Esthetics 103

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. The program is structured to ensure students gain the following competencies:

• 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.
• To develop marketing and sales skills to become a successful skin care professional.

With Esthetics 103, students complete an additional 300 hours of training that builds on foundational knowledge. The program offers specialized training in Advanced and Luxury Spa techniques and other innovative skin care approaches, helping students who wish to pursue careers in Resorts and Spas. Students utilize various types and equipment for hands-on training and learn from passionate and experienced instructors.

Elevate your foundational knowledge with an additional 300 hours of specialized training in Advanced and Luxury Spa techniques, essential skills in advanced peel applications, mechanical exfoliation methods, thorough analysis of damaged skin, and the latest innovative skincare approaches crucial for employment in upscale Spas. Learn the art of eyelash extensions, brow shaping, luxury spa body treatments, and aromatherapy.

The Esthetics 103 program offers comprehensive instruction in skin condition assessments and treatments, facials, chemical exfoliation procedures, hair removal techniques, lash and brow tinting, and microdermabrasion methods.

Students will learn to execute fundamental services such as ultrasonic facials, LED light therapy, micro-current applications, hydra dermabrasion, oncology esthetics, lymphatic drainage facial massage, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and micro-channeling treatments.

The coursework covers training in infection control, equipment safety protocols, and knowledge of pertinent state laws to ensure a well-rounded education.

The program includes a tablet, where much of the curriculum is taught with a social learning experience.

Bellus Academy instructors design the curriculum to help students learn the most popular trends and techniques. Our programs come with a student equipment kit, providing the essential items you’ll need to practice your craft. You’ll even be given a tablet that helps you access the digital platform. Many of our programs also allow students to take on externships to get even more experience. In the end, you’ll be ready to take your exam, giving you your esthetics license upon passing.

TikTok Shop training. Health and beauty made up 79% of all U.S. TikTok Shop sales in 2024, totaling $1.34 billion according to Capital One Shopping research. At Bellus Academy, every student learns how to build a personal brand, create content, and sell beauty retail products online, taught through a licensed course from Jenn Lyles, a Top 1% TikTok Shop creator, and included in your total program cost.

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. Bellus Academy does not enroll students under training agreements.

The academy will verify the authenticity of the high school diploma prior to enrollment. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.

Classes are conducted, in residency, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm for day students (30-hour week) and Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for night students (25-hour week).

The program length for the Day Schedule is 30 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 36 weeks.

Remaining 2026 class start dates (day and evening): October 27, November 17 and December 15, 2026. Residential and Hybrid programs have the same class start dates. All students are required to attend a mandatory Orientation session before their class start date. Management reserves the right to modify class start dates when necessary.

Cost of attendance. Tuition $13,950; kit (includes books, supplies and equipment) $1,556.39; program fees $1,336.37; STRF $0.00; total charges for the program $16,842.76. Tuition, kits and fees are charged on the first day of class. Overall kit costs and program fees may change depending on whether or not the student opts out of specific items, and prices are subject to change without notice.

Overtime. Students can attend beyond their scheduled completion date, at no additional charge, up to 7.5% of their total program hours; after that, additional tuition accrues at the hourly rate of $15.50.

Student kit. Esthetics 103 Kit (CA): everything in the Esthetics (CA) kit, plus (included in the total program cost; kit items vary and are not guaranteed):

• Borboleta Combo Classic kit
• Repechage Advanced Kit (Oncology)
• Universal dermaplaning trial kit
• Milady advanced cosmetics kit
• NuFace Trinity+ PRO kit

Payment. Payments are accepted by cash, check (there is a $25 fee for returned checks) or credit card; for students using financial aid, payments are due when the aid is received. In addition to Financial Aid Assistance for qualifying students, individual financing and payment programs are available, including payment plans that spread payments over a pre-set period.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans and alternative (private) loans. Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C can be used at Bellus Academy by eligible California students. Bellus Academy is not eligible to receive funding under the California Dream Act (AB 540). The first step is to complete the FAFSA; the FAFSA school code for the El Cajon campus is 012026.

Military and veterans. Programs are approved for Veterans Educational Benefits (GI Bill® Chapters 30, 33 and 35). Military spouses may qualify for MyCAA, and active-duty service members may use Military Tuition Assistance.

Scholarships. Institutional scholarships are offered periodically, including the High School, Military and Alumni scholarships, and the Twilight Scholarship at El Cajon; amounts vary by program.

Net price calculator. A net price calculator for the El Cajon campus is available at https://www.bellusacademy.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/index.html.

Occupational titles. Graduates will enter the field as estheticians, sometimes known as facialists or skin care technicians.

Completion, placement and licensure rates. As reported to NACCAS for 2024 (students who completed within 150% of the published program length), Esthetics 103 at the El Cajon campus: 46 of 50 students scheduled to graduate completed (92%); 13 of 27 graduates eligible for work obtained training-related work (48.15% placement); 27 of 27 graduates who took the state exam passed (100% licensure).

Graduation rate. Federal Student Right to Know: the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students at the El Cajon campus was 75% (cohort year September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025, graduating within 150% of normal time).

Career services. Throughout your training, job search training is incorporated in your classes, and the Career Services Department offers resume preparation, mock interviews, referrals and graduate follow-up; the academies cannot guarantee employment.

Externships. Externship Programs (as available) provide students with real-life, hands-on experience at highly successful, dynamic and inspiring salons and spas. Students who have completed 60% of their program of study, and are current with their clinic operations, may participate; externships are not a requirement for graduation.

Community service and off-site learning. The academy frequently participates in community events, salon visitations, extended training sessions in product knowledge and technical instruction, and various other extra-curricular activities, and students are expected to represent the academy at these events when requested.

Student app. All students have access to the Bellus Academy Student App for progress reports, academics, attendance and job postings.