vcc.ca
ESTH 1010: Skin & Body Therapy Professional Practice
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Esth-Skin & Body Non-ITA
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will develop foundational knowledge and skills in skin and body therapy, esthetics, health and wellness, and complementary therapy. The course covers industry‑specific professional health and hygiene practices, an understanding of anatomy and physiology functions and structures, and the theory and practical application related to skin health.
Students will learn to perform customized skin treatments and hand and foot treatments related to specific conditions. Instruction includes the safe and effective performance of epilation, lash, and brow treatments. Students will also learn to communicate with clients regarding contraindications, contra‑actions, and prescriptions.
Emphasis is placed on industry standards and safety protocols to prepare students for success in the salon, spa, and health and wellness industries.
Students are introduced to the learning outcomes from Qualifications Scotland in order to work towards additional unit accreditations for Facial Therapies, Depilation, and Hand, Foot, and Nail Therapies.
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.
- Perform and evaluate facial treatment services including identifying skin types and conditions, as well as common diseases and disorders, and advise on appropriate personalized skincare routines.
- Perform and evaluate 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.
- Evaluate and treat skin and nail conditions of the hands and feet, 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.
- Apply principles of trichology to safely perform and evaluate 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 combined theoretical and practical assessments for each course topic.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing in 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 in 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. |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Hands on practice of course skills and techniques in VCC's public health and wellness spa, with competencies documented to show skill progression |
|
Clinical Examination |
25 |
VCC examination for Facial Therapies Manicure and Tinting |
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, integumentary, Osteology, Myology
- Epilation and Trichology
- Consultation, Skin Analysis, and Prescription Consultation and Evaluation
- Natural Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancements
- Hand, Foot and Nail Treatments
- Customer Service and Advice 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.