Cosmetologists provide personal care services that include caring for people’s hair, skin and nails. Professionals employed in the cosmetology industry include hairstylists, barbers and estheticians. This diploma program takes students through the Esthetics group of skin and nail treatments, and Hairstylist training. The Hairstylist and Esthetics programs are each approximately 32 weeks in length and are combined with a professional portfolio course at the end to complete the 2-year diploma in Cosmetology.
Hairstylist and Esthetics both begin every September. Once a student completes one of the programs, they can proceed to the other in their second year (the order in which each are taken is not important).
Both programs have large practical components where students will spend time working in the NLC salons. Students will have theory, salon operations training and hands-on salon client days where they practice the skills they are learning in class.
Esthetics includes training in infection control, facials, body massage, body treatments, aromatherapy, makeup artistry, waxing, lash lift and tinting, brow tinting, manicures, pedicures, gel polish and overlays.
Hairstylist training covers the Skilled Trades BC certified apprenticeship programming including haircuts, styling, shampoo and scalp treatments, as well as chemically treating hair using colour and permanent wave solutions.
Throughout both these two programs, students will be working on their professional portfolio and at the end they will produce a capstone project which will combine the two disciplines into a final project.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
A career in Cosmetology can lead to various professions in the beauty industry, including hairstylist, nail technician, salon or spa manager, beautician, wedding and event stylist, makeup artist, esthetician, cosmetic sales representative, instructor or beauty columnist. As with any profession, other opportunities exist within and outside the field.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek (South Peace Campus) | September | Cohort |
Length
1931 hours in total.
This is a two year program; approximately 64 weeks long
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,373.28 | $ 165.35 | $ 1,414.75 | $ 4,953.38 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,440.75 | $ 168.65 | $ 1,443.05 | $ 5,052.45 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees (includes GST) | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 13,010.62 | $ 173.12 | $ 2,653.05 | $ 289.80* | $ 16,126.59 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 13,470.31 | $ 174.77 | $ 1,497.97 | $ 15,143.05 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Complete either A, B, or C:
A. English and Math
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 10 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
B. ESTR 037
Complete:
- ESTR 037 – Essential Skills for Trades – Intermediate Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
C. NLC GRADUATE
Complete one of:
- People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) program
- Hairstylist Foundation Certificate program
- Esthetician Certificate program
Post-Admission Requirements
NLC’s South Peace campus is connected to the Dawson Creek High school – South Peace Campus. Therefore the Criminal Records Review Act requires that all NLC students over the age of 19 must submit a clearance letter from the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) for a Schedule B Criminal Record Check (CRC): WORKS WITH children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults, before classes begin. The cleared CRC must be received by NLC one month prior to the start of the program. Failure to provide a cleared CRC by the deadline may result in dismissal from the program. For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Basic equipment kits for both hairstyling and for esthetics are provided to each student at the beginning of each part of the two programs. These kits include tools necessary for each program. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC and SD 59, 60, 81 and 87.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses |
Esthetics courses:
- ESTH 105 – Esthetics and Spa Therapy 1 (455 contact hours)
- ESTH 115 – Esthetics and Spa Therapy 2 (455 contact hours)
- COSM 102 – Esthetics Portfolio (24 contact hours)
Hairstylist courses:
- HAIR 101 – Hairstylist Fundamentals (471 contact hours)
- HAIR 102 – Hairstylist Salon Operations (472 contact hours)
- COSM 101 – Hairstylist Portfolio (24 contact hours)
Capstone course:
- COSM 250 – Cosmetology Capstone (30 contact hours)
Credential
Diploma in Cosmetology