Esthetician/Spa Management

Our Program

Humber's Esthetician/Spa Management diploma gives you the business management and beauty skills you need for a career in the wellness industry.

On the business side, learn the fundamentals of business writing, sales and presentation strategies, retail buying, spa finance and day-to-day spa management. Spa and esthetician courses focus on nail care technologies, facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, cosmetic applications, product knowledge and body treatments, including hot stone massage and aromatherapy.

At Humber, you get to practice what you're learning and improve your skills at The Humber Spa, a full-service classroom and retail boutique open to the public year-round. Manage the administrative functions of the spa, including reception, appointment scheduling, product sales and marketing. Working under the guidance of a qualified instructor, you will provide facials, makeup applications, hand and foot care and body treatments to clientele.

As a graduate, you will be qualified to begin your own spa business, apply for positions that require practical experience and have a range of knowledge in traditional and medical spa treatments.

In first semester, students will be introduced to spa management and client services, anatomy, physiology of the skin, skin care, and begin to train in traditional esthetics.

In second semester, students study advanced facial techniques and computer applications. In the third semester, study marketing, cosmetic applications, finance, medical spa services and hands on experience in the practical lab classes.

In the final semester, students learn about retail operations, human resource management, small business management and hands-on experience at the Humber spa.

Your Career

Start your career in the thriving health and wellness industry.

As a large and growing industry with eight million active spa-goers in Canada, wellness is big business. Humber's Esthetician/Spa Management program is your opportunity to join the field.

The explosion over the last decade in both the number and variety of spas is good news for your career. Toronto and southern Ontario are home to many spas and wellness centres; in addition, you can work around the world in what is a $250 billion industry (according to SpaFinder Inc.). Seek management opportunities at day spas, hotel and resort spas, destination spas, fitness and sports clinics, health and wellness clubs, condominium spas, nail bars and medical spas. Business courses prepare you for the operations aspect of this industry.

With spas offering a broad range of services, you can also work as an esthetician, medical esthetician, skin care therapist, nail technician, front-line staff member or retail sales specialist.

Join the excitement of this booming sector and experience the blissful reward of helping people fulfill their desire to improve their bodies, minds and spirits.

Our Facilities

Students receive extensive hands-on experience in spa management and esthetician skills in the Spa@Humber lab.

The student labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

Work Placement

Two work placements offer students experience working with clients. This placement will be on site at The Humber Spa.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy
Three Grade 11 or Grade 12C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing to determine equivalencies. Invitation and booking of admission testing is done using the email address provided on the online application

Note: For more information, refer to Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Fees / Scholarships

The 2013/2014 fee for two semesters is

domestic $4,193.58
international $12,950.

