Aug 02, 2025  
Catalog 2025-2026 
    
Catalog 2025-2026

Advanced Practice Esthetics Certificate

Location(s): In Person


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs (A-Z)

Program Overview

Major Id: 410C

Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring

Advanced Practice (AP) esthetics services include specialized training and clinical practice in four AP esthetics categories: chemical exfoliation of the skin, exfoliation of the skin using a machine or device, advanced skin care techniques, and skin needling.

The Advanced Practice Esthetics Certificate is designed to be the next level of training for the esthetician or cosmetologist that wishes to specialize in the afore mentioned categories including advanced understanding of skin anatomy and physiology, skin histology, skin care products and ingredients, pre and post treatment regimens, client consultation including skin analysis and skin typing, and risk management. Students learn to perform chemical peels, hydrodermabrasion, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, skin needling, facials utilizing machines, electrical devices, facial lymphatic drainage massage, and advanced extractions using needles and lancets.

This certificate is for the student who has a current/active Minnesota basic esthetician license, Minnesota cosmetology license; or for the student who has completed all theory, practical training and state testing as defined in Rule by the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology and is progressing onto the next level of esthetics licensure.

Career Opportunities

After AP Esthetics students complete all theory, practical training and state testing as defined in Rule by the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, they are eligible for licensure through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. AP estheticians work in a variety of settings including salons, spas, fitness centers, medi-spa’s, and skin clinics. AP estheticians may also have their own Advanced Practice Esthetics business.

Program Outcomes

  1. Graduates will be able to perform advanced exfoliation using chemicals.
  2. Graduates will be able to perform advanced exfoliation using machine or device.
  3. Graduates will be able to perform advanced extractions using lancets and needles.
  4. Graduates will be able to perform electrical energy treatments.
  5. Graduates will be able to perform skin needling.
  6. Graduates will be able to perform facial lymphatic drainage massage.
  7. Graduates will be able to perform advanced client consultations.

Program Faculty

Elizabeth Elshaboury
elizabeth.elshaboury@saintpaul.edu

Textbook and Supply Costs

Students should expect to spend approximately $3,900.00 for Advanced Practice esthetics books and supplies. Tuition, college fees and books for remaining courses are not included in this cost. Books can be purchased from the Online College Bookstore. Be prepared to purchase all esthetics kits with the instructor on the second day of class.

Financial aid must have been completed. In addition, there are required fees to take the Minnesota licensing exams and obtain a Minnesota license.

Cosmetology Student Handbook/ Agreement Form

All new and returning students will need to access D2L Brightspace PRIOR to the first day of classes to read the Cosmetology Student Handbook. After you have read the handbook, you MUST print and sign the Student Agreement Form, Hepatitis B Vaccination/Declination Form, Property and Equipment Form, and Rollabout form and return them to your instructor the FIRST DAY of class before you will be admitted to class. You will need to perform this task prior to the first day of EACH semester. Please direct questions to the assigned instructor of your first class.

Current Minnesota Esthetics or Cosmetology License:

To be admitted into the Advanced Practice Certificate program, a student must hold a current and active Minnesota Basic Esthetician or Cosmetology license.

Advanced Esthetics Classes Prerequisite

To be admitted to the AP Esthetics Certificate program, students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Hold a current and active Minnesota basic esthetician license or Minnesota cosmetology license.
  • Have completed all required theory, practical training, and state testing at Saint Paul College as outlined by the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, and be progressing to the next level of esthetics licensure.

The College will verify licensure through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology website.

Program Requirements


Subtotal: 19/536 Credits


Course Sequence


The following course sequence is required and can be completed by full-time students in one semester.

Total Semester Credits: 19


Total Program Credits: 19


Information is subject to change. This Program Requirements Guide is not a contract.

Minimum Program Entry Requirements
Students entering this program must meet the following minimum program entry requirements:

Reading: Score of 240+ or grade of “C” or better in READ 0721  or READ 0724  or EAPP 0860  

Writing: Score of 240+ or grade of “C” or better in ENGL 0921  or EAPP 0870  

Arithmetic: Score of 250+ or grade of “C” or better in MATH 0745  

Assessment Results and Prerequisites: Students admitted into Saint Paul College programs may need to complete additional courses based on assessment results and course prerequisite requirements. Certain MATH, READ, and ENGL courses have additional prerequisites.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs (A-Z)