Thinking of pursuing a career as a beautician? Here’s everything you need to know about your training and education options.

There’s something especially satisfying about helping someone look – and feel – like a million bucks. That’s why a career in beauty therapy can be so rewarding – it’s a chance to lift people up and boost their self-confidence on a daily basis. Plus, a career in beauty offers you the flexibility to work from a salon, a day spa, or even your own home.

But if you’re thinking of joining the beauty therapy field, knowing where to start in terms of training can be a daunting task. From TAFE diplomas to degrees and even specialist short courses, there are a lot of different paths to choose from. Each has different benefits and outcomes, so let’s take a look at some of the options to set you on a road to success in your new beauty therapy career.

Diploma certification

To be a beauty therapist in Australia, you’ll need a formal certification, and that usually falls under the title of Diploma of Beauty Therapy. A diploma shows that you’ve mastered all the basic skills necessary to carry out beauty therapy treatments – like body and skin treatments, waxing, nail services, make-up skills, body massage, facials, and microdermabrasion.

Beauty diplomas can be earned at TAFE or from private beauty schools. Most of the course material will be similar, so it’s really about finding a school that works for your location and schedule. Keep in mind that some schools have academic requirements, such as completion of the HSC or year 11, and some don’t have any entry requirements. You’ll also want to consider the fees involved – TAFE offers VET fee help as do some private schools, but it’s always worth checking to be sure.

If you do choose a private school, make sure they have are accredited to give you the education required for a recognised diploma. While some colleges will offer online courses, it’s always best to find an institution with a clinic, so you can get lots of valuable hands-on experience.

University options

While a university degree isn’t necessary to become a beauty therapist, there are some courses available that will help open doors for you in more specialised and advanced beauty and cosmetic settings. Victoria University, for example, offers a Bachelor of Dermal Science, which covers areas such as lymphatic drainage, laser therapy, pulsed light therapy, and other dermal therapy treatments. These areas aren’t taught in most standard beauty therapy courses, so a university degree is worth considering if you want to focus on a particular field such as anti-ageing or treatments for skin conditions.

Short courses

Once you’ve got your diploma, the world is your oyster as far as specialist training goes, and taking a short course can set you apart from other beauty therapists in showing you have special skills. For example, a graduate certificate in laser hair removal will help put you at the top of the pile if you’re applying for a job at a beauty salon that offers that service. And if you’re dreaming of opening up your own salon, a salon management course will help equip you with all the tools you need to run your business successfully. Courses can be as short as one day, so it’s worth investing a little bit of time and money to build an impressive resume.

Need more advice from someone in the business? Talk to a beauty therapist in your area