Get expert industry training in facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, gel application, hair removal, makeup, and body massage while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
- Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
- Apply the principles of colour and design to lash, brow and specialized makeup techniques.
- Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program is 10 months in length and is offered in a progression of 3 courses. The program is offered three days per week: Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. The maximum time to complete this program is 2 years.
The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, spa and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
Participation is integral to the development of practical skills in this program; therefore, students assume the role of client, therapist and spa coordinator.
Work practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
English 10 or equivalent.
Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department Leader or representative.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
To be successful in the Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program, it is recommended students possess the following characteristics:
- Ability to understand instruction in English;
- Genuine interest in administering personal services;
- Good interpersonal and communication skills;
- Pleasant and out going personality;
- Good hand and eye coordination;
- Manual dexterity and creative ability;
- Normal colour vision;
- Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form;
- Ability to stand for a long periods of time;
- Ability to plan and work independently;
- Self motivation and a sense of responsibility;
- Basic writing and numerical skills.
Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that the following health concerns may effect this career:
- Asthma
- Respiratory problems
- Skin conditions
- Eczema
- Back Problems
Courses *
Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This program must be completed within 2 years.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1010 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 1 | 16 |
| ESTH 1020 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 2 | 16 |
| ESTH 1030 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 3 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 12560 | |
| Student union | 192 | |
| College initiative | 111 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 503 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 398 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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