Dutchess BOCES Career and Technical Institute is adding a new course offering this year. The esthetics program will prepare students to enter the growing skincare field.
Melissa Lennon, who has taught cosmetology for nearly 20 years, will transition to lead the new course. “There has been a growing interest in advanced skincare and makeup,” she shared. “Although the cosmetology program does prepare students with the necessary skills to work in that specialty if they choose to, the primary focus is on hair. We have seen a growing interest in just the esthetics subject by several cosmetology students.”
In New York, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 73% increase in demand for skincare specialists from 2022-2032, according to its careeronestop.org website. Nationwide, the increase is anticipated to be 9%.
“We had a large number of cosmetology applicants, and to ease some of that demand and waitlists, we decided to explore an esthetician course rather than open a third cosmetology section,” shared Principal Nick Millas.
Students will learn through theory and practice. Hands-on learning for students will include a variety of body, back, foot and leg treatments, facials, lash extensions, makeup, waxing and hair removal. Students will also learn anatomy and physiology, skin physiology, infection control, disorders and diseases of the skin, skin care product chemistry and more.
The 600-hour course will prepare students to take their New York State Licensing Exams. Students will be able to take their waxing exam after their first year as long as they are 17 years of age. The course will also “lay the groundwork if students choose to go into medical esthetics,” said Lennon.
The program will start with a year one class in the afternoon, adding a year two morning class next school year.
“We are so fortunate to be able to utilize a classroom that had been vacant after the Pegasus Program moved to a different location on campus. The room is being updated with a lovely spa-like color and will be equipped with hydraulic facial beds with plans of having clinic services by year two,” Lennon said.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to spearhead this new program!” Lennon added. “I am confident it will be extremely popular in the years to come.”
There are still open seats in the esthetics program for the coming school year. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your school counselor.