Esthetician Diploma

27 Weeks – 600 Hours

In the 600 hours of your esthetic’s course we combine all the information you will need through a very complete and exemplary theory class as well as one-on-one training. This program will guide you toward graduation. You may then apply for the Iowa State licensing exam. Make-up and skin care schools, such as La' James College, help prepare you for a multifaceted beauty career. A skin care degree allows you to help others look and feel good about themselves, thus increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence.

Enrollment Information

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Esthetics Course Outline:

  • Core Life Sciences: 150 Hours
  • Esthetics Theory: 115 Hours
  • Applied Practical Instruction: 335 Hours
  • Total Course of Study: 600 Hours

Units of Study:

Core Life Sciences
Topics:

  • Anatomy Physiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Sanitation/Disinfection/Sterilization
  • Chemistry/Electricity Universal Precautions
  • Safety/Health/Infection Control
  • Hygiene/Grooming
  • Professional Ethics
  • Public Relations
  • Skin/Disorders/Diseases
  • First Aid
  • Law/Licensing Biology

Esthetic Theory & Practice
Topics:

  • History
  • Product Knowledge
  • Salon Management
  • Massage
  • Nutrition
  • Personal Development
  • Professional Development
  • Business Basics
  • Electrotherapy in Esthetics
  • Client Care
  • Facials/Makeup
  • Hair Removal
  • Preparation/Care of Esthetician
  • Advanced Treatments
  • Esthetics in Medical Field Ecology
  • Law/Licensing
  • Personal Wellness

Facials & Facial Treatments
Topics:

  • Classic Facial Massage Techniques
  • Skin Analysis
  • Room/Client Preparation
  • Specialty Facial Treatments
  • Mini Treatments
  • Machine Facials
  • Aromatherapy
  • Masks
  • Procedures/Skills/Techniques
  • Client Consultation/Medical History
  • Infection Control/Safety
  • Skin Care Superficial Chemical Peels
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Recordkeeping
  • Skin Analysis
  • Sanitation/Disinfection/Sterilization
  • Products/Tools/Equipment
  • Safety

Body Treatments & Advanced Treatments & Therapies
Topics:

  • Cocoons
  • Back Facials
  • Body Treatments Analysis
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Exfoliating Treatments
  • Mud
  • Paraffin
  • Body Contouring
  • Aromatherapy/Essential Oils
  • Seaweed
  • Body Scrubs
  • Hand/Foot Treatments
  • Cellulite Wraps
  • Phytotherapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Algotherapy
  • Room/Client Preparation
  • Client Consultations
  • Infection Control/Safety
  • Product Knowledge
  • Procedures/Skills/Techniques
  • Chemical Procedures
  • Safety/Use of Products, Tools, Equipment

Hair Removal
Topics:

  • Tweezing/Depilatories
  • Hair Growth
  • Temporary/Permanent
  • Infection Control/Safety
  • Client Consultation/Analysis
  • Room/Client Preparation
  • Product Knowledge
  • Procedures/Skills/Techniques
  • Sanitation/Disinfection
  • Sugaring Techniques
  • Safety/Use of Products, Tools, Equipment
  • Waxing: Lip, Chin, Eyebrow, Underarm, Arm, Leg, Bikini, Chest, Back, Brazilian, Sphinx, Specialty

Makeup
Topics:

  • Artificial Eyelashes
  • Client Consultation
  • Infection Control/Safety
  • Room/Client Preparation
  • Law of Color
  • Facial Shapes/Features
  • Product Knowledge
  • Makeup Techniques/Essentials
  • Basic/Specialty Makeup
  • Preparation of the Skin
  • Cosmetic Application Analysis
  • Sanitation/Disinfection
  • Safety/Use of Products, Tools, Equipment
  • Tinting Eyelashes/Eyebrows
  • Permanent Makeup
  • Lightening Facial Hair

Business
Topics:

  • Professional Ethics
  • The Rookie Year
  • Scope of Practice
  • How to Get Started
  • Appointment Book
  • Salon/Spa
  • Compensation/Deductions
  • Medical Spa/Offices
  • Customer Relations
  • Business Plan
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Marketing
  • Resume & Cover Letter Tracking
  • Applications & Interviews
  • People Skills
  • Communication
  • Human Relations
  • Recordkeeping
  • Career/Employment Information
  • Retail Sales

Graduation Requirements
To successfully graduate from the Esthetics Program and receive your diploma, students must:

  1. Complete and pass all Practical and Written Exams with a minimum score of 80%.
  2. Pass all Level 1-2 curriculum tests.
  3. Have all practical skills signed off by instructors in the Skill Enhancer book.
  4. Meet the minimum grade and attendance requirements for all written and practical work.
  5. Complete 600 clock hours.

Once students have completed their Graduation Requirements and paid off their balance, students will receive their Esthetics Diploma a Microdermabrasion certificate, and a Lash Extension certification.

--- Boards and Licensing
At The Original La' James College, we support our students every step of the way—even when it's time for their boards. The State of Iowa offers the Esthiology Board Exam remotely, and students who meet all graduation criteria are eligible to take the exam before graduation at 600 hours. This means students can receive full licensure in the state immediately after completing the program. For added convenience, we provide a quiet, uninterrupted testing space right on-site.

--- Iowa Licensing Requirements
To obtain an Esthetics License in Iowa, you must:

  1. Complete a minimum of 600 hours at an approved school and be awarded a diploma upon graduation.
  2. Have a diploma issued by a licensed school of Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.
  3. Pay all required application, examination, and licensing fees to the State of Iowa.
  4. Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
  5. Successfully pass the Esthetician Licensing Board Exam.

Please note: The Iowa Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences may deny licensure to individuals with a criminal record. For state-specific licensing requirements or further assistance, contact our business office.


Esthetics Books: 12th Edition Standard Fundamental Esthetics:

ISBN 9798214098623   Esthetics CIMA

  • CIMA Access: $327.95  
  • CIMA Access/physical textbook bundle : $422.95

Other Costs: There are costs to going to college that are not “tuition” related. These numbers are estimates and may be different for each individual, depending on your personal situation

  • Food Allowance: $299
  • Housing allowance for students living off campus: $766
  • Housing Allowance for Dependent Students living at home: $425
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $383
  • Transportation Expenses: $396

Holidays:

-Thanksgiving: 11/27/2025-11/28/2025 -Christmas Break: 12/22/2025-1/2/2026 -Memorial Day: 5/25/2026 -Independence Day: 6/3/2026 -Labor Day:9/7/2026 -Thanksgiving: 11/26/2026-11/27/2026 -Christmas: 12/21/2026-1/1/2026

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Contact Us

The Original La' James College of Beauty
📍 24 2nd Street North East, Mason City, Iowa 50401
📞 641-424-2161
📧 lajames@lajames.edu

Our Programs:

At The Original La' James College in Mason City, IA, we offer a wide variety of ways you can make an impact in the Beauty and Wellness Industy. Check out the other programs you can enroll in!

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