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Esthetics and Spa Management 

An esthetics and spa management student is painting a mock client's nails. The student and mock client are both wearing black t-shirts and smiling.

Spas and salons are increasingly popular destinations for people wanting to reduce stress. Train in a full range of spa services to help people look and feel their best. Put those skills to work, both in our on-campus, student-run day spa and during field placements.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Esthetics and Spa Management 
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Four semesters
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students
CIP Code
12.0409

Find your career

Estheticians and spa therapists are creative, caring and innovative professionals who help people look and feel their personal best. Our program prepares you with the skills to: 

  • Travel and work locally or throughout Canada in hotel spas, day spas, wellness centers, medical spas and luxury resorts. Work as a freelance make-up artist or mobile spa operator. 
  • Find opportunities as a skin therapist, nail technician, spa therapist, spa manager and owner or sales representative.

Our grads get great jobs

  • Spa Therapist, Bloomfield Beauty Co. 
  • Spa Therapist Ste. Anne’s Spa 
  • Lead, Professional Aesthetician Mahogany Salon and Spa 
  • Spa Owner Hidden Beauty Spa Picton PEC 
  • Guest Services Front Desk, Beauty Works Day and Medi Spa 
  • Owner, Quinte Nails and Esthetics 
  • Field Executive Education Manager – Estee Lauder

Is it for you?

People who enjoy a career in esthetics and spa management are: 

  • Caring and empathetic. 
  • Able to manage several tasks at once. 
  • Skilled at time management. 
  • Comfortable mixing with people from all walks of life.

Program Highlights

Loyalist esthetics student in a black uniform holding a clipboard in front of a tray of tools and lotions for foot care.

Gain experience offering a range of services to clients at Unwind spa.

A Loyalist esthetics student sitting behind the desk of the Unwind Spa at Loyalist. There are shelves with various products on them on the wall and a TV screen showing a Spa Menu.

Develop front desk management skills using the latest point-of-sale software.

Two Loyalist esthetics students and an esthetics professors are pictured. One of the students is sitting on a bench with her feet in a small sink on the ground. The other student is being guided by the professor while holding one of the girls feet, going over techniques.

Learn a full range of spa services in a safe learning environment, including manicures and pedicures.

Lanny the Lancer, a mascot, gets a manicure from an Esthetics student at an Open House event. Another student looks on in the background.

Esthetics and Spa Management students offer guests manicures at Loyalist College's Open House.

A group of second-year Esthetics students pictured with Catherine Wood and other staff in front of the Mahogany Salon and Spa in Carleton Place. The building in the background is a large home, with columns and green shrubs in front.

Field trips provide a hands-on way to deepen your understanding of esthetics and spa management while exploring the business side of the industry. Pictured here, second-year students visit Mahogany Salon and Spa.

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

In this hands-on program, students operate the Unwind spa at Loyalist, a busy wellness retreat and retail boutique delivering full esthetic services in a supervised environment: 

  • Train in a full range of spa services in a safe learning environment, including manicures, pedicures, facials, hair removal, make-up artistry, aromatherapy and non-therapeutic spa massage. 
  • Get the highest technical skills in Loyalist’s lab using the latest in skincare technology, including microdermabrasion, Oxygeneo and Diode laser. 
  • Work with new state-of-the-art medical spa equipment, including the Sonicator 740, an anti-aging skincare system that applies ultrasound technology, and the IPL Angelite, an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine used for photo facials and permanent hair reduction. 
  • Deliver high-end customer service as you interact with clients in a state-of-the-art facility. 
  • Develop important skills in front desk management and the latest point-of-sale software. 
  • Learn the business side of spa management with instruction in visual display, retail sales, marketing, personal finance, business communications and entrepreneurship. 
  • Create a business plan including a spa design layout and creative spa menu showcasing a variety of skills learned in the program. 
  • Earn 180 hours of clinic time in our state-of-the-art, full-service spa. 
  • Network and showcase your skills to industry, with two field placements. 
  • Learn from reputed guest-speaker educators. 
  • Gain experience practising skills in a health unit compliant spa facility. 
  • Be proficient and fast with skills by practicing skills throughout the two years. 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

Faculty bring extensive spa experience, industry connections and passion to the spa lab: 

  • Learn from experts in aromatherapy, microdermabrasion and traditional Eastern diagnosis techniques, with experience at the prestigious White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 
  • Before designing this program, the coordinator owned and operated a full-service day spa catering to high-end clientele ranging from the Australian Ballet to beauty editors at top fashion magazines. 

Work integrated learning through top industry guest speakers  

Sabrina Goulet, NAOS (Bioderma, Institut Esthederm and Etat Pur) 

Esthetics and Spa Management graduate Sabrina Goulet, NAOS Regional Educator for the English territories, recently appeared as a guest speaker at the Virtual Spring ESI Trade Show, an event Loyalist College Esthetics and Spa Management students attend. 

