This article puts forth the notion that the facilities from which students train for their careers are just as important as the curriculum of the program. It then notes that students of Centennial College’s Esthetician program get to practice their skills at an on-campus spa as well as during field placements.

1. Esthetician Program Prepares Students Through Realistic Activities
Consider the importance of the classroom in teaching students the skills they need to succeed upon
graduation. If, for example, the classroom isn’t fully equipped with the tools that students will
encounter in the field, they may be at a disadvantage. Or if the classroom isn’t designed in a way that
allows instructors to keep an eye on all students, there is a chance that some may carry out certain
techniques wrong and never be corrected. For Centennial College students in the Esthetician
program, this sort of concern doesn’t exist. That’s because students train out of Morningside Campus.
As Centennial College’s most technological location, esthetics college program students learn in
esthetician lab facilities and use cutting-edge equipment to apply theory to practical activities. But the
most unique aspect of this program’s facilities is the Censation Esthetics Student Clinic, which offers
a full range of treatments in an environment carefully managed for pampering. Under the careful
supervision teaching staff, students of this program perform the range of spa and clinical treatments.
Guests are encouraged to communicate their needs throughout their treatment, which not only
enhances their experience but also students’ learning.
In terms of curriculum, students gain a range of necessary skills that go well beyond facials and
pedicures. Firstly, students acquire knowledge of diverse human physiology, pathology and histology.
This allows them to understand the effects of treatments on the human body before they begin to
learn about performing a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct
procedures and precautions, and supporting client needs (including but not limited to facials,
manicures, pedicures, hair removal and make-up applications); adhering to health, safety, sanitation
and infection prevention control guidelines, according to current legislation and national, provincial,
municipal and industry standards and regulations; selecting and recommending the use of esthetic
products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified needs; and
more.
The program also recognizes that the world of estheticians is a business. So, students are taught the
business side of the industry. Among the topics are: identifying business skills and activities required
for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetic business in a salon or spa
environment; establishing and maintaining professional relationships in adherence to standards and
ethics associated with the profession; developing customer service strategies that meet and adapt to
individual needs and expectations in accordance with professional standards and ethics; and more.
Through the combination of theory and practical application, students are prepared for field
placements at some of the city’s top spa. Off campus, they must interact with customers without the
supervision of teachers who can correct them. They must also report to their “supervisors” who may
end up recommending them for jobs upon graduation. Grads are prepared to work in spas and salons,
or in health clinics in conjunction with dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other healthcare
providers