What It’s Really Like to Train as an Esthetician at Illinois’ Only CIDESCO-Accredited School
Thinking about becoming an esthetician? Wondering what esthetics school is really like?
At the New Age Spa Institute (NASI)—a nationally recognized, CIDESCO-accredited beauty and wellness school—students experience a powerful blend of science, technique, professionalism, and hands-on skill building from day one.
If you’re researching “week in the life of an esthetician student,” “esthetician school near me,” or “best esthetics program in Illinois,” this guide will walk you through a real snapshot of what NASI students learn each week.
Explore the NASI Esthetics Program:
https://newagespainstitute.com/programs/esthetician-program/
This glimpse highlights a week in the life of a full-time esthetics student at NASI, training Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Our students are always set up for success—they receive their class schedules in advance so they know the topics, required materials, and what to bring to class each day.
Why Choose NASI for Esthetics Training?
Before we step into the week, here’s why students throughout Chicagoland choose NASI:
- CIDESCO Accreditation – the highest international standard in beauty and spa therapy
- Science-backed curriculum grounded in anatomy, physiology, and clinical skin health
- Top-tier instructors with real-world medspa, spa, and clinical experience
- Small class sizes for personalized, hands-on learning
- Live demos + real clients for true confidence behind the treatment table
- Cutting-edge modalities including microcurrent, LED, chemical peels, dermaplaning, lasers/IPL (through CEU courses), and more
- Career support for years to come
Now—let’s walk through what a typical week looks like for a NASI esthetics student.
Please note: The example below reflects a full-time esthetics schedule, and is meant to give you a general idea of the flow, structure, and educational rhythm you can expect at the New Age Spa Institute.
Important Disclaimer:
At NASI, our curriculum isn’t rigid. The esthetics class schedules are designed to be flexible. We adjust things when needed to help you learn better.
Topics, clinics, hands-on sessions, and classroom activities are subject to change based on class needs, educator discretion, clinic availability, and industry-related opportunities that enhance your learning experience.
This class schedule flexibility is one of the strengths of our custom-designed esthetics program.
We keep you on track to graduate on time, while also adapting to the natural flow of the class.
We understand that real life happens, and our team does its best to support, guide, and accommodate you whenever possible—without compromising educational quality or state requirements. Our goal is to deliver a well-rounded, hands-on education that prepares you for real-world success while maintaining the structure, professionalism, and consistency NASI is known for.
Monday: Skin Science, Theory & Foundations
Every week begins with theory—because great estheticians don’t just perform treatments…
they understand why they work.
Topics often covered on Mondays:
- Skin anatomy & functions
- Fitzpatrick skin typing
- Conditions like acne, rosacea, and pigmentation
- Product ingredients & formulation science
- Infection control & sanitation (IDFPR-approved curriculum)
NASI’s instructors break down complex science into relatable, real-life examples, helping students connect the “why” with the “how.”
Students also use the Milady Esthetics Fundamentals textbook (12th Edition) to reinforce learning.
Tuesday: Demonstrations & Hands-On Practice
Students observe live demonstrations from licensed instructors, seeing real protocols step-by-step.
Demo topics include:
- Facial Massage Techniques (effleurage, tapotement, petrissage, etc.)
- Extractions Of Blackheads and Clogged Pores
- High Frequency and Galvanic Electrotherapies
- Exfoliation With Enzyme Therapy and Facial Steamer
- Dermaplaning, Also Called “Epidermal Leveling” (This Is An Advanced Class Part Of The Clinical Aesthetics Certification)
After demos, students break into pairs or small groups to practice. Instructors circulate, correct posture and technique, and ensure safe practice—building confidence early.
Wednesday: Client Days & Real Spa Experience
By mid-week, students often work with REAL clients through NASI’s Student Clinic—an in-school spa environment that mirrors professional practice.
Esthetics Students perform hands-on practice like:
- Customized Facials, Galvanic Facials, And Deep Detox Facials With Antioxidant-Rich Minerals And Vitamins
- LED Light Therapy With Blue LED, Green LED, Yellow LED, And Red LED
- Chemical Exfoliation With AHAs, BHAs, And Enzymes
- Mini Treatments Like Back Facials And Paraffin Wax Treatments
- Body Treatments (Body Scrubs, Dry Brush, Aromatherapy, Spa Wet Room Body Wraps)
Students learn how to:
- Check Clients In
- Complete Consultations
- Perform Services
- Recommend Homecare
- Maintain Sanitation
- Chart Treatments Like A Professional
These real-person experiences are what set NASI graduates apart in the job market.
