How Long Does Beauty School Take? Understanding Your Path to a Career in the Esthetics Industry

If you’ve been thinking about a career in the beauty industry, you’ve probably wondered, “How long does beauty school take?” Anyone ready to invest in their future knows that time matters, and knowing what to expect helps you plan your next steps. 

Whether you’re passionate about transforming skin health or dream of spending your career in a luxury spa, understanding the timeline to becoming a licensed esthetician is where your journey begins.

We’ll explore how long beauty school takes, with a special focus on esthetics programs like those offered at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics. These programs emphasize skincare, advanced treatments, and the science of aesthetics within one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.

Table of Contents

• How Long Does It Take To Finish Beauty School? Cosmetology Vs. Esthetics Training
• 5 Factors That Determine How Long Beauty School Takes
• What Do You Learn in a Beauty School Esthetician Program?
• How Long Does Beauty School Take at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics?
• Complete Your Training at the Leading Esthetician School in Oregon – Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics

The classic beauty school path includes hair, nails, and makeup, but there are other programs too. For skincare, facials, and esthetics, the training, timeline, and career focus look very different.

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Cosmetology School

Cosmetology school offers a broad education in multiple areas of the beauty industry. Students typically learn haircutting, coloring, and styling, along with barbering techniques, skincare basics, manicures, pedicures, and makeup application. Because the curriculum covers so many skills, full cosmetology programs usually require between 1,000 and 2,000 hours of training, depending on the state and the school.

Graduates leave cosmetology school prepared to work in salons, spas, or barbershops, and they have the flexibility to provide a variety of services. These programs are longer and more expensive than a specialized program because students gain a wide range of licenses and practical experience.

Esthetician School

Esthetician school is a more focused program compared to cosmetology. Training centers on skincare, facials, and other esthetic treatments. Students learn the science of skin, hygiene and sanitation practices, basic makeup application, and hands-on techniques that prepare them to work in spas, skincare clinics, or medical aesthetics settings.

Most esthetician programs require around 500–600 hours of training, though the exact number can vary depending on state regulations. For example, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics offers programs that are more affordable and faster to complete than programs in a traditional cosmetology school. Our programs are streamlined and hands-on to help students gain the skills and experience they need to enter the workforce confidently.

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So, how long does it take to graduate beauty school? The length of your esthetician training depends on several factors that you can adjust to fit your lifestyle and career goals. Here are five key elements that influence your path.

#1: Type of Program

There are typically two main options: pursuing a degree program at a community college or technical school, or enrolling in a specialized esthetician program. Each has its own advantages, costs, and timelines.

Degree Programs

An Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology or Esthetics at a community college or technical school provides a more comprehensive education. It combines general education courses with beauty training, and can take about 18–24 months to complete if attending full-time.

Degree programs usually require 1,200–2,000 hours of training, depending on the school. Tuition ranges from $5,000–$15,000, plus costs for supplies and licensing exams.

While a degree offers a well-rounded education, it may not be the best option for students whose primary goal is to become licensed and start practicing promptly.

Esthetician School Programs

Specialized esthetician programs focus solely on skincare, facials, advanced treatments, and client care. They generally require 500–600 hours of training, and you can choose to be a full-time or part-time student.

Esthetician programs are for those who want hands-on experience, a strong foundation in skincare, and have no need for unrelated courses. Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics provides a targeted, immersive curriculum that meets state licensing requirements and emphasizes practical skills.

#2: Schedule

Many schools offer flexible scheduling options to help students balance school with work, family, or other commitments.

Full-Time

Attending full-time is ideal if you're intent on finishing your training quickly. Students typically attend multiple days per week with longer daily hours, allowing them to complete the required 500–600 training hours in as little as 4–6 months.

Full-time schedules provide consistent practice, more interaction with instructors, and faster access to hands-on experience with clients. For students who can dedicate themselves fully, this is the fastest route to licensure and launching a career.

Part-Time

For part-time programs, classes are usually shorter and meet fewer days per week, which extends the program timeline to roughly 8–12 months. Although it takes longer to complete, part-time schedules offer flexibility and allow students to gradually build their skills while maintaining their other commitments. With dedication and consistent attendance, this is still a great option for many aspiring estheticians.

Hybrid

Hybrid programs combine elements of in-person and online learning, giving students the opportunity to complete theory or business courses online while reserving hands-on treatments for on-campus labs.

This format provides flexibility for busy schedules while still ensuring students receive supervised, practical training. Depending on how the program is structured, hybrid students may finish on a timeline similar to part-time programs or slightly faster if they can complete online components quickly.

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#3: State Specifications

Each state sets its own minimum number of training hours and licensing standards, which can affect program length and curriculum.

For example:

• California requires 600 hours of training for estheticians.
• New York mandates 600 hours as well, but also includes additional training in chemistry and sanitation.
• Texas has a slightly higher requirement at 750 hours, often adding extra coursework for advanced treatments.

In Oregon, students must complete at least 444 hours of approved esthetician training to qualify for licensure. Ensure the program you choose aligns with your state’s requirements to avoid extra coursework or delays in becoming licensed. Oregon also allows a ‘competency based’ education, meaning the number of hours of education and training is compressed but the equivalent of the state minimum of 444 hours. 

Spectrum is a competency based school and the program length for basic esthetics is 336 hours. This meets the state’s competency based requirements.

#4: Personal Commitment and Progress

No matter how long or short your program is, attending classes consistently, actively participating, and practicing your skills outside of class will keep your progress steady. Missing too many classes or falling behind on hands-on practice can extend your timeline for how long it takes to finish beauty school.

