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Esthetics Certificates and Degrees
There are basically two avenues available to receive esthetician training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can pursue an Associate's degree. Certificate programs typically take 12 to 18 months to finish, while an Associate's degree ordinarily takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be trained in all of the major areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are available if you wish to specialize in just one area, such as esthetics. A degree program will also most likely feature management and marketing training to ensure that graduates are better prepared to operate a parlor or other Virginia business. Higher degrees are not typical, but Bachelor and Master's degree programs are available in such areas as salon or spa management. Whichever type of program you choose, it's important to make sure that it's recognized by the Virginia Board of Cosmetology. A number of states only certify schools that are accredited by certain respected organizations, for instance the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will review the advantages of accreditation for the school you decide on in the upcoming section.
Online Esthetician Classes
Online esthetician classes are advantageous for Virginia students who are employed full time and have family commitments that make it challenging to enroll in a more traditional school. There are numerous online cosmetology school programs offered that can be accessed by means of a home computer or laptop at the student's convenience. More traditional beauty schools are often fast paced since many programs are as brief as 6 or 8 months. This means that a significant portion of time is spent in the classroom. With internet courses, you are dealing with the same volume of material, but you are not devoting many hours outside of your home or driving to and from classes. However, it's vital that the program you select can provide internship training in nearby salons and parlors in order that you also receive the hands-on training needed for a complete education. Without the internship part of the training, it's impossible to gain the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology industry. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online program to confirm that internship training is provided in your area.