Thursday: Advanced Modalities & Technology Lab
NASI is known for its clinical-forward training, preparing estheticians for the medspa, dermatology, and cosmetic technology world.
Depending on their esthetics class schedule, Thursday esthetics class may include:
- Advanced Skin Analysis For Skin Type, Skin Conditions, Etc
- Chemical Peels With Bioelements And Factorfive Professional Skincare
- Microchanneling And Nanochanneling
- Microdermabrasion Facials
- Microcurrent
- Ultrasonic skin scrubber for deep cleansing
- Introductory exposure to laser & light theory as part of their Clinical Aesthetics training
(Full Laser/IPL Certification available separately:
https://newagespainstitute.com/education/continuing-education/skin-care/light-therapies-laser-ipl-certification/)
NASI-trained esthetics students often fall in love with clinical aesthetics—realizing how dynamic and rewarding the field truly is.
Friday: Business, Professionalism & Career Prep
NASI prepares students not just to perform treatments—but to build a career.
Friday lessons often include:
- Communication & client retention
- Professional ethics
- Treatment planning & documentation
- Navigating job opportunities
- Working in medspas vs. salons vs. solo practice
- Retail education (consultative, not pushy)
- Branding, marketing & digital professionalism
Students practice elevator pitches, role-play challenging client scenarios, and learn how to confidently present themselves to employers.
Weekend: Self-Study, Makeup Modules, Extra Practice, Optional CEU Classes
Some classes (like the weekend esthetics cohort or the Massage Therapy program) meet on Saturdays as well.
This flexibility helps students balance work, family, and school—one reason NASI attracts adult learners, parents, and career changers.
Many students work on:
- Reading and homework assignments using the Milady Esthetics Fundamentals textbooks
- Reviewing protocols
- Practicing facial massage at home
- Attending specialty workshops or CEU classes offered at NASI
What Students Say About NASI
Students frequently describe NASI as:
- “Life-changing”
- “Professional and inspiring”
- “More advanced than any other school I toured”
- “A place that pushes you and believes in you”
NASI-Trained Esthetics Graduates go on to work in:
- Medspas
- Dermatology clinics
- Plastic surgery centers
- Holistic skincare studios
- Luxury spas
- Waxing boutiques
- Bridal/makeup businesses
- Solo esthetics practices
Many estheticians return for Master Clinical Aesthetics, CEU classes, LASER and IPL certifications, and lifelong mentorship.
The New Age Spa Institute is Proud to Serve Students Across Chicagoland
No matter where you’re coming from, NASI is easily accessible from I-294, I-90, Route 14, and major Chicago-area thoroughfares.
The New Age Spa Institute, conveniently located at 1870 Busse Hwy, Des Plaines, IL 60016, proudly trains students from all over the Chicagoland area. Many of our esthetics, massage therapy, clinical aesthetics, and CEU students commute from nearby suburbs thanks to our flexible schedules and unmatched CIDESCO-accredited education.
Here’s how close NASI is to some of our most common student communities:
- Crystal Lake, IL – approx. 43 minutes
- Naperville, IL – approx. 41 minutes
- Schaumburg, IL – approx. 22 minutes
- Skokie, IL – approx. 18 minutes
- Joliet, IL – approx. 55 minutes
- Tinley Park, IL – approx. 48 minutes
- Waukegan, IL – approx. 34 minutes
- Libertyville, IL – approx. 23 minutes
- West Chicago, IL – approx. 37 minutes
- South Holland, IL – approx. 47 minutes
- Oak Brook, IL – approx. 25 minutes
- Arlington Heights, IL – approx. 12 minutes
Learn more about NASI’s Esthetics Program:
https://newagespainstitute.com/programs/esthetician-program/
Final Takeaway
A week at NASI is more than classes and facials—it’s:
- growth
- confidence
- community
- self-discovery
Esthetician students at the New Age Spa Institute gain the skills, confidence, and professional foundation needed for a lifelong career in the beauty and wellness field.
If you’re ready to enter a career where science, creativity, and wellness meet, NASI is here to support your journey every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Esthetics Journey?
Your esthetics career begins with one decision—choosing the right school.
Visit www.newagespainstitute.com or call 847-759-0900 to explore enrollment options today.
Follow Us:#nasiedu | Instagram:@NewAgeSpaInstitute | Facebook: New Age Spa Institute Education
