SELF-CARE AS A CAREER. CVTC is launching its new Aesthetician - Advanced Program in the Chippewa Valley this fall. (Photo via Unsplash)

It seems as if the term “self-care” has been used more in the past few years than ever before, and whether it’s an after-affect of the COVID-19 lockdown, social media, shifting perspectives on health, or a combination of those things and more, it is certainly reflected in the business world. In fact, Chippewa Valley Technical College’s new Aesthetician-Advanced Practice program appears to stem from that increased interest in self-care.

After two years of planning – which included focus groups, gaining board approvals, ordering of equipment, construction, and more – the new program will begin this fall with a full class. The 60-credit program filled so quickly that a waiting list is already growing for when next fall’s enrollment opens up again.

The biggest difference between the Cosmetology program and the new Advanced-Aesthetician Program is the latter’s medical focus.

Industry demand sparked the local technical college’s move to offer an advanced aesthetician program in Wisconsin, Allied Health Dean Myra Sandquist Reuter said. The program includes core aesthetician and cosmetology courses, where students will learn facial skills, electrotherapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, hair removal, cosmetics, and more, as well as business and marketing. The biggest difference between the cosmetology program and the new advanced aesthetician program is the latter’s medical focus.

“The program’s students will get more into the advanced practice techniques geared towards the medical area during their second year,” Sandquist Reuter said. “That’s where their chemistry and biology course knowledge is really going to come into play.”

New classroom and equipment.

New clinic for aesthetics students to take clients.

“Employers, especially in med spas and dermatology, want people with this kind of training because you come with that chemistry background and know the science behind things,” Sandquist Reuter added. “Yes, they can do a beautiful brow and wax, but that science and medical element is so crucial for more intensive treatments and advanced work. That foundational knowledge is key to ensuring client safety.”

For aestheticians focused on the medical side, their work includes assisting doctors with injections, prepping clients for invasive procedures, and more. (Jenny Vance, aesthetician instructor, explained the difference between Aestheticians and Estheticians: “Aesthetician, with an ‘A,’ is more medical focused; Esthetics with an ‘E’ is more focused on aesthetics like waxing and cosmetology services.”)

“Self-care is broadening, and it is not just a conversation for women.”

Construction efforts completed in just a handful of months at the CVTC Business Education Center (620 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire) resulted in a new classroom fitted with seating for class as well as machinery, and a new clinic space where students will learn how to work in and potentially run their own med spa. Students will also take clients for a discounted rate to further their studies and experience, similar to the CVTC Spa & Salon.

One of the clinic's rooms where students will treat clients.

“In Wisconsin, the field and profession is expanding, particularly for aestheticians,” Vance said. “There’s been a lot of growth over the past 10 years and particularly since 2020.”

“Self-care is broadening, and it is not just a conversation for women,” Krissa Reeves, associate dean of Allied Health, added.

Learn more about the Aesthetician - Advanced Program at cvtc.edu.