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first three semesters of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name
BSPA 100	Introduction to Spa Management and Client Service Introduction to Spa Management and Client Service Course Code: BSPA 100 This course will introduce students to the spa industry and provide knowledge of the historical significance of spas, as well as what the future holds for this rapidly growing industry. Topics include: spa architecture and design, brand recognition, marketing tools to represent your spa to clients, purchasing products, infection prevention and control best practices for personal service settings, equipment and communication systems designed specifically for spas. There is a focus on good business practices; such as, client management, ethics and employee relations.
BSPA 104	Facial Techniques Facial Techniques Course Code: BSPA 104 Through hands-on learning, students apply the knowledge gained in BSPA 111 Physiology of the Skin and BSPA 113 Cosmetic Product Knowledge an opportunity to observe and perform a client consultation, and make recommendations to their clients in a 30/60 minute facial based on their skin type and conditions. During this process, students will be able to reveal client contraindications and fulfill client expectations.
BSPA 110	Professional Skin Care Professional Skin Care Course Code: BSPA 110 This course familiarizes students with the ingredients used in the production of cosmetic, skin and body-care products as they relate to marketing issues. A survey of generic skin types, cosmetic categories, ingredients and the manufacturing process provides a good basis for developing the students? knowledge of cosmetic products. Students will have an opportunity to perform a client consultation and make recommendations to their clients based on their skin type and conditions that will not only reveal any contraindications but give you an idea of what the client?s expectations are of the service.
BSPA 111	Physiology of the Skin Physiology of the Skin Course Code: BSPA 111 This course will introduce students to major body systems and their functions to gain the foundation and knowledge needed for all practical spa treatments and application courses. The course covers the basic foundation for understanding the human body and the mechanisms by which the body functions and will prepare students for subsequent courses, such as BSPA 104, 150, 154, 205, 251 and 256. Topics include the nervous system, circulatory system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, muscles, joints, bone structure, and a strong emphasis on the structure of the skin and nails. Students will learn how to analyze sin types, diseases, conditions and disorders. Reflexology, basic massage techniques, and aromatherapy will also be discussed while understanding the benefits and contraindications of treatments and techniques.
GNED 101	An Introduction to Arts and Science An Introduction to Arts and Science Course Code: GNED 101 The humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts. The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
WRIT 100	College Reading and Writing Skills College Reading and Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 100 College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain. Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English. To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. To complete WRIT 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name
BSPA 150	Nail Care Technologies Nail Care Technologies Course Code: BSPA 150 This course will provide students with the opportunity to practice nail care skills through practical applications and demonstrations in a lab setting. Students will apply information taught in BSPA 111 in conjunction with this course and will have the opportunity to perform and practice; step-by-step procedures essential for manicures and pedicures, paraffin treatments, basic hand and arm massage, French manicures, and contamination control and disinfection. This course will prepare students for the subsequent Humber Spa Lab BSPA 205 and 256 courses. Professional attitude, ethical behavior, client care and cleanliness are stressed, as well as the correct use of spa implements and products. Spa industry standards, regulations, policies, procedures, health, safety, and sanitation and infection control guidelines are practiced. A strong emphasis is placed on the timeliness of services in order to ensure students capability and success in the workplace.
BSPA 151	Computer Applications Computer Applications Course Code: BSPA 151 Technology has transformed our lives in the last decade and strong computer skills have become crucial to finding employment. This hybrid course provides students with resources and guidance to develop skills in Microsoft Office 2007 applications, focusing on three key areas: Word, PowerPoint and Excel. It is a self-taught course, where student access and master the material through the web-based training program, MyITLab. While learning about Office 2007, students will develop skills in self-discipline and detail orientation, while learning to troubleshoot their computers, install and configure software. The training program works through a simulation program. It provides video and audio assistance to enhance learning. Tutorial assistance for all weekly assignments will be available in the lab time that is assigned to each student. All communication and course-related assistance will be provided through learning management system - Blackboard via the website. Students will also be given the course eBook, a memory stick and a headphone set to assist with the audio component through the simulation program.
BSPA 154	Personal Care Applications Personal Care Applications Course Code: BSPA 154 This course is the practical application of information taught in the previous BSPA 100, BSPA 111 and BSPA 113 courses. This course will provide students with the practical experience of performing personal care applications on clients while ensuring privacy and comfort. Students will have the opportunity to address client?s epilation needs and will practice and perform temporary hair removal from the legs, chest, back, underarms, arms, and bikini areas. Students will practice these forms of hair removal under lab technologist guidance and supervision, while understanding the benefits and contra-indications of such treatments and their protocols. Spa industry standards, regulations, policies, procedures, health, safety, and sanitation and infection control guidelines are practiced. A strong emphasis is placed on the timeliness of services in order to ensure students capability and success in the workplace.
BSPA 155	Advanced Facial Techniques Advanced Facial Techniques Course Code: BSPA 155 This course continues the learning and skills gained in the Cosmetic Product Knowledge and Physiology of the Skin courses. Students will gain the skills required for performing 60-minute facials and specialized facial treatments. Students will obtain practical experience in advanced facial treatments using high frequency, galvanic current, suction and vac spray. Proper sterilization and hygienic practices will be emphasized to ensure industry health and safety standards, sanitation, and infection control guidelines are met.
GNED	General Education Elective General Education Elective Course Code: GNED The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences Anthropology ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology Arts ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces Cultural Studies CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower CULT 239 Digital Culture CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture Economics ECON 110 Real Life Economics ECON 204 People, Money and Markets ECON 206 The History of Money English ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction ENGL 247 Life Stories ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground Geography GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario GEOG 212 Political Geography History HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century HIST 217 History of War HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989 Humanities HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise HUMA 235 World Religions HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives! HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion Languages SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1 Philosophy PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 217 Ethical Issues PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex PHIL 227 Business Ethics PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics Political Science POLS 110 Introduction to Politics POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics POLS 219 Globalization POLS 223 War and Terrorism POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics Psychology PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental PSYC 220 Psychology - Social PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal Science SCIE 110 The Science of Everything SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe SCIE 216 Origins of Life SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth SCIE 221 The Environment SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs Sociology SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet SOCI 219 Sport and Society SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference SOCI 234 Society and Conflict SOCI 236 Issues in Crime SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion SOCI 238 Sociology of Food SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions SOCI 247 Leadership SOCI 249 Imagining the City SOCI 257 Canada Today SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues
WRIT 200	Workplace Writing Skills Workplace Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 200 Business Writing Skills introduces students to the strategies of effective written workplace communication. This course is designed to build on and reinforce the writing skills developed in WRIT 100 and requires students to apply these skills to vocationally relevant assignments. Students will learn how to select and organize pertinent information according to purpose and audience and will practise presenting their ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively in various written formats. To complete WRIT 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet.

