Esthetics, SkinCare, and Salon Management

This is the core curriculum: the 600-hour course that prepares students to take the New York State written and practical exams for a license in Esthetics. The course teaches not just how to give a facial but how to assess what type of facial is best for each person, with 7 different types taught. In addition to skincare theory, waxing, the science of product ingredients, and makeup choices and application techniques, students are introduced to the all-important art of client communication and best business practices.

The Lia Schorr Institute takes pride in teaching students not only the basic science of skin but also the art of skin analysis. Students are taught under the guidance of principal Lia Schorr, a pioneer in the skincare industry and spa owner with a 45-year legacy, combining state-of-the-art scientific advances with the best traditional European and American techniques. The course is offered fully in person, or as a hybrid with 300 hours completed via distance education and 300 hours in person, a good option for working professionals.

The school's founder, Lia Schorr, is a world-renowned skin care expert with her own skin care line and the author of three skincare books: Seasonal Skin Care (Simon and Schuster), Skincare Guide for Men (Prentice Hall) and the Salon Ovations Advanced Skin Care Handbook. She is a hands-on mentor, educator and student advisor who personally interacts with students and graduates on a daily basis.

• Ranked the #1 esthetic school in the U.S. in the 2022 Washington Monthly rankings.
• Licensing exam pass rate of 94% in 2023, according to the school.
• Lecture and theory classes have a maximum of 10 students.
• Instructors are licensed and some have taught at the school for 20 years.
• Students train on state-of-the-art equipment and learn the function and application of each machine during treatments.
• Rolling admission, with new classes starting every month.

Prerequisites are a minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED. The catalog lists the documents prospective students submit: a photo ID such as a valid driver's license or state ID card; a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or green card; a Social Security card; a high school diploma, GED or translated foreign diploma; and three unofficial letters of recommendation. A translated foreign diploma is accepted only after an outside agency qualified to translate documents into English confirms its equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma.

The Institute does not accept Ability to Benefit students. Requests to transfer hours from another state-approved program must be made in writing when applying and before registration, with an official transcript; the Institute tests proficiency, and transfers need New York State Education Department approval. Accepted students complete an Enrollment Agreement with an Enrollment Agent.

New classes start every month, with full-time, part-time, weekend and evening schedules. Depending on the schedule, the program takes between 20 and 40 weeks: full time is 30 hours a week for 20 weeks; part time is 15 hours a week for 40 weeks; weekends are 16 hours a weekend for 38 weeks; and evenings are 15 hours a week for 40 weeks.

The catalog lists full-time classes Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; part-time classes Monday to Friday mornings (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), afternoons (2 to 5 p.m.) or evenings (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.); and weekend classes Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The weekend schedule begins the first Saturday of every month, pending space and availability.

Tuition is $10,500. Financial aid is available for the 600-hour course to students who are eligible and qualify, and staff can help determine which programs may be available. Payment options are financial aid, federal student loans for those who qualify, and payment plans.

• Pell Grants and federal student loans.
• ACCES/VESID (Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities).
• WIA (Workforce Investment) and WCC/ITA funding.
• HRA (Human Resources Administration).
• VA (Veterans Affairs GI Bill).

The school links its catalog, New York State student disclosure and a net price calculator from its financial aid page.

Upon graduating and passing the New York State licensing exam, students can work in a spa or salon, work for skin care companies, be a makeup sales associate or makeup artist, sell skin care or makeup products in cosmetic and department stores, be a skin care or makeup company representative, or work for a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The school lists careers including esthetician, medical esthetician alongside a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or chiropractor, skincare specialist or therapist, spa technician, waxing technician, spa manager or owner, makeup artist for theater, film or photography, eyelash and brow specialist, instructor, beauty content creator, brand representative and department store buyer.

Students and graduates are linked to an ongoing list of hiring spas, salons, performance venues, physicians, cosmetic brands and fashion houses seeking facialists, laser technicians, waxers and makeup artists. The Institute does not guarantee employment but posts job openings and helps graduates with resumes and interviews.

The program is rewarding and demanding, combining lecture, written assignments and extensive clinical experience. From day one, students are immersed in both practical instruction and theory, with a focus on passing the state licensing examination, and the New York State Esthetics curriculum is strictly adhered to.

Classes are held at 57 West 57th Street, Suite 1409, in the heart of Manhattan, convenient to public transportation and handicapped accessible, with a lecture area and client treatment section equipped with galvanic, high frequency, ionic toning and steam machines. Practical exams grade students on cleansing, analysis, massage, steam, extraction, masks, lip wax, body wax and tweezing. Guest lecturers include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, makeup specialists and marketing specialists.