MN Esthetician study plan
MN Esthetician · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Sanitation, Disinfection, and Safety Practices
Differentiate sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing, and state the level each implement and surface in a treatment room requires
Sort 25 salon items (tweezers, comedone extractor, wax pot, linens, brushes, spatulas) into hospital-grade disinfectant, low-level disinfectant, or single-use categories
Sequence the complete disinfection procedure for a nonporous implement from pre-clean through storage in a closed container, including contact time
Identify common safety hazards (slips, electrical cords, chemical storage, blood exposure, UV/heat tools) and write the corrective action for each
Explain universal precautions, handwashing protocol, and the points at which gloves must be changed or discarded
Your checkpoint
A 25-item implement classification chart with correct disinfectant contact times plus a one-page written disinfection SOP for a facial station, scored 90% or higher against an answer key.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Body Systems
Label a blank diagram of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer and state the function of each epidermal stratum
Describe in your own words the functions of sebaceous glands, sudoriferous glands, hair follicle, and the acid mantle without referring to notes
Trace the phases of wound healing and link each phase to when waxing, extractions, or chemical exfoliation must be postponed
Name the bones and the muscles of facial expression used during facial massage and map where each muscle sits on the face
Match the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine systems to their visible effects on skin condition and healing
Your checkpoint
A hand-drawn skin cross-section and facial muscle map labeled from memory, checked against a reference with 100% of required structures correctly placed.
Facial Treatments, Cleansing, and Massage
Sequence a 60-minute basic facial from pre-service setup through post-service close-out, listing products, technique, and timing at each step
Demonstrate the five classic massage manipulations (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction) with correct direction, pressure, and hand position
Select cleanser, toner, exfoliant, mask, and moisturizer for oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin, and justify each choice by ingredient and skin need
List the contraindications that require skipping massage, heat, or extractions and state the modification to use instead
Explain the purpose and correct use of the steam machine, magnifying lamp, and extraction tools, including sanitation between clients
Your checkpoint
A timed written facial protocol with a product-selection matrix covering four skin types, plus a peer-observed or self-recorded massage demonstration scored against a 10-point technique rubric.
Skin Analysis, Consultation, and Client Recordkeeping
Conduct a mock client consultation using an intake form that captures medications, allergies, pregnancy, prior treatments, and product use
Determine skin type, skin condition, and Fitzpatrick phototype for three written case descriptions and record the reasoning behind each call
Write SOAP-format treatment notes that document objective findings, products and devices used, client response, and home care
Identify red-flag entries in a client record that require referral to a physician, a patch test, or a treatment modification
Explain client confidentiality and the correct handling and retention of intake forms and treatment records
Your checkpoint
Three complete SOAP notes with skin analysis and contraindication screening for three practice clients, reviewed against a completeness checklist with every required field present.
Hair Removal: Waxing, Depilation, and Related Safety
Sequence a brow, lip, underarm, and lower-leg waxing service including client positioning, patch test, timing, and post-care
Compare soft wax, hard wax, and chemical depilatories by hair type, skin sensitivity, and body area, and choose the right one for four scenarios
State the contraindications, medications, and skin conditions that make waxing unsafe, and script what you tell the client
Describe sanitation of wax pots, spatulas, strips, and linens, including the no-double-dipping rule and handling of blood or a torn follicle
Instruct a client on pre- and post-waxing care and the expected reactions such as erythema, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs
Your checkpoint
A written waxing protocol for four body areas plus a 20-question self-quiz on contraindications and wax sanitation, scored 90% or higher before advancing.
Chemical Exfoliation and Advanced Skin Care Treatments
Distinguish alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, enzymes, and retinoids by mechanism of action, effective pH range, and typical concentration
Match superficial and medium peel depths to appropriate actives, expected downtime, and number of sessions
List absolute contraindications for chemical exfoliation, including isotretinoin use, pregnancy, recent waxing or shaving, sunburn, and active infection
Write a post-treatment home-care and SPF instruction sheet plus a response script for excessive redness, stinging, or frosting
Explain how to layer and patch-test professional exfoliants and when to neutralize or remove a product
Your checkpoint
A one-page peel-selection and contraindication reference card covering at least six actives, self-tested to 100% recall before the next session.
Eyelash and Eyebrow Services & Makeup Application and Color Theory
Sequence a lash and brow tint and a lash lift service including patch test, timing, eye protection, and removal
Identify contraindications for eyelash adhesive and lash extensions and describe the patch-test protocol
Map the color wheel and correct or enhance a client's undertone using foundation, concealer, and color-correcting shades
Select makeup products, finishes, and tools for oily, mature, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, and justify each choice
Describe sanitation of brushes, mascara wands, palettes, and testers, including what may never be shared or re-dipped
Your checkpoint
A face-chart color-correction plan for four skin tones with different undertones plus a written lash and brow service checklist, scored against a rubric.
Client Care, Communication, and Professional Ethics & Minnesota Laws, Rules, and Salon Business Practices
Apply a decision framework to five ethics scenarios covering scope of practice, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and refusing or terminating service
State the Minnesota licensing, sanitation, and establishment requirements that affect an esthetician's daily practice and recordkeeping
Explain business basics: informed consent, record retention, professional liability insurance, service pricing, and building a service menu
Take two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed item by domain
Re-study only the highest-error domains and re-test those items until recall is consistent
Your checkpoint
A domain-by-domain error log built from two full-length timed practice exams, with a second-attempt score of 85% or higher and every missed item written out with the correct rationale.
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a self-made 40-question quiz covering Domain 1 and Domain 2, and reproduce the labeled skin diagram and muscle map from memory without notes.
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 60-question practice set limited to Domains 1, 2, 3, and 4, and submit three complete SOAP notes that pass the completeness checklist.
Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question practice set limited to Domains 5 and 8, and recite all chemical-exfoliation contraindications from the reference card with no prompts.
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on a second full-length timed practice exam covering all 10 domains, with an error log showing every missed item reviewed and re-tested.