Esthetics/Facial Specialist

Recommended Program of Study

Course	Title	SCH
First Semester
CSME 1248	Principles of Skin Care	2
CSME 1421	Principles of Facial & Skin Care Technology I	4
CSME 1445	Principles of Facial & Skin Care Technology II	4
Second Semester
CSME 2251	Preparation for the State Licensing Practical Examination	2
CSME 2343	Salon Development	3
CSME 2531	Principles of Facial & Skin Care Technology III	5
Total		20

 

Fall 2026 Registration / Orientation
August 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM

LSCPA Main Cosmetology Building
1248 Proctor Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77642

Student Handbook (Online)

The Esthetics Handbook contains general guidelines, procedures, policies, and information specific to Lamar State College Port Arthur’s Esthetics Program and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations requirements.

Cosmetology Registration Fee

All Cosmetology, Barbering and Esthetician Students must be registered with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation by the first day of class. Students may bring in the $25.00, Debit Card or receipt from the Business office.

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Notice

Students Without a Social Security number:

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires extra documentation before you can enroll in certain programs or obtain a license. You must complete and submit the Social Security Number Status Certification, along with your lawful presence documents, directly to TDLR.

Once TDLR reviews and approves your documents, you will be eligible to enroll at LSCPA. For the full details and the application form, visit: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/lawful-presence.htm

All students MUST be TDLR registered by the first-class day.

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Pictures

You are required to have two pictures (1 ½ x 1 ½) for your TDLR permit. Your TDLR permit is documentation of your registration into the program.

Immunization Requirements:

Tb Skin Test (within the last 6 months) Submit this information to the instructor by the first-class day.

Support Material – LSCPA Online Bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble

If you did not opt out of the student bundle you will receive your textbooks in the mail or you can pick them up at the Lamar University Barnes & Nobles bookstore. If you opted out of the book bundle, please purchase your book.

• Milady’s Standard Esthetics & Foundations Textbook Bundle and Esthetics Theory Workbook – 12^th Edition

Dress Code

Each student is required to adhere to the dress code policy set by the LSCPA Cosmetology Program and the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.

Every student must be in uniform BEFORE clocking in and remain in uniform until clocking out.

Dress code requirements are as follows:

All Black Unisex Scrub Top, Pants & Lab Jacket
LSCPA Patch: The LSCPA patch on the scrub top 
Shoes: Tennis Shoes (any color) or Work Force
Hair: Neat and presentable daily
Nails: For safety and sanitary precautions, all nails should be of average length

Attendance

Lamar will provide the Cosmetology, Esthetician, & Barber students with the opportunity to make up any days missed every Friday. (9 am -2 pm), (Dual enrollment students 9 am - 11 am, and 12 pm – 2 pm). This will give the student time to make up any Lab/Skills assignments missed. Absences must be made up before the end of the semester. Depending on the number of absences, students will receive an Incomplete with the option to make them up the following semester.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur mandates the completion and passing of all Cosmetology courses with a “C” or better to attain the knowledge and skills needed to pass your state board exam.

Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation mandates the completion and passing of all the registered modules (courses) to receive credit hours to be eligible to take the state board exam. Students must be in attendance to receive credit.

Note: The Barbering and Cosmetology Department reserves the right to update approved equipment requirements as necessary to remain compliant with state regulations, industry standards, and program operational needs.

The LSCPA Esthetics/Facial Specialist program is built to move you into the workforce — fast. In about one year, you can complete your training, pass your state board exam, and start building a real career as a licensed Skin Care Specialist. Here's how the program sets you up for success:

• Earn your license in about a year. The recommended program of study totals 20 semester credit hours across one year. Each course is designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, so you graduate ready to test.
• Master in-demand, hands-on skills. Your training covers facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and skincare services that address acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity. You'll also learn to educate clients on homecare routines that keep results going.
• Step into a career in many settings. Licensed estheticians work in spas, salons, medical clinics, and dermatology offices. Your skills open doors across the beauty and skincare industry.
• Build the professional habits that matter. You'll learn to model professional and ethical behavior, practice every sanitary and safety measure, demonstrate proficiency in your esthetic skills, and prepare to pass state board requirements with confidence.

With a license in hand and real client experience behind you, you can enter the workforce, grow your skills, and build a career on a timeline that fits your goals.

 

What is the Esthetics/Facial Specialist program at LSCPA?

The program prepares you for a career as a licensed Skin Care Specialist. You'll build hands-on skills in facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and other skincare treatments. The recommended courses are designed to meet the licensure requirements set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, so you finish ready to test and work.

How long does the program take to complete?

You can finish in about one year. The recommended program of study totals 20 semester credit hours. An advisor will help you build a plan that fits your work, family, and goals — close to home.

What license or certification will I need?

To work as an esthetician in Texas, you'll need a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). First, you'll complete your program of study at LSCPA. Then you'll pass both a written exam and a practical, hands-on exam. Once you pass both parts, TDLR issues your license to practice in the state.

What skills will I build in this program?

You'll build practical, career-ready skills the industry depends on. Your training focuses on:

• Performing facials, including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration
• Delivering treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and waxing
• Addressing concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity
• Educating clients on proper skincare and homecare routines
• Practicing sanitary and safety measures that protect public health

These are the hands-on skills that prepare you to step confidently behind the chair.

What do I need before my first class?

A few simple steps get you ready. All students must register with TDLR by the first class day and pay the $25.00 registration fee — bring cash, a debit card, or a receipt from the Business Office. You'll also need a 1½ x 1½ picture for your TDLR permit and proof of a TB skin test taken within the last six months. Submit your TB results to the instructor by the first class day.

Is there a dress code?

Yes. Every student follows the dress code set by the LSCPA Cosmetology Program and TDLR. That means an all-black scrub top, pants, and lab jacket, plus tennis shoes. Keep your hair neat and your nails at an average length for safety and sanitation. You must be in uniform before clocking in and stay in uniform until clocking out.

What do I need to do to stay eligible for the state board exam?

Two things matter most: passing your courses and showing up. LSCPA requires you to complete and pass each course with a "C" or better. TDLR also requires you to finish all registered modules and be in attendance to earn the credit hours you need to sit for the state board exam.

What if I miss class?

LSCPA gives you the chance to make up missed days every Friday, so a few absences don't have to slow you down. Make up your lab and skills assignments before the end of the semester. Depending on how many days you miss, you may receive an Incomplete with the option to finish the work the following semester.

What's the difference between an esthetician and a cosmetologist?

Both are licensed beauty professionals, but they focus on different work. Estheticians specialize in skincare — facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and treatments for issues like acne and aging. Cosmetologists focus on hair, makeup, and nail services. If skincare is your passion, the Esthetics/Facial Specialist program is your path.

What challenges should I expect in the profession?

Esthetics is rewarding, hands-on work, and it asks a lot of you too. You'll spend long hours on your feet, manage client expectations, and stay current with changing trends. Many estheticians also handle the business side — scheduling, inventory, and marketing. The skills you build at LSCPA prepare you for all of it.

What salary can I expect?

Pay depends on your setting and experience. According to O*NET, esthetics has a bright outlook, with local pay typically ranging from $20 to $22 an hour. Other parts of the state may offer a slightly higher range. As you grow your skills and build a loyal client base, you open the door to more.

Are there student organizations I can join?

Yes. You can get involved with the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society and the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP). These groups help you connect with peers, build your network, and grow in the field.

How do I get started?

Take the first step today. Apply through ApplyTexas, then talk to an advisor about your goals. They'll walk you through enrollment, financial aid, and your course plan — one clear step at a time, close to home.