Advanced Practice Esthetician

CERTIFICATE, 25 CREDITS

Esthetics is the fastest growing part of the beauty industry. The Advanced Practice Esthetics program will take your basic esthetician training to the next level. Advanced practice esthetics includes specialized training in chemical exfoliation, machine or device exfoliation, advanced skin care techniques, light therapy, and skin needling.

An Advanced Practice Esthetician license is required in Minnesota. The Minnesota Board of Cosmetology requires 500 hours of education and training to become a licensed Advanced Practice Esthetician (APE). To be eligible for the APE program you need to be a current esthetician or cosmetology student, or a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. You will have theory and hands-on experiences in the classroom and student salon.  

You will have many employment options to choose from such as salons, spas, or medical offices that will provide a flexible schedule so you can manage your family or personal life with your career.

Riverland’s Advanced Practice Esthetics curriculum and training will include microneedling, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, hydrafacial, light therapy treatments, light to medium depth chemical peels, advanced treatment protocols, and lymphatic drainage. Theory topics will include skin histology, an advanced understanding of skin anatomy and physiology, pre and post procedure treatment regimes, risk management and advanced client consultation strategies.

Courses will be delivered in face to face, hybrid and online formats.

Riverland Community College is a public, not-for-profit college which means your investment tuition and kits will be less than most for private for-profit schools. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

You will have the opportunity to practice your new skills with high quality, cutting edge equipment in Riverland’s student salon and spa under the direct supervision of licensed advanced practice esthetician instructors.

Location: Austin
Program Starts: Spring
Course Plan: 2 Semesters
Faculty: Rhonda Besel

Required Course List
COSM1255 Fundamentals of Selling and Business Opportunities 3 CR
COSM1520 Clinical II: Esthetics 3 CR
COSM1525 Practical Skills Assessment: Esthetics 1 CR
COSM1530 Advanced Skin Care Techniques 3 CR
COSM1535 Advanced Exfoliation 3 CR
COSM1540 Principles and Practices: Advanced Practice Esthetics 3 CR
COSM1545 Clinical I: Advanced Practice Esthetics 3 CR
COSM1550 Clinical II: Advanced Practice Esthetics
(128 Hours)
4 CR
COSM1555 Licensing Preparation: Advanced Practice Esthetics
(32 Hours)
1 CR
COSM1560 Practical Skills Assessment: Advanced Practice Esthetics 1 CR


For in-depth information including outcomes, program fees, course descriptions, and more please visit the Advanced Practice Esthetician program page at riverland.edu.