 

Chrissie Paraschos, RefectoCil Training 

First-year Esthetics and Spa Management students have the opportunity to learn all about lash services. RefectoCil Trainer, Infection Control Specialist, and Educational Director Chrissie Paraschos joins the class virtually to instruct students on how to safely apply lifts and tints.

Courses

COMM1077 Communication for Spa Therapists

In this course, you will explore interpersonal communication for the spa environment, including ethical, verbal and non-verbal communication for clients and coworker interaction; customer service will also be explored.

ESTH1022 Manicures & Pedicures

You will develop an understanding of and practise the procedures required to perform a professional manicure and pedicure service using various polishing techniques and products. Topics of study include structure, diseases and disorders of the hand and foot with a focus on decontamination protocols.

NUTR1003 Nutrition and Wellness

Maintaining optimum health and wellness is necessary for a balanced life. In this course, you will be exploring the many dimensions of wellness for mind, body and spirit. Topics will include stress management, nutritional requirements for optimum health, and practical techniques to promote overall personal well-being.

ESTH1021 Skin Care 1

Beginning with an in-depth client consultation form, you will learn to analyze the skin and recognize different skin types. You will learn a full European facial treatment including cleansing, skin analysis, toning, exfoliation, masks and moisturizing.

ESTH1012 Spa Clinic 1

In this foundational course, you will learn spa workplace health and safety, infection control procedures, and day-to-day spa operations using point of sale software. Orientation to working with clients is also included as a foundation to the Spa Clinic 2 course.

ESTH1020 The Spa Industry

In this course, you will focus on an introduction to the spa industry and various career paths available for qualified estheticians and spa managers. You will begin the development of a comprehensive skills portfolio, which will be expanded throughout the two-year program as your skills advance. On-campus training certificates with industry partners will give you an advantage as you utilize your portfolio for placement and employment interviews.

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

ANAT1003 Anatomy and Physiology

You will gain an understanding of human anatomy, diseases and disorders that relate to major organ systems and their implications for the esthetics field.

WKPL1021 Field Placement

Placement – You will experience the day-to-day running of spa or cosmetic retail environments for a 35-hour period. Networking with industry employers and professional development opportunities are highly supported. You will observe customer service and business strategies in an authentic environment. Prerequisite: COMM 1077, ESTH 1020, ESTH 1021, ESTH 1022 Co-requisite: WKPL 1020

ESTH1006 Hair Removal

You will gain an understanding of the structure and growth pattern of hair. All methods of facial and body waxing are included. You will also be familiarized with other methods of hair removal such as tweezing, lasers, electrolysis, sugaring and threading.

ESTH1024 Make-up Artistry

You will learn advanced makeup techniques for various occasions including daytime, evening, correctives/camouflage, photography and weddings. Strip lash application is also included and skills with airbrush makeup will be developed.

WKPL1020 Professional Portfolio

Prepare for experiential learning opportunities at a host establishment in the spa industry. Workplace health and safety and industry networking are included Co-requisite: WKPL 1021

ESTH1023 Skin Care 2

In this course, you will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform specialized facial treatments based on skin types and conditions. You will practise in-depth skin analysis, building on your knowledge of the physiology and histology of the skin in order to educate clients on product ingredients and home care. Techniques included in this course are advanced facial massage, acne treatments and electrical machinery. Prerequisite: ESTH 1021

ESTH1013 Spa Clinic 2

In this course, you will practise advanced spa therapy treatments in the on-campus spa. Home care maintenance products are prescribed for each guest, and in-spa treatment education is given to support guest retention and rebooking of services. Concepts such as maintaining treatment results, multi-servicing and high-end customer service are implemented. Spa management and visual merchandising skills are also further developed. Prerequisite: ESTH 1012, ESTH 1021, ESTH 1022

COMM1050 Spa Marketing & Communication

This course develops writing and presentation skills for the workplace with a range of computer skills to facilitate the design, creation and delivery of these business communications. Through a progressive series of writing and presentation tasks, you will use email, memoranda, short reports, individual and group presentations to create focused messages, with appropriately-sourced facts, for a variety of business audiences. Internet research, basic word processing and presentation software skills support the process.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

ESTH2006 Advanced Nail Treatments

Expanding on nail treatments, you will learn advanced techniques such as polishing with light-cured gel products, nail mending, overlays, tip application, gel sculpting with forms and modern nail art designs; all will be practised and documented to include in your skills portfolio. Prerequisite: ESTH 1022

ESTH1007 Body Treatments 1

Destination and day spas specialize in body treatments for a total wellness experience for clients. In this course, you will build on your skincare and anatomy knowledge to perform professional relaxation body massage techniques such as Swedish massage and hot stone massage. Consultation with health screening is emphasized as well as professional draping techniques for client comfort. Prerequisite: ANAT 1003

ESTH2005 Sales and Social Enterprise

In this course, you will explore spa marketing and sales techniques to grow your clientele, increase earning potential and become engaged in the community. You will learn how to develop a spa marketing plan using popular social media platforms where existing and potential clients can engage with your business.

