Glow up and help others shine

Turn your passion for healthy and beautiful skin into a hands-on, high-impact career as an esthetician.

Learn Esthetics at Cortiva Institute
Financial aid available*

We understand that going to school is an act of faith in yourself, but you still have to figure out how to pay for it. Our financial aid counselors exist to help you figure out what you qualify for and how to make your dream happen.

Real career preparation

At Cortiva, we don’t just check the box to teach to an exam. Our programs are carefully designed to prepare you for your new job in the real world, so you can enter your new career with confidence in your preparation.

Networking that matters

As a student, you’ll be part of an engaged community. From seminars to job fairs, we invite local and national vendors and employers to speak to our students. We also participate in numerous events such as sporting events, fairs, and fundraisers. Make your mark and get noticed before you even graduate!

Next Step: Request Info

Next Step: Request Info

Esthetician Career Programs

Join the quickly growing industry of skincare. Learn a variety of techniques, from facials and waxing to makeup and more, to enhance skin health and beauty.

Available Locations
  • Arlington, TX – Esthetician program
  • Baltimore, MD – Esthetics program
  • Cromwell, CT – Esthetics program
  • King of Prussia, PA – Esthetics program
  • Maitland, FL – Skin Care program
  • St. Petersburg, FL – Skin Care program
Additional Programs Offered
Massage Therapist

Master various modalities, including reflexology, stretching, and myofascial release, to promote healing and relaxation in others.

Available Locations
  • Arlington, TX
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Cromwell, CT
  • King of Prussia, PA
  • Maitland, FL
  • St. Petersburg, FL
Paramedical Esthetician

Go beyond skincare basics with preparation for a medical or advanced clinical skincare setting. Drawing from both clinical and holistic foundations, you’ll learn skills such as microdermabrasion, advanced chemical peels, and advanced makeup and cosmetic chemistry.

Available Locations
  • Maitland, FL
  • St. Petersburg, FL
Makeup Artist & Esthetician

Help clients glow from the inside out with skin prep treatments such as facials, other skincare regimens, and waxing. Enhance their natural beauty with makeup looks in different styles as well as lashes and more.

Available Locations
  • Maitland, FL
  • St. Petersburg, FL
Cosmetologist

Gain a comprehensive understanding of beauty skills, starting with all things hair and continuing to basic skin care, nail care, and makeup. This broad preparation blends theory and extensive hands-on practice.

Available Locations
  • Arlington, TX
  • King of Prussia, PA
Nail Specialist

Express yourself while giving your clients confidence through the beauty of nails, from polished manicures and pedicures to shaping, filing, acrylics, and gels.

Available Locations
  • Arlington, TX
  • Maitland, FL
  • St. Petersburg, FL
DUAL PROGRAMS

Interested in more than one area? You may not have to decide. Cortiva Institute offers several dual programs that combine popular career tracks into one education: Makeup Artist & Esthetician training, Skincare & Massage training, and Skincare & Nail training.

Available Locations

Varies – talk to us if interested!

Program names for each career will vary slightly by campus location.

*Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. Our Skin Care Programs at our Florida and Pennsylvania locations are not eligible for Title IV funding. However, we offer dual programs with additional training and career opportunities, and those are eligible for Title IV funding.

Why Choose Cortiva Institute?

For 50+ years, the Cortiva Institute name has been synonymous with a premiere education. The school has since tapped into its roots as a predominantly massage school to bring quality education to a variety of other hands-on career pathways.

Regardless of the specific career you’re preparing for, our school stands for more than just education. We believe in providing an exceptional learning experience that inspires and empowers you to grow in ways that you never thought possible.

Strong alumni network

As a graduate of Cortiva Institute, you will join a community of knowledgeable professionals who are making a real difference in their respective fields. Our reputation for producing industry leaders is unmatched, thanks to our engaging educational opportunities that are tailored to your needs.

Hands-on training

There’s no substitute for practicing your new career skills hands-on. At The Spa at Cortiva, students at each of our campuses hone their craft with real, live clients. And you’ll take away more than your skills: you’ll learn the art of customer service, client retention, retail sales, and more. Build your book of business while you’re in school!

Career assistance

You’ll find Cortiva grads working in day spas, resorts, and owning their own businesses. Whatever your end goal, we’d love to help get you there. We offer an array of support, from career fairs and guest lectures to field trips, resume and portfolio prep, mock interviews, and individualized guidance.

See what our students are saying

I signed up at Cortiva and have had a wonderful experience as a student. I only wish I had started sooner! The instruction has exceeded any expectations I had, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I feel very confident that I am in the best place to set me up for a successful career!

Darielle S.

Cortiva has amazing teachers who apply the right methodology to teach and transfer all their knowledge. All the staff in general are so friendly, and it feels like being home.

Jesus V.

Brands and Partnerships

At Cortiva Institute, we recognize quality in all aspects of the education we offer. That’s why we partner with leading brands to ensure that our students have access to the best tools of the trade.

We’re a Dermalogica Partner School, which means that students and staff receive comprehensive training from Dermalogica business consultants and educators from the International Dermal Institute. For students in our skincare programs, you have the opportunity learn about the latest in skincare knowledge and techniques to craft effective regiments for your clients. Skincare students are provided with Professional Dermalogica Esthetics Kits to practice with and are eligible to become Dermalogica Certified upon graduation.

Other salon and spa-quality brands we work with include Matrix, Crown Pro, Redken, Nouveau Nail, Mizani, and more.

Accreditation

Our accreditation means Cortiva Institute has gone through a voluntary process to be evaluated on educational quality, performance, and integrity that meet meaningful standards. Accreditation from these two bodies is granted only after a rigorous review process that includes an on-site visit and commission review.

Our Cortiva campuses at Arlington, TX, Linthicum Heights, MD, Maitland, FL, and St. Petersburg, FL, are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Our Cortiva campuses at Cromwell, CT, and King of Prussia, PA, are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.

Our Campuses

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