How Long Does Esthetics School Take in Utah? 2026 Guide

Last reviewed: August 2026

If you’re researching how long esthetics school takes in Utah, you may be finding conflicting answers online. Some older resources still refer to a 600-hour Basic Esthetics program, while others describe a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program.

That difference is important because Utah’s esthetics licensing structure changed beginning January 1, 2026.

For new students beginning esthetics education at Renaissance Academie today, RACE offers a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program in Provo, Utah. How long it takes to complete those 1,200 hours depends on the schedule you choose and your attendance.

How Many Hours Is Esthetics School in Utah?

For students pursuing Utah’s current Master Esthetician license through a school-based pathway, the training requirement is 1,200 hours.

Renaissance Academie’s Master Esthetics program is therefore 1,200 clock hours.

RACE offers multiple schedule options, so students may complete the same program hours at different weekly paces depending on the schedule selected.

Current estimated completion ranges include approximately:

• 35 hours per week: 35–39 weeks
• 30 hours per week: 40–44 weeks
• 25 hours per week: 48–52 weeks
• 20 hours per week: 60–64 weeks

Actual completion time depends on attendance, individual scheduling, approved interruptions, and completion of all program requirements.

Because schedules may change, prospective students should review RACE’s current Master Esthetics program information or speak with Admissions for the schedule available for an upcoming class.

What Happened to Utah’s 600-Hour Basic Esthetics Program?

Before 2026, Utah offered a 600-hour pathway toward an esthetics license commonly referred to as Basic Esthetics.

Utah changed that licensing structure effective January 1, 2026.

Under current Utah law, the Division of Professional Licensing generally may not issue a new legacy esthetics license after January 1, 2026. A transition exception exists for qualifying students or apprentices who had already begun an eligible esthetics program or apprenticeship by that date.

Because of this change, Renaissance Academie no longer offers the former 600-hour Basic Esthetics program as a new enrollment pathway.

Students who began qualifying Basic Esthetics training before January 1, 2026 should work with their school and the Utah Division of Professional Licensing to determine which transition requirements apply to them.

What Is Master Esthetics?

Master Esthetics provides both foundational skincare education and more advanced esthetics training.

RACE’s 1,200-hour program is designed to prepare students for applicable Utah licensing requirements while developing technical skills, client-care experience, and professional confidence.

Training may include areas such as:

• Professional skin analysis
• Facial treatments
• Hair removal
• Advanced exfoliation
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Dermaplaning
• Advanced esthetics equipment and modalities
• Laser and light-based procedures where permitted
• Body treatments
• Lash and brow services
• Product knowledge
• Infection control and safety
• Client consultation
• Business and career development
• State licensing preparation

Students also have opportunities to practice skills through supervised hands-on education and client services.

How Long Does RACE’s Master Esthetics Program Take?

A student attending approximately 35 hours per week may be able to complete the program in roughly nine months.

Students choosing a more flexible part-time schedule may take approximately one year or longer.

For example, RACE’s current estimated completion windows range from approximately 35 weeks at the highest weekly schedule to 60–64 weeks at 20 hours per week.

That flexibility can be helpful for students balancing education with work, family, or other responsibilities.

The important thing to remember is that every student must still successfully complete the required 1,200 program hours and all other graduation requirements.

Can You Attend Esthetics School Part-Time?

Yes. RACE offers schedule options designed to accommodate different weekly availability.

A student attending fewer hours each week will generally take longer to complete the program than someone attending on a higher-hour schedule.

When comparing esthetics schools, ask about:

• Required weekly attendance
• Day and evening availability
• Full-time and part-time schedules
• Distance-education options
• Hands-on campus requirements
• How missed hours affect graduation
• Maximum program completion requirements

The fastest schedule is not always the best schedule. Choosing one you can attend consistently is often more important for staying on track.

Does RACE Offer Distance Education for Master Esthetics?

RACE offers an approved distance-education option for eligible portions of the Master Esthetics program.

Students still complete required hands-on education on campus. Distance education does not replace the practical training and supervised experience necessary to develop professional esthetics skills.

The total Master Esthetics program remains 1,200 hours, regardless of the approved delivery format.

Because the exact distribution of campus and distance-education hours is established through the current program and enrollment agreement, prospective students should review RACE’s current program information for the most up-to-date breakdown.

Does Distance Education Make Esthetics School Faster?

Not necessarily.

Distance education can provide greater flexibility in where certain eligible coursework is completed, but it does not reduce the number of program hours required for graduation.

A student’s overall completion time still depends primarily on:

• Contracted weekly schedule
• Attendance
• Completion of campus requirements
• Completion of distance-education coursework
• Academic progress
• Practical requirements

The benefit is flexibility—not a shortcut around required training.

What Can Affect How Long Esthetics School Takes?

Two students enrolled in the same 1,200-hour program may graduate on different dates.

Several factors can affect your timeline.

Your Weekly Schedule

Someone attending 35 hours per week will generally progress more quickly than someone attending 20 hours per week.

