About School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics
The School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics (SBMA) is an esthetician school in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2012. We train students for Colorado esthetician licensure through a 600-hour program that combines natural, plant-based skincare with medical aesthetics.
Our Approach: Botanical & Medical Skincare
Botanical means “of or relating to plants.” We believe in the healing and nourishing properties of plants and of pure, plant-based products. Half of our program focuses on botanical and natural approaches to skincare, including aromatherapy, product knowledge, facial massage, and nutrition. We use high-quality essential oils and plant-based products in our student clinic.
The other half of the curriculum covers the medical side of skincare: corrective approaches to skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and aging. Students train with professional skincare lines including Sanitas and PCA Skin — see Product Lines we use at the student clinic.
Graduates leave with training in both approaches, so they can individualize treatments to each client’s skin and goals.
State Approval and Licensure
SBMA is approved to teach aesthetics in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Colorado requires aspiring estheticians to pass both a written and a practical exam to become licensed.
State board preparation is built into our program. Students assemble their practical exam kit during classes, and we hold dedicated prep classes and clinics to practice the board protocols before the exam.
Our History
SBMA was founded in 2012 by Hillary Hilliard, who also owns and directs two sister schools in Denver: Denver Integrative Massage School, founded in 2010, and Herbalism Roots, founded in 2014. Together, the three schools share a common philosophy: hands-on, personalized training in natural and integrative approaches to health and wellness.
Our Locations
Admissions, Administration & Advanced Courses
1221 Galapago Street
Denver, CO 80204
Student Clinic (not open for public)
1124 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
Learn More
Learn more about our 600-Hour Esthetician Program, meet our Instructors, or visit the Admissions page to book a meeting.