Program Length
- 8 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Train for a career in spa therapy
Are you passionate about beauty and wellness? The Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate program at VIU produces highly professional and job-ready graduates, and our graduates are in demand. Will you be one of them? You'll study with skilled instructors and get lots of hands-on practice working with clients in the Student Spa Clinic.
Why choose VIU for esthetics and spa therapy training?
We equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional esthetic services. You learn the microbiology, anatomy and physiology behind esthetics so you can offer safe and effective treatments. You gain a comprehensive approach to skin analysis, preparing you to address various skin conditions and client needs. And you finish the program a certified esthetician, which makes you eligible for a career in high-end spas that require certification.
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What can I do as a spa therapist?
The beauty industry continues to grow, and in BC professional estheticians are in demand. You can pursue a career in top spas. You can work on cruise ships or in resorts all around the world. And you can open your own business.
- day spas
- resorts, destination and cruise ship spas
- hair salons
- private business
- performing arts
- industry sales and promotion
- sales and marketing
- distribution
- product development
Practical experience
Student Spa Clinic
Gain hands-on experience working with a variety of clients and skin types.
Skill repetition
Complete a set number of each treatment to ensure you're ready for the industry.
Product knowledge
Use high-quality, professional-grade products during training.
About the Esthetics and Spa Therapy program
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will develop a thorough understanding of the esthetics profession. You spend 60 percent of your time gaining practical hands-on experience and 40 percent on theory. For theory, you take a blend of in-person and online classes. You hone your technical skills through hands-on training in the Student Spa Clinic, a real spa environment where you practice on paying clients.
Clinic time is organized so you build on your skills. At four weeks you practice basic skills like manicures, pedicures, makeup and some hair removal. At six weeks you start to practice intermediate skills including facials, back treatments and advanced hair removal. At ten weeks you add advanced treatments such as full body massages, back massages and full body exfoliation.
The program covers a wide range of topics including:
- career essentials
- microbiology, health and hygiene
- anatomy and physiology
- skin physiology
- colour theory
- client care
- facials
What you'll learn
You learn how to perform many esthetics and spa services including:
- natural manicures
- natural pedicures
- lash tinting
- eyebrow shaping
- day and night make-up applications
- relaxation massage
- hair removal with waxing
- full body massage
Courses and Concentrations
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| ESPA 101T - (Career Essentials) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 102T - (Microbiology: Health and Hygiene) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 103T - (Anatomy and Physiology) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 104T - (Skin Physiology) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 105T - (Esthetic Services and Treatments) | 3 |
| ESPA 106T - (Spa Body Services and Treatments) | 3 |
| ESPA 107T - (The Art and Science of Make-Up and Non-Surgical Enhancements) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 108T - (Experiential Learning: Clinic and Spa Module Phase 1) | 1.5 |
| ESPA 109T - (Experiential Learning: Clinic and Spa Module Phase 2) | 3 |
| ESPA 110T - (Experiential Learning: Clinic and Spa Module Phase 3) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 24 |
Students are enrolled in all courses in the fall
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status.
- Minimum of 17 years of age.
- Successful completion of a Personal Profile.
- Students may be interviewed by program staff and industry.
Notes on Admission
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Physically fit and able to stand all day.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees per Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | 14,621.84 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) | 162.96 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) | 179.92 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) | 310.96 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Total | 15,560.68 |
Materials Fee: Personal esthetician supplies, uniform plus textbooks and tax = $1,150.00
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Esthetics and Spa Therapy program has one intake each Fall.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Alana Gaetz Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Alana.Gaetz@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Slocum Phone: 250.740.6577 Email: joanne.slocum@viu.ca
Comments:
Materials Fee: Personal esthetician supplies, uniform plus textbooks and tax = $1,150.00 |
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VIU Student Spa Clinic
The Student Spa Clinic recreates a spa environment, giving you hands-on experience. You will:
- practice on paying clients
- use professional products
- work in reception
- book appointments
- handle financial transactions
- learn how to communicate with clients
- build your professionalism
You might also be interested in
Try out an esthetics class
Wondering what it's really like to be in a VIU classroom? Shadow an esthetics class. You can meet current students and get a feel for the program before you apply. Email the program chair to sign up for a class shadow.
Frequently asked questions
We have a wonderful diversity of age ranges in our program, from eighteen to fifty-five years old. The diversity of experiences and perspectives in a classroom create a very rich learning environment.
If you keep up with the class during class time you won't have a lot of homework other than the study time to prepare for quizzes, unit exams and projects.
Yes, you will be qualified for the Beauty Council license, but the license exam is not part of the curriculum or mandatory. The exam has separate fee and is separate from VIU.