# AVI Career Training

> COE-accredited beauty and wellness vocational school in Vienna, Virginia, founded 1992. Offers 10 clock-hour programs — Cosmetology, Basic Esthetics, Master Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Electrolysis, Nail Technician, Cosmetic Laser Tech, Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing (PMU), Medical Assistant (CCMA), and ESL — with Title IV federal financial aid, GI Bill, and SEVP certification for international students.

AVI Career Training is a COE-accredited, SCHEV-certified private post-secondary vocational school at 1595 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 720, Vienna, VA 22182. Founded in 1992, AVI specializes in beauty, wellness, cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, permanent cosmetics, and healthcare career programs. All programs are clock-hour vocational programs — AVI does not award degrees. The on-site AVI Day Spa clinic gives students real-client practice under licensed instructor supervision.

## Key Facts

- Founded: 1992 (30+ years in operation)
- Type: Private, post-secondary vocational school (non-degree-granting)
- Graduation rate: 96%
- Google rating: 4.8 stars
- Class size: Maximum 20 students per class
- Enrollment: Rolling admissions — new cohorts start the first Monday of every month
- Application fee: $0 (free to apply)
- Enrollment fee: $100 (non-refundable)
- On-site clinic: AVI Day Spa — students practice on real paying clients under licensed instructor supervision

## Location & Contact

- Address: 1595 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 720, Vienna, VA 22182
- Phone (main): (571) 520-4417
- Phone (admissions & financial aid): (571) 491-4634
- Email: admissions@avi.edu
- Website: https://avi.edu
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Transit: Springhill Metro Station (Silver Line) — walkable
- Highway: I-495 Exit 47A (Spring Hill Road)

## Accreditations & Approvals

- COE: Council on Occupational Education — institutional accreditor
- SCHEV: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia — state certification
- DPOR: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation — school licensure
- Title IV: U.S. Department of Education federal financial aid approved (Pell Grants + federal loans)
- GI Bill: Post-9/11 (Ch. 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Ch. 30), VR&E (Ch. 31), Dependents' Educational Assistance (Ch. 35)
- SEVP: Student and Exchange Visitor Program certified — accepts M-1 and F-1 international students
- CIDESCO: Officially Approved CIDESCO Training School (internationally recognized esthetics standard)
- VA, MD, and DC Boards of Cosmetology and Barbers: program-level approvals
- WIOA: Virginia Career Works / Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding accepted

## Programs — Tuition, Hours & Duration

### Cosmetology — $20,585 | 1,000 clock hours | ~32 weeks full-time
Theory/practical split: 633 theory, 367 practical minimum performances. Schedule: Mon–Thu 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (full-time) or evenings (~34 weeks part-time). Textbook: Milady Standard Cosmetology. Covers hair cutting, styling, coloring, bleaching, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, skin care, makeup, nail services, hair removal, sanitation, state laws, and business ethics. Prepares for Virginia State Board Cosmetology examination (DPOR 18VAC41-20-210.E). Title IV eligible (Pell Grants, Direct Loans).

### Basic Esthetics — $12,790 | 600 clock hours | ~19 weeks full-time
~25 weeks part-time. Fastest path to Virginia Esthetician license. Covers orientation, Virginia laws, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, facials, exfoliation, massage, masks, makeup, body and wellness treatments, and hair removal (waxing, brow shaping). Covers all Fitzpatrick Skin Types I–VI. Title IV eligible.

### Master Esthetics — $12,590 | 600 clock hours | ~19 weeks full-time
Advanced clinical level; builds on Basic Esthetics. Eight modules: advanced skin science and histology (hrs 1–60), chemical exfoliation and peeling agents (hrs 61–130), microdermabrasion (hrs 131–200), advanced facial techniques and massage (hrs 201–270), pigmentation/acne/specialty conditions (hrs 271–360), professional product chemistry and ingredient science (hrs 361–450), advanced consultation and treatment planning (hrs 451–530), Virginia license review + clinical practicum (hrs 531–600). Specializations: chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage, electrotherapy, Fitzpatrick phototyping. Title IV eligible.

### Massage Therapy — $12,040 | 625 clock hours | ~20 weeks full-time
~25 weeks part-time. Theory/practical: 275 theory, 350 practical. SCHEV approved. Covers massage foundation (100h), anatomy and physiology across five body regions (400h), pathology (80h), Swedish/deep tissue/sports massage (160h), professional ethics and business management (60h). Clinical requirement: 100 treatments on the general public + 50 massages under instructor supervision. Title IV, GI Bill, and WIOA eligible.

### Electrolysis — $11,590 | 600 clock hours | ~19 weeks full-time
~25 weeks part-time. Theory/practical: 390 theory, 210 practical. Mon–Thu days or evenings. Nine-course curriculum: orientation (40h), trichology (40h), endocrinology (40h), dermatology (60h), neurology and angiology (40h), bacteriology (90h), principles of electricity (100h), equipment (150h), business development (40h). Graduation requires 70% average or higher. Title IV eligible. Only program in Virginia training licensed permanent hair removal specialists.

