Programs

At DSI Aesthetics Academy, we offer hands-on, career-focused training in skin care, nails, and beauty. Our programs meet Virginia’s licensing requirements, prepare students for the State Board Licensing exam and launch successful careers in the skin care, nails and beauty industry.

Whether you’re just beginning or advancing your skills, our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. You’ll gain valuable experience with cutting-edge equipment, professional-grade products, and guidance from expert instructors who are passionate about your success.

Basic Esthetician Program

Hours: 600 hours

Overview: The Basic Esthetics Licensing Program covers all fundamentals of skin care therapy and topics covered on the State Board Licensing exam. The Basic Esthetics Licensing Exam, given by the Virginia State Board, includes both practical and theoretical sections. Completing all coursework successfully at DSI Academy should prepare the graduate to pass the Licensing Exam.

Coursework Overview (allocated hours):

Orientation & Business Topics (25) An introduction to school policies and the beauty industry.
Laws & Regulations (10) An introduction to industry laws and regulations.
General Sciences (80) An overview of industry relevant biological topics and health information.
Applied Sciences (95) In-depth overview of the sciences of the human body.
Skin Care (255) Prepares students for practical skills in the Skin Care Therapy industry.
Make-Up (65) An introduction to the application of cosmetics.
Body & Other Treatments (20) An introduction to aesthetics and therapeutic treatments.
Hair Removal (50) Complete overview of hair removal techniques.

See Admissions Page for program schedule, costs, and tuition.

Master Esthetician Program

Hours: 600 hours
Overview: The Master Esthetics Licensing Program covers the course work and practical requirements necessary for passing the Virginia State Board examination. The Master Esthetics Licensing Exam, given by the Virginia State Board, includes both practical and theoretical sections. Our expert instructors will cover advanced topics including Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and other Intricate Procedures.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Basic Esthetics Program is a prerequisite for enrollment in the Master Esthetics Program.

Coursework Overview (allocated hours):

Orientation, Advanced Business Subjects and Infection Control (45) School Policies and procedures, professional ethics and practices, insurance and liability, confidentiality and heath insurance.
State Laws, Rules and Regulations (10)
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology (65) Advanced skin structure and functions, advanced skin typing and conditions, advanced disease and disorders, advanced cosmetic ingredients, pharmacology and advanced homecare.
Advanced Skin Care & Modalities (90) Microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, indications/contraindications for crystal microdermabrasion, general procedures and safety measures, equipment safety, waste disposal and safety, techniques and proper protocols, application and consultation for advanced skin care etc.
Advanced Procedures and Chemical Exfoliation (270) Advanced skin analysis and consultation, health screening and documentation, advanced procedures, light treatments, Light-Emitting Diode (LED), Intense Pulsed Light Device (IPL), advanced manual, machine and electric treatments, microcurrent and ultrasound, chemical exfoliation and peels, skin care fundamentals, pretreatment and post treatment for chemical exfoliation and peels, enzymes, herbal exfoliations and vitamin-based peels, alpha hydroxy peels, beta hydroxy peels, Jessner and modified Jessner Peels application and consultation, etc.
Lymphatic Drainage (120) Introduction to lymphatic drainage, tissues and organs of the lymphatic system functions of the lymphatic system, immunity, etiology of edema, indications and contraindications for lymphatic drainage, manipulations and movements, face and neck treatment sequence etc.

See Admissions Page for program schedule, costs, and tuition.

Nail Technician Program

Hours: 150 hours
Overview: The Nail Tech Licensing Program teaches the course work and practical requirements necessary for passing the Virginia State Board examination. During the 150 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, students will learn the fundamentals of nail technology.

Coursework Overview (allocated hours):

Orientation (5) School policies and procedures, code of ethics, career opportunities
Anatomy & Physiology (15) Composition of the nail, nail growth, nail diseases and disorders
Nail theory and nail structure and composition (10)
Diseases and disorders of the nail (10)
Sterilization, sanitation, bacteriology, and safety (35)
Nail procedures (i.e., manicuring, pedicuring, and nail extensions) (75)

See Admissions Page for program schedule, costs, and tuition.

Permanent Cosmetics Program

Hours: 200 hours
Overview: Our Permanent Cosmetics/Tattoo Licensing Program covers the coursework and practical requirements necessary for passing the Virginia State Board examination that allows you to obtain licensure and practice in Virginia and other states. This program covers all fundamentals of the application of permanent cosmetics and topics covered on the Virginia State Board Licensing exam.

The primary purpose of this program is to prepare individuals to prepare and apply permanent markings, color, and cosmetic products to the face and body for aesthetic or clinical purposes, to remove unwanted markings, and to function as licensed permanent makeup artists and tattooists.

Coursework Overview:

Sanitation, sterilization, and OSHA and CDC standards/Guidelines
Color theory
Skin anatomy
Blood-borne pathogens
Permanent makeup application techniques
Conventional and new needle configurations
Eyebrows and eyeliner
Procedures on live models
Basic marketing strategies

See Admissions Page for program schedule, costs, and tuition.