Holistic Esthetics and Spa Therapist Diploma
York Community College offers the Esthetics and Spa Practitioner Diploma through a comprehensive 48-week full-time program with a combined distance learning approach. Each module in this program is credited toward the diploma, building a strong foundation for a career as an Esthetics and Spa Therapist. The program requires a commitment of 30-35 hours of study per week, where students focus on creating personalized health and wellness plans for clients using Oriental Analysis within the 5 Element system and the Ayurvedic system.
Students will develop an understanding of esthetics sciences and theory, leading to practical skills in personal care and helping clients recover from stress and aging factors. Emphasis is placed on combining these skills to maximize client benefits. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive skill set that opens doors to multiple employment opportunities.
Onsite, students will participate in Practical Skills Learning at our school’s classrooms and gain hands-on, supervised experience at our Professional Spa, working with real clients in the York Community College Practical Student Clinic. This unique program focuses on health from the inside out!
Program Eligibility and Opportunities

The Distance Combined Studies program is eligible for student loans, HRDC funding, educational funds, and bank student lines of credit. The program is also EQA-designated, allowing foreign students to obtain study visas for the duration of the program.
Already practicing as an Esthetician or Holistic Bodywork Practitioner? You can apply your prior learning credits toward the Esthetics and Spa Therapist Diploma. Contact our Admissions team for more information!
Online Courses
- Esthetics Orientation (Online)
- Esthetics Sciences Theory Level 1
- Spa Therapies Anatomy and Physiology
- Esthetics Level 1
- Esthetics Sciences Theory Level 2
- Spa Therapies Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Pathology
- Advanced Esthetics 2
- Holistic Therapies and Theory (Oriental Bodywork, Reiki, Marma)
- Ayurveda Theory
- Aromatherapy Theory
- Complimentary Wellness Management (Spa Therapy, Reiki, Bodywork)
- Business & Ethics
Onsite Courses
- Practical 1: Esthetics Practical Level 1
- Practical 2: Advanced Esthetics Practical
- Practical 3: Spa Therapist Practical
Spa Therapist Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Spa Therapist program at York Community College, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to perform the following treatments safely and effectively:
- 15-Minute Oriental Analysis Consultation: Conduct personalized treatment planning using Oriental analysis techniques.
- 30-60 Minute Chinese Reflexology Acupressure Session: Deliver a targeted reflexology session based on client needs.
- 15-30 Minute Chair Bodywork or Massage Session: Perform seated bodywork or massage to address specific areas of tension.
- 30-60 Minute Neck, Shoulder, and Back Stress Release (Swedish Massage Table Session): Provide stress-relief massage using Swedish techniques for the upper body.
- 60-Minute Full Acupressure, Reiki, or Marma Table Session: Administer a comprehensive session using acupressure, Reiki, or Marma techniques.
- 60 or 120 Minute Combination Table Session: Integrate Oriental Bodywork techniques such as Chinese Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reiki Massage, and Floral Essences for a personalized treatment.
- 60 or 90 Minute Hot Waterstone Massage with Oils or Hot Stone Warmup with Shiatsu: Offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits with hot stone or Shiatsu techniques.
- 60 or 90 Minute Full Body Acupressure Relaxation Massage: Use oils, aromatherapy, energy techniques, and floral essences for a holistic full-body relaxation experience.
- Body Scrubs, Dry Brushing, and Body Wraps: Perform full-body exfoliation and detoxifying treatments to rejuvenate the skin.
- Safety and Contraindications in Bodywork and Massage: Demonstrate understanding of safety measures, contraindications, and ethical practices in bodywork and massage.
- Product Benefits and Contraindications: Explain the uses, benefits, and potential contraindications of all products used during treatments.
This program equips students with the skills and knowledge to provide a variety of holistic and therapeutic treatments, ensuring a well-rounded education in spa therapy.
Esthetics
Upon successful completion of the Esthetics program at York Community College, students will have demonstrated the ability to safely and efficiently perform the following treatments:
- Manicures and Pedicures: Perform professional manicures and pedicures, including precise polish application.
- Full Body Waxing: Conduct proficient and safe waxing procedures for all areas of the body.
- Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting: Safely apply tint to enhance the color and appearance of eyelashes and eyebrows.
- 75-Minute Facial: Deliver a comprehensive facial, including skin analysis, customized product selection, and tailored treatment.
- Extractions and Facial Massage: Perform safe extractions combined with facial massage and pressure point techniques to ensure optimal client care.
- Product Benefits and Contraindications: Define and explain the benefits, uses, and contraindications of all products applied during treatments.
This program provides students with a well-rounded skill set in esthetics, preparing them to offer a wide range of professional beauty and skincare services.
Fees
Full program cost $15,500
- Application and Registration fee $100
- Tuition $7,000
- Course Pac $5,500
- Materials $2,500
- Textbooks $400
International Students
- Tuition Fee $7,500
- Course Pac Fee $6,000
- Materials and Textbooks $2,900
- Application and Registration Fee $250
- Assessment Fee $150
- Administrative Fee $100