ESTH2001 Skin Care 3

Skin care is constantly advancing and anti-aging treatments are highly sought after. In this course, you will learn with spa industry equipment and techniques that will manage the signs of aging. Microdermabrasion and high level chemical formulations for exfoliation will be practised in accordance with industry guidelines for safety. The newest ingredients for aging skin and aromatherapy to treat various skin conditions are also explored. Prerequisite: ESTH 1023

ESTH1014 Spa Clinic 3

Spa therapists build their skill set to independently employ effective interpersonal and communication skills. Spa treatments and recommendations to clients on essential home maintenance products are delivered. Front desk skills, including expectations for dress, hygiene and grooming, are further developed in an authentic learning environment. Prerequisite: ESTH 1013, ESTH 1023, ESTH 1006

ESTH2004 Spa Management 1

This course provides an introduction to effective spa management operations for entry-level spa managers. Spa organization, ethical buying, community networking, sales analysis and team building meetings are included. Point-of-sale software for spa operations is used for financial reports that include internal revenue, commissions, gratuities and end-of-day procedure analysis.

GNED General Education Elective

General Education Courses

ESTH2002 Advanced Spa Therapies

An understanding of cosmetic surgical procedures and advanced ingredient technology is addressed. You will practise medical spa treatments such as Intense Pulsed Light and ultrasound for face and body. Prerequisite: ESTH 2001, ESTH 1007

ESTH1015 Body Treatments 2

Building on Body Treatments 1, you will learn to develop a customized spa body treatment plan for guests. Advanced skin analysis, professional draping techniques and stress therapy services, including an at-home treatment regime for spa profitability, are also included. Prerequisite: ESTH 1007

WKPL2002 Field Placement 2

WKPL 2002 is a workplace integration course in which you will use all acquired skills to secure potential employment. Spa therapists complete 70 hours of placement in an esthetics establishment of their choice. Prerequisite: ESTH 1007, ESTH 1014, ESTH 2001, ESTH 2004, ESTH 2005, WKPL 1021

ESTH1016 Spa Clinic 4

As final preparation for employment, you will independently demonstrate all practical and spa management skill sets. You will work and manage the community-driven Spa at Loyalist for problem-solving opportunities in all areas of a live spa environment. Community networking and spa promotional skills are also explored in this course. Prerequisite: ESTH 1014, ESTH 2001, ESTH 1007

ESTH2003 Spa Management 2

You will analyze professional associations, government policies and resources for business owners and managers. Health and safety, hiring practices, workload contracts and payroll are included. Accounting reports and financial statements using spa software are also explored. Prerequisite: ESTH 2004

ESTH1011 Visual Merchandising

You will be introduced to creative ways to display product, gift wrap, choose appropriate colours, and decorate the salon for the desired atmosphere. Sales and customer service is included.

*Courses subject to change.

A student sits in front of a pedicure station with a clipboard in hand, filling out a form. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR  

Additional requirements 

  • Up-to-date immunization is required as part of the registration process. 
  • Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR certification are recommended for graduates. 

Academic upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Discover how Career and College Prep at Loyalist can help you get started on your journey.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

A student in a black t-shirt stands behind the spa reception desk, which holds products and shows a sign saying "unwind." Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities. 

Study abroad 

Explore opportunities to continue your studies in Ireland.

What employers say

“The placement students and employees we have at the Day Spa from Loyalist are very well trained. It’s a good program and the graduates are wonderful.”

Jill Longo
Proprietor, Salon You 

 

“Loyalist’s Esthetics program has high standards and teaches students the skills they need for success. Their students excel in everything from business to hands-on practical treatments, and their grads are highly sought after in the industry.”

Rhonda Barriage
Owner, Beauty Works Day & Medi Spa 

 

“Embarking on your college journey is a significant decision, and choosing the right program can shape your future in remarkable ways. I have been a part of Loyalist College for many years. The Esthetics program has a curriculum that is thoughtfully designed, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications, which is instrumental in preparing students for real-world challenges. The faculty are not only experts in their respective fields, but also passionate educators dedicated to their students’ success. The professors are more than just teachers; they are mentors who invest in your success.” 

Trish Green
C.E.O
Balnea Spa Products 

 

“We’ve been very fortunate to employ a number of the graduates of Loyalist from the Esthetics and Spa Management program at our medical spa in Prince Edward County. Their techniques are thorough and consistent, and they’ve been taught a great foundational set of skills to carry them through their careers in the spa and wellness industry. Over the last seven years, our relationship with the faculty and students through the college’s Program Advisory Committee has also provided us with a unique platform for providing the program with feedback and new ideas, which is critical in an ever-changing industry.” 

Emma Woodman
CEO & Co-Founder
Bloomfield Beauty Co. 

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