A growing trend across the globe is mind and body wellness. In Canada, it's estimated that there are 7.7 million active spa-goers, according to the International Spa Association (ISPA). With more and more people looking for stress-relief, anti-aging solutions, and alternative therapies, career opportunities in medical spa therapy and esthetics are growing.
To become an esthetician in Canada, you should understand your area's licensing requirements, research and choose an approved training program, and complete the required training coursework and hands-on training hours. Some parts of Canada require an esthetician to complete a test to gain licensure. In Ontario, an esthetician must complete a certification course at an approved educational or training school. There are different training and certificate programs throughout Canada. It's crucial to find a school with modern equipment, knowledgeable faculty, up-to-date COVID-19 compliance, and clinical practice. Finally, with the successful completion of coursework, clinical hours, and a licensing exam, you can begin work in the field.
Work that Estheticians Do
Estheticians are trained professionals that perform skincare treatments, spa therapies, and other therapeutic body treatments. Some estheticians have additional valuable specialty skills such as laser hair reduction, laser pigment and capillary removal, microdermabrasion, and skin resurfacing. Though licensing and certification requirements vary across Canada and the United States, a working esthetician will need to have completed at least a certification program from an approved education or training institution in nearly all circumstances.
Careers with an Esthetician Certification
As a certified, trained medical esthetician and spa therapy professional, you can enjoy many opportunities ranging from a make-up artist to a clinic manager.
Below is a shortlist of career options:
Where Estheticians Work
As an esthetician, you can also expect to work in various settings such as:
Expected Esthetician Salary and Career Outlook
Medical spa therapy and esthetics is a growing field in Canada. Once in the field, you can expect initially to make between 15 and 25 dollars an hour. Generally, the more skills you learn, the more income you are able to earn. According to Job Bank published by the Canadian Government, estheticians' job outlook is labeled "good" in the Toronto area primarily due to the growing population and the above-average share of spas and personal care service operations. Due to the spa industry's expansion, you can find a rewarding career in many different settings upon graduation.
Esthetician Courses and Skills
Looks for a training program that provides the skills that align with your career goals. Coursework and hands-on training will often include skills such as:
What Type of Esthetician Program is Best
Once you decide to go to esthetics school, you should begin to look at different programs, consider the type of specialty area you may want to go into, the program's length, and how prepared you will be to enter your career. Licensure varies across Canada and the United States, so you will need to consider where you will live after graduating to ensure you will have the right credentials. In Ontario, for example, to qualify for an esthetics job, you will need to complete a certification program that has been approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
Right now, it is also essential for the school you choose to have up-to-date covid-19 compliance, as well as opportunities for online classes if needed. Attending an adequately-prepared school ensures that you can continue with coursework regardless of any restrictions put in place by government agencies.
You'll also want to learn from a credentialed faculty with real-world experience. A knowledgeable and experienced faculty will make a difference for you as a new esthetician entering the field. Having the opportunity to ask questions and be supported by someone who has worked in the area will provide you with insight that you won't receive from the coursework alone.
Another critical part of esthetics training is a hands-on experience. Your esthetics program should offer you opportunities to test your newly learned skills on "customers" in a spa-like experience. Once you complete the requisite fundamentals training, you'll be able to effectively complete services on other students, faculty, or volunteers. This hands-on training aspect will allow you the opportunity to experience different spa equipment, such as laser or body contouring machines, and gain experience understanding skincare protocols and soft skills like customer service.
Taking the Next Step to an Esthetician Career
A career in medical spa therapy and esthetics can be a rewarding career endeavor. If you are interested in helping people, learning valuable skills, and keeping up-to-date on the latest wellness trends, a career in esthetics is right for you. As a professional esthetician, you will help others relax, correct problematic skin and minor health issues, and provide clients with the opportunity to feel better about themselves. People across Canada are embracing health and wellness practices that medical spa therapists and esthetics professionals offer. With the right training and experience, you will provide an invaluable service to your clients and your community.
If you’re interested in learning more about the medical esthetician industry, spa therapy field, and career opportunities, call us at 888-641-6300 or visit our esthetics and medical spa therapy page today!
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