Attendance

Consistent attendance is one of the biggest factors in staying on track. Missed scheduled hours can move your anticipated graduation date later.

Academic Progress

Students must successfully complete required academic coursework, assignments, testing, and practical requirements.

Hands-On Requirements

Master Esthetics is a hands-on profession. Students must complete applicable practical education and supervised training, not simply online coursework.

Leave of Absence

An approved leave of absence can temporarily pause training and extend the expected completion date.

Transfer Hours

Students with documented prior beauty-school or eligible training hours may be evaluated individually to determine whether any hours can be accepted toward the current program.

What Will I Learn During 1,200 Hours of Master Esthetics School?

The purpose of the 1,200 hours is not simply to satisfy a clock-hour requirement.

Students are developing professional knowledge and practical skills that build throughout the program.

Early education may focus on subjects such as:

• Skin anatomy and physiology
• Infection control
• Product knowledge
• Client consultation
• Foundational facial techniques
• Professional procedures and safety

As students progress, education expands into more advanced skincare treatments, technologies, practical applications, and supervised client experience.

Students also prepare for the licensing process and the professional expectations they may encounter after graduation.

Is Master Esthetics Different From Cosmetology?

Yes.

While Utah Cosmetology education includes some foundational skincare concepts, Master Esthetics is specifically focused on professional and advanced skincare education.

Master Esthetics may be the stronger fit for someone whose career interests center around:

• Skincare
• Advanced facial treatments
• Corrective esthetics
• Spa environments
• Med-spa environments
• Advanced esthetics technology
• Client skincare programs

Students primarily interested in hair, haircutting, coloring, and broader cosmetology services may want to explore RACE’s Cosmetology or Hair Design programs instead.

What Careers Can Master Esthetics Graduates Explore?

Career opportunities depend on licensing, employer requirements, experience, additional training, and the services an individual is legally permitted and qualified to perform.

Master Esthetics graduates may explore opportunities in environments such as:

• Day spas
• Medical spas
• Advanced skincare clinics
• Dermatology or plastic-surgery settings where appropriate
• Resort or destination spas
• Salons offering skincare services
• Independent skincare businesses

Students interested in a particular career setting should ask Admissions and prospective employers about education, licensing, supervision, and experience requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed After Esthetics School?

Completing school is one part of the licensing process.

After meeting program requirements, graduates must complete the applicable Utah licensing steps in effect at the time they graduate. Depending on current requirements, this may include examinations, applications, fees, and verification of completed education.

Testing availability and application processing can add time between graduation and issuance of a license.

Students should review current licensing requirements through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) rather than relying on older online information.

Is Master Esthetics School Worth the Time Commitment?

That depends on your career goals.

A 1,200-hour program is a significant commitment, but it also provides substantially more time to develop skincare knowledge, practical technique, client experience, and professional confidence.

When comparing programs, consider more than simply which school can be completed fastest.

Ask about:

• Hands-on experience
• Instructor support
• State licensing preparation
• Curriculum
• Student outcomes
• Flexible scheduling
• Campus environment
• Client experience
• Career preparation
• Total program cost

The right program should help prepare you not only to complete school, but to take your next professional step with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours is Master Esthetics school in Utah?

Utah’s current school-based Master Esthetics pathway requires 1,200 hours of training.

How long is RACE’s Master Esthetics program?

RACE’s estimated completion time currently ranges from approximately 35–39 weeks at 35 hours per week to 60–64 weeks at 20 hours per week, depending on the student’s schedule and attendance.

Is Basic Esthetics still available in Utah?

Utah generally stopped issuing new legacy esthetics licenses after January 1, 2026. A transition exception exists for certain students and apprentices who began qualifying training before that date. RACE does not currently enroll new students in its former 600-hour Basic Esthetics program.

Can I attend Master Esthetics school part-time?

Yes. Renaissance Academie offers multiple scheduling options, including part-time schedules.

Can some Master Esthetics education be completed remotely?

RACE offers an approved distance-education option for eligible coursework while required hands-on education is completed on campus.

Does RACE offer Financial Aid for Master Esthetics?

Federal Student Aid may be available to students who qualify and meet applicable eligibility requirements in RACE’s eligible Master Esthetics program.

Explore Master Esthetics at Renaissance Academie

Renaissance Academie offers a 1,200-hour Master Esthetics program in Provo, Utah designed for students who want comprehensive professional skincare education.

Students can build knowledge and confidence through classroom education, designated distance education, practical training, supervised client experience, and preparation for Utah licensing requirements.

Explore the Renaissance Academie Master Esthetics Program for current schedules, curriculum, costs, start dates, and Financial Aid information.

Or schedule a campus tour to see RACE’s classrooms and student spa, meet our team, and talk through which schedule may work best for you.

Licensing requirements and scopes of practice are established by the State of Utah and may change. Prospective students should consult the Utah Division of Professional Licensing for current requirements applicable to their individual circumstances.