Diploma Program | Westend Academy
Medical Esthetics Diploma in Ottawa
Build a career in skin care, spa services, and medical-grade treatments through 1,400 hours of theory and supervised practice at Westend Academy in Merivale Mall.
Our medical esthetician training in Ottawa takes you from skin science and infection control to laser, IPL, microneedling, and electrolysis. You learn each treatment in class, then apply it on real clients under instructor supervision.
Go Beyond Facials Into Medical-Grade Treatments
If you are comparing an esthetician diploma in Ottawa, look at the device training. Many esthetics programs stop at skin care, nails, and waxing. Our Medical Esthetician Diploma adds laser hair removal, intense pulsed light (IPL), microneedling, OxyGeneo, and electrolysis, so you can work in both the spa treatment room and the medical aesthetic clinic.
Compare What Your Training Includes
Over 400 hours of hands-on
Career Opportunities Professional Development
Infection Control
Skin Care / Facial Analysis
Manicure / Pedicure
Oxygeneo Facial Practical Use & Theory
Waxing / Sugar Waxing
Massager Wraps
Paraffin Treatment
IPL Treatment/Photo Laser practical use & theory
Laser Hair Removal Practical Use & Theory
Microneedling practical use & theory
Electrolysis Practical & Theory
Beauty Academy
Other Academies
Colleges
Program at a Glance
Length:
46 weeks, 1,400 hours
Hands-on training:
Over 400 hours
Start dates: January, May, and September
Education requirement: Grade 12 or equivalent
Location: Westend Academy, 1642 Merivale Rd, Nepean (not offered at our London campus)Grade 12 OR equivalent
Practical experience: Client services scheduled during the week
What You Learn Across 20 Modules
The medical esthetician course covers 20 modules, moving from professional basics and skin science to spa services, clinical skin treatments, and medical devices.
Personal Development
Personal hygiene, work ethics, and human interactions, including how to communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, and employers in spa and clinic settings.
Infection Control / Health and Safety
Sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation levels, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and biofilms, regulatory agencies, safe use of spa disinfectants, and standard precautions.
Facials and Skin Care
Skin anatomy, histology and physiology, skin analysis, indications and contraindications, consultation, cleansing to SPF protection, massage and masks, plus electrotherapy, radio frequency, high frequency and galvanic current.
Skin Care / Products
Professional skin care lines from around the world, product knowledge and how to recommend the right home care product for each client.
Manicures / Pedicures
Hand and foot anatomy, nail disorders, contraindications, consultation, massage, polish application, spa manicures and pedicures, shellac and dry Russian manicure.
Waxing Hair Removal
Lukewarm and hard wax methods for facial and body hair, with client consultation, contraindications, and infection control guidelines for every service.
Sugaring
All-natural temporary hair removal for face and body, hair growth stages, sugaring technique, conditions linked to excessive hair growth, and pros and cons.
Eyelash / Eyebrow Tinting
Client consultation, choosing the proper tint shade, application and removal of eyelash and eyebrow tint, and home care instructions for the client.
Basic Makeup
Hands-on training in colour theory, contouring and highlighting, day, bridal and evening looks, smoky eyes, and the product ingredients professionals rely on.
Back Therapy
Client consultation, back facials, sea salt scrubs, back and body relaxation therapy, and algae or chocolate body wraps, with aftercare recommendations.
Advanced Facials
Chemical peel facials, paraffin facials, collagen sheet masks and modelling masks, adding treatment options beyond the standard facial protocol.
OxyGeneo 3 in 1 Facial
Exfoliation and oxygenation with Oxypods active ingredients, TriPollar RF skin tightening, ultrasound serum infusion, and lymphatic massage of the face.
Hydrafacial Perk
A patented roller-flex treatment designed for the eyes and lips that exfoliates, hydrates, and brightens the most delicate areas of the face.
Medical Grade Chemical Peel
Peel history and theory, extensive consultation, candidate selection, application and protocol, contraindications, Fitzpatrick skin types, pre- and post-care, and documentation.
Microdermabrasion
Corundum crystal and diamond-peel resurfacing for pigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, taught through theory, demonstrations and practice.
Microneedling
Anti-aging collagen induction therapy that stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, taught through theory and hands-on work with medical-grade digital technology.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser physics and properties of light, laser technologies, wavelengths and modes, laser-tissue interaction and safety, medical history intake, contraindications, Fitzpatrick skin types, treatment protocol, charting and aftercare.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
Multi-wavelength light treatment for rejuvenation, hyperpigmentation, redness and mild rosacea, plus candidate selection, handpieces, IPL versus laser, contraindications, Fitzpatrick types, protocol and records.
Electrolysis
The method the U.S. FDA describes as permanent hair removal, covering hair histology and trichology, current types, neurology, angiology, consultation, protocol and charting.
Beauty Business
Business plans, finances, laws, ownership types, marketing, insurance, leases, staffing and recruiting, front desk, sales, plus your own resume and cover letter.
Practise on Real Clients Under Supervision
Your medical esthetician training includes client services scheduled during the week. Teachers instruct and supervise each client consultation and treatment, so you practise product recommendation, service delivery, and aftercare with real people before you graduate.
Meet the Industry and Get Job Support
Guest speakers include beauty trade experts, technical reps, and spa owners and managers. After graduation, our Job Connect program continues with employer introductions, interviews, and a regularly updated in-school job board, and salon and spa owners recruit our graduates on an ongoing basis.
Why Students Choose Westend Academy
- Low student/teacher ratio
- Hands-on experience with clientele who visit the academy daily
- Instructors with more than 20 years in medical esthetics
- Annual Key Performance Indicator reports published for transparency
- Beauty education in Ontario since 1998
Start Your Medical Esthetics Career
A medical esthetics diploma prepares you for spa, skin care, and device-based treatments in one program. You finish with 1,400 hours of theory and practice, supervised client experience, and Job Connect support as you start your job search.
Join the Next Intake
Classes for our medical esthetician course in Ottawa start in January, May, and September. Book a campus tour or speak with admissions about tuition, funding, and your start date.
Our curriculum includes
Is OSAP available for this diploma?
Yes, if you qualify. Students in this program may be eligible for Ontario Student Assistance Program loans, grants, or awards. Other options include BetterJobs Ontario, a professional development loan through the Ottawa Community Loan Fund, a bank student line of credit, and our payment plan for qualified students.
What are the class hours?
Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with Saturday sessions when scheduled.
How are students assessed?
You need at least 70% in every area of study, and a 90% average earns honours. The program carries 19 credits, with a practical midterm after 700 hours and a practical final after 1,400 hours.
What do I wear to class?
Medical esthetics students wear black scrubs or all-black clothing, according to class standards, with closed black shoes. Books and kits are supplied on your first day, and you bring a binder, paper, pens, and a lock.
Where do graduates work?
Graduates work in medical spas, cosmetic and dermatology clinics, day spas, and skin care studios. Some build their own client base and open a studio after gaining experience.
How is this different from the Medical Spa Specialty?
The Medical Spa Specialty runs for 40 weeks and 750 hours and focuses on device treatments with basic facials. Choose the Medical Esthetician Diploma if you also want full spa services such as nails, waxing, makeup, advanced facials, and body therapy.