Diploma-Esthetician

School Algonquin College
Method At the institution
Location Ottawa
Type Diploma
Course fee By request

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Diploma-Esthetician

Objectives The Esthetician program, offered in a non-semestered diploma program format, provides students with integrated theoretical and practical learning experiences and a strong foundation in personal care and specialized beauty and body treatments. This program prepares graduates to function effectively in a diverse, competitive, and growing customer service industry.
Academic title Diploma (non semestered program)
Course description
Level 1

ANP1000 Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology

An understanding of anatomy and physiology is indispensable if students wish to become proficient at performing professional skin care and body services. In this theory course students acquire an understanding of cells, tissues and organs and they examine the ten main body systems.

ENL1813H Communications I

Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and stengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.

GEN1001 Ethics: What's the Big Deal?

Some would say that "there is a hole in the moral ozone and it's getting bigger". This course is designed to examine and address the ethical challenges we face every day. It will assist students to clarify their own values and understand how these values impact the course of their lives. The course provides students with a number of tools and decision-making models to deal with personal and professional ethical dilemmas.

HLT1100 Hair Removal I

In this introductory course, students examine general differences and methods of hair removal. They study hair morphology, hair growth cycles, sanitation and sterilization procedures, equipment requirements, room set-up and client consultation.

HLT1101 Skin Care I

The science of skin histology and physiology are the foundations estheticians need to know before caring for the skin. Students in this course are introduced to the structure, composition, functions, types, conditions and care of the skin. They study the benefits and steps for a facial massage, sanitation and disinfection procedures as well as product knowledge.

HLT1102 Nail Care Techniques

This theory course examines the nail and its structure and composition, bacteria and fungus nail diseases and disorders, proper nail care techniques and manicure and pedicure procedures. Students investigate the differences between gels, acrylics, porcelain, tips and false nails.

HLT1103 Esthetics Practical Lab I

In this practical course, students apply skills and knowledge gained from their theory courses to a hands-on lab environment. Working on classmates and clients, students practise a variety of esthetic services including hair removal techniques, skin care, facial techniques and nail care techniques.

Level 2

COS2000 Makeup Artistry and Cosmetology

Students are introduced to the various looks that are created by a makeup artist. The colour wheel, colour theories, facial shapes, facial features and makeup products are explained. Insight into step-by-step makeup application techniques, the best approach to client consultation, how to choose product lines, corrective and camouflage makeup, eyebrow and eyelash tinting and applying false eyelashes is provided.

DAT2000 Computer Skills for Estheticians

In this course, students examine how various software applications are used to facilitate the daily operations of a salon. They learn how to book appointments, keep track of client files and monitor financial records.

ENL1823H Communications II

Students investigate challenging communication problems that require collecting information, solving problems, and making decisions. They prepare sales and promotional materials, an analytical report, and job search documents. These critical elements of communications, are studied with an emphasis on clear writing techniques and powerful persuasive strategies. In addition, students give presentations supported by technology, engage in a simulated job interview, and assess their own communication skills in the context of career demands.

FLD2110 Field Work I

The field work component provides students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the program by participating in a placement in an esthetics salon. Students assess their individual skills and competencies by observing and interacting with a mentor. In addition, they examine how to greet and treat clients, how to use effective telephone techniques and how to book appointments.

HLT2000 Skin Care II

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of skin diseases and disorders, skin diagnosis, advanced skin care and facial techniques, and use of machines in facials. The chemistry and application of various product lines and their properties, classifications, effects, and contraindications of a variety of ingredients found in esthetics products are studied.

HLT2100 Hair Removal II

In this advanced course students become familiar with how to remove hair from nearly every part of the body. They learn what to do over moles, scars and infections and how to prevent ingrown hairs. Students are introduced to electrolysis, laser and photo light hair removal.

HLT2101 Spa and Body Treatments

As demographics show the predominance of the population aging, spa and body treatments are more in demand. In this course, students are introduced to the steps performed in body treatments along with descriptions of the most comprehensive treatments available. Students also examine aromatherapy.

HLT2103 Esthetics Practical Lab II

In this practical lab, students apply the skills and techniques gained from earlier courses to a hands-on environment. Working on classmates and clients, students practise a variety of salon services including skin analysis and diagnosis, spa and body treatments, hair removal techniques, makeup applications, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, false eyelash application, facial techniques, and nail care techniques. They also learn how to use machines for therapeutic benefits.

Choose one from equivalencies:

GED1103 General Education Elective

For this course, students have the opportunity to choose from a group of general electives. Options include courses which cover the following broad topics: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Level 3

CSP3000 Customer Care and Interpersonal Dynamics

Clients are the mainstay of any salon or spa's existence. In this course, students obtain the skills needed to provide effective customer service. Students learn communication skills, interpersonal skills, the importance of professional image, teamwork principles and how to build and maintain a clientele.

FLD3100 Field Work II

The second field work component of the program gives students another opportunity to gain valuable experience in an esthetics business. Students observe professionals applying the practices and techniques introduced in theory and practical courses. Exposure to the day-to-day operations of a salon helps generate an awareness of career opportunities and paths within the esthetics industry.

HLT3000 Medical Esthetics and Industry Trends

With the many advances in skin care over the past years, physicians have recognized the need for and the benefits of having a trained medical esthetician as part of their treatment team. Students learn about advanced treatments, surgical procedures and expectations for working in a clinical environment. They examine modern and future industry trends.

HLT3103 Esthetics Practical Lab III

This course challenges students to integrate course content from all areas of the program and apply it in a practical setting. Working on classmates and clients, students practise a variety of advanced salon services including skin analysis and diagnosis, spa and body treatments, hair removal techniques, makeup applications, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, false eyelash application, facial techniques, and nail care techniques.

MGT3000 Small Business Practices

This theory course introduces entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Students learn marketing, advertising, sales and retailing techniques. They examine areas of human resources management such as ethics, employee relations and Canadian labour laws. Students explore the role and mandate of associations relevant to the esthetics industry.

Choose one from equivalencies:

GED1103 General Education Elective

For this course, students have the opportunity to choose from a group of general electives. Options include courses which cover the following broad topics: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, and Science and Technology.