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Program Details

Esthetician Training That Builds Confidence, Professionalism & Artistry

In our 1,000-hour Esthetics Program, you’ll learn to perform basic and advanced facials, chemical peels, waxing, makeup applications, and more, trained in a real-world spa environment with modern technology and strong academic standards. ESI combines European esthetics traditions with American science, giving students a comprehensive education rooted in professionalism, advanced technique, and hands-on confidence.

  • State-licensed & CIDESCO-aligned
  • Financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Proudly supports military-affiliated and international students
  • HydraFacial and Glo2Facial certification training
  • Barbicide & Prevention certifications included
  • Module-based curriculum with skill assessments and a full-length State Board mock exam
  • Day & evening classes at both Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses

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The Curriculum

What You'll Master

01
Basic & Advanced Facials

Basic & Advanced Facials

Perform basic and advanced facials built on thorough skin analysis.
02
Machine Operations

Machine Operations

Train on seven HydraFacial™ protocols, Glo2Facial, SkinStylus nano channeling, oxygen facials, microcurrent, LED, high frequency, and more
03
Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels

Learn chemical peels, diamond and crystal microdermabrasion, and ultrasonic skin scrubbing.
04
Hair Removal

Hair Removal

Master full face and body waxing, plus brow design with tweezing and threading
05
Makeup

Makeup

Learn application, color theory, and bridal, editorial looks, special occasion, camouflage, lash strips and clusters, and a professional before-and-after portfolio
06
Body Treatments

Body Treatments

Offer cellulite treatments, body wraps, back treatments, hot stone back treatments, mud wraps, salt scrubs, reflexology and aromatherapy.
07
Lash & Brow Tinting

Lash & Brow Tinting

Learn lash and brow tinting and lash extensions.
08
Massage Techniques

Massage Techniques

Build relaxing massage into facials and body treatments.
09
Health, Safety & Sciences

Health, Safety & Sciences

Study infection control, skin disorders, product chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and earn Barbicide and Prevention certifications.
10
Spa & Business Practices

Spa & Business Practices

Practice client care and spa management, plus State Board review, sales and client-retention training, personal branding and social media through Beautista, and resume writing and mock interviews.
11
Medical Esthetics

Medical Esthetics

Learn medical terminology, medical charting, and pre- and post-op skin care so you’re ready to work in med spas and alongside physicians.
12
Signature Treatments

Signature Treatments

Master Elaine Sterling’s signature services, including the Elaine Sterling Facial, Emerald Peel, Emeralds & Ice, and Skin Cocktail treatments

Train With the Brands Top Spas Use

Envision Yourself as a Professional

Build a Future Career in the Spa Industry

Hands-on training and professional instruction at our Georgia esthetics school can lead to a rewarding career with long-term growth. We provide students with many networking opportunities with local and national industry leaders, so you can build a business relationship that leads to a career. We nurture your natural skills and self-confidence, helping you enter the real world of esthetics after graduation.

  • Spa owner or manager
  • Esthetician in a spa
  • Luxury resort esthetician
  • Eyelash extension specialist
  • Makeup artist

Our Esthetician Program

Why Choose Elaine Sterling Institute?

European-Influenced Curriculum

ESI founder Elaine Sterling holds CIDESCO and ITEC certifications, and that international influence shapes everything about our curriculum.

An Accredited, Structured Curriculum

Our COE-accredited program is built in progressive modules, each with skill assessments and academic reviews, so you’re tested on every technique before moving on, and fully prepared for State Board.

A Clinic That Feels Like a Spa

Train with professional-grade equipment and industry-leading brands in a clinic that looks and feels like a real spa.

Hands-On With Real Clients

Instruction moves from in-class demonstrations to supervised hands-on practice with real clients.

Schedules to Suit Your Lifestyle

Choose a full-time or part-time schedule, or a hybrid option with theory online through CIMA by Milady.

Industry-Leading Resources

Benefit from Qnity financial literacy training and the HydraFacial Connect online learning portal.

Financial Aid

Flexible financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships available for qualified students.

Awards & Accreditations

Proudly accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized as a CIDESCO School, Elaine Sterling Institute has spent 18 years shaping Atlanta’s beauty and wellness professionals, a proud recipient of the 2024 Golden School Award.

See What Our Students Have To Say

 

Person
stars Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

person
stars Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

person
stars Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

person
stars Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

Person
Stars Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does tuition cost?

Tuition for the Esthetics Program is $17,000. The fee for the kit, books, and supplies is $3,472. Total cost is $20,472.

Tuition for the hybrid online Esthetician Program costs the same.

Can I get financial aid?

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Start the financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). There are also tuition payment plans available to help make your educational experience more affordable. Contact us with any questions about paying for your esthetics education.

What is ITEC and CIDESCO?

ITEC is the International Therapist Exam Council. ITEC is an international certification that is recognized in over 37 countries worldwide, allowing candidates to work internationally. The ITEC curriculum is included in all programs, and a certification class can be taken for an additional cost as a post-graduate course. This certification ensures that your training is current and meets international standards. So whether you wish to work overseas or stay in the USA, you have the top internationally recognized certifications.

CIDESCO is the World Standard for Beauty and Spa Therapy. Membership is open to the leading schools, colleges, beauty salons, and spas of the world, and students looking to achieve a superior level of training and the CIDESCO Diploma qualification, which is recognized worldwide.

What is included in the student kit?

Esthetics students receive the following items:

  • Apple iPad
  • Milady Esthetician textbooks
  • Milady CIMA access
  • HydraFacial online training portal access and certification
  • Glo2Facial training portal access and certification
  • Beautista account
  • Qnity Financial Literacy curriculum
  • Sugar Lash Pro kit
  • State Board Exam Prep Curriculum platform
  • Esthetician Kit (tools, mannequin head, etc.)
  • ESI Jacket
  • Elaine Sterling Skincare
  • Makeup Forever Cosmetics makeup
  • Makeup application kit

Student kits are subject to change.

What is the difference between an esthetician and a cosmetologist?

An esthetician offers mainly skincare services, such as facials, hair removal, makeup, and skincare analysis. An esthetician’s focus is to improve the health of their client’s skin. They often work in a professional spa environment.

A cosmetologist provides a wider range of beauty services dealing with hair, skin, and nails. Many cosmetologists seek a career in a salon, working as a hairstylist or makeup artist. They can offer some skincare services, but not to the extent that an esthetician can offer.

How long is the esthetician program?

Our 1,000-hour Esthetics Program is available on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time students could complete their esthetics education in as little as nine or ten months, while part-time students could finish in as few as 12 or 13 months.

  • Full-time schedule: Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
  • Part-time schedule: Tuesday through Thursday, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

The program is offered at both our Atlanta Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses.

Will I be working on real clients?

Yes. Instruction moves from in-class demonstrations to supervised hands-on practice with real clients in our student spa, where you’ll learn to assess, customize, and deliver skincare treatments under licensed supervision.

Will I be ready to take my state licensing exam?

Our curriculum meets Georgia state licensing requirements and prepares you to sit for the State Board examination, with State Board and program review built into the program.

Get Started

How to Enroll in Our Esthetics Program

Your dreams of learning how to be a professional esthetician could become a reality! See if you meet our program’s admissions requirements:

  • Age 17 or Older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid government ID
  • Additional docs for VA, international, or M1 visa when applicable

Your enrollment journey can begin right now. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call to request more information. Schedule a tour of one of our campuses and experience the professional atmosphere of Elaine Sterling Institute!

 

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