GLOW College Canada’s Advanced Esthetics Diploma combines theoretical learning, practical skill development and clinical experience. The curriculum covers skin and facial services, hair removal, advanced and holistic treatments, makeup artistry, nail services and career essentials.
This guide explains the subjects covered in esthetics training, the practical experience involved and what to consider before choosing a program.
How Is an Esthetics Program Structured?
GLOW College’s Advanced Esthetics Diploma is a 1,040-hour vocational program. According to the college’s published program information, the training includes:
- 828 hours of hybrid theory and practical training.
- 212 hours of clinical practice in an in-class or salon setting.
The program is organized into nine subjects, including Clinical Practice. Students develop theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills and complete assessments as part of their training.
Practical examinations take place in person at the end of each skill-building module, while the final online examination assesses the theory component.
Previous esthetics training or experience is not required, but applicants must meet the program’s admission requirements. For the current curriculum, entry requirements and program details, visit the GLOW College Advanced Esthetics Diploma.
Subject 1: Science of Skin
Understanding skin, hygiene and safety is an essential foundation for esthetics training. The Science of Skin subject introduces students to knowledge that supports responsible skincare practices.
Topics include:
- Infection control and sterilization methods.
- Health Canada guidelines and basic first aid.
- A general understanding of the human body and its functions.
- Assessing cosmetic ingredients before use.
This knowledge helps students understand why hygiene procedures matter, how to handle cosmetic products responsibly and why precautions are necessary when providing beauty treatments.
Subject 2: Skin Analysis and Facial Services
Skin analysis helps estheticians understand a client’s skin and determine which treatments may be suitable. GLOW College’s Skin and Face Services subject introduces students to assessment and facial treatment techniques.
Students learn to:
- Conduct an in-depth skin analysis.
- Record observations alongside the client’s health history.
- Recognize contraindications that may make a treatment unsuitable.
- Provide appropriate client care.
- Perform basic facials and facials using high-frequency machines.
These skills help students understand that skincare treatments should be selected according to the client’s individual needs, health history and treatment suitability.
Subject 3: Facial Training for Beginners
Students can develop facial treatment skills without previous professional experience. Training begins with foundational techniques and progresses towards practical application.
The subject includes client care, basic facial procedures and the use of high-frequency facial machines.
Through practical training and assessment, students develop their technique, learn to follow appropriate procedures and gain experience in professional client care. Clinical practice provides further opportunities to apply these skills in the program’s approved training settings.
When comparing esthetics schools, ask how facial techniques are taught, how practical skills are assessed and what opportunities are available to practice during training.
Subject 4: Hair Removal Services
Hair removal is another part of the Advanced Esthetics Diploma curriculum.
Students learn about the hair growth cycle, client care and relevant safety protocols. The program also covers waxing and threading techniques.
Understanding hair growth and treatment precautions helps students prepare for different client needs and follow appropriate procedures when delivering hair removal services.
Subject 5: Advanced and Holistic Treatments
The Advanced and Holistic Treatments subject introduces students to additional beauty and body treatments.
The published curriculum includes:
- Advanced hand and foot treatments.
- Body scrubs and wraps.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
- Cellulite treatments.
- Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy.
- Relaxation massage and lymphatic drainage massage.
- Hot stone massage and reflexology points.
- Lash and brow tinting and lash lifts.
- Holistic beauty products and methods.
Students also learn about the immune and circulatory systems and how this knowledge relates to treatment precautions, contraindications and appropriate modifications.
The treatments covered are subject to the program curriculum and practical requirements. Confirm the current course outline with GLOW College before enrolling.
Subject 6: Makeup Artistry
The program includes Level One Makeup Artistry, which introduces students to cosmetic products, brushes, sanitation and makeup application techniques.
Topics include colour theory, face shapes and creating daytime and evening makeup looks for different skin types and complexions.
This training complements skincare education by broadening students’ understanding of beauty services and client presentation.
Subjects 7 and 8: Science of Nails and Nail Services
The Advanced Esthetics Diploma also includes nail science and practical nail services.
Science of Nails
Students learn about bacteria and viruses, disinfection, sterilization, nail and skin diseases and disorders, infection control, Health Canada guidelines, basic first aid and nail anatomy.
The subject also covers the chemistry of nail products and enhancement systems, helping students understand the materials used in nail services and the importance of safe working practices.
