Esthetics 103 is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Bellus Academy in El Cajon, CA. The program takes 900 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $13,950.
Program Overview
The Esthetics 103 program is a 900-hour program combining 600 hours of basic skin care training required for state board licensing, and 300 hours of advanced esthetics techniques. The program length for the Day Schedule is 30 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 36 weeks. The advanced esthetics portion of the program provides additional esthetic services as well as advanced techniques, protocols, business skills, communication and customer service competencies sought by luxury and medi-spa owners and managers. Along with high quality technical training students will learn career development skills such as client consultation, business tracking systems, and marketing strategies, as well as receiving Financial Literacy training within the classroom and via online education.
Course Objectives: To successfully prepare the student to pass the exam; to prepare students for entry level employment; to develop personality skills as well as mechanical skills suitable for the field of skin care; and to develop marketing and sales skills to become a successful skin care professional.
What Sets This Program Apart
Beyond the 600 hours of basic skin care required for licensure, the program adds 300 hours of advanced esthetics techniques, protocols, business skills, and communication and customer service competencies sought by luxury and medi-spa owners and managers.
Admission Requirements & Process
Requirements for Admission
Students desiring to enroll in Bellus Academy must have reached the age of majority (i.e., 18 in California), and must provide a high school diploma, or its equivalent (i.e., a GED or a certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state-authorized examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma), a transcript showing high school completion, a transcript showing proof of attainment of an Associate's degree or higher, or evidence of completion of home schooling that state law treats as a home or private school. Students who have previously taken an ATB test and who have been enrolled at an institution on that basis prior to July 1, 2012, remain eligible to receive Title IV. Bellus Academy does not enroll students under training agreements.
Students who provide documentation in any language other than English will be required to have that documentation translated by an approved outside agency that is qualified to translate documents into English and confirm the academic equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma. The Admissions Director can provide a list of approved translation services and service centers. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.
Verification of High School Diploma
The academy will verify the authenticity of the high school diploma prior to enrollment. If the diploma cannot be verified, the student may be asked to provide a final high school transcript showing the dates of entrance and graduation and the courses completed. If a transcript is not available, the student will be required to meet the ability to benefit (ATB) requirements or take and pass a GED test prior to enrollment.
Distance Education Requirements
Students enrolling in a program that offers a distance education delivery method (hybrid) must meet the minimum student skills, hardware, and software requirements to enroll in any distance education (online) courses. Students will be assessed, prior to admission in the program through completion of a Distance Education Questionnaire on whether the student has the appropriate skills and competencies needed to succeed in the distance education environment.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
Bellus Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), 3015 Colvin Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703.600.7600. The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, and massage therapy.
Approvals
- Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
Memberships
- American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
- California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)
- Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU)
- International Spa Association
Approval to Operate
Bellus Academy campuses in El Cajon and Chula Vista are approved by accreditation to operate as private postsecondary institutions in the State of California; approved to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. The Act is administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology sets minimum standards for the programs of study; the minimum number of class hours and the total class hours for each program, outlined in the Board's Rules & Regulations booklet, must be met to qualify the student for licensure. Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Program length for the Day Schedule is 30 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 36 weeks. Classes are conducted, in residency and online, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm for day students and Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for night students. Please see the Class Start Calendar in the Catalog for start dates.
Curriculum
Pursuant to B&P 7364(b), the curriculum includes the 600-hour basic skin care areas plus advanced modalities:
- Health and Safety (100 hours): Including instruction on hazardous substances, chemical safety, safety data sheets, protection from hazardous chemicals, preventing chemical injuries, health and safety laws and regulations, and preventing communicable diseases; includes the Board Approved Health & Safety Course (B&P 7389(a)).
- Disinfection and Sanitation (100 hours): Including instruction on disinfection procedures to protect the health and safety of consumers as well as the technician and proper disinfection procedures for equipment used in establishments.
- Skin Care (350 hours): Including instruction on chemical and manual facials and massaging, stimulating, exfoliating, cleansing, or beautifying the face, scalp, neck, or body by the use of hands, esthetic devices, cosmetic products, antiseptics, lotions, tonics, or creams.
- Hair Removal and Lash and Brow Beautification (50 hours): Including instruction on tinting and perming eyelashes and brows and applying eyelashes, and removing superfluous hair by depilatories, tweezers, sugaring, nonprescription chemicals, or waxing.
- Advanced Wellness Modalities for Face (100 hours): Including Microcurrent/EMS, LED treatments for acne and rejuvenation, Lifting/Peptide Anti-Aging Facials, Oxygen Anti-Aging and Anti-Acne Treatments, Dermabrasion Infusion, Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage Techniques, and Chemical Peels.
- Body/Anti Cellulite Treatments (25 hours): Including back and body treatments, polishes, and wraps.
- Eyelash Extensions (25 hours): Including understanding hair growth, eyelash extension materials and tools, adhesive chemistry and toxicology, application methods, and health and safety.