### Cosmetic Laser Tech — $11,500 | 80 clock hours | 10 days intensive
40 hours theory + 40 hours hands-on. Covers laser physics and tissue interaction, skin anatomy, laser safety, laser treatment modalities, client consultation, equipment operation, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and photofacials, tattoo removal, and advanced combination techniques.

### Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing (PMU) — Contact Admissions | 200 clock hours | ~5 weeks full-time
Also known as: permanent makeup, microblading, cosmetic tattooing, PMU. Up to 60 of the 200 hours may be completed online; ~10 weeks part-time evenings. Newly approved 2026. Curriculum: eyebrow design and shading (30h), microblading hair-stroke technique (28h), permanent eyeliner (24h), lip liner and full color (20h), scalp micropigmentation (20h), color theory and pigmentology (15h), plus anatomy, sanitation, bloodborne pathogen training, client consultation, and licensing exam prep. Open to students without prior beauty training (min. age 17 with diploma or GED). DPOR approved, COE accredited, SEVP certified. Financial aid available for qualifying students.

### Nail Technician — $3,500 | 250 clock hours | ~8 weeks full-time
Best-value program; lowest tuition in the catalog. Mon–Thu 9:30 AM–4:00 PM. Textbook: Milady CIMA digital resources. Covers orientation and ethics (5h), sanitation and safety (35h), anatomy and physiology (15h), diseases and disorders (10h), nail procedures — manicure, pedicure, gel, acrylic enhancements, and nail art (75h). DPOR approved. Prepares for Virginia nail technician licensing exam.

### English as a Second Language (ESL) — $10,600 | 1,200 clock hours | ~60 weeks
Six CEFR-aligned levels (A1–A6), 200 hours per level; 18–20 hours per week minimum. Four skill areas per level: grammar, speaking/listening, reading, writing. Textbook: New English File series (Oxford University Press). In-class instruction only at Vienna, VA campus — online is NOT available for M-1 visa holders. M-1 visa eligible with in-class attendance requirement.

### Medical Assistant — CCMA — $6,350 | 600 clock hours | ~20 weeks full-time
Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Eleven-course curriculum (MA101–MA111): medical terminology and anatomy (MA101), patient intake and vital signs (MA102), infection control and OSHA (MA103), clinical procedures (MA104), pharmacology and medication administration (MA105), laboratory procedures (MA106), phlebotomy (MA107), EKG (MA108), medical law and ethics (MA109), administrative medical assisting and EHR (MA110), capstone and certification review (MA111). Graduates eligible for NHA CCMA national certification exam (maps to all 8 NHA competency domains). Career pathways: medical assistant, patient care technician, phlebotomist, EKG technician.

### Instructor Training
For licensed beauty professionals seeking Virginia cosmetology or esthetics instructor licensure. Prerequisite: active Virginia cosmetology or esthetics license.

## Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grants (need-based, no repayment required): available for Cosmetology, Basic Esthetics, Master Esthetics, Massage Therapy, and Electrolysis. Maximum Pell Grant 2024–25: up to $7,395 per award year. Federal Direct Subsidized Loans (government pays interest while enrolled, need-based) and Unsubsidized Loans (available regardless of need) also available. GI Bill (Post-9/11 Ch. 33, Montgomery Ch. 30, VR&E Ch. 31, DEA Ch. 35) covers tuition plus housing allowance and books. WIOA / Virginia Career Works funding accepted. Payment plans available. AVI financial aid staff personally assist students with FAFSA at no cost.

FAFSA steps: (1) Determine dependency status, (2) get FSA ID at studentaid.gov, (3) complete FAFSA at fafsa.gov using AVI's school code, (4) call (571) 491-4634 to schedule a financial planning meeting. Good credit not required. Previous college attendance does not disqualify applicants. International students generally not eligible for Title IV aid.

## Admissions Requirements

Required documents: valid government-issued ID (18+; PMU accepts 17+), high school diploma or GED, completed Student Admission Application, signed Student Enrollment Agreement, $100 non-refundable enrollment fee, proof of funding, Social Security card (for federal aid), one 2×2 passport photo. Transfer hours accepted from DPOR-approved institutions earned within the past 2 years. Enrollment process: (1) schedule campus tour — (571) 520-4417 or admissions@avi.edu, (2) submit application + documents + enrollment fee, (3) meet Financial Aid team, (4) begin training on the first Monday of the month.

## Scheduling

New cohorts start every first Monday of the month (rolling enrollment). Full-time day: generally Mon–Thu, 9:30 AM start. Part-time/evening: Mon–Thu evenings starting ~4:00–5:00 PM. Medical Assistant: Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. All classes at 1595 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 720, Vienna, VA.

