Esthetics Co-Op

Learn Esthetics and Gain Professional Experience in Canada

Our Esthetics Co-Op program combines comprehensive training in skin, body, and nail care with a unique work-integrated learning experience in Canada.

Students develop professional skills in facials, massage, body treatments, nail care, and spa services while gaining practical experience in a real spa environment.

Graduates leave prepared to work in salons, spas, or start their own business, with the added advantage of Co-Op work experience that strengthens career readiness.

Program Overview

NIC’s Esthetics Co-Op program covers every aspect of professional skin, body, and nail care. Students have the opportunity to practice in NIC Spa, applying their learning to real clients to gain confidence and refine their skills.

In the Skin Care Module, students learn detailed skin analysis, client consultation, and treatment techniques using tools such as magnifying lamps, hydrodermie machines, steamers, and high-frequency devices including anaphoresis and cataphoresis applications. Correct treatment protocols allow students to see real transformations in clients and themselves.

The Body Care Module focuses on the art of healing touch. Students master massage techniques, posture, and a range of treatments including relaxation, aromatherapy, pregnancy, warm stone, and cellulite massage. Hair removal, lash and brow tinting, back facials, and body wraps are also included.

The Nail Care Module teaches proper nail hygiene, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, paraffin and warm stone treatments, gel and acrylic enhancements, freehand nail art, decals, ear piercing, and semi-permanent lash extensions.

The Co-Op component allows qualified students to gain hands-on experience with Canadian employers, applying their skills in a professional spa or salon setting while improving language, trade, and work-related skills.

Key Outcomes

Become a licensed professional
NIC Esthetics Co-Op graduates are prepared for careers in spas, salons, or mobile businesses and are consistently recognized as top hires by leading industry employers.

From fundamentals to business
Students gain deep knowledge of skin, body, and nail care while also learning business management, preparing them to start or manage their own spa or salon.

Real-life Co-Op experience
Practical experience with Canadian employers during the Co-Op term ensures graduates leave career-ready with confidence and professional skills.

Work and study in Canada
International students gain invaluable insight into the Canadian spa industry while developing professional networks and work experience in Vancouver.

Program Information

Program Costs

Application Fee
$250.00

Tuition Fee
International: $19,500.00

Tuition includes the Esthetics kit for Body and Skin modules valued at $1,356.00. Esthetics materials are provided by the school to work on each other during the practical portions of the modules that they are attending at the time.

Tuition also includes the use of school-supplied nail consumables for in-class practice: paper towels, blue towels, cotton, cream, scrub, paraffin, gel polish, regular polish, gloves, face masks, nail art accessories, CS20, alcohol, acetone, orange sticks, buffers and files. Laundry service for school-supplied towels is also included.

The Nail Kit is not included in tuition fees. Students may purchase the Nail Kit from NIC Spa for $1,200 plus applicable taxes, or purchase the required items independently from other suppliers using the list provided by NIC Spa.

Students are required to bring their nail kit whenever they work in the nail rooms.

All products, kits, and supplies are subject to change without prior notice at the company’s discretion.

Program Hours & Length

Program Hours: 1974 hours
(987 hours study + 987 hours Co-Op Term)
Weeks: 94

Start Dates

January
May
August
November

Career Outcomes

• Esthetician working in a Spa or Salon
• Spa or Salon Business Owner
• Mobile Spa Business
• Product Representative
• Product Line Educator

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or hold a High School diploma.
Submit a completed Student Application Form and Admissions Questionnaire (available in paper or online formats).

Language Proficiency Requirements
Please check the Language Proficiency Requirements on our How to Apply Page

Curriculum

FACIALS • MASSAGES • BODY WRAPS • AROMATHERAPY • ELECTROTHERAPY • MANICURES • PEDICURES • GEL NAILS • ACRYLIC NAILS • SKIN REJUVENATION • PHYSIOLOGY • PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE • HAIR REMOVAL • CO-OP WORK PORTION

NIC’s Esthetics Co-Op curriculum integrates in-class training with professional Co-Op experience, providing students with both technical and real-world knowledge.

Students develop mastery in skin, body, and nail treatments while learning business fundamentals and client care.

Working in NIC Spa and during the Co-Op term, students practice treatments on real clients, gaining confidence, competence, and a competitive edge in the global esthetics industry. The curriculum ensures graduates are career-ready, with hands-on skills, business insight, and international work experience.

VIEW COMPLETE MODULES BREAKDOWN →

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills.