Advanced Practice Esthetics
Advanced esthetician training for licensed estheticians.
Advanced Esthetician Training for Estheticians
If you’re a licensed esthetician looking to expand into medical esthetics, our Advanced Practice Esthetics program offers hands-on training in advanced skincare techniques used in medical spa settings. This 500-hour advanced esthetician training course focuses on treatments like microneedling and medical-grade chemical peel training,.
At MedSpa Institute of America, you’ll learn from a team known as the pioneers of advanced esthetics, with over five years of experience teaching advanced aesthetics courses. Our exclusive partnerships with Glytone and Allergan give students access to professional-grade tools and education not widely available at other programs.
see what our students have to say
“I attended Medspa Institute of America for both my esthetician and AP license. Both programs are hands on which I loved! I also loved how the class sizes are small! The staff is wonderful! They are always there for you during your time at school and even after you graduate! You also get the opportunity to use some really nice products and technology that you wouldn't get to use at other schools!”
“I started the Esthetician program in August 2021 and will soon be graduating from the Advanced Esthetics program. The faculty here (Ly, Bre, Brittney) are so insanely knowledgeable and talented- I feel so lucky to have had the pleasure to learn from them. If you have the opportunity to learn from successful practitioners, you will be sure to follow in their footsteps and become a success yourself.”
Advanced Esthetician Training in Medical Spa Treatments
As part of our Advanced Practice Esthetics program, licensed estheticians can build on their existing foundation with hands-on training in advanced skincare techniques used in medical spa settings. Students gain experience with treatments like microneedling, medical-grade chemical peels, and other advanced aesthetics services commonly performed in today’s med spas.
We have exclusive relationships with Glytone, Allergan, and leading needling device providers, giving students access to professional-grade products and equipment not commonly available in most esthetics schools. You can expect to train with Glytone, one of the most widely used chemical peel systems in dermatology and medical spa environments.
A key part of the learning experience at MedSpa Institute of America is our hands-on approach and small class sizes. As you practice advanced esthetician techniques in our student spa, you’ll receive more personalized instruction and real-world experience working with clients in a clinical-style setting.
AP Esthetics Licensing Path
The Advanced Practice Esthetics program helps prepare students for the state board exam process required to pursue an Advanced Practice Esthetics license through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. After completing the required 500 hours of theory and practical training, students can take the next steps toward licensure, including the PSI Minnesota exam process.
Add Phlebotomy Training!
Enhance your training by adding phlebotomy for a small additional cost. This additional certification supports advanced treatments like PRP facials and other medical aesthetics services, helping you expand your skill set and stand out in the field of advanced esthetics.
Career Education Included
In addition to advanced clinical training, the program includes business and career-focused education designed to help you prepare for the next step after graduation. Students receive guidance on professionalism, resume development, and interview preparation, along with practical insights into client communication and building a service-based career. The curriculum also introduces foundational concepts in marketing and goal setting, helping you understand how to promote your services, attract clients, and grow within the medical esthetics industry.
Advanced Practice Esthetics Schedule
The Advanced Practice Esthetics program is designed to combine flexible learning with hands-on clinical training. Students move through a structured schedule that begins with foundational theory and transitions into real client experience.
Full-Time Schedule
- Days: Monday – Friday
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Weekly Commitment: ~33.75 hours
- Estimated Completion: ~15 weeks
Program Structure
- Weeks 1–4: Hybrid theory training (3 days at home, 2 days in-person)
- After Week 4: Combination of classroom learning and hands-on clinic training
- Clinic Phase: Work with real clients to build experience in advanced skincare treatments
Flexible Scheduling Options
- Students may choose full-time or part-time schedules during the clinic portion
- Part-time students can customize their weekly schedule based on availability
Additional Program Details
- June 3rd 2026
- July 6th
- August 5th
- September 2nd
- October 29th
- December 2nd
Throughout the Advanced Practice Esthetics program, students train using professional-grade skincare products, devices, and tools commonly found in medical spa settings. This includes hands-on experience with treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, advanced exfoliation, and energy-based modalities such as LED, ultrasonic, and electrical therapies.
Students also gain access to digital learning materials through the Milady CIMA platform, which is used for theory instruction alongside in-person and virtual lectures. As training progresses, students apply what they’ve learned while working with real clients in the clinic, helping them build confidence using professional products and equipment in a practical setting.
The breakdown of the program is as follows. Cost is subject to change.
- Tuition: $12,500
- Training Essentials: $1,059
- Application Fee: $50
- Total Cost: $13,609
Payment plans are available, along with potential scholarship and private financing options to help make your education more manageable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An AP esthetician, or Advanced Practice Esthetician, is an esthetics professional who has completed additional training beyond basic esthetics. In Minnesota, this training helps prepare students to pursue an Advanced Practice Esthetics license through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology.
An esthetician typically focuses on foundational skincare services, while an advanced practice esthetician receives additional training in more advanced skincare treatments. Advanced Practice Esthetics may include training in services such as chemical peels, microneedling, advanced exfoliation, manual lymphatic drainage, LED therapy, galvanic treatments, ultrasonic treatments, and other clinical skincare techniques.
Yes, as long as you have completed a licensed esthetics or cosmetology program within the last five years and meet eligibility requirements. Many students choose to continue their training right away to build more advanced skills before entering the field.
Advanced Practice Esthetics builds on foundational esthetics training by introducing more advanced treatments, additional theory, and hands-on client work. It also includes state-required service quotas that reflect real-world treatment experience.
Yes. This program is intended for licensed estheticians or cosmetologists, or those who have recently completed a qualifying esthetics program. It builds on foundational training and is designed for students ready to expand into more advanced treatments.
Yes. After the initial training phase, students work with real clients in a supervised setting. This helps build practical experience performing advanced treatments in a clinical-style environment.
Students are responsible for bringing in their own clients to complete required service quotas. This helps build real-world experience and gives you an opportunity to begin growing your client base while still in training.
This program is designed for students who want to pursue opportunities in medical spa or clinical skincare environments. Career paths can vary based on individual goals, experience, and state regulations.
How To Enroll in the Advanced Esthetics Program
To enroll in the Advanced Practice Esthetics program, applicants must meet a few key requirements and complete the admissions process. This program is designed for licensed professionals or those who have recently completed esthetics training and are ready to expand into advanced skincare techniques and medical esthetics.
To apply, you’ll need:
- A valid state-issued ID
- Completion of an admissions interview
- A signed enrollment agreement with a $50 non-refundable application fee
- Proof of education (high school diploma, GED, or equivalent)
- A completed and signed W-9 form
Advanced Practice Esthetics prerequisites:
- An active cosmetology or esthetics license, or
- Proof of completion of a licensed esthetics or cosmetology program within the last five years (certificate or transcript)
- Signed phlebotomy training forms
International transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a qualified third-party agency for U.S. equivalency.
Explore Our Other Programs
Esthetics
Get a basic foundation of key services licensed estheticians must know, including facials, makeup, and waxing. This is a good starting point if you’re interested in a career in skincare.
Laser Certification
If you’re already a licensed esthetician and skincare professional, add additional specialized services to your resume through our unique laser certification program.
Microblading
This course can help you create gorgeous brows through specialized techniques. Advance your skincare education through Minnesota’s only licensed course in the state!
Cosmetic Injection Training
Learn how to do more clinical services such as injections and fillers. While this course is only available to RNs, it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door of skincare.
MedSpa Institute of America is licensed as a private career school with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 136A.821 to 136A.832. Licensure is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