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name
BSPA 200	Introduction to Marketing Introduction to Marketing Course Code: BSPA 200 This course will provide students with a basic knowledge of the marketing process, which includes understanding of the marketing environment, population demographics, targets and segments including geographic, psychographic, behavior response and competitive positioning. The marketing mix of the four P?s ? product, place, price, promotion ? are explored in both the generic concept of marketing and, most importantly, in the concept of services marketing, which is essential to the spa industry. Additionally, brand, logo and advertising are emphasized, culminating in the creation of a spa brochure by each student. Students will also interpret marketing activities directed toward them as spa owners.
BSPA 202	Cosmetic Applications Cosmetic Applications Course Code: BSPA 202 This course has been designed to demonstrate the importance of using professional tools in the application of cosmetics in order to achieve the desired results. Through demonstration and practical assessment, students will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the product knowledge from Cosmetic Product Knowledge, and practical skills of correctional make-up techniques including colour theories and relationships, face, brows, eyes and lip applications.
BSPA 205	Spa at Humber Lab 1 and 2 Spa at Humber Lab 1 and 2 Course Code: BSPA 205 Students, under faculty supervision and through participation in the in-school Spa@Humber, continue practicing client services, including manicures, pedicures and mini-facials. Professionalism and customer care are critical to this in school participation. Spa industry standards, regulations, policies, procedures, ethical, health, safety, sanitation and infection control guidelines are practiced. Spa equipment is used appropriately. As well, students are introduced to the administration aspects of client services such as reception, performing bookings, handling accounts, sale of products and marketing. This lab reinforces material taught in first semester and also BSPA 155, BSPA 154 and BSPA 202.
BSPA 212	Spa Finance Spa Finance Course Code:
BSPA 213	The Medical Spa The Medical Spa Course Code:
GNED	General Education Elective General Education Elective Course Code: GNED The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences Anthropology ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology Arts ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces Cultural Studies CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower CULT 239 Digital Culture CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture Economics ECON 110 Real Life Economics ECON 204 People, Money and Markets ECON 206 The History of Money English ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction ENGL 247 Life Stories ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground Geography GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario GEOG 212 Political Geography History HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century HIST 217 History of War HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989 Humanities HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise HUMA 235 World Religions HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives! HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion Languages SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1 Philosophy PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 217 Ethical Issues PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex PHIL 227 Business Ethics PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics Political Science POLS 110 Introduction to Politics POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics POLS 219 Globalization POLS 223 War and Terrorism POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics Psychology PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental PSYC 220 Psychology - Social PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal Science SCIE 110 The Science of Everything SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe SCIE 216 Origins of Life SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth SCIE 221 The Environment SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs Sociology SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet SOCI 219 Sport and Society SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference SOCI 234 Society and Conflict SOCI 236 Issues in Crime SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion SOCI 238 Sociology of Food SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions SOCI 247 Leadership SOCI 249 Imagining the City SOCI 257 Canada Today SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name
BSPA 250	Spa Treatments and Therapies Spa Treatments and Therapies Course Code:
BSPA 251	Retail Buying Retail Buying Course Code: BSPA 251 This course is the practical application of information taught in the previous BSPA 100 and BSPA 111 courses. This course, along with the prerequisites, will provide students with the practical experience of performing body treatments and therapies on clients while ensuring privacy and comfort. Students will have the opportunity to address client?s health and esthetic needs and will practice and perform services such as; back facials and body treatments including dry bush and salt glows, massage techniques, aromatherapy, and body and hot stone massage. Students will practice these applications, under lab technologist supervision, while understanding the benefits and contra-indications of such treatments and their protocols.
BSPA 252	Spa - Humber Lab 3 and 4 Spa - Humber Lab 3 and 4 Course Code: BSPA 252 Retail is a critical component that contributes to the smooth operation and profitability of a spa business. The spa experience should not end when the customer leaves the spa and the successful management of the retail products can be a profitable and rewarding extension of the spa experience. This course provides students with the business tools and information to understand the essence of retail planning, the science of retail (purchasing, inventory management), as well as the art of retail (visual presentation, marketing).
BSPA 253	Human Resources Management Human Resources Management Course Code:
BSPA 254	Small Business Management Small Business Management Course Code:
BSPA 255	The Medical Spa 2 The Medical Spa 2 Course Code:

May 2013 Program Availability

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Esthetician/Spa Management

The Business School

Our Program

Your Career

Our Facilities

Work Placement

Admission Requirements

Fees / Scholarships

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Introduction to Spa Management and Client Service

Facial Techniques

Professional Skin Care

Physiology of the Skin

An Introduction to Arts and Science

College Reading and Writing Skills

Semester 2

Nail Care Technologies

Computer Applications

Personal Care Applications

Advanced Facial Techniques

General Education Elective

Workplace Writing Skills

Semester 3

Introduction to Marketing

Cosmetic Applications

Spa at Humber Lab 1 and 2

Spa Finance

The Medical Spa

General Education Elective

Semester 4

Spa Treatments and Therapies

Retail Buying

Spa - Humber Lab 3 and 4

Human Resources Management

Small Business Management

The Medical Spa 2