Advance your skincare career with AVI Career Training’s Master Esthetics Program. Master advanced chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage, and electrotherapy — and prepare for the Virginia Master Esthetician license.
Program Overview
AVI's Master Esthetics program is a 600-hour advanced curriculum designed for licensed estheticians ready to take their careers to the next level. You will master clinical techniques — chemical exfoliation, microdermabrasion, lymphatic drainage, electrotherapy, and advanced skin analysis — that define today's high-end skincare practice.
Every module is aligned with Virginia DPOR requirements for the Master Esthetician license, preparing you for both the written and practical examinations. Day and evening schedules accommodate working professionals completing their upgrade.
Prerequisite: You must hold (or be eligible for) a Virginia Basic Esthetician license before enrolling. This is a DPOR requirement, not just an AVI policy.
Master Esthetician Quick Answers
In Virginia, master esthetician is an advanced skin care license. DPOR requires an active Virginia esthetician license, 600 hours of approved master esthetician training in a licensed school, and passing the written and practical exams. AVI's Master Esthetics program is 600 clock hours of advanced modalities.
First hold a Virginia esthetician license. Then complete 600 hours of master esthetician training at a licensed school such as AVI, pass the written and practical exams, and submit your application and fee to the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR). New to esthetics? Start with Basic Esthetics.
DPOR's Virginia licensing summary lists esthetician and master esthetician licenses, not a separate medical esthetician license. Many people who want clinical or medical spa work build on a Virginia esthetician license with advanced training such as AVI's Master Esthetics program. Employers set their own hiring requirements.
Why AVI Master Esthetics
AVI is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education — ensuring your education meets the recognized quality standards that employers and DPOR respect.
Every module aligns with DPOR requirements for the Virginia Master Esthetician license. We prepare you for both the written and practical examinations from day one.
Train on the same professional-grade equipment used in top spas and medical aesthetics clinics — HydraFacial systems, electrotherapy devices, and clinical skincare tools.
Curriculum
The curriculum builds systematically from advanced skin science through clinical technique application, preparing you for both the Virginia licensing exam and real-world advanced practice.
| Module | Topics Covered | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 Advanced Skin Science & Histology |
|
60 |
| Module 2 Chemical Exfoliation & Peeling Agents |
|
70 |
| Module 3 Microdermabrasion Concepts & Protocols |
|
70 |
| Module 4 Advanced Facial Techniques & Massage |
|
70 |
| Module 5 Pigmentation, Acne & Specialty Conditions |
|
90 |
| Module 6 Product Chemistry & Ingredient Science |
|
90 |
| Module 7 Advanced Consultation & Treatment Planning |
|
80 |
| Module 8 VA License Review, Business & Practicum |
|
70 |
| Total Program Hours | 600 | |
Techniques
Beyond basic esthetics, our Master program covers the comprehensive range of advanced modalities that define the modern high-end skincare practice.
Master AHA, BHA, and enzyme exfoliation chemistry, application protocols, and safety procedures — the cornerstone of advanced clinical esthetics.
Crystal and diamond-tip technology, patient selection criteria, protocol development, and series-based treatment planning.
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) applied to facial esthetics — reducing puffiness, stimulating circulation, enhancing treatment outcomes.
High-frequency, galvanic current, microcurrent concepts, and LED light therapy as complements to advanced facial protocols.
Advanced European sequences, gua sha, facial sculpting movements, and décolleté and neck protocols.
Fitzpatrick phototyping, Glogau scale, and advanced assessment tools to build condition-specific treatment plans.
Licensure Path
In Virginia, the Master Esthetician credential is a separate license issued by DPOR. Here is the path from AVI graduation to holding your Master license.
Before enrolling, you must hold (or be eligible for) a Virginia Esthetician license or have completed a Board-approved Basic Esthetics program. This is a DPOR requirement.
Attend all required theory and clinical hours. Maintain satisfactory academic progress per AVI's school policies. Receive your certificate of completion upon graduation.
Apply to DPOR for the Master Esthetician license with your proof of Basic Esthetics license, AVI certificate of completion, and applicable fees. Our team will guide you through the documentation.
DPOR administers both a written knowledge exam and a practical skills evaluation. AVI's Module 8 is specifically designed to prepare you for both components.
With your Master Esthetician license, you can perform advanced esthetic services in Virginia spas, medical aesthetics clinics, dermatology offices, and independent practice.
Career Outcomes
Frequently asked questions
Sources: Virginia DPOR, Summary of Virginia Licensing Requirements (Board for Barbers and Cosmetology); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Skincare Specialists (2025 data). Wages are national figures, not a promise of earnings, and requirements can change, so confirm current rules with DPOR.
Take the next step toward your Virginia Master Esthetician license. Apply today or speak with our admissions team.