All content in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not medical or legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer or a medical professional.
Estheticians are state-licensed professionals who are trained to provide skincare treatments that promote health and beauty. There are numerous advantages to this profession, but having multiple licenses can boost your personal and professional growth.
So how do you get dual licensed as an esthetician? There are 3 steps you need to take to get dual licensed as an esthetician. These steps are as follows: 1) check out state requirements, 2) enroll in a program and undergo training, and finally, 3) apply for a temporary license and take the board-approved licensing exam.
How to Be a Dual Licensed Esthetician
1) Check Out State Requirements
All information is available on the website of your state. For those who have years of legal experience in the field outside of your state or outside of the US, you may obtain a temporary license without undergoing further education and/or examination given that you are able to submit the additional requirements. Most states also require a high school diploma.
2) Enroll in a Program and Undergo Training
The required training duration varies per state as well. For example, estheticians in New York have to undergo 650-hour training; 1000 hours for cosmetologists; and 250 hours for nail technicians. The state of New York does not specify the number of hours for barbers but requires them to complete a relevant course of study.
There is no license specifically for makeup artists in all states aside from Louisiana and Nevada. However, some salons may require you to have cosmetology or an esthetician license. For massage therapists, training requirements range from 500 to 1000 hours.
There are schools that offer a dual license program like a spa program with a curriculum fit for becoming an esthetician and a massage therapist. This might be a good option if you do not have these licenses yet and are planning to get dual licensed right off the bat.
3) Apply for a Temporary License and Take the Board-Approved Licensing Exam
The next step is to apply for the licensure exam. You will receive authorization from the Board to sit for the next licensing exam after processing your application. While waiting for the exam dates, you may be eligible for a temporary license as well. This allows you to practice under the guidance of a licensed professional (e.g. licensed esthetician or master esthetician).
The licensing examinations are composed of a written and a practical exam. Do not forget to check the documents that you need to present on the day of the exams.
5 Popular Dual Licenses for Estheticians
1) Esthetician + Massage Therapist
Numerous spa treatments offer massage therapy with esthetics such as chemical peels and waxing. As a massage therapist, you will be able to relieve the stress and tension of your clients.
This goes well with your work as an esthetician because stress has a negative effect on our overall feeling of beauty and self-esteem. You will feel the satisfaction of providing more holistic care for your clients.
2) Esthetician + Cosmetologist
The job description of cosmetologists encompasses a wide variety of beauty services such as hair removal and design, cosmetics, skincare, and manicures and pedicures. The advantage here is that licensed estheticians may already be skilled in most of these aspects. They may opt to enroll in an abbreviated continued education, making the cosmetology license easier and more feasible to acquire. They also have numerous options for cosmetology school.
3) Esthetician + Nail Technician
If you are a licensed esthetician who is particularly interested in beautifying your clients’ hands and feet, then this course is definitely fit for you. The good news is that most nail technology programs only last a total of three months. This is perfect for licensed estheticians who do not have a lot of time to spare for additional training.
4) Esthetician + Barber
If you’re looking to provide a more unique set of services, then pursuing a license in barbering may be a good idea for you. Some barbershops are also offering esthetic treatments and services. Aside from these services, you would also do hairstyling, haircutting, and facial shaving as a licensed barber.
5) Esthetician + Makeup Artist
The difference between a license as a makeup artist and a cosmetologist lies in the specificity of the field. Because cosmetology offers a wide range of services, it’s possible that you might not find some of these interesting or essential for your practice. You may opt to get licensed specifically as a makeup artist instead.
The Benefits of Being Dual Licensed
As an esthetician, being dual licensed offers several advantages:
1) More Services
Having a dual license gives you the opportunity to offer more services to your clients. If you are working freelance, you will be able to serve your clients in more ways than one. If you’re looking to be hired, having multiple licenses under your belt is an advantage as you would have more to offer to the company where you are applying. Either way, you would be more equipped to help your clients meet their beauty goals.
2) Higher Income
Being able to offer multiple services also comes with the benefit of having a higher income. You have the capability to charge more or bargain for a higher salary because you have more qualifications.
3) Career Growth
You’d love to be equipped with more knowledge and skills in their field. Having a dual license gives you more opportunities to grow your business or to be hired by bigger companies. You can potentially expand your scope of clientele too.
Picking the Right Dual License For You
If you are decided to be dual licensed, the next step is to determine which dual license is the best for you. This decision is not easy because each field offers different benefits for you and your clients. Here we have some factors that you may need to consider for your decision.
1) Personal Interest and Eligibility
You would want to continue further education in the field that you’re passionate about. It is also important that you enjoy this next phase of your career. If you see yourself being happy providing this type of service or have an innate curiosity to learn more in this field, then consider your eligibility to apply for licensure according to your state requirements.
2) Market Interest and Demographics
After considering your own interests, you will need to take a good look at your market. Examine your consumer information. If this field offers the type of services that are in demand in your area, if there are enough clients to avail of these services, and if this is something that your market is interested in, then definitely consider.
3) Career Opportunities
Think about what opportunities for career development can this field offer several months or years from now. Acquiring another license requires you to invest time and money. You want to make a good investment for your future, and one good way to make sure of that is to check the projected labor statistics in your area of practice.
Comprehensive Training Courses at FACE Med Store
Being a dual-licensed esthetician offers numerous benefits but it also comes with several considerations. Given the options that you have, it’s vital to choose the right decisions that would be fit for you.
If you’re now planning to apply for training courses, then look no further. FACE Med Store offers 34 training courses ranging from general topics such as the Fundamentals of Skin Science to more specific ones for your continued medical education (CME). With the variety of training courses, you’re sure to find the training that you are interested in for an affordable rate. Get in touch with us today.
