Esthetics Program Diploma Program in Pennsylvania

FALL 2026 — APPLICATIONS OPEN

Programs

01 CREATIVE

Creative
Programs.

02 STUDIO

Beauty &
Wellness.

03 TRADES

Skilled
Trades.

✦ FEATURED PROGRAM

ESTHETICS

ESTHETICS
PROGRAM.

Spa skincare, facials, and waxing — licensed in four months and into a treatment room.

EXPLORE PROGRAM

Admissions

Student Life

About

APPLY NOW

FALL 2026 INTAKE

✦

Admissions Open: Contact Us

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APPLY NOW

✦

Special Make-up Effects

✦

FILMMAKING

✦

Cosmetology

✦

Esthetics

✦

Esthetician & Nail Technologist Program

✦

Massage Therapy

✦

Advanced Cosmetic Techniques

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CDL

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Heavy Equipment & CDL

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HVACR

✦

Electrician

✦

Accredited by ACCSC

✦

School of Excellence

✦

Two Consecutive Awards

✦

Est. 1904 · Monessen, PA

✦

FALL 2026 INTAKE

✦

Admissions Open: Contact Us

✦

APPLY NOW

✦

Special Make-up Effects

✦

FILMMAKING

✦

Cosmetology

✦

Esthetics

✦

Esthetician & Nail Technologist Program

✦

Massage Therapy

✦

Advanced Cosmetic Techniques

✦

CDL

✦

Heavy Equipment & CDL

✦

HVACR

✦

Electrician

✦

Accredited by ACCSC

✦

School of Excellence

✦

Two Consecutive Awards

✦

Est. 1904 · Monessen, PA

✦

ESTHETICS program

Our program blends skin science with hands-on technique, facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and make-up artistry so your first day on the floor feels like a homecoming, not a surprise.

Classes start three times per year

February, June, & October

ACCSC

ACCREDITED

4 Months

Program Length

450 Hours

150 ABOVE PA MIN.

In Demand

Employment

What you will do:

Walk out prepared to become a Pennsylvania-licensed esthetician specializing in skin care and facials, and start working at a spa or med spa in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Students train in our Monessen Student Clinic on real clients under the supervision of licensed cosmetology teachers. You will also earn certificates of attendance in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ear candling, spray tanning, waxing, and receive DMK product knowledge training.

The numbers, verified.

4 MO

From start to finish

84%

Employed in the field

OCT 1

Apply now

YES

Available to those who qualify

450 HRS

150 more than PA requirement

100%

2025 · reported to ACCSC

92%

Passed their exam · 4 months

What you will learn.

DEC provides a certificate of attendance in each of the below specialized techniques.

Microdermabrasion

Mechanical resurfacing, service tickets that scale fast.

Chemical Peels

AHA/BHA/TCA protocols, clinical-grade exfoliation.

Ear Candling

Wellness add-on, low cost, repeat-client ritual.

Spray Tanning

Sunless tan service, fast turnover, high margin.

Waxing

Face + body, highest-frequency line on any menu.

Skills you’ll walk out with:

Perform a full facial: analysis, cleanse, exfoliation, and facial mask to PA licensure standards.

450 hours of skin science, facial techniques, and clinical practice. 150 more than the PA minimum.

Prepare to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board esthetics exam.

Milady-prepped curriculum with dedicated state board exam review built into the schedule.

Deliver microdermabrasion and chemical peel services safely and confidently.

Advanced techniques taught on real clients in the Monessen Student Clinic.

Apply professional make-up artistry techniques for client services and events.

From bridal looks to corrective work, make-up artistry is a core module.

Perform waxing, spray tanning, and ear candling for a full spa service menu.

Certificates of attendance in waxing, spray tanning, and ear candling included.

Use DMK product knowledge to build skin care regimens for real clients.

DMK product knowledge certification requires additional DMK training and fees after graduation.

Walk into a spa or med spa interview with hands-on hours.

Real spa client hours make a difference.

Create an atmosphere where your clients can relax and leave feeling satisfied.

Students who train to become estheticians also learn about beautifying the skin through a variety of services.

Want the full skill list?

450 hours, broken down.

One 15-week semester structured around PA State Board esthetics exam categories. 450 hours are hands-on in the Monessen Student Clinic or active lab sessions.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES & SCIENCE

State Board Prep · Sanitation · Client Consultation · Retail · Ethics · Skin Structure · Cell Biology

MAKE-UP

Make-Up Artistry · Corrective Techniques

FACIAL TECHNIQUES, WAXING BODY TREATMENTS

Cleansing · Steaming · Extractions · Masks · Serums · Pore Treatment · Chemical Peels & More

AI.can't analyze skin.

But YOU can have a career. Train on real clients in our Monessen Student Clinic performing facials, skin analysis, waxing, and more under licensed instructor supervision.

