Get expert industry training in facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, gel application, hair removal, makeup, and body massage while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
Esthetics and Spa Therapy
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
- Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
- Apply the principles of colour and design to lash and brow techniques.
- Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program is 10 months in length and is offered in a progression of 3 courses. The program is offered three days per week: Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. The maximum time to complete this program is 2 years.
The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, spa and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
Participation is integral to the development of practical skills in this program; therefore, students assume the role of client, therapist and spa coordinator.
Work practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
English 10 or equivalent.
Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department Leader or representative.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Program Considerations
- Program tasks involve performing skincare and body treatments, including facials, waxing, and other services requiring close physical contact with clients.
- Program tasks involve regular interaction with clients, including consultation, communication, and delivery of services in a professional setting.
- Learning environment requires maintaining professional and appropriate conduct in a client service setting.
- Program tasks require sustained fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity when performing treatments.
- Program tasks involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements during treatment procedures
- Program tasks require precise visual focus for extended periods, including distinguishing colour, skin tone, texture, depth, line, and form during service delivery.
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing and frequent movement between workstations, as well as maintaining fixed body positions while performing detailed services.
- Program environment involves regular exposure to skincare products, disinfectants, waxes, and other chemical agents commonly used in esthetic services.
- Program environment involves exposure to fragrances, scents, chemical odors, and airborne particles associated with spa and salon products.
- Learning environment involves working under bright task lighting to support detailed visual work.
Courses *
Classes run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, in person. In addition, students complete 6.25 hours of asynchronous online content, independent study, or assigned coursework each week. Asynchronous content is scheduled on Thursday or Wednesday but can be completed on your own time during the week.
Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Although classes are only offered 3 days a week, students are expected to study, prepare for exams, and work on assignments during the remainder of the week.
Class times are subject to change.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1010 | Skin & Body Therapy Professional Practice | 16 |
| ESTH 1020 | Skin & Body Therapy Specialized Treatments and Services | 16 |
| ESTH 1030 | Skin & Body Therapy: Health, Wellness and Career Development | 9 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Note: A mandatory tool kit costing approximately $1,800 plus tax (subject to change) is not included in the fees below. Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 21371 | |
| Student union | 217 | |
| College initiative | 124 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 214 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 285 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 423 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 1600 | |
| Total |
* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.