Aesthetics

Aesthetics is a two semester certificate program that requires 900 clock hours for completion.  Graduates are prepared to take the Aesthetician exam administered by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Employment Stats

  • Program Length 9 months (Certificate)
  • Job Placement 100%
  • Average Earnings $28,940 / yr
  • Cost $3,839

About Program

Aestheticians are skin care specialists who provide specialized services to help clients improve the condition of their skin in different ways. They cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, body treatments, hair removal, make up applications and offer other skin care related services to help their clients’ look and feel their best.  With additional training, Aestheticians may choose to enter the medical field and study medical aesthetics after receiving their state board license. Aestheticians also work with clients and keep records of service regimens and might specialize in retail sales of skin care products for client use. Many choose to operate their own salons and have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising and firing workers, keeping business records and schedules, ordering supplies and inventory control, and arranging advertising.

Classroom and laboratory learning experiences focus on the basic skills required for state board licensing.  Students are introduced to related areas of specialized training such as Microdermabrasion, Light Therapy, and other current occupational trends.

Job Expectations

Aestheticians usually work a 40-hour week but longer hours are common, especially for self- employed workers.  Schedules may include evenings and weekends and other times that salons are the busiest. Many times aestheticians are allowed to create their own work schedule.

Work conditions for aestheticians are usually clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation.  Many aestheticians work in salons but some may work in a spa, hotel, and resorts or for a cruise line. Good health and stamina are important, because workers are on their feet for most of their shift. Safety procedures must be observed at all times while performing skin care services.

Tennessee requires that aestheticians be licensed by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology. To qualify for a license, job seekers are required to graduate from a state-licensed school and receive certified hours from their Instructor.

Expected Earnings

Earnings as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor 2010-2011*
Percentile: 10% 25% 50% 75% 90%
      Median    
Hourly Wage: $8.22 $9.92 $13.90 $19.62 $24.47
Annual Wage: $17,090 $20,640 $28,9 20 $40,810 $50,890

*Statistics from the Occupational Outlook Handbook

Course Schedule

Students may enroll during the fall. Only term provided space is available. Students who are eligible to enroll will be given an opportunity to register for one of the open seats during the enrollment period for each term.

  • Full-time day and evening classes
  • Enrollment is limited to 20 students in each class
Full-Time Program Schedule for (semester) (Hours)
Semester Day Class
(Monday - Friday)
Evening Class
(Monday - Thursday)
Fall (450 hours) 8:00am – 2:45pm

2:30pm – 10:45pm

Spring (450 hours) 8:00am – 2:45pm

2:30pm – 10:45pm

Cost

2 Semesters - 900 clock hours - *Tuition will increase every fall semester
450 hours $1,383
450 hours $1,383
Kit $700
Bundle $373.00

TCAT Special Fees

Charged in Addition to Maintenance and Tuition

  • Credit by Examination Fee - The regular course fee is charged for each special examination and must be paid prior to taking the examination. Non-refundable. (See Academic Regulations.)
  • Credit for Life Experience Fees - Assessment Fee for Experiential Learning $45.00.  Experiential Learning Credit $15.00 per credit hour in excess of 3.0 credit hours. $90.00 maximum.
  • High School Equivalency Test (Hi-SET) - $75
  • Placement Test Fees - ACT - $45.00. (Refer to Admissions Policy.)

Books

Pivot Point Book Bundle – Approximate cost: $373 (Must be purchased from the Chattanooga State Bookstore to receive the required Artist Access Online component for class from Pivot Point. The codes are sent to the instructor after the bookstore makes the book purchase.)

Kit – Approximate cost: $693.37 (Must be purchased from the Chattanooga State Bookstore).

You will be required to wear a uniform that consists of a shirt and solid gray scrubs.

Curriculum

Semester 1

  • Orientation:
  • History of Esthetics
  • Career Opportunities
  • Personal Organizations
  • Personal Development
  • Skin Care Center Ecology
  • Anatomy
  • Electricity and Electrical Equipment
  • Chemistry
  • Skin Physiology
  • Client Care
  • Facials
  • Hair Removal
  • Laboratory and Clinic practice

Semester 2

  • Aesthetics:
  • Business Basics
  • Makeup
  • Advanced Treatments
  • Estheticians in the Medical Field
  • Laboratory and Clinic practice

Career Opportunities

Salon or Day Spa Aesthetician
Make Up Artist
Manufacturer's Representative
Cosmetics Buyer
Platform Artist
Salesperson or Sales Manager
Aesthetics Writer or Editor
Travel Industry
Educator
State Licensing Inspector or Examiner
State Board Member
Researcher