For these reasons, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics emphasizes the importance of engagement, offering skill-based labs and client practice that build confidence and competence. Students who stay on top of assignments, maintain good attendance, and take initiative in learning tend to finish on the faster end of the timeline and feel more prepared for licensure.

#5: Licensing Process

When your moment has come and it’s finally time to earn your official state license, most states require that you pass one or more exams in addition to completing your training program. Only then can you apply for licensure. 

Here’s what the licensing process typically involves:

• Once you complete your training hours, you’ll need to submit an application to your state’s licensing board, including proof of your education and any fees required.
• You’ll usually take a written exam covering state laws, sanitation/safety protocols, esthetics theory, and more. Oregon requires a state law exam and an esthetics exam be taken in Salem, Oregon. 
• In addition, many states require a practical skills exam where you demonstrate esthetician services (e.g., facials, waxing, skin analysis) under supervision. In Oregon, students take the practical skills exam at the esthetics school prior to graduation. Those scores are sent to the Board of Cosmetology with student transcripts upon graduation. 
• After passing the exam(s) and paying the licensure fee, you’ll receive your license and can begin working as a professional esthetician.
• Some states also require renewal every year or two and continuing education to maintain your license.

When mapping out your overall plan, it’s wise to factor in exam and licensing time. You’ll want to consider:

• How quickly can I schedule and take the exam?
• Is the exam available regularly in my region?
• How well prepared am I? (You may need to retake a part if you don’t pass.)
• How fast will the licensing board process my paperwork?

Students benefit from programs that are explicitly designed to help them succeed in the licensing process as well as the classroom. Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics has the highest pass rate in the state for esthetician training exam outcomes. Completing your program is a major milestone — but achieving your license is your gateway to practice.

In esthetician school, you learn how to care for the skin safely while building professional confidence to work in spas, medical offices, or your own skincare business. It gives students a blend of theory, practical experience, and client interaction.

Students study the science of the skin — its anatomy, physiology, and conditions — alongside the applied techniques used to improve it. You also develop soft skills like communication, professionalism, and client education, which are essential for success in the esthetics industry.

Here are some of the key services and procedures you can expect to learn during an esthetics program:

• Facials and skin treatments: Cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and customized facial therapies
• Skin analysis and consultation: Identifying skin types, conditions, and recommending appropriate treatments
• Hair removal techniques: Waxing, sugaring, and tweezing methods for different skin sensitivities
• Makeup application: Color matching, corrective techniques, and makeup for special occasions
• Chemical exfoliation: Safe use of chemical peels to rejuvenate and smooth the skin
• Microdermabrasion: Mechanical exfoliation techniques to refine skin texture
• LED and light therapy: Using light-based treatments to target acne, inflammation, and aging
• Advanced skincare treatments: Such as dermaplaning, microneedling, and other non-invasive rejuvenation methods (in advanced or specialty programs)
• Body treatments: Exfoliating and hydrating treatments designed for full-body skin health
• Product knowledge: Understanding ingredients, formulation basics, and how to select the right products for each client
• Sanitation and safety: Maintaining strict hygiene standards and compliance with state health regulations
• Business and career development: Learning about client management, retail skills, marketing, and entrepreneurship

Graduates don’t just learn from textbooks; they gain the expertise and technical skills they need to thrive in a fast-evolving industry.

If you’re considering Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics for your career in esthetics, you have several program tracks to choose from.

Standard Esthetics Program

The Standard Esthetics Program at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is designed for those who are either new to the esthetics field or are making a shift into skincare‑focused services. It covers the foundational skills and prepares you to become a licensed esthetician in Oregon.

• What it covers: Facials, body treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, skin analysis, client consultations, and basic state licensing preparation. 
• Schedule options: Offered as full‑time on campus or as a hybrid (online theory + in‑person hands‑on) option for students needing flexibility. 
• How long it takes: As little as 12 weeks.‍
• Why choose this: If your goal is to enter the skincare field quickly, begin treatments, and start building your book of clients, this program offers a fast, focused path.

Advanced Esthetics Program

For estheticians who already hold a basic license (or for students wanting to fast‑track into the medical esthetics arena), the Advanced Esthetics Program at Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics takes you into more sophisticated treatments and devices.

• What it covers: Advanced technologies like lasers, body‑contouring devices, tattoo removal, RF microneedling, and other medical esthetics services. 
• Schedule options: Offers small class sizes, hands‑on device training, and both full‑time and hybrid options to accommodate working students. 
• How long it takes: The program is approximately 500 hours, which takes 18 weeks,  a little over 4 months for full‑time students. 
• Why choose this: If you’re aiming to work in a medical spa, dermatology clinic, or want to take on high‑end esthetics treatments, this program gives you the training and device experience to be competitive.

Nutrition-Certified Esthetician Program

The Nutrition-Certified Esthetician Program is a specialized add‑on credential offered through Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics for students or practitioners who want to combine skincare with nutritional wellness.

• What it covers: The connection between skin health and nutrition; how diet, genes, and epigenetics affect skin; and how to integrate nutritional knowledge into esthetics consultations and treatment plans. 
• Schedule options: In-person and virtual options are available.
• How long it takes: 2 days‍
• Why choose this: If you already have esthetics training (or are enrolled) and want to deepen your service offerings or differentiate your practice with a nutrition‑skin connection, this is a nimble, value‑added credential.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for skincare into a rewarding career, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the leading esthetician school in Oregon. With invested instructors, payment plan options, and the highest pass rates in the state, we expertly prepare our students to start building their dream careers in esthetics.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition