Program summary

Advanced Esthetics is a 600-hour program leading to a Virginia master esthetician license. This is the credential that permits chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and lymphatic drainage.

Details

License earned

Virginia master esthetician

Prerequisites

Esthetician license or current enrollment in an esthetics program. Must meet DPOR requirements, provide a valid Virginia ID or Social Security card, and be 18 or older (or have parental consent)

Format

Hybrid. Theory online via CIMA, practical training in person in Stafford

Tuition

$10,395

Books, kit & supplies

$1,500

Application fee

$100 — non-refundable, valid one year

Total investment

$11,995

Military benefits

MyCAA accepted, up to $4,000 for eligible military spouses

Common questions

Do I need to be a licensed esthetician first?

You need either a current esthetician license or current enrollment in an esthetics program. You cannot skip the fundamental program — the advanced curriculum is built on that foundation, which is why it opens with advanced anatomy and advanced skin analysis rather than the introductory versions.

What can a master esthetician do that an esthetician can't?

Chemical exfoliation and peels of the epidermis, microdermabrasion (crystal and crystal-free), dermaplaning, light treatments including LED and IPL, microcurrent and ultrasound treatments, and lymphatic drainage. A master esthetician also performs everything in the esthetician scope — the license stacks rather than replaces.

Which chemical peels can I perform?

Virginia permits master estheticians to use Jessner and Modified Jessner solution, trichloroacetic acid below 20%, nonprescriptive alpha and beta hydroxy acids, vitamin-based acids, enzymes, herbal exfoliators, and nonprescriptive commercial products used per the manufacturer's written instructions.

How long is the program?

600 hours, matching Virginia's minimum for master esthetician licensure. Contact admissions for current cohort dates and schedule.

What does the $11,995 cover?

Tuition, books, student kit and supplies, and the application fee — including the Milady Standard Esthetics e-Textbooks, CIMA digital course access, the Master Esthetics student kit, and a training mannequin head. State examination and license application fees are paid separately to the Commonwealth.

What are the 215 practical performances?

Supervised advanced services on real clients: 75 chemical exfoliations, 50 microdermabrasion treatments, 50 lymphatic drainage treatments, and 40 advanced treatments.

Where do master estheticians work?

Medical spas, physicians' offices, dermatology practices, advanced skincare clinics, and independent practice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median hourly wage of $19.98 for skincare specialists as of May 2024, and $23.40 for those working in offices of physicians.

Is this the same as a "medical esthetician"?

Medical esthetician is a job description, not a Virginia license. It generally refers to a licensed esthetician or master esthetician working in a medical setting. The advanced modalities those roles involve fall under the master esthetician scope of practice.

Can I use military education benefits?

MyCAA is accepted for all NVLET courses, up to $4,000 for eligible military spouses. G.I. Bill® benefits are currently accepted for the in-person Fundamental Esthetics cohort only.

Scope of practice and hour requirements are set by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology under 18VAC41-70. See the esthetician vs. master esthetician comparison, the licensing guide, or tuition and program costs.