The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

Esthiology Program at Aveda Institute Milwaukee

Turn your love of skincare into a licensed career. Train hands-on with Aveda's plant-based products and clinical skincare lines on a real spa floor in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

600 clock hours · Aveda Institute Milwaukee

Esthiology student applying a facial masque to a client
600
Clock Hours
Aveda
Product Training
Hands-On
From Day One
ULTRACEUTICALS
COSMECEUTICALS TRAINING

Credential

Esthiology Certificate

Total Hours

600 hrs

Schedule

Full-time or 3-Day

Next Start

JANUARY 4, 2027

Leads To

WI Esthetician License

Course Overview

Everything you need to build a career in Skincare

Our Esthiology program is a complete, hands-on education in skin health, treatment, and the art of the spa experience. You'll master facials, skin analysis, hair removal and waxing, makeup application, and the advanced skincare techniques that keep guests coming back.

You'll learn the Aveda way, pure, plant-based products paired with results-driven clinical skincare, alongside educators who've worked in spas and skin studios themselves. From early in the program, you'll treat real guests on the clinic floor.

Wisconsin licensure requirements are built into the program, which prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin esthetician licensing exam.

Esthiology program, skincare facial training

By the Numbers

Program at a Glance

600
Clock Hours of Training
93.18%
Licensure Rate*
84.21%
GRADUATION RATE*
100%
Hands-On Experience

*2024 NACCAS Outcome Rates

Students working on the clinic floor

Curriculum

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

A structured path from core theory to advanced, guest-ready technique.

Infection control, anatomy of the skin, product chemistry, and the fundamentals of skin analysis, the knowledge base your state board exam is built on.

Classic and customized facials, extractions, masks, and treatment protocols using Aveda and clinical skincare lines.

Full-body waxing, brow shaping, and hair-removal safety and technique for a range of skin types.

Makeup application, lash and brow services, and advanced skincare technologies that expand your service menu.

Retail and social-media marketing, building a client book, interview prep, and state-board readiness.
Download Full Course Catalog

A Day in the Life

See yourself Here

Student presenting an Aveda professional massage masque and facial rollerStudent esthetician applying a treatment mask in the skin clinicClose-up of a guest receiving a facial mask treatment

From morning theory to the spa floor, our students spend their days doing real skincare work with real guests.

Skin, Backed by Science 

TRAIN ON CLINICAL SKINCARE

From Aveda's botanical rituals to Ultraceuticals' results-driven actives and Observ 320 skin imaging, you'll learn to read skin and build treatment plans that work.  

Core

Aveda

Pure, plant-based, vegan skin and body care rooted in Aveda's wellness philosophy, woven through every phase of your training.

TECHNOLOGY

Observ 320

The Observ 320 by Sylton is a skin visualization tool and analysis device designed for aesthetic practitioners, spas, and skincare professionals. It captures full-face images in just 4 seconds using patented LED technology and integrates with an iPad app to guide interactive client consultations.

Professional

ESA Beauty

Professional makeup line students use to increase their knowledge of wedding, special event, editorial, and everyday makeup application.

Tuition, Kit & Financial Aid

A clear picture of your Investment

Program Tuition

Request a personalized cost breakdown

Total program cost including required fees, tailored to your schedule and aid eligibility.

  • Federal financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Scholarships & grants
  • Monthly payment plans
  • 1-on-1 support from our financial aid team
Talk to Financial Aid

Your Student Kit

Included

Professional tools and products you'll use in class and keep for your career.

  • Pivot Point Salon Fundamentals digital bundle
  • Aveda Botanical Kinetics skincare regimen
  • Deep cleansing and hydrating masques with brushes
  • Ultraceuticals professional treatment set
  • Makeup brush set, palette, and lashes
  • Dermaplaning handle, gua sha, facial roller, and roller bag
Aveda Advanced Botanical Kinetics skincare collection

Student Success

HEAR FROM OUR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS

“I liked Aveda's high graduation rate, which gave me peace of mind and made me feel I'd be successful at this school. Overall, Aveda offers a positive professional environment that sets you up for success and helps you reach your goals, which is something I strive for.”
Elizabeth K. • Cosmetology
“Since I started at Aveda, I've noticed positive growth in myself and my mindset as I learn about the art of hair. I enjoy the positive and supportive atmosphere and feel like I belong for once in my life.”
Lunar W. • Cosmetology
“The teachers are all wonderful people!”
Prosper V. • Massage Therapy

Upcoming Start Dates

Find the start that Fits Your Life

Start Date

JANUARY 4

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time30 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

FEBRUARY 8

2027

Schedule

Evening · Part-time30 weeks
  • Mon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Start Date

MARCH 1

2027

Schedule

Day · Full-time18 weeks
  • Mon 9am-4pm
  • Tue-Fri 8:30am-4pm

Application Deadline

Rolling, apply early

Apply

Contact admissions for exact upcoming cohort dates and application deadlines.

FAQ

Frequently asked Questions

The program is 600 course hours, 297 hours of theory and 303 hours of practical training. The Day schedule (full-time) runs 18 weeks: Mon. 9am-4pm and Tues.-Fri. 8:30am-4pm. The Evening schedule (part-time) runs 30 weeks: Mon.-Thurs. 4:30pm-9:30pm.

You'll earn an Esthiology Certificate and be prepared to sit for the Wisconsin state licensing exam to become a licensed esthetician.

Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, along with scholarships and monthly payment plans. Our financial aid team will build a personalized cost breakdown with you.

No experience is required, just a passion for skincare and a willingness to learn. Our admissions team will guide you through enrollment.

You'll train primarily with Aveda's plant-based skincare and Ultraceuticals clinical skincare, along with waxing, peel and treatment products used in professional spas. The focus is on skin science and technique, so your education carries over to any product line your future spa or medspa uses.

You'll learn facials, skin analysis, waxing, makeup and advanced skincare, and the program prepares you to sit for the Wisconsin esthetician licensing exam.

We're at 327 E St Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202, in the Historic Third Ward. Call 414.227.2889 or schedule a tour to visit.

Are You Ready?

Start your tomorrow today at the Aveda Institute Milwaukee.

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