Ladies (and Gentleman)! Considering a career as an esthetician in Florida? Well you gotta read this post on how long it takes to become a licensed esthetician in Florida we crafted. Why? Because so many of our prospective students were asking us and it’s probably one of the first questions you have “How long will it take to become licensed?” No one wants to wait forever to get started. In fact, one of the biggest reasons we see students choosing this kind of career is PRECISELY because you DON’T want to wait years (and hundreds of thousands of dollars) on a conventional university education. You want to get started quickly, doing what you love – what you have a passion for – the SPA & Beauty industry.
For a more in-depth article that covers all aspects of the licensing procedure for becoming an esthetician in Florida, check out our Complete Guide to Becoming an Esthetician in Florida or our recently published article… “How to Become an Esthetician” which goes through the entire process soup-to-nuts, and goes into detail on various states (basically how to become an esthetician nationwide). This blog was designed to answer one major question – how long does it take?
The path to becoming a licensed esthetician involves several steps, including completing an educational program, gaining practical experience, and passing the necessary exams. In this blog post, we’ll explore the timeline for each of these steps, giving you a clear understanding of what to expect.
Educational Requirements of Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Florida
First: A Disclaimer… this post is ONLY for Florida. Every state is going to be different. Do research on your particular state.
In Florida, aspiring estheticians must complete a state-approved esthetician program, which typically includes 260 to 600 hours of training. On our end, we went through the process of proving to the state licensing board (called the DBPR) that we have the skills to teach, that we’re teaching approved curriculum, that our students will be in a good environment (with healthy financials) and a TON of other details. wants important for you as a student to understand is that – even within this very STRICT process (which really does help prevent fraud and ensure you have a good education) there is a LOT OF VARIABILITY BETWWEEN SCHOOLS. Here are just a few things that differ from school to school or program to program at OTHER SCHOOLS:
- # of hours required – literally some programs have more hours (we’ll get to why below)
- speed of course – all of our courses are FAST in as few weeks as possible, to get you trained and in the career you’re pursuing immediately, others take a long time to maximize overall revenue needlessly and teach other disciplines to pad the pockets of schools, while draining your purse of valuable money you could use for starting your business (rather than take courses you’ll never use)
- bundled in other training disciplines – #1 thing we dont do is bundle together different items (hair, massage, etc.) this keeps courses fast (less licensing hours) and quick (from new student to licensing – 14 weeks) and inexpensive.
- cost and requirements of necessary materials
- curriculum quality – many programs have coursework and training from 20+ years ago, and although its helpful to get one’s license, what’s learned can actually hurt job prospects and requires additional training from new employers… a BAD IDEA in our opinion. Our courses are all up to date, through our real world experience as well as partnerships with local spas.
- real world value of curriculum
- training material quality
- job placement ease
The exact number of hours required can vary depending on the school and the specific program. At Florida Skincare Academy, our comprehensive esthetician program meets the state’s requirements and ensures that students receive thorough and practical training.
Most full-time students can complete their esthetician program in about six months. However, part-time students, or those with other commitments, might take longer. Part-time programs can extend the timeline to 9 to 12 months, allowing for greater flexibility.
Practical Experience
In addition to classroom instruction, esthetician programs include hands-on training where students practice their skills on real clients under the supervision of experienced instructors. This practical experience is crucial for building confidence and competence in various esthetic techniques.
At Florida Skincare Academy, we go a step further by offering our unique “spa incubator” program. This program allows students to rent out space hourly from our co-working facility next to the school, providing them with real-world experience and the opportunity to start building their client base even before they graduate.
Licensing Exams
After completing your educational program, the next step is to pass the Florida state licensing exams. The licensing process includes a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests your knowledge of skincare theory, safety protocols, and Florida regulations. The practical exam evaluates your ability to perform esthetic procedures correctly and safely.
The time it takes to schedule and complete the exams can vary, but most candidates can expect this process to take a few weeks to a couple of months. It’s essential to prepare thoroughly for the exams to ensure success on your first attempt.
Licensing Application
Once you’ve passed the exams, you’ll need to apply for your esthetician license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The application process involves submitting proof of your education and exam results, along with the appropriate fees. The DBPR typically processes applications within a few weeks.
Continuing Education
Even after becoming licensed, your education doesn’t end. The beauty industry is continually evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is crucial for success. Florida requires estheticians to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses every two years. These courses ensure that you remain knowledgeable about new products, technologies, and safety standards.
At Florida Skincare Academy, we offer a variety of continuing education courses to help estheticians stay current and competitive in the industry. Our courses cover a wide range of topics, from advanced skincare techniques to business and marketing strategies.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a licensed esthetician in Florida typically takes about six months to a year, depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time. This timeline includes completing an educational program, gaining practical experience, passing the licensing exams, and applying for your license.
At Florida Skincare Academy, we strive to make this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. Our comprehensive programs, innovative spa incubator, and ongoing support ensure that our students are well-prepared for successful careers in the esthetics industry. If you’re passionate about skincare and ready to embark on an exciting career, we invite you to join us at Florida Skincare Academy.