Master Aesthetician
Degree Type
60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Code
10-502-1
Time to Degree
1.5 years
Start Date
January
How You'll Learn
On Campus
8-Week Courses
Daytime
Go beyond the basics of aesthetics by learning the skills and techniques needed to perform skin care services in medical settings. This program provides training in advanced skin treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and various laser treatments. Train to work in plastic surgery, dermatology, medical spas and other medical environments.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
If you’re a good communicator, have an interest in skin care and enjoy working with people to help them look and feel their best, a career as an aesthetician may be for you. Aestheticians perform a variety of services – from facials to laser hair removal to body wraps and much more. Those working in medical settings apply treatments under the supervision of medical professionals.
- Aesthetician
- Skin Care Specialist
- Paramedical Aesthetician
- Oncology Aesthetician
- Makeup Artist
High School Eligibility
This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note:
- To take the state licensing exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a high school graduate or have attained high school graduation equivalency.
- You are required to obtain licensing within one year of completing this program.
- Occasional overnight travel to trade shows is optional but beneficial.
Career Salaries
$30,300 - $53,300 annually, plus commission and tip opportunities
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
As a program student, you are eligible to receive:
- Financial aid loans
- Scholarships
- Other forms of assistance
Learn more about financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats are available in the Master Aesthetician program?
There are 12* seats every semester.
*Subject to change.
Is this program eligible for financial aid?
Yes, the Master Aesthetician program is financial aid eligible. Visit studentaid.gov to start the financial aid process. Please note, financial aid may not cover the full cost of tuition, iPad, LAB, kit and summer interim. For more information or to connect with a financial aid advisor, go to wctc.edu/financial-aid, email money@wctc.edu or call 262.691.5436.
Once admitted to the program, am I guaranteed to start core program courses right away?
No. Please refer to the program waitlist information: wctc.edu/waitlist
How and where do we practice services?
Students will practice services on their fellow classmates, friends, family and the general public in WCTC's Style & Class Salon and Spa, Aesthetics Lab and various external community locations.
Is there a dress code for the program?
Yes. Students are required to wear all black attire and a smock that will be provided to them.
Will I earn my aesthetician license?
After completion of designated courses, students may register for the next regularly scheduled Wisconsin State Licensing Exam for Aestheticians. The licensing exam consists of both written and practical examinations. The cost of the exam is approximately $400. Upon successful completion of these exams, you will be authorized to practice aesthetics in the State of Wisconsin.
To be eligible for testing/licensing, you must be able to obtain a Social Security Number.
Will I need to complete a background check for this program?
Acceptance into the program at WCTC does not require a background check. A student will not be denied based on a criminal background, but certain offenses may prevent you from being able to obtain your license.
A background check will be necessary prior to sitting for your licensing exam. Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice. Visit dsps.wi.gov/pages/professions/aesthetician for additional information.
What does the course schedule look like?
Fall Start
Courses are scheduled between 5-9 p.m., 2-3 weekdays per week and Saturdays during the day.
Spring Start
Courses are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., 2-3 weekdays per week.
Steps to Complete the Master Aesthetician Program
Apply and Become Admitted as a Pre-Core Student
- Apply online and pay the $30 application fee. This program is only open to in-state residents.
- Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading and writing skills:
- High school transcript that includes completed coursework through the 11th grade. Transcript must include your GPA.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.
WCTC follows a waitlist process for students admitted into this program. Once a student becomes core-ready, the current estimated waitlist timeframe to begin core program courses is approximately 1 year.
Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.
Before Program Start
- Meet the minimum placement testing requirements to enter core courses by the first Monday in October to be considered for core courses starting in spring.
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Attend a mandatory Master Aesthetician student orientation. Check your WCTC email for day, time and location.
Students who receive a seat in the Master Aesthetician program will be notified via email with instructions on how to register for core program courses.
Note: Students who do not completed this requirement will be dropped from courses and moved back to Core-Ready status.
After Program Completion
After completion of the first year of core progam courses, you may register for the next regularly scheduled Wisconsin State Licensing Exam for Aestheticians. The exam consists of both written and practical components and costs approximately $400. Upon successful completion of these exams, you will be authorized to practice aesthetics in the State of Wisconsin.
- To take the state licensing exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a high school graduate or have attained high school graduation equivalency.
- Be able to obtain a Social Security Number.
- Complete a background check. Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice.
- Visit https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Aesthetician for additional information.
- You are required to obtain licensing within one year of completing the first year of core progam courses.
What Makes This Program Unique
- This program is the first of its kind in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Students are trained to perform aesthetic services in salon, spa and medical settings.
- Learn in a hands-on environment by servicing guests in WCTC's Style & Class Salon and Spa and Aesthetics Lab.
- Train in chemical exfoliation, IPL hair removal, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels, micro-blading and lash extensions while in the program.
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Credit for Prior Learning
You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.
Transfer Opportunities After WCTC
WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.