- Advanced Brow Enhancement (10 hours): Including brow shaping utilizing hair removal and brow stenciling.
- Aromatherapy (15 hours): Including understanding the use and application of essential oils, how they are used in esthetics treatments, and benefits to physical and mental health.
- Oncology Esthetics (25 hours): An intensive program giving foundational skills to safely and confidently work on clients who are undergoing treatment for cancer or are post treatment for cancer.
- CBD Wellness Workshop (25 hours): Including the Endocannabinoid System, Terpenes, Cannabis, Broad Spectrum versus Full Spectrum, and the benefits of CBD.
- Business Skills (35 hours): Including professional communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills, the 3 R's (Retail, Rebooking, Retention), and vision board and business plan creation.
- Additional Training (40 hours): Industry Icon interviews, live in-class presentations from specialized vendors and spa owners, and opportunities to visit spas.
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Required texts: hardware and software to access Pivot Point LAB digital textbook for Esthetics and Workbook: Advanced, 2nd Edition, published by Cengage Learning; included in the kit cost. When the kit, its contents, and the textbooks have been issued to the student, they become the financial and personal responsibility of that student.
Scholarships
Scholarships may be offered periodically. Institutional scholarships are offered for specified time periods and, if awarded, are reflected as a tuition allowance. All students who enroll during that time period are eligible for the scholarship.
The following is a description of the various financial aid programs available at Bellus Academy for students who qualify.
- Federal Pell Grant: Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program is determined by a standard need-analysis formula that is revised and approved by Congress. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back.
- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan: Under the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program the school certifies eligibility for each loan and sends the loan proceeds to the student's account.
- Federal Subsidized Direct Loan: Federal Direct Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need.
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Federal Parent Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for the student's education.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds. Students must provide documentation of either a high school diploma or a GED certificate; be enrolled in an eligible program; have a valid Social Security number; be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; and not be in default with any federal student loans, nor owe an overpayment on any federal student aid grant. The first step in applying for Title IV Federal Financial Aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Total program tuition is $13,950 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Career Outcomes
Career Opportunities
There are many opportunities for individuals entering the industry under the realm of Barbering, Cosmetology, Nail Technician or Esthetics. Your goals can guide you to a lifetime career working in a variety of professional job roles. Employment opportunities for Barbers include Barber, Stylist, Master Barber and Barber Shop Operator. Employment opportunities for Cosmetologists, Nail Technicians, Estheticians and Makeup Artists are available in individual salons, salon chains, department stores, supply houses, and day spas. The most successful graduates possess several personal qualities in addition to their acquired skills. These valuable qualities include but are not limited to a variety of business and marketing skills, including above-average people skills, good communication abilities, a sound work ethic and confidence.
Placement Assistance
One of our primary goals is to provide the specialized, intensive training that will make our certified and/or licensed graduates highly employable. Our academies work closely with salon owners and employers throughout the local regions so that all licensees are given an opportunity to secure a position that is the right one for them. Throughout your training, job search training is incorporated in your classes, and the Career Services Department is available if you have questions or need any assistance while you are in school. During your training, you will learn about the different salons and spas that are available, interviewing procedures, how to complete a job application, resumé preparation, and other valuable points you will need to know to help you land a great job after you are licensed. As you approach graduation, a Career Services representative meets with you to remind you of the different types of assistance the department offers, including resumé preparation, referrals, and graduate follow-up. Job placement assistance remains an option for you even if you have been out of school for a while. Although the academies work closely with our graduates to assist them with placement opportunities, the academies cannot guarantee employment.
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association supports the continued success of our licensed graduates by providing internationally acclaimed guest speakers, discounts on advanced education, discounts on professional products and equipment, development of a network of successful professionals, and providing extensive placement opportunities. Joining the Alumni Association keeps you informed of the latest events and trends in the industry.
What to Expect as a Student at Bellus Academy
Bellus Academy students are trained using the Bellus Cutting and Color system, which utilizes verbal, written, visual and hands-on instruction throughout the classroom and clinic floor practicum. Along with high-quality technical training, students learn career development skills such as client consultation, business tracking systems, and marketing strategies, as well as receiving financial literacy training. Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the academies and to discuss personal, educational, and occupational plans with academy personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
Bellus Academy is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS), 3015 Colvin Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703.600.7600. The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences is recognized by the United States Department of Education as a national accrediting agency for postsecondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, and massage therapy.
Approvals
- Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
- California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
- California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
Memberships
- American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
- California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS)
- Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU)
- International Spa Association
Approval to Operate
Bellus Academy campuses in El Cajon and Chula Vista are approved by accreditation to operate as private postsecondary institutions in the State of California; approved to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. The Act is administered by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology sets minimum standards for the programs of study; the minimum number of class hours and the total class hours for each program, outlined in the Board's Rules & Regulations booklet, must be met to qualify the student for licensure. Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov, toll-free telephone number (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.
