How Long Is Schooling for Esthetician? All You Want to Know!

how long is schooling for esthetician

 

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Interested in becoming an esthetician? Are you wondering how long it would take to become an esthetician in the US?

It’s so difficult to be patient while chasing our dreams! If you’re thinking of becoming an esthetician, surely you’re wondering how long is schooling for an esthetician When can you start working?

For some students, becoming an esthetician will take just months. Others might spend years completing their education. It all depends on where you live and how much time you have available.

Let’s dig in deeper so that you can figure out how much time becoming an esthetician will take you.

How long does it take to become an esthetician?

The average time it takes to become an esthetician is around six months.

But really, the amount of time it takes to become an esthetician varies by person. Your circumstances, as well as where you live, will determine how long it takes you to complete your education.

One constant is that each state has a set number of educational hours you must complete, whether this is through esthetician school or an apprenticeship at a licensed workplace.

However, the number of hours does vary depending on your state. For example, when it comes to esthetician school:

  • The state with the least amount of required hours in Florida, at 260 hours.
  • Alabama requires the most amount of hours at 1,000.
  • The national average is 650 hours.

Once you add in other factors, you could complete school in a couple of months, or it may take years to finish your education. Keep in mind, also, that some states require a period you must be in school for.

In these states, you could complete your hours early, but you’d still need to complete months or years of experience before you could obtain your esthetician license. Typically, the hours needed to become an esthetician through an apprenticeship are double what it takes to complete your training through a school.

What factors affect the time it takes to become an esthetician?

There are so many elements in play when it comes to the amount of time it’ll take you, personally, to finish your education.

Your state

Like we’ve addressed, your state’s laws are a huge factor.

The number of training hours you’ll need and the designated time periods you must serve as a student or apprentice both vary by state, sometimes widely so.

Some states don’t allow apprenticeships, while others do. This decision will also impact the time it takes you to become an esthetician, as apprenticeships typically take longer to complete than education at an esthetician school.

Your school or workplace

If your school offers a longer-running program, or your workplace only allows apprentices to work so many hours a week, your education will take longer to complete.

On the other hand, you might finish faster if your school allows you to take on an extra class, or you have long work days as an apprentice.

You also have to think about the level of education you’re acquiring. For example, those who want to become Master Esthetician will require more training.

Yourself

The last factor to consider is your personal life.

If you already have a job, children, or other commitments, you may complete your education more slowly than others.

On the other hand, if you have the time to take extra classes, you will finish your hours more quickly.

It all depends on where you’re at in your life, and how much of yourself you can dedicate to pursuing your esthetician education.

Don’t be afraid to ask your school or workplace to work with you here, whether you need more hours or fewer. They might not be willing to accommodate you—but you don’t know until you ask!

Lastly, whether or not you pass your State Board exam the first time around can have an impact. Taking the test more than once will, of course, take more time.

Can you take extra classes or work extra hours to become an esthetician faster?

To a point, esthetician schooling and apprenticeships can be flexible. It’s important to find a program suited to you.

In school, you can be a full or part-time student. Full-time students, of course, will become estheticians faster than those working at it part-time.

The same goes for apprenticeships. The more hours you work, the less time completing your training will take.

However, there is a cap on how many hours a day you can work and how many classes you can take. You can also only take classes so quickly.

If you have specific questions, ask the school or workplace you’re considering for thorough answers that apply to your situation.

How long is schooling for estheticians?

Estheticians typically need to complete 600 hours of education to complete their schooling. However, this number ranges by state.

In addition to hours, some states require you to complete a certain time period. Completing an esthetician program in these states can be less flexible, as completing your hours early doesn’t mean early graduation.

Some people take months, others years, to complete school. The average person finishes esthetician school in around six months.

Find out if you’re ready to take your esthetician State Board exam with our free practice test!

How long does it take to complete an esthetician apprenticeship?

Some states allow estheticians to complete their training through an apprenticeship at a workplace that’s licensed for esthetics. To qualify, you’ll likely need a work permit.

This is a great second option if you want to spend less time in school, and it can even help you make connections in the industry early on.

 States That Allow Apprentice To Become An Esthetician
States That Allow Apprentice To Become An Esthetician

The following states allow you to serve as an apprentice instead of going to esthetician school:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • California
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland

Apprenticeships take more time than esthetician schooling in most states. They are also often less flexible, as you must complete your apprenticeship within a certain period of time.

However, apprenticeships can be more rewarding for some estheticians in the end. Estheticians who serve as apprentices gain real-world experience and make connections that sometimes lead to job offers down the road.

You can find esthetician apprenticeships in your state here.

As you can see, there’s quite a range in how long it takes to become an esthetician. Hopefully, you have a clearer view of the question “how long is schooling for estheticians ” to complete your training!

Remember, everyone’s career path looks a little different! Do what you can to fit your education into your life, whatever that looks like.

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