Becoming a Master Esthetician in Washington

A master esthetician is a skincare specialist with advanced training who can perform a wider range of services than traditional estheticians. Like many others in the field, master estheticians work in traditional spas and medical offices. However, with master esthetician training, you may open yourself up to more job opportunities and qualify for higher-paying positions.

What Can a Master Esthetician Do in Washington?

Master estheticians perform advanced services that regular Washington state estheticians can't do.

These include:

  • Advanced facial massage
  • All laser treatments
  • Laser hair removal
  • Light frequency procedures
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Medium-depth chemical peels
  • Pre-and post-operative treatments
  • Tattoo removal
  • Ultrasound
  • Work with medical devices under a licensed physician

Additionally, master estheticians can also perform basic esthetics services like:

  • Body wraps
  • Exfoliation
  • Eyelash enhancement
  • Facials
  • Makeup application
  • Massage
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Mud masks
  • Using over-the-counter medical devices under a licensed physician
  • Waxing, tweezing, threading, and other hair removal procedures

Requirements for Master Esthetician License in Washington

To qualify for a master esthetician license in Washington, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old.
  • Earn your esthetician license and complete an additional 450 hours of training or complete a 1,200-hour master esthetician course.
  • Graduate from an esthetician school in Washington approved by the state's Department of Licensing or provide proof of an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction and proof you have passed that jurisdiction's approved exam(s).

A standard master esthetics curriculum in Washington must consist of the following:

  • Advanced client assessment, documentation, and indications/contraindications
  • Advanced diseases and disorders of the skin
  • Advanced theories; alternative, touch, and spa body treatments
  • Basic human anatomy and physiology
  • Business practices
  • Laser, light frequency, radio frequency, ultrasound, and plasma practices
  • Lymphatic drainage and advanced facial massage
  • Medium-depth chemical peels
  • Pretreatment and post-treatment procedures
  • Theory in the practice of master esthetics
  • Use of medical devices complying with state law and rules

After completing your education, you must:

  • Pass the state-approved practical and written exams administered by DL Roope and pay the $114 and $180 exam fees.
  • Apply for licensure, either online or by mail, and pay a $35 fee (via check or money order).

Master Esthetician Programs in Washington

If you want to become a master esthetician in Washington, scroll for a list of state-approved master esthetician programs.

Academy of Aesthetic Arts

Located in Lacey, Washington, the Academy of Aesthetic Arts offers a Master Aesthetician Certification program. You can take the 475-hour master aesthetics course or combine it with the basic aesthetics training in a 1,200-hour program.

Training covers practical and business skills, including:

  • Advanced Facial Massage
  • Body Sugaring
  • Building and Maintaining Clientele
  • Client Treatment Plans
  • Dermaplaning
  • Microcurrent
  • Micro-needling
  • Pre-Booking Retention
  • Product and Service Recommendations
  • Radiofrequency
  • Retailing
  • Social Media Branding
  • Spa Business Accounting

Aesthetics Northwest

Located in Bellevue, Washington, Aesthetics Northwest Institute offers a standard Master Esthetics Program and a Master Esthetics Combined Program. The Master Esthetics Program is designed to teach advanced therapies in esthetics. The master esthetics theoretical curriculum covers various skincare topics, including botanicals, aromatherapy, pharmacology, and more.

Comprising 1,200 hours of training, the combined program uses classroom instruction and in-spa practical application to teach all areas of esthetics.

BC Beauty College

Located in Union Gap, Washington, BC Beauty College offers a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program. The course is designed to prepare you for performing various skin care services on clients. In this program, you can also learn how to use different skin care equipment and chemicals.

Clover Park Technical College

The award-winning Esthetic Sciences Program at Clover Park Technical College has one of the highest pass rates at the state board level. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, Esthetic Sciences students work on each other and patients in the college's student salon. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in spas, salons, medical offices, medspas, and dermatology and plastic surgery offices. It is offered at the school's Lakewood, Washington, campus.

Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy

Located in Yakima, Washington, Elite Cosmetology, Barber & Spa Academy has a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program. The training combines theory and practical instruction to help students pass the licensing exam. In addition, the program is designed to help students advance their careers.

Glen Dow Academy

The Master Esthetics program at Glen Dow Academy in Spokane, Washington, comprises 1,200 hours of theory education in medical devices and techniques, including laser treatments, body sculpting and tattoo removal. The program aims to prepare students for licensing exams and gain real-world experience to jumpstart their skincare careers.

International Beauty Education Center

The International Beauty Education Center in Airway Heights, Washington, offers a Master Esthetics program. Comprising 1,200 hours, students can learn basic esthetics topics and advanced techniques like dermaplaning, microneedling, and LED light therapy. Master Esthetics students may also qualify for a full grant for the school's microblading class.

Northwest Esthetics Academy

Located in Kennewick, Washington, Northwest Esthetics Academy's Master Esthetics program covers master esthetics services, business practices, and basic human anatomy and physiology. Training covers 750 hours of basic esthetics topics and 450 hours on more advanced techniques. Instruction includes in-person classes, practical lab hours, mannequin training, live training, and externship hours. The program strives to prepare students for their licensing exam and an entry-level master esthetician position.

Paroba College

The Master Esthetics Program at Paroba College in Everett, Washington, uses hands-on clinical training to help prepare students for a master esthetician career. The school has partnered with Caddell's Laser and Electrolysis Clinic in Bellevue to give students real-world experience using lasers and other technical equipment in a medspa facility.

Skin Studio Academy

Skin Studio Academy in Spokane, Washington, offers a 1,250-hour Master Esthetics program covering all state-required esthetics training and additional training in microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, body treatments, and full body waxing. Students receive a mix of clinical and practical training and practice on the public in the school's day spa. The course aims to prepare students for licensing exams and work in a resort, spa, or salon.

Studio Beauty School

Located in Spokane, Washington, Studio Beauty School's Advanced Esthetics program encompasses 750 hours of standard esthetics topics and an additional 450 hours of master esthetics coursework. This program teaches patient assessment, dermatology, and lasers. Licensed estheticians can enter the program as transfer students and count their 750-hour education toward the program's required 1,200 hours.

Victoria's Academy of Cosmetology

Located in Kennewick, Washington, Victoria's Academy Master Esthetics program comprises 1,250 hours of training in various skin care techniques related to facials, hair removal, body treatments and wraps, chemical peels, makeup application, and laser training. The course covers the basic esthetics curriculum and more advanced skincare training.

Vuu's Beauty School

With the Master Esthetician and esthetician combination program at Vuu's Beauty School, students can study skincare, eyelash extensions, masks, facial massage, manual extraction, tweezing, waxing, and production consultation. The program consists of 1,200 hours and is offered at the school's International District and Edmond campuses in Seattle, Washington.

Washington Laser Institute

Washington Laser Institute in Federal Way, Washington, offers a 450-hour Master Esthetician Training Program. Classwork involves hands-on and didactic learning and aims to prepare students for licensing exams. The school provides training in clinical laser and advanced esthetic procedures using medical laser and light modalities and advanced esthetic equipment.

Esthetics/Skin Care
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