vcc.ca
ESTH 1010: Skin & Body Therapy Professional Practice
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Esth-Skin & Body Non-ITA
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students embark on the foundational journey into the world of skin and body therapy, esthetics, health and wellness and complementary therapy. Topics include industry-specific professional health and hygiene practices, an understanding of anatomy and physiology functions and structures, and the theory and practical application within skin health. Students learn to perform customized skin treatments and hand and foot treatments related to specific conditions. They also learn to safely and effectively conduct epilation, lash, and brow treatments, and communicate with clients on contraindications, contra-actions, and prescriptions. Emphasizing industry standards and safety protocols, this course ensures students are well-prepared for success in the salon, spa, and health and wellness industries.
Credits
16.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the historical evolution of health and wellness and significant industry trends and cultural practices.
- Apply health and hygiene practices in accordance with industry standards.
- Identify all skin types and conditions, as well as common diseases and disorders, and advise on appropriate personalized skincare routines.
- Demonstrate personalized hand and foot procedures, including nail shaping, cuticle maintenance, callus reduction and polish application.
- Apply foundational skills in holistic massage by integrating relaxation massage, pressure point techniques, and paraffin therapy to promote balance, well-being, and address specific skin conditions.
- Identify and treat specific skin and nail conditions while providing recommendations and preventive care for diabetic clients.
- Safely and effectively demonstrate eyelash and eyebrow treatments, considering client preferences and adhering to safety protocols.
- Identify principles of trichology to safely and effectively perform epilation services.
- Integrate mindfulness practice to enhance communication and professionalism in client consultations by focusing on active listening, presence, and responsiveness to client needs.
- Describe the functions and structures of anatomy and physiology systems.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 100
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 150
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 150
Total Hours: 400
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 150
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 150
Total Hours: 400
Instructional Strategies
Students will be assessed on their theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the program. This evaluation involves a mix of assignments, projects, client services and exams. Instructors will actively observe students and use practical assessment guides to measure their ability to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios. To advance in the program, students must achieve a minimum 70% score in theoretical and practical assessments for each course topic.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing theoretical exams.
Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% per course to proceed to the next level and complete the program.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing theoretical exams.
Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% per course to proceed to the next level and complete the program.
Grading System
Percentages
Passing grade
70
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
15 |
Presentations and independent research projects. |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Workbooks and independent study activities |
|
Reflect |
5 |
Reflective practice activities |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
Topic Quizzes. |
|
Field Experience |
30 |
Health and wellness centre attendance, performance, and sign-off sheets. |
|
Clinical Examination |
25 |
Practical exams |
Course topics
- Historical Evolution of the Health and Wellness Industry
- Bacteriology, Contraindications, Contra-actions and Safe Practices
- Diseases and Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology: Structure and Function: Cells & Tissues, Skin, Osteology, Myology
- Epilation and Trichology
- Consultation, Skin Analysis, and Prescription Consultation
- Natural Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancements
- Hand and Foot Treatments
- Customer Service in a Health and Wellness Setting
Learning resources
Students are required to purchase a kit from the VCC bookstore.
Student kit includes uniform, tools, product equipment and textbook.
Student kit includes uniform, tools, product equipment and textbook.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.