Esthetician

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Courses - January 2026

Level 1

Course details

Anatomy and Physiology (Esthetician)
ANAT1090

Description: Students will learn the biology and chemistry required for the esthetics field. This course not only covers the anatomy and physiology of the skin, but also explores how the human body works, and how this directly relates to esthetics.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

The Basics of Skin Care
ESTH1300

Description: This course will teach the introductory principles of facial care, massage and skin treatment. Students will familiarize themselves with various cosmetic products, tools and equipment.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Basic Manicure Techniques
ESTH1310

Description: Students will learn the basic theories and practices of hand care, generic product knowledge, limited hand massage, nail polish applications and manicure treatments.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Basic Pedicure Techniques
ESTH1320

Description: Students will be educated in the theory and practice of foot care, generic product knowledge, pedicure massage, polish application, and treatments.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Spa Health and Safety
OHS1420

Description: In this course, students will learn about the safe operation of electrical spa equipment. Proper sanitation procedures as well as client and esthetician safety is emphasized. The importance of documenting treatment protocols will also be stressed.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Introduction to Customer Service
BUS1085

Description: Students will be introduced to the mannerisms necessary to be successful in the spa. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of professional conduct and the role and responsibilities of the esthetician in providing good customer service in a salon, clinic or spa environment. Students will study verbal and nonverbal communication, customer service, and retail sales, laying the foundation in developing confidence when working with clients.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Retailing, Merchandising and Promotions
BUSS1000

Description: Since promotions and merchandising are key to successful businesses, students will be taught the basics of merchandizing as well as learn various retail methods and strategies. Students will learn how to purchase, sell, undertake inventory planning, and create displays.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Enhanced Skin Care
ESTH1330

Description: This course will expand on the principles and theories of facial care, massage and skin treatment. Students will gain extended knowledge of skin products and will learn about skin abnormalities.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1090 AND ESTH1300 AND OHS1420
  • CoRequisites:

Enhanced Manicure Techniques
ESTH1340

Description: This course builds upon the theory and skills learned in the Basic Manicure Techniques course and will include specialty manicure techniques and additional product knowledge.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1090 AND ESTH1310 AND OHS1420
  • CoRequisites:

Enhanced Pedicure Techniques
ESTH1350

Description: Students will build upon the theories and skills learned in the Basic Pedicure Techniques course. Additionally, they will receive in-depth knowledge about hygiene, skin and nail disorders how they pertain to feet. Students will also learn how to pedicure diabetic feet and specialized treatments.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1090 AND ESTH1320 AND OHS1420
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 1 (Esthetics)
FPLT1500

Description: This course will provide experience using all techniques and products used and learned to date, performed on customers to prepare students for the esthetic field. Professional practice in the spa at the college is an exciting component of the program. Throughout the program all students are required to work a prescribed number of hours in the on-campus spa Theory and technique will be reinforced and professional standards will be maintained.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH1300 AND ESTH1310 AND ESTH1320 AND OHS1320 AND OHS1420
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Introduction to Spa Management
ENTR2080

Description: In this course, students learn about the operational skills necessary for successful spa management. Entrepreneurship is introduced, and students learn the concepts and steps required to develop a business plan for a new spa or wellness business.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: BUS1085 AND BUSS1000
  • CoRequisites:

Body and Spa Services Techniques
ESTH2000

Description: This course builds on the theoretical knowledge gained in Spa Health and Safety. Students enhance their techniques, skills and knowledge required for the application of spa services, including electrical treatment modalities. The history and foundations of body therapies are examined. The different body systems that relate to body treatments are explored along with contraindications when creating personalized treatments. Concepts of hydrotherapy, heat therapy, thalassotherapy, and lymphatic drainage are covered, as well as equipment used in body treatments.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: ANAT1090 AND COMM1085 AND ESTH1300
  • CoRequisites:

Specialized Skin Care
ESTH2010

Description: This course builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in The Basics of Skin Care. In depth knowledge of facial treatments, acupressure facial massage, specialty mask application, the use of basic facial electrical devices, light chemical peels are some of the advanced techniques they will obtain. Students will also be able to customize facial treatments for common skin conditions such as oily, dry, normal, sensitive and combination skin including diverse skin types.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH1300
  • CoRequisites:

