What should I look for in an esthetics training program?

According to Jill Kohler, president and founder of Kohler Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, beauty professionals who want to become licensed in skin care should do intensive research in three areas before signing up for an esthetics course.

"One of the most important aspects is obviously the school's curriculum and student support," she says. "Look for curriculum that moves at a strong pace and progressively moves from skin health, skin conditions and the fundamentals to the advanced techniques and product knowledge."

For adult learners, Kohler recommends asking the school if it incorporates different learning styles into each educational day, presenting info through audio, visual, hands on, games, review time, quiet test taking and Q and A.

"Ask about textbooks, products, demos and how the curriculum is broken up throughout their 600 hours. Ask about their passing rates at the State Board and their placement rates with local salons and spas. Find out how involved they are with students and how many services they truly offer them."

Another important area Kohler suggests an interested student research is the school's faculty.

"Look for passionate, committed and up-to-date educators. Find out if you can meet them, ask them what they love about teaching."  It's also important to find out the school's teaching philosophy.

"My school incorporates ‘Mindful Teaching' from Pivot Point, and it is a fabulous tool and resource for our educators to use in the classroom and clinic," she notes. "Ask if the educators are required to have advanced training, even if the state does not require it. A school that embraces advanced education for its teachers should be the most up-to-date."

Finally, take a look at the place. Ask yourself, says Kohler, "Are the classrooms accommodating to the students? Do they incorporate LCD projectors, DVDs, laptops, flip charts, tables, chairs, etc.? Does each skin care classroom have eight-function machines and skin care beds so the students are practicing on the same equipment they have in the clinic? Are all student learning styles accommodated for in the facility-some learn by doing, by seeing, by hearing, etc.?" She says that if you are satisfied with the answers, this could be the right environment for you.