From Esthetics to Master Esthetics: When to Level Up

If you are looking for ways to enhance your esthetician career, why not become a master esthetician? Master estheticians receive extra training and earn a higher certification to deliver specialized services. Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes provides both Esthiology and Master Esthiology programs. Here, we explore the roles of master estheticians vs. estheticians and how you can take your career to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Master estheticians have extra training and a higher certification that empowers them to provide more advanced and specialized services.
• Becoming a master esthetician can open the door to new opportunities, including med spa jobs, career advancements, and higher-paying positions.
• To become a master esthetician, you must complete a training program and earn a master esthetician license.

Master Esthetician vs. Esthetician: What’s The Difference?

Estheticians are skin care specialists who provide cosmetic treatments to enhance the health and appearance of skin. They take a tailored approach to each client, applying a variety of techniques to create a rejuvenating, revitalizing effect. Treatments performed by an esthetician may include:

• Facials
• Acne care
• Exfoliation
• Peels
• Waxing
• Hair removal
• Makeup

Master estheticians provide the same type of service as estheticians: they treat customers’ skin. Extra training, however, enables them to provide more specialized and personalized care. Master estheticians have a broader scope of services they can provide, such as chemical peels and exfoliation, advanced facials, manual lymphatic drainage, microdermabrasion, laser techniques, and more. As a result, some states, though not all, require them to earn extra certification.

Becoming a master esthetician requires additional training. Depending on your career goals, however, the extra effort is worth it. This step can open the door to new career opportunities, especially in medical spas. You may also enjoy greater autonomy, more opportunities for advancement, and a higher income.

When to Level Up

There is no best moment to advance your career. Some estheticians begin with a master esthetician program, starting off their careers with the full capabilities of an expert. Others earn their standard license and work for a few years before leveling up. The decision is a personal one that involves a variety of factors, including:

• Experience benchmarks: You have gained a few years of experience as an esthetician and are looking for opportunities to advance.
• Skill readiness: You have mastered basic esthetics skills and are ready to expand your capabilities with new techniques.
• Client demand: Your clients are asking for advanced or personalized services that you can’t provide with a standard esthetician license.
• Income opportunities: You are looking for ways to boost your earning potential or qualify for a different position in your field.

You must also consider your finances. Additional training means paying more in tuition and time. For many, however, the return on investment is worth it. Increased earnings, improved employability, and new pathways to advancement help you earn back whatever you spent, maximizing your benefits.

Preparing for a Master Program

To become a master esthetician, you must first complete a master esthetics program. Our Master Esthiology curriculum covers all the same topics as our standard program, and it has the same prerequisites. It also features an additional 600 hours of training in advanced topics, such as:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Chemical peels and exfoliation
• Facial and body laser techniques
• Dermaplaning
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling
• Hydrafacials
• Advanced waxing techniques
• Eyelash extensions
• Aromatherapy

After you complete the 1200-hour program, you will be prepared to take the licensing exam. While all states require estheticians to be licensed, only seven require a master esthetician license, as well. These states include:

• Washington
• Utah
• Virginia
• District of Columbia
• Nevada
• Oregon
• Minnesota

The advanced license qualifies you to perform services in these states, making it invaluable for students at our Provo, UT, campus.

Become a Master Esthetician at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes

Do you think you have what it takes to become a master esthetician? Level up your career at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. Our Master Esthiology program is available at Aveda Institute Provo and is led by award-winning instructors who teach a top-quality curriculum. Contact us today to learn more about our program or to ask questions about the difference between a master esthetician vs. an esthetician.

Master Esthetician vs. Esthetician FAQs

Is “medical esthetician” the same as a master esthetician?

Medical estheticians and master estheticians are often used interchangeably.

Which states recognize master esthetics?

The states that recognize a master esthetics license are Utah, Washington, Virginia, Nevada, Oregon, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia.

Can I work in a med spa without being a master esthetician?

You may qualify for some entry-level med spa positions with standard esthetician training. To perform all the services provided at a med spa, however, you must train as a master esthetician.