Aesthetics

Careers in Aesthetics

Bridal Aesthetician
Specializing in bridal parties & weddings can be a job!
Makeup Artist
Aestheticians can be sought after makeup artists. Aestheticians specialize in understanding skin, ingredients, & professional makeup application.
Lash or Brow Specialist
Demand is high for lash & brow specialists.
Beauty Influencer
Being licensed means you have credibility to share your opinions.
On Set! Aesthetician to the stars!
Our graduates have gone to work in film, runway, & even Walt Disney World!
Cruise Ship or Hotel Spa Aesthetician
Our graduates & at least one of our former educators worked in the cruise industry & loved it!
Waxing Specialist
Aestheticians can create a following as a waxing specialist. Brazilian waxing or just eyebrow waxing can be a fantastic career with enormous earning potential.
Aesthetics Teacher
Aesthetics teachers are in demand. Teaching is a rewarding profession. Our passion is teaching, so we know!
Brand Ambassador
Aestheticians are terrific brand ambassadors. We should know. One of our former students works for Aesthe Skin Care!
Salon, Spa, or Medspa Owner or Director
We have had many of our graduates open or acquire their own spa or medspa.
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At The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology in Downers Grove, our Aesthetics program prepares students to become Illinois licensed Aestheticians.  Our licensed educators bring real-world experience to help students be prepared for employment in med-spas, clinics, salons & spas.  Our education includes current theory, advanced theory, practical application, & fun projects.

About Aesthetics

  • An aesthetician is a professionally licensed person who identifies issues & recommends skincare services; such as, but not limited to proper product use, ingredient consultations, cleansing, facials, waxing, & makeup. 
  • Aestheticians use their hands & work with equipment using lights, electricity, & machines such as  dermabrasion or laser machines. 
  • Aestheticians can work in a medical environment & may be called medical, paramedical, or clinical aestheticians. 
  • Aestheticians also work in spa or salon settings or an independent. 
  • Aestheticians treat a variety of skin types & conditions. 
  • Clients with skin damage due to burns, scars, surgery, or other reasons will seek aestheticians for their expertise.

Aestheticians learn about identifying issues & recommending services.  Services include:

  • skin analysis
  • facials
  • eyelash extensions
  • non-therapeutic massage
  • masque therapy
  • facial treatments with & without machines
  • hair removal; including tweezers, depilators, & waxing
  • professional makeup techniques
  • retail consultation

 

Registration, Tuition, Kit, & Supplies

  • Total Tuition & Fees:  $17,000.00
  • Tuition:  $16,900.00
  • Registration Fee (Non-Refundable):  $100.00
  • Kit & Supplies:  $00.00 (Included)
  • Sales Tax:  $00.00 (Included)

Kit & Supplies are provided free of charge by The University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology while you are enrolled.

Sales Tax is paid by the University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology.

Our full & part time aesthetics course start dates are on the first Tuesday of every other month.  We may be able to get you started in-between enrollment start dates, so let us know if you can’t wait! 

Try to enroll at least 2 weeks before your preferred start date so that we can your scrubs, student id badge, books, etc. all ready for you on your first day!

We offer two aesthetics programs: Day-Time & Night-Time.  Both begin every 8 weeks. 

Please register in advance as class sizes are limited. 

  • Tuesday, 09 January 2024
  • Tuesday, 05 March 2024
  • Tuesday, 30 April
  • Tuesday, 25 June 2024
  • Tuesday, 20 August 2024
  • Tuesday, 15 October 2024
  • Tuesday, 10 December 2024

The Aesthetics program is 750 clock hours. 

Day-Time Program

  • The Day-Time Program meets for 30 hours each week. 
  • Classes meet from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. 
  • If your attendance is perfect, you should graduate in 25 weeks plus holidays which could add a week (again, depending upon which part of the year you are enrolled).

Night-Time Program

  • The Night-Time Program meets for an average of 13.5 hours per week. 
  • Classes meet from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. 
  • Night-Time students also attend 2 Day-Time Saturdays each month from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. 
  • If your attendance is perfect, you should graduate in 52 weeks plus Official School Holidays which could add 2 more weeks.

Clock hours are the time that the state requires you to be "clocked in" to earn the opportunity to take the state license.  Students must be engaged in "meaningful education" while they are clocked in.  Most day-time programs are 30 hours maximum per week.  A student who comes in late, leaves early, or does not come in to school does not get credit for the time the student is not "clocked in."  To graduate & begin working, it is important to be clocked in & engaged in your education at every opportunity.

Our Aesthetics program includes everything you will need to become prepared to take the Illinois State License Exam to become licensed as an Illinois Aesthetician. 

  • Our Aesthetics program includes everything you will need to become prepared to take the Illinois State License Exam to become licensed as an Illinois Aesthetician. 

    • We provide a hardback textbook
    • We provide you with unlimited 24 hour access to our online learning platform CIMA by Milady.
    • Online access to the Official University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Student Information System (SIS)
    • 2 pairs of scrubs with Official University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology logo
    • Carrying Case
    • Official University of Aesthetics & Cosmetology Name Tag

Aesthetics FAQ

Career Research

Finding a new career.  It’s a big deal.  These resources can help you find what’s right for you.  When you decide, we hope you think of us for cosmetology or aesthetics training.

O*Net is the Occupational Information Network.  It's free & contains occupation information on many different careers.  Below, find links to cosmetology, aesthetics, & instructor careers.

The College Navigator website is operated by the US Department of Education.  Each year, over 6,000 schools like ours provide lots of data (called "IPEDS") which they  organize into a useful tool for you to look for schools & compare information.  You can find us here:

 

Cosmetologist, Aesthetician, & Instructor licenses are issued & regulated by a state department.  In Illinois, it is the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation ("IDFPR").

States issue laws to regulate professional licenses, commonly called Acts.  In Illinois the Act used to regulate cosmetologists, aestheticians, etc. is called (225 ILCS 410/) Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985

States also issue Rules which protect the public safety, health, etc.  In Illinois, these Rules are a good way to understand the requirements of things like salon registration, continuing education, license renewal, etc.

Beauty Changes Lives is supported by the beauty industry (schools, professionals, vendors, etc.).  Beauty Changes Lives offers scholarships & information to encourage future beauty professionals to go to school & join the fun!

Beauty Changes Lives has also prepared the following documents to help you learn more about joining the beauty industry.

 

The American Association of Cosmetology Schools is an association of schools that supports education & careers in beauty.