Esthetician

The Esthetician Program, a career technical program, provides students with the fundamental skills and knowledge related to healthy skin care:

  • theoretical science,
  • sanitation and disinfecting procedures,
  • beautification of the skin,
  • the safe employment of electrical modalities,
  • make-up techniques, and
  • cosmetic hair removal techniques.

Courses lead to an associate of science degree or a certificate of achievement. The program leads to an entry-level career as an esthetician. Upon completion of the coursework, students are qualified to take the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology examination to become a licensed esthetician.

Also see the cosmetology discipline page for cosmetology programs of study and coursework.

Contact Information

Division
Career, Technical and Continuing Education
Dean
Kimberly Mathews
Administrative Secretary
Angie Alvarez
Division Office
TE 147
Division Phone Number
626-852-6402

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Develop, at the beginning level, communication skills needed in a professional establishment while learning to correctly analyze, create, and blend professional products for specific skin types, demonstrate a wide range of basic product applications and massage techniques required for specific skin types and conditions and utilize electrical modalities, tools, and products.
  • Develop, at the intermediate level, innovative application of products and advanced massage procedures, display knowledge of advanced electrical modalities and chemical peeling techniques and analyze, create, and blend professional products for specific skin types and conditions.
  • Demonstrate intermediate/advanced skills for application of products, procedures, and modalities at a level appropriate to enter the esthetic workplace as well as pass their California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Esthetic examination.

ESTH 140
Esthetician I
8 Units (AA/AS)
72 lecture hours, 216 lab hours
Equivalent to: COS 199A

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

An introductory course of skin care treatments, hair removal, make-up application, anatomy and physiology. This course also includes massage techniques, sanitation and disinfecting, disease and disorders of the skin, cosmetic chemistry, electrical current and modalities for skin care. The course focuses on the basic skills required to achieve a State Board License. Part one of a three-part course.

ESTH 141
Esthetician II
8 Units (AA/AS)
72 lecture hours, 216 lab hours
Equivalent to: COS 199B

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ESTH 140.

This course is part two of the esthetician program. A basic course which includes state board preparedness, customized facial treatments, the psychology of services, make-up artistry, color coordination, product knowledge and aromatherapy. Must be completed before entering part three, "Salon Fundamentals".

ESTH 142
Salon Success - Full-time
3 Units (AA/AS)
36 lecture hours, 79 lab hours
Equivalent to: COS 199C, ESTH 145

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ESTH 141.

This is the final part in the completion of the esthetician program. This course provides students with basic salon management skills, sales, and client retention, as well as information required to pass the licensed exams. Students will focus on personal satisfaction and skilled habits to ensure success in the industry and state board procedures.

ESTH 144
Salon Success Part I - Part-time
1.5 Units (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours, 40 lab hours
Equivalent to: COS 199D

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ESTH 140.

This course is an addition to the first phase of the esthetician program for the evening program only. This course provides students with basic salon management skills, sales, and client retention, as well as enhancing their practical techniques. Must be completed before entering phase two "Esthetician II" for the evening program only.

ESTH 145
Esthetician Salon Success Part II
1.5 Units (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours, 40 lab hours
Equivalent to: COS 199E, ESTH 142

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ESTH 141.

This is the final phase in the completion of the evening esthetician program. This course provides students with the information to pass the esthetician licensing examination. Students will focus on personal satisfaction and skilled habits to ensure success in the industry.

Associate Degree

Certificate of Achievement