Specialized Nail Techniques
ESTH2020

Description: In this course, students enhance their knowledge and skills in nail application techniques. Students practice the essential skills necessary to become an Artificial Nail Technician including application, techniques, safety, product knowledge and the use of appropriate tools.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH1340
  • CoRequisites:

Waxing Techniques
ESTH2030

Description:

This course will teach students the history, art and science of body and facial waxing. Students will learn techniques and be able to demonstrate the removal of unwanted hair using safe and hygienic procedures. Students will gain confidence in both theory and practice to apply these skills.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH1330
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 2(Esthetics)
FPLT2390

Description: This course will give students extended practice and an evaluation of all techniques and applications, performed on customers to prepare them for the esthetics field. Throughout the program all students are required to work a prescribed number of hours in the on-campus spa.
  • Hours: 84
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT1500
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Advanced Spa Business Skills
BUS2190

Description:

This course will expand on the skills learned in the introductory courses on retail and customer service. This course will enhance skills necessary such as human resources, risk management, dealing with customers, and understanding financials from both an esthetician and a spa owner perspective. Consideration of career opportunities, professional conduct, dealing with people, marketing, retailing, purchasing, and aspects of managing a successful business will be covered. Students will also learn how to market via Social Media and ways to grow a business through interactive marketing and branding. Students will be able to communicate with clients using clear communications on various platforms.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ENTR2080
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Spa Therapies
ESTH2040

Description:

Students will study advanced theories of hot stone massage techniques. Advanced hair removal techniques for brows will be combined with brow tinting, and students will have the opportunity to learn lash lifting and tinting. Understanding the importance of the eyes and brows in face framing will be explored. Emphasis will also be placed on ethical issues with respect to clients and the treatments they are receiving.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH2000 AND ESTH2030
  • CoRequisites:

Make Up Applications
ESTH2050

Description: Topics of study include day, night and special occasion make-up, shading, high-lighting, contouring, colour analysis, facial features analysis and product knowledge. Students will be able to do professional make-up as part of the esthetics trade or work as make-up artists.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: OHS1420
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Ingredients
ESTH2060

Description: In this course, students will learn advanced concepts including product chemistry and how it affects formulations of cosmetic and skin care products. Sourcing of ingredients and current industry trends will be studied. Students will compare synthetic and organic ingredients, the safety and regulations of new ingredients and ingredient labels and components. Specific product knowledge of products will be stressed in order to aid students in recommending suitable products for clients.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH2010
  • CoRequisites:

Advanced Skin Care
ESTH2070

Description: In this course students will gain the knowledge to treat different skin conditions as rosacea, hyperpigmentation, acne, mature skin etc. Students will develop skills required to select and use superficial peels as well as to properly assess clients in order to determine possible contraindications. Students will learn both theoretical and practical knowledge in advanced facial electrical devices. Using a combination of facial devices and advanced skin care products, students will be able to customize treatments for client’s needs and expectations. Students will also learn how to provide aftercare advice.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ESTH2010
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement 3 (Esthetics)
FPLT2400

Description: This advanced course will offer students a practical experience of all applications and all techniques and merchandizing skills learned in the entire program. Throughout the program all students are required to work a prescribed number of hours in the on-campus spa
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: FPLT2390
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Perform a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct procedures and precautions and supporting client needs (including and not limited to facials, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, and make up applications).
  2. Use a range of specialized equipment and products, in compliance with established national, provincial, industry, and other related standards, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  3. Apply relevant knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and histology to the provision of specialized esthetic treatments and services.
  4. Adhere to health, safety, sanitation, and infection and prevention control guidelines, according to current legislation and national, provincial, municipal, and industry standards and regulations.
  5. Identify business skills and activities required for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetic business in a salon or spa environment.
  6. Select and recommend the use of esthetic products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified needs.
  7. Establish and maintain professional relationships in adherence to standards and ethics associated with the profession.
  8. Develop customer service strategies that meet and adapt to individual needs and expectations in accordance with professional standards and ethics.
  9. Determine professional development strategies that lead to the enhancement of work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry change.
  10. Use beauty electrical equipment safely to perform facial treatments effectively.