Esthetic Course
We are currently accepting applications for our part-time and full-time esthetics program. Our 750-hour, Illinois-approved curriculum gives students a well-rounded education with extensive hands-on training — so graduates leave not just knowing skincare theory, but able to perform a proper skin analysis and build a treatment plan that actually meets a client's needs. Apply Now!
Program at a Glance
750 hours of state-approved training
Full-time (Monday–Friday, 8AM to 3PM - Approx. 27 weeks)
Part-time (Monday-Thursday 5PM to 10PM - Approx. 40 weeks)
Hands-on clinical training in our real, functioning student spa
Built-in state board exam preparation
Business practices training alongside technical skills
75-hour apprenticeship (externship) for real-world experience before graduation
AAE Esthetics Curriculum
Our curriculum moves from foundational technique to advanced, in-demand specialties — building the skills you need in the order you'll actually use them.
Facials
The foundation of esthetics. You'll learn product knowledge, proper technique, and how to tailor a facial to what a client's skin actually needs.
Product knowledge
Rolling towels
Basic facial
Acne facial
Anti-aging facial
Enzyme facial
Facial massage
Décolleté massage
Facial Machines
Hands-on training with the equipment used in professional spas and skincare clinics.
Microcurrent facial
High frequency
Galvanic
Skin scrubber
Wood's lamp
Mag lamp
LED light therapy
Body Treatments
Skincare beyond the face — body-focused treatments that expand what you're able to offer clients.
Basic back facial
Acne back facial
Enzyme back facial
Microdermabrasion back facial
Vajacials
Waxing
A core, high-demand service across nearly every client base.
Legs, arms, underarms, Brazilian & bikini
Men's waxing
Facial waxing
Brow mapping and shaping
Makeup
Rounding out your skillset with the artistry side of esthetics.
Basic/glam makeup
Brow and lash tinting
Strip lash and tab application
Business
Because a license alone doesn't build a career — this is where you learn to build one.
Vision boards
Business development project
75-hour apprenticeship (externship)
Advanced
The in-demand specialties that set graduates apart in a competitive market.
Advanced chemical peels
Microdermabrasion/hydro-dermabrasion
Laser hair removal
Cryo cool sculpting
Ultrasonic cavitation
Radio frequency
Wood therapy
Electronic muscle stimulation
Vibration plate
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program take? Program length depends on your schedule. Full-time, daytime students typically finish faster; part-time evening students complete the same 750 hours on a schedule built around work or other commitments.
Do I need prior experience to enroll? No prior esthetics experience is required. The program is built to take you from the fundamentals through advanced technique.
Can I really do this part-time while working another job? Yes — our part-time evening schedule exists specifically for students balancing work, family, or other commitments while training for a new career.
What happens after I graduate? Once you complete your 750 hours, you're eligible to sit for the Illinois state licensing exam. State board exam prep is built directly into our curriculum, so you're prepared well before graduation.
What's the difference between this and a cosmetology program? Esthetics programs focus specifically on skin, while cosmetology covers hair, skin, and nails and requires roughly double the training hours. If your interest is specifically skincare, esthetics is the faster, more focused path.