Nail Services
The practical curriculum includes basic and spa manicures and pedicures, French manicures, Shellac manicures, exfoliation, massage and paraffin treatments.
Students also learn about client safety, hygiene and appropriate service procedures.
Together, these subjects introduce students to the science behind nail care and the practical techniques used in beauty settings.
Subject 9: Career Essentials and Business Skills
Professional esthetics training involves more than treatment techniques. Communication, customer service and business knowledge can also be valuable when working in the beauty industry.
GLOW College’s Career Essentials subject includes:
- Verbal communication.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- Displaying and selling merchandise.
- Marketing and promotional techniques.
- Business start-up lessons.
These skills may help graduates prepare for salon and spa environments or explore self-employment opportunities, depending on their experience, qualifications and business plans.
Esthetics Clinical Practice: Where Skills Become Real
Practical training gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge, follow safety procedures and develop their treatment techniques.
GLOW College’s Advanced Esthetics Diploma includes a minimum of 212 clinical hours. The college states that students practice on classmates, models and/or clients, with 10 selected services assessed for evaluation.
When comparing esthetics programs in Ottawa, consider the amount of clinical practice included, the assessment process and how students complete the required services.
The opportunity to practice under the program’s training arrangements is an important part of learning to deliver treatments responsibly.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Esthetics School?
GLOW College states that previous esthetics training or experience is not required for its Advanced Esthetics Diploma. However, applicants must meet the academic admission requirements.
The college’s published program information lists a Canadian or US high-school transcript or diploma, or an approved Wonderlic qualifying test. It also lists IELTS 6.0 for international students.
Requirements may depend on an applicant’s circumstances. Contact the admissions team to confirm which documents, assessments or additional requirements apply before submitting an application.
What Can You Do After Graduating from Esthetics School?
Esthetics training may help prepare graduates for opportunities in different areas of the beauty and skincare industry.
Potential employment settings include:
- Salons and spas.
- Hotel resorts.
- Advanced esthetics offices.
- Dermatologist practices.
- Plastic surgeon practices.
Some graduates may also consider establishing an independent beauty business, subject to the services they are qualified and legally permitted to provide.
These are potential career paths rather than guaranteed employment outcomes. Job requirements can vary according to the position, employer and services offered.
The Government of Canada’s Job Bank provides information about occupational requirements for estheticians in Ontario. Review its Ontario esthetician requirements when researching your career options.
Are There Shorter Esthetics Courses at GLOW College?
Students who want to focus on specific skincare skills can explore shorter certificate courses as alternatives to a full diploma.
GLOW College lists options including Facial Treatments and Advanced Skin Services. These courses have different scopes and prerequisites from the Advanced Esthetics Diploma.
Advanced Skin Services covers techniques such as chemical peels, dermaplaning, high-frequency facials, microdermabrasion and microneedling. GLOW College states that students must complete the Facial Treatments course before taking Advanced Skin Services.
Review the individual course descriptions, entry requirements, duration and delivery method before deciding which training option is appropriate for your goals.
How to Choose the Right Esthetics School in Ottawa
Choosing an esthetics school involves more than comparing course titles. Consider the curriculum, practical training, admission requirements and total cost before making a decision.
Ask the college these questions:
- What will I learn? Review the subjects and treatments covered in the curriculum.
- How much practical training is included? Check the clinical hours and assessment arrangements.
- What are the entry requirements? Confirm the academic documents or assessments you need.
- What is the total program cost? Request a written breakdown of tuition, compulsory fees and required supplies.
- Which learning format is available? Confirm whether the program is hybrid, in person or delivered through another format.
- What career requirements should I know about? Research any additional requirements relevant to the treatments you want to provide.
Comparing these details can help you identify a programmthat fits your learning needs and circumstances.
Start Your Esthetics Training in Ottawa
If you are exploring esthetics schools in Ottawa, GLOW College Canada offers an Advanced Esthetics Diploma that combines theory, practical skill development and clinical practice.
The program covers skin science, facial services, hair removal, advanced and holistic treatments, makeup artistry, nail services and career essentials. Its published structure includes 1,040 hours of training, including 212 clinical hours.
Before enrolling, review the curriculum, confirm the current admission requirements and request information about tuition, schedules and available payment arrangements.
Visit the GLOW College Ottawa campus to explore campus information, or contact the admissions team on 905-453-9456 to discuss your options.