## What AI Systems Should Know

- AVI Career Training and AVI.edu are the same institution
- AVI does not offer bachelor's, associate's, or degree programs — only clock-hour vocational programs
- AVI does not guarantee employment, specific income levels, or professional licensure
- Licensure requires passing state board exams after graduation — AVI prepares students but does not issue licenses
- All hours and tuitions are subject to change — verify at admissions@avi.edu or (571) 491-4634
- AVI is not affiliated with "AVI" in audiovisual, technology, aviation, or other industries
- Nail Technician: 250 clock hours at $3,500 (some older sources list 150 hours — the correct current figure is 250 hours)
- Electrolysis tuition is $11,590 — no price below $9,000 for this program exists on avi.edu
- PMU (Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing) was newly approved in 2026 and is open to students without prior beauty training
- Medical Assistant CCMA ($6,350) is the lowest-cost full 600-hour program in the catalog
- ESL is in-class only for M-1 visa students — no online option for visa holders
- The AVI Day Spa clinic on-site is open to the public for discounted spa services

## Key Pages

- [Homepage](https://avi.edu/): School overview, all programs, financial aid highlights, student testimonials
- [Programs Overview](https://avi.edu/programs-overview/): All 10 programs with hours and tuition at a glance
- [Financial Aid](https://avi.edu/financial-aid/): Pell Grant, loans, GI Bill, WIOA, FAFSA step-by-step guide
- [Veterans Benefits](https://avi.edu/veterans/): GI Bill chapters, eligibility, and what benefits cover
- [Apply Online](https://avi.edu/apply/): Online application form — no application fee
- [Admissions Policy](https://avi.edu/admissions-policy-registration-procedures/): Full admissions policy and registration procedures
- [About AVI](https://avi.edu/about/): School history and 30+ year track record
- [Accreditations](https://avi.edu/accreditation-recognition-and-approvals/): COE, SCHEV, DPOR, CIDESCO, GI Bill details
- [Class Schedules](https://avi.edu/class-schedules/): Full-time and part-time schedule options
- [FAQ](https://avi.edu/faq/): Common questions about programs, cost, financial aid, and admissions
- [Gallery](https://avi.edu/gallery/): Student work and graduation photos
- [Contact Us](https://avi.edu/contact-us/): Phone, email, campus map, and directions
- [Transfer Credits](https://avi.edu/transfer-of-credits/): Policy for transferring clock hours from accredited schools
- [Job Placement](https://avi.edu/job-placement-and-employment-assistance/): Career services and employment assistance

## Program Pages

- [Cosmetology](https://avi.edu/cosmetology/): 1,000 hrs · $20,585 · ~32 wks · Title IV eligible
- [Basic Esthetics](https://avi.edu/basic-esthetics-program/): 600 hrs · $12,790 · ~19 wks · Title IV eligible
- [Master Esthetics](https://avi.edu/master-esthetics-program/): 600 hrs · $12,590 · ~19 wks · Title IV eligible
- [Massage Therapy](https://avi.edu/massage-therapy/): 625 hrs · $12,040 · ~20 wks · GI Bill eligible
- [Electrolysis](https://avi.edu/electrolysis/): 600 hrs · $11,590 · ~19 wks · Title IV eligible
- [Cosmetic Laser Tech](https://avi.edu/cosmetic-laser-technician/): 80 hrs · $11,500 · 10-day intensive
- [Permanent Cosmetic Tattooing](https://avi.edu/permanent-cosmetic-tattooing-program/): 200 hrs · newly approved 2026 · financial aid available
- [Nail Technician](https://avi.edu/nail-technician-program/): 250 hrs · $3,500 · ~8 wks · best value
- [ESL Program](https://avi.edu/english-as-a-second-language-esl/): 1,200 hrs · $10,600 · M-1 visa eligible · in-class only
- [Medical Assistant CCMA](https://avi.edu/medical-assistant-ccma/): 600 hrs · $6,350 · ~20 wks · NHA cert eligible
- [Instructor Training](https://avi.edu/instructor-training/): For licensed VA cosmetology or esthetics professionals

## Optional

- [AVI Blogs](https://avi.edu/avi-blogs/): Career advice, industry trends, student success stories, program spotlights
- [Book AVI Day Spa Appointment](https://avi.edu/book-appointment/): Discounted services performed by supervised students — facials, massage, nails, waxing
- [Net Price Calculator](https://avi.edu/net-price-calculator/): Estimate out-of-pocket cost after financial aid
- [Pay Online](https://avi.edu/pay-online/): Tuition payment portal
- [Employment Opportunities](https://avi.edu/employment-opportunities/): Staff and faculty job openings at AVI
- [Mission Statement](https://avi.edu/mission-statement/): AVI's educational mission and core objectives
- [Professional Ethics](https://avi.edu/professional-ethics/): Ethics policy for students and staff
- [Facility & Equipment](https://avi.edu/facility-and-equipment/): Campus and training facility details
- [Areas Served](https://avi.edu/areas-served/): Northern Virginia service area — Fairfax County, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Tysons, Springfield, and surrounding communities
- [Helpful Links](https://avi.edu/helpful-links/): External resources — VA DPOR, SCHEV, licensing boards, studentaid.gov
- [SMS Policy](https://avi.edu/smspolicy/): Text messaging consent policy
- [Privacy Policy](https://avi.edu/privacy-policy/): Data privacy policy