Summary:
Why AVI Career Training Is The Top Esthetician School Choice
You want more than just a certificate on the wall. You want a program that opens doors and gets you hired. AVI Career Training delivers both.
We’re not just another beauty school. We’re triple-accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE), licensed by Virginia’s Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). That means your education meets the highest standards—and employers know it.
But here’s what really sets us apart: we’ve been doing this since 1985. Over three decades of experience means we know what works and what doesn’t. We’ve seen industry trends come and go, and we’ve adapted our esthetician training program to keep you ahead of the curve.
Real-World Esthetics Training That Employers Actually Want
Let’s be honest—you can read about facials all day, but until you’ve performed one on a real client, you’re not ready for the job market. That’s why our esthetics classes focus heavily on hands-on experience.
Our 600-hour esthetician program covers everything from basic skin analysis to advanced treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels. You’ll work with the same professional-grade equipment you’ll use in spas and salons after graduation. No surprises on your first day of work.
We’ve partnered with established businesses like Blush Spa in Dulles Landing to give you real-world experience before you graduate. These aren’t just internships—they’re your chance to build your portfolio, gain confidence, and make the professional connections that lead to job offers.
Our instructors aren’t just teachers; they’re seasoned professionals who’ve worked in the industry for years. They bring insider knowledge about what employers are really looking for and what clients actually want. When you learn from people who’ve been where you want to go, you skip the learning curve that trips up so many new graduates.
The beauty industry is always evolving, and we make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next. From traditional facials to the latest aesthetic technologies, you’ll graduate with skills that are in demand right now—and the foundation to keep growing throughout your career.
Financial Aid That Makes Your Esthetician Training Affordable
We know that investing in your education is a big decision. That’s why we’ve made sure financial barriers don’t stand between you and your goals.
AVI Career Training is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer Federal Financial Aid, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans for those who qualify. If you’re a veteran, we’re also approved to accept GI Bill benefits. We’ll work with you to explore every option and find a payment plan that fits your budget.
But financial support goes beyond just tuition assistance. We understand that going back to school means juggling responsibilities. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options that work around your life, not the other way around. Whether you need day or evening classes, we’ll help you find a schedule that works.
Our admissions team takes the time to understand your situation and guide you through the entire process. From the initial application to graduation day, you’ll have support every step of the way. We’re invested in your success because your success is our success.
Many of our students tell us they were surprised by how approachable and helpful our staff is. We create a family-like atmosphere where you feel supported, not just another student in the crowd. When you’re learning a new skill, that kind of environment makes all the difference.
The investment you make in your esthetician training pays off quickly. While starting salaries vary, experienced estheticians in the Virginia area can earn well above the national average, especially when you factor in tips and commission from product sales. Your education isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in your financial future.
What You'll Master In Our Comprehensive Esthetician Course
Our curriculum isn’t just about meeting Virginia’s 600-hour requirement—it’s about making sure you’re truly prepared for a successful career. You’ll master both the science behind skincare and the practical skills that make clients come back.
We start with the fundamentals: skin anatomy, product chemistry, and sanitation protocols. These aren’t boring theory classes—they’re the foundation that helps you understand why certain treatments work and how to customize your approach for each client. When you understand the “why” behind what you’re doing, you become a trusted advisor, not just a service provider.
From there, we dive into hands-on techniques. You’ll learn everything from basic facial massage to advanced treatments that command premium prices in the marketplace.
Advanced Esthetics Techniques That Command Higher Pay
Here’s what many esthetician schools won’t tell you: basic facials are just the beginning. If you want to build a thriving career and command higher wages, you need to offer services that clients can’t get just anywhere.
That’s why our aesthetician course includes training on advanced treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and specialized facial therapies. These are the services that spas and medical esthetics practices are looking for when they hire. They’re also the treatments that allow you to charge premium rates if you decide to go into business for yourself.
We use the same professional equipment you’ll find in high-end spas and medical facilities. You’ll learn on steamers, magnifying lamps, and other industry-standard tools. By the time you graduate, you’ll be comfortable with the technology that intimidates many new estheticians.
Our instructors teach you not just how to perform these treatments, but how to explain them to clients, handle any concerns, and deliver results that exceed expectations. Client communication is often overlooked in esthetician training programs, but it’s what separates successful professionals from those who struggle to build a clientele.
We also cover the business side of esthetics that many schools ignore. You’ll learn about retail sales, appointment scheduling, client retention, and basic business operations. Whether you plan to work for someone else or start your own practice, these skills will make you more valuable and help you earn more money.
The beauty industry is increasingly focused on results-driven treatments, and that’s exactly what we prepare you for. You’ll graduate knowing how to deliver the kind of visible improvements that turn first-time clients into loyal customers who refer their friends.
Virginia Esthetician License Exam Preparation That Gets Results
Getting your license isn’t just a formality—it’s your ticket to practice legally and professionally in Virginia. We don’t just prepare you to pass the exam; we prepare you to excel.
Virginia requires both written and practical examinations, and we make sure you’re ready for both. Our instructors have helped thousands of students pass these exams over the years, so they know exactly what to expect and how to prepare you for success.
The written exam covers professional knowledge of esthetics practices as well as Virginia’s rules and regulations. We integrate exam preparation throughout your coursework, so you’re not cramming at the last minute. You’ll take practice tests and review sessions that mirror the actual exam format.
The practical exam is where your hands-on training really pays off. You’ll demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios, performing treatments under the watchful eye of state examiners. Because you’ve been practicing on real clients throughout your program, you’ll feel confident and prepared when exam day arrives.
We provide ongoing support right up until you take your exams. If you need extra practice or have questions about specific techniques, our instructors are available to help. We don’t consider our job done until you’re licensed and ready to start your career.
Many of our graduates tell us they felt over-prepared for their licensing exams—and that’s exactly how we want it. When you’re confident in your skills and knowledge, it shows in your performance. That confidence carries over into your first job and helps you succeed from day one.
Virginia offers exams in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean, making our program accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. We celebrate this diversity and believe it makes our learning environment richer for everyone.
Launch Your Rewarding Esthetician Career In Pohick, VA
The esthetics industry is growing faster than most careers, and there’s never been a better time to get started. But success isn’t guaranteed just because you have a license. You need training that prepares you for the real world and gives you the skills that employers actually want.
At AVI Career Training, we’ve been helping students build successful careers for over 35 years. Our graduates don’t just find jobs—they thrive in them. They become the estheticians that clients request by name and that employers fight to hire.
Your journey to a rewarding career in esthetics starts with choosing the right school. Contact AVI Career Training today to learn more about our programs, tour our facilities, and discover how we can help you turn your passion for skincare into a profession you’ll love.