beauty professionals. Below is a list of schools along with the associated costs that will help you get started:
- International Beauty School (Martinsburg) – $8,000
- Huntington School of Beauty Culture (Huntington) – $5,755
- Art & Science Institute of Cosmetology and Massage (Fairmont) – $7,810
Required skills and classes – an approved esthetics program should offer at least 600 hours of combined training that includes classroom hours and salon floor hours.
Students should expect the following topics:
- Professional development and salon management
- Sanitation and safety
- Anatomy and physiology
- Product chemistry
- Skin histology and physiology
- Skin disorders and diseases
- Skin analysis
- Skin care products
- Treatment settings
- Basic facial procedures
- Facial massage
- Hair removal
- Advanced topics and treatments
- Makeup application
State licensing exam – interested applicants should register with DL Roope Administrations Inc. to be eligible to take the following exams.
- Practical Exam – participants are given three (3) hours to complete this test. To perform esthetic-related services, participants must bring their kit and mannequin head along with a stand or foam pillow. Please check the candidate bulletin for a checklist of supplies needed. Be prepared to perform the following:
- Set up and client protection
- Cleansing and steaming the face
- Massaging the face
- Manual extraction on the forehead
- Hair removal of the eyebrows
- Facial mask
- Facial makeup
- Cleanup
- National Written Exam – participants are given ninety (90) minutes to complete this test. Topics will include concepts such as sanitation and infection control, skin and gland disorders and diseases, and esthetics techniques. It is recommended that examinees should study the following references before taking this exam:
- Salon Fundamentals Esthetics
- Milady’s Standard Fundamentals for Estheticians 10th, 9th Ed.
- Milady’s Standard Cosmetology
- Modern Esthetics, Gambino
- NIC Health and Safety Standards
Average salary – compensation will be dependent on experience as well as work setting and licensing. For reference, the average salary of an esthetician working in WV is $29,370 per year or $14.12 per hour.
Continuing education requirements – a minimum of four (4) hours of continued education will be required for license renewal.
Contact information for state licensing boards
West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Address: 1201 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, West Virginia, 25064
Website: https://www.wvbbc.com/
Call: 304-558-2924
Fax: 304-558-3450