Get the full guide.

Tuition. Financial aid. Sample schedule. What to expect on day one. PDF, no spam, straight to your inbox.

Real numbers, real schedule, no sales pitch. Know exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit.

WHAT’S INSIDE

Where the career goes.

Esthetics is one of the more hiring-active beauty fields in southwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s where the career can take you.

HIGH

Esthetician

Most common first role

Beauty Makeup Artist

Bridal, mortuary, and special occasions

Spa Esthetician

Resort + Medi-spa settings

Wax Technician

Resort + Medi-spa Settings

Working at:

DEC Esthetics graduates work at spas, salons, and medical spas across multiple counties including, but not limited to Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Allegheny Counties. Below are a list of salons and spas across SW PA that have employed DEC Esthetic graduates.

Artisan Colour Spa & Salon

BX Beauty Lounge

Cloud 9 Studio

DekaLash

European Wax Center

Flawless Finishes Lash & Brow Bar

Glam, Glitter & Glow

Glow Luxe Aesthetics

Gypsy Soul Spa

Hand & Stone

Innovative Wellness Center Medical Spa

Jade & Rory Med Spa

La Marie Brow Club

Lashes and Diamonds Spa

Luxury Lash & Brow Studio

Massage Envy

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Obsessions Beauty Bar

Onyx Wellness Spa

PAINT Nail Bar

Platinum Salon & Spa

Reign Salon & Spa

Shear Serenity Spa and Salon

Spa 309

Spa Harmony

Stonewater Salon & Spa

Synergy Salon & Day Spa

Ulta

Upper Class Hippie

WaxxPot

Deanna Damerow and Co.

Salon Amara

Toscano’s Beauty Salon

Rustic Beauty

Cuts N’ Such

Lash’d By Tammy

Plus dozens more, and the studios our graduates have opened themselves.

Alumni spotlight.

Real graduates, real employers, real names.

Graduate (Esthetics)

Heidi Chester

"I loved Douglas Education Center. It was the best decision I could make. I was a massage therapist when I came to the esthetics program. I fell in love with the instructors ,I loved the program. It was only four months, and it got me to where I needed to be today. Having dual licensure in cosmetology, skincare/esthetics, nail tech, or massage therapy, having any type of dual license, is very beneficial in the field."

Who’s at the table.

Learn from a licensed Cosmetology Teacher who has worked at spas and salons across southwestern Pennsylvania, with chair time before the classroom to teach you every technique they show you.

BONNIE PITZARELLA

A.S.T. Cosmetology Management · Pittsburgh Beauty Academy · Licensed Cosmetology Teacher

Since joining DEC in 2004, Bonnie has become a trusted leader in esthetics education, drawing on her personal industry knowledge and practical salon insight to guide students and build strong connections throughout the beauty community.

You asked.We answered.

What are the admission requirements for this program?

A prospective student seeking admission to the Esthetics program must:

Be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate.
Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00).
Request an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department.
Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17.
Sign an Enrollment Agreement.

How long is the program and what is the schedule?

Length: 4 months/1 semester
Classes typically held Monday-Thursday; 3 classes (on-ground)
All Cosmetology programs’ (Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Esthetician and Nail Technologist) courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. In general, students attend four days per week; 7.5 hours per day for a total of 30 hours per week. Students do not attend class more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Funding options may include private financing options, Veterans’ Education Benefits, agency-sponsored funding (e.g. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), and external scholarships.

What will I be able to do after I graduate?

Training in advanced skincare techniques prepares graduates to support skin health and enhance natural beauty through a variety of professional treatments. Career opportunities include:

Licensed Esthetician
Spa Esthetician
Medical Spa Esthetician
Skincare Specialist
Facial Specialist
Makeup Artist
Brow and Lash Specialist
Beauty Consultant
Wellness Spa Specialist
Resort or Destination Spa Esthetician
Salon Esthetician
Skincare Product Educator

What does a typical class day look like?

Class days vary by course and topic. Some days focus on theory-based classroom learning, while others emphasize hands-on practice and clinic experiences to build real-world skills.

What certifications or licenses does this program prepare me for?

Preparation to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board examination for Esthetics
Certificate for specialized training in Eyelash Extension, Ear Candling, Spray Tanning, Specialized Waxing, and Microdermabrasion
Certificate of training using TCA Peel
Certificate of training in DMK Fundamentals

What is the difference between esthetics and cosmetology?

Think of cosmetology as a broad career path centered on hair, while esthetics is a deep dive exclusive to skincare. The Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology defines a full cosmetologist license as a broad credential covering hair, skin, and nails, whereas esthetics is a limited license explicitly focused on facial care and skincare.

Does this program prepare me to take the Pennsylvania esthetics licensing exam?

