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Choosing an Esthetics School and a Career in Skincare FAQ

What sets Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics apart from other esthetics programs?

Our core values are to instill in our students a solid foundation of esthetic skills, to adapt a holistic approach to skin care and be service-minded. We champion the use of sustainable, organic skincare products and encourage our students to integrate the benefits of modern esthetics and traditional, holistic modalities.

We offer small class sizes, hands on learning, highly structured curriculum and clinics, onsite internship and employment opportunities, reliable and sophisticated equipment, involved and accessible instructors and professional business practices including resume and interview preparation. Additionally upon graduation you will receive the following 6 certifications: Esthetics, Spa Therapies, Reflexology, Microdermabrasion, LED Light Therapy, and Microcurrent.

What professional organizations is AIA affiliated with?

Many of our instructors are nationally certified with National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations (NCEA) and the school is also affiliated with the Association of Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), National Aesthetics Spa Network (NASN) and the Green Spa Network (GSN).

What is your licensure exam pass rate?

Based on data from 2013 – 2015, our current student pass rate for the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology Licensure Exam is 100%.

What career support do you offer?

o In class career development planning including resume, interview and business plan preparation

o Mentoring opportunities with former graduates

o On campus networking opportunities with local business owners, estheticians and professional organizations

o On campus recruitment fairs (twice per year) and student job opportunities (as available)

o Job listing board which contains current job openings

o Graduates can subscribe to job posting email alerts

o Our graduate directory, an online graduate locator tool

Natural Body Spa, Atlanta

Who hires Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics graduates?

Our graduates are working with respected companies such as Institute DerMed, Aviary Collective, Georgia Med-Spa, MAC, Ritz Carlton, Natural Body Spa, Sephora, Sweet Peach Wax & Sugaring Studio, Blue Med Spa, Exhale Mind Body Spa, Kai Spa, Aya Medical Spa, Spa at Serenbe, Cloister Sea Island, International Dermal Institute,Dermalogica, Spa Sydell, The Spa at Lanier, Chateau Elan, Olansky Dermatology, Atlanta Plastics & Reconstructive Specialists, WIFH Laser Hair Removal &  Laser Aesthetics, Dermatology Affiliates, Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery to name a few.

Now that I have an esthetics certification, where can I work?

Upon graduation and licensure you will be qualified to work in a spa, wellness center, dermatologist office, cruise ship, hotel spa, plastic surgeons office, medical spa, and skin clinics. While lifelong learning is common in the industry, additional certifications are not required to find employment as an esthetician.

What are the typical requirements to work in medical esthetics/plastic surgeon/dermatologist office?

Many of our graduates have transitioned directly into employment with local dermatologist and plastic surgeons’ offices. Additional certifications are not required to find employment as an esthetician.

What are the typical esthetic education requirements to work on a cruise ship?

There is no additional certification requirements beyond the course. Steiner, one of the largest providers of beauty therapists for cruise ships, only requires an esthetician’s license and training from a school program of over 600 hours.

Can I work as an esthetician in another country?

Every country has its own requirements for estheticians. Esthetic certifications and board licenses attained in the United States do not guarantee employment outside of the United States. If you wish to work internationally as an esthetician, you will also need to meet the esthetic and entrance requirements of the country in which you wish to reside (such as work permits and/or immigration visas).

Will my esthetics certification transfer to other states?

Every state has its own requirements for estheticians. If you are considering relocating to another state, we encourage you to research the specific requirements of that state.

I would like to teach esthetics one day. What do I need?

You need 1 year minimum experience in the industry before beginning a Student Instructor Program.  You currently would need to complete 500 clock hours in the Student Instructor Program before being eligible to take the written and practical examinations.

As a licensed esthetician can I perform Botox or other injectable treatments?

No. In order to perform injectables, you must have a minimum requirement of being a Registered Nurse (RN)

Do you offer Brazilian waxing, threading or lash extensions in your course?

No. Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in scientific knowledge, technical skills and treatment methods which exceeds the Georgia Board of Cosmetology requirements for graduation and licensure. As you are not tested on these services at the board examination we do not offer them in the curriculum. As common in the industry, they are offered periodically as Continuing Education Courses.

Do you teach laser treatments in your course?

Yes and No. You do learn laser theory in the esthetics curriculum but due to board requirements you can only take classes for laser treatments once you are a licensed esthetician. As common in the industry, they are offered periodically as Continuing Education Courses.

For more information please visit AtlantaInstituteofAesthetics.com or call 866-212-0367.

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