This is an approximately 32-week certificate program covering esthetics and spa therapy. It includes theory, infection control and hands-on training in facials, body massage, body treatments, aromatherapy, makeup artistry, waxing, lash lifting and tinting, brow tinting, manicures, pedicures, and gel polish and overlays.
Students will use the basic principles of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry to support the applied learning required by the program. Electrotherapy and sanitation procedures will be discussed and integrated throughout their studies.
Students will also gain experience while performing services in a fully functioning on-site spa under the supervision of the esthetics instructor. They will learn the necessary business practices and teamwork skills needed for the profession while providing real-time practical client care.
In addition, the program will introduce students to the required business skills to run a salon or spa, explore career planning, and produce a professional quality portfolio to showcase their skills.
The program will prepare students to write the Beauty Council Western Canada licensing examinations (theory and practical) at the end of their training. The cost of this exam is not included in program fees.
This Program has a reading week which typically occurs during the last week of February each year.
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
The Esthetics industry offers career opportunities in areas such as, spa therapy, nail technician, demonstrator, sales representatives, salon proprietor, makeup artist, esthetician on a cruise ship, medical spa assistant, and spa management, among other opportunities. Students who complete this program will be eligible to take the Beauty Council licensing examination. This exam represents the industry’s highest standard.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek (South Peace Campus) | September | Cohort |
Length
934 hours; approximately 32 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 | $ 3,325.04 | $ 164.88 | $ 2,434.07 | $ 5,923.99 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 13,010.62 | $ 173.12 | $ 2,653.05 | $ 289.80* | $ 16,126.59 |
*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.
Science Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Science 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- SCIE 030 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. POWER
Complete:
- People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) 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.
- A basic equipment kit for esthetics is provided to each student at the beginning of the program. This kits include tools necessary for the program. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with School Districts 59, 60, and 81.
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 |
All of:
- 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)
Credential
Certificate in Esthetics