Yes, our Esthetics Program is explicitly designed to meet and exceed the licensing requirements set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. Our program provides you with 450 hours of comprehensive training and instruction to ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam and your future career.

Our curriculum prepares you for success through the following components:

Dedicated Board Prep: This curriculum includes a dedicated State Board Preparation course to practice the exact safety, sanitation, and theory material covered on the written exam.
DEC Practical Exam: Additionally, while the state board focuses on a written test, DEC requires a hands-on practical exam to ensure you are fully confident.
On-Campus Student Clinic: You will build your hands-on skills by working on actual clients in our supervised, on-campus student clinic.

Will I practice on real clients during the program?

Yes, once you master your foundational skills in the classroom, you will transition to working with real clients in our on-campus student clinic. This hands-on environment operates just like a real spa, giving you the face-to-face experience you need to feel confident after graduation.

Here is how the student clinic prepares you for the real world:

Real Spa Experience: Under the direct supervision of our licensed instructors, you will perform skin analyses, customized facials, makeup applications, and body hair removal on actual clients.
Mastering Techniques: You won’t just practice basic steps. The clinic gives you hands-on experience performing spa treatments, working with skincare applications, and practicing the services that clients ask for every day.
Building Business Skills: Beyond the skincare treatments, you will learn how to greet guests, consult with clients about their skin goals, and recommend professional retail products. These are the exact customer service skills that spa owners love to see.

While you’re here:

Other Beauty & Wellness paths that share faculty and complement the esthetics profession:

ESTHETICIAN
+ NAIL TECH.

Train in skincare and nail services, then graduate prepared for two Pennsylvania licenses.

ADV. COSMETIC
TECHNIQUES.

Cosmetology Program

* Requires an Esthetics or Cosmetology license.

What schedule does the program follow?

Six modules — structured around PA State Board esthetics exam categories. All 600 hours are hands-on in the Monessen Student Clinic or active lab sessions.

DEC’s Esthetics curriculum is built around five hands-on modalities — anchored by Danne product knowledge. Service-menu ready on graduation day.

Five modalities,
one signature cert.

DEC SIGNATURE CERT

Danne.

Clinical-grade Danne Montague-King product knowledge — embedded in the curriculum. The premium skincare line spa hires for. *Full Danne certification requires additional training and fees, scheduled with a Danne representative.

FIVE MODALITIES · EMBEDDED IN CURRICULUM

Hands on every skin type.

01 Microdermabrasion

Mechanical resurfacing — service tickets that scale fast.

02 Chemical Peels

AHA/BHA/TCA protocols — clinical-grade exfoliation.

03 Ear Candling

Wellness add-on — low cost, repeat-client ritual.

04 Spray Tanning

Sunless tan service — fast turnover, high margin.

05 Waxing

Face + body — highest-frequency line on any menu.

YOUR TREATMENT ROOM IS

waiting.

1-800-413-6013 · dec@dec.edu · 130 7th Street, Monessen, PA 15062

ESTHETICS program

What you will do:

The numbers, verified.

4 MO

84%

OCT 1

YES

450 HRS

100%

92%

What you will learn.

Microdermabrasion

Chemical Peels

Ear Candling

Spray Tanning

Waxing

Skills you’ll walk out with:

Perform a full facial: analysis, cleanse, exfoliation, and facial mask to PA licensure standards.

Prepare to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board esthetics exam.

Deliver microdermabrasion and chemical peel services safely and confidently.

Apply professional make-up artistry techniques for client services and events.

Perform waxing, spray tanning, and ear candling for a full spa service menu.

Use DMK product knowledge to build skin care regimens for real clients.

Walk into a spa or med spa interview with hands-on hours.

Create an atmosphere where your clients can relax and leave feeling satisfied.

Want the full skill list?

450 hours, broken down.

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES & SCIENCE

MAKE-UP

FACIAL TECHNIQUES, WAXING BODY TREATMENTS

AI.can't analyze skin.

Get the full guide.

Real numbers, real schedule, no sales pitch. Know exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit.

Where the career goes.

HIGH

Esthetician

Beauty Makeup Artist

Spa Esthetician

Wax Technician

Working at:

Plus dozens more, and the studios our graduates have opened themselves.

Alumni spotlight.

Heidi Chester

Who’s at the table.

BONNIE PITZARELLA

You asked.We answered.

While you’re here:

ESTHETICIAN+ NAIL TECH.

ADV. COSMETICTECHNIQUES.

What schedule does the program follow?

Five modalities,one signature cert.

Danne.

Hands on every skin type.

01

Microdermabrasion

02

Chemical Peels

03

Ear Candling

04

Spray Tanning

05

Waxing

YOUR TREATMENT ROOM IS

waiting.

ESTHETICIAN
+ NAIL TECH.

ADV. COSMETIC
TECHNIQUES.

Five modalities,
one signature cert.