Q & A
🧴 Esthetician School FAQs | Southwest Washington Esthetics Institute in Longview, WA
Considering esthetics school in Washington? Learn everything you need to know about Southwest Washington Esthetics Institute — from programs and start dates to tuition, hands-on training, and licensing. Students travel from Vancouver, Kelso, Longview, Astoria, Naselle, Long Beach, Cathlamet, Kalama, Castle Rock, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Woodland, Chehalis, Centralia, Olympia and more to train with us.
Our Owner and Director brings over 17 years of Esthetics Experience as a Licensed Master Esthetician and owner of a successful Med Spa for those 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetics Programs in Southwest Washington
If you’re passionate about skincare and want a rewarding career helping others look and feel their best, you’ve come to the right place. At Southwest Washington Esthetics Institute (SWEI) in Longview, WA, we’re proud to train future estheticians through high-quality education, clinical experience, and hands-on learning.
Below are answers to the most common questions from students considering our Basic, Master, or Combined Masters Esthetics Licensing Programs.
1. What programs does Southwest Washington Esthetics Institute offer?
We offer three state-licensed programs designed to fit your career goals:
- Basic Esthetician Program (750 hours): Foundational training in facials, skincare, waxing, and makeup.
- Master Esthetician Program (500 hours): Advanced training in chemical peels, lasers, RF microneedling, SkinPen, and clinical skincare.
- Combined Basic + Master Program (1200 hours): A complete path to become a licensed Master Esthetician in Washington.
2. How long does each esthetics program take?
Program completion depends on your schedule:
- Basic Esthetics: 5–6 months
- Master Esthetics: 3–4 months (for licensed estheticians)
- Combined Program: 8–9 months total
We also offer hybrid online/onsite learning options for flexibility.
3. Why choose SW WA Esthetics Institute?
SWEI stands apart because of our:
✨ Our Owner and Director brings over 17 years of Esthetics Experience as a Licensed Master Esthetician and owner of a successful Med Spa for those 17 years. You will have direct access to her knowledge and assistance with job placement or starting your own spa or med spa.
✨ Hands-on clinical training with real clients
✨ Small class sizes for personalized instruction
✨ Hybrid flexibility for working students
✨ Cutting-edge innovative equipment — lasers, SkinPen microneedling, RF microneedling, chemical peels, hydrofacial and more. Our team regularly attends national conferences and meets with the top technology vendors to bring you the latest education in advanced equipment.
Our students graduate confident, skilled, and career-ready for both spa and medical aesthetics settings.
4. Is the school licensed and approved?
Yes — we are licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing and meet all requirements for esthetics education in the state.
5. What hands-on experience will I get?
Students provide real services to real clients in our on-site clinical spa. Training includes:
- Customized facials & chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion & dermaplaning
- Waxing & brow artistry
- Advanced laser & SkinPen microneedling (for Master students)
6. Do you offer online or hybrid esthetics programs?
Yes! Our Hybrid Online / Onsite Esthetics Program lets students complete theory coursework online while attending practical training on campus. This flexible model is ideal for those commuting from:
- Vancouver, WA
- Camas
- Battle Ground
- Ridgefield
- Woodland
- Chehalis
- Centralia
- Olympia
7. What are your start dates?
We offer six start dates each year:
📅 January | March | May | July | September | November
Early registration is encouraged to secure your seat.
8. What are the admission requirements?
To enroll, you must:
✔ Be at least 17 years old
✔ Have a high school diploma or GED
✔ Complete an interview and submit your application with a $200 registration fee
9. What is included in tuition?
- Student kit & textbooks
- Professional skincare tools & products
- SWEI student uniforms
- First Aid/CPR certification (for Master students)
- NCEA membership (for Master students)
- AACP membership
10. How much does it cost to attend?
Tuition varies by program. You can explore payment and tuition details at the bottom of this page: CLICK HERE
11. What careers can I pursue after graduation?
Our graduates work in:
- Med spas & dermatology offices
- Day spas & luxury resorts
- Plastic surgery clinics
- Beauty salons & wellness centers
- Or open their own skincare business!
12. How do I become licensed after graduation?
Once you complete your program, you’ll take the Washington State Esthetics Licensing Exam. After passing, you’ll be officially licensed to practice as an esthetician or master esthetician in the state.
13. What should I bring on my first day?
We’ll provide your student kit and orientation materials. Bring your enthusiasm, a laptop computer (not a laptop or chromebook), and your passion for skincare — the rest is covered!
14. How can I visit or learn more?
We’d love to meet you! Schedule a tour HERE of our Longview campus or talk to our Admissions Team about upcoming start dates.
📞 Call: 360-200-3309
📞 Text: 360-996-6331
📍 Location: 711 Vandercook Way, Ste 112, Longview, WA
🌿 Start Your Esthetics Career with Confidence
Students travel from Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Woodland, Chehalis, Centralia, and Olympia to train at Southwest Washington Esthetics Institute in Longview Washington — where education meets experience, and passion turns into a career.
✨ Apply today and transform your future in skincare.