Esthetician Career Paths

What you can do after esthetician school

After esthetician school, licensed graduates can work as spa estheticians, medical estheticians, acne specialists, waxing specialists, and makeup artists, or move into skincare education, brand representation, and business ownership. Estheticians work in day spas, medical spas, dermatology and plastic surgery offices, salons, resorts, wellness centers, and their own independent studios — in Colorado and across the country.
That range is what makes the career flexible. Some estheticians go deep on results-driven treatments; others build a calm, spa-focused practice, specialize in a single niche, or run their own business. Many start in one area and add others over time, shaping a career around how they want to work.

What does an esthetician do?

Estheticians are licensed skincare professionals who assess skin, recommend treatments and products, and perform services that cleanse, treat, and protect the skin. They work with clients of all ages on concerns like acne, dryness, sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and aging, and they teach clients how to care for their skin at home.

Core services typically include:

  • Facials
  • Waxing and hair removal
  • Body treatments
  • Acne treatments
  • Skin analysis and consultations
  • Makeup application
  • Brow and lash services

In addition to performing treatments, estheticians educate clients on proper skincare routines, sun protection, and product choices to promote healthy skin and lasting results. Services can vary based on state laws, the work environment, and specific areas of expertise.

After licensure, estheticians can add advanced services through additional coursework:

  • Chemical peels
  • Dermaplaning
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Microneedling

The School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics offers these as post-licensure advanced certification courses.

Esthetician Career Paths

Spa Esthetician

Many graduates begin their careers as spa estheticians. Spa estheticians typically work in day spas, destination spas, resorts, and wellness centers, providing treatments designed to relax, rejuvenate, and improve skin health.

Services often include customized facials, body treatments, exfoliation, waxing, and skincare consultations. Clients typically visit for self-care, maintenance, and relaxation, allowing estheticians to build long-term relationships while helping clients maintain healthy skin.

Medical Esthetician

Medical esthetics continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas within the skincare industry. Medical estheticians often work alongside physicians, dermatologists, nurse practitioners, or in medical spa environments.

Depending on state regulations and employer requirements, medical estheticians may assist with treatments such as chemical peels, laser procedures, microneedling, pre- and post-procedure skincare, and advanced corrective treatments. Because regulations vary by state, it’s important to understand Colorado’s licensing requirements and any additional certifications needed for advanced services. These additional certifications are offered at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics.

Acne Specialist

Acne specialists focus on helping clients improve and manage acne-prone skin through customized treatment plans, professional treatments, and skincare education. They often work independently, in private clinics, or in medical spas, providing services such as acne facials, chemical peels, extractions, and home-care recommendations.

Because acne treatment is typically a long-term process, acne specialists often build strong relationships with their clients. By monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed, they help clients achieve healthier, clearer skin over time.

Waxing Specialist

Waxing specialists focus primarily on hair removal services and often develop a highly profitable niche. From eyebrow shaping to full-body waxing, these professionals build expertise through speed, precision, and client comfort.

Because hair removal requires ongoing maintenance, waxing specialists often benefit from repeat clientele and predictable appointment schedules. Many successful estheticians build thriving careers specializing exclusively in waxing services.

600-Hour Program • Tuition • Admissions