If you have ever spent time at a day spa or dermatologist’s office, you have probably either visited or heard of an esthetician. An esthetician is trained and licensed to provide expert skin care, including cleaning, facials, applying makeup and performing other skin care procedures. Like any other profession, there are many different schools where you can get training and certification as an esthetician, but there are some schools that are more highly regarded than others are.

Here are the top esthetician schools in the United States:

Esthetic Institute

Located in Virginia, the Esthetic Institute is dedicated to esthetician classes, including state board certification preparation. The State Council licenses the Esthetic Institute for Higher Education and claims to have over 95 percent pass rate for the state board exam. The program also offers laser technician certification and has both part time and full time classes.

Aveda Institutes

One of the biggest trends in the beauty industry is a focus on environmentally friendly products and ingredients that are beneficial for skin. The Aveda Institute has been ahead of this trend for many years with a large line of skin and hair care, salons and spas.

The Aveda Institute has branches in several states, teaches a balance of nutrition, health, skin care and wellness, and has a career program for trainees who graduate from the program and earn their state certification.
Visit the Aveda Institute website for more information.

Paul Mitchell Schools

While Paul Mitchell is best known for his line of hair products and salons, Paul Mitchell schools also offer cosmetology programs throughout the nation.

The program is based on the multiple intelligence learning theory of Howard Gardner, who believed that everyone has different strengths and ways of learning, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, musical, body kinesthetic, spatial and math logical intelligences.

The Paul Mitchell esthetician program gives students a quiz to help them identify their personal strengths and then allows them to structure their classes based on their personal strengths and interests.
In addition, the Paul Mitchell Skin Academy works with the International Dermal Institute and teaches both classic and cutting-edge skin care techniques.

Empire Beauty Schools

Empire Beauty Schoolshave branches in many different states and teach classes in the areas of waxing, facials, makeup and body treatment.
The school offers part time and full time courses and offers financial aid to those who qualify. In addition, Empire Beauty Schools work with Regis Corporation to help place graduates at Regis-brand salons throughout the nation.
For more information, visit the Empire Beauty School website.

Atelier Esthetique

The Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics was the first internationally recognized member of the International Therapy Examination Council and has both a licensing program as well as a postgraduate program.
The program is based in New York City and has state licensing, laser technique, waxing, advanced and paramedical programs and other esthetician programs.

If you are considering a career as an esthetician, spend time researching schools and choose wisely to help ensure a long lasting career in the skin care industry.