To become a facial specialist in Tampa, you need to complete a Florida-approved Facial / Skin Care Specialist program — 220 clock hours of training — and then register your credential with the state. MedSpa Institute offers that program at its Tampa campus in a hybrid format: 149 hours online and 71 hours hands-on in the clinic, so you can build real skill without putting your life on hold.
What the credential actually is
Florida's credential for facial specialists is called the Facial / Skin Care Specialist license. It covers the full scope of esthetic skin care: cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage, mask and treatment application, skin analysis, and more. You may also hear the role called an esthetician or, in a medical setting, a medical esthetician — these are all the same credential in Florida. The state does not issue a separate "medical aesthetician" license; the Facial / Skin Care Specialist credential is what qualifies you to work across spa, salon, and clinical environments.
After completing an approved program, you register with the Florida Department of Health to receive your credential. That registration step is what makes you a licensed facial specialist in the state.
The training: 220 hours
Florida requires 220 clock hours of approved training to qualify for the Facial / Skin Care Specialist credential. Not 260, not 300 — 220 hours is the number set by Florida law for this program.
At MedSpa Institute's Tampa campus, those 220 hours are structured as a hybrid program:
| Format | Hours |
|---|---|
| Online coursework | 149 hours |
| In-person, hands-on training | 71 hours |
| Total | 220 hours |
The online portion lets you study theory, skin science, and protocols on your own schedule. The in-person sessions at the Tampa campus are where you practice techniques on real clients under professional supervision — the part that turns knowledge into skill.
The school: MedSpa Institute in Tampa
MedSpa Institute is a licensed Florida esthetics school with campuses in Tampa and Miami. It has been training facial specialists since 2003 and is licensed by the Florida Commission of Independent Education (License #12817 — Tampa campus).
Tampa campus address:
11351 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33626
Phone: 813-99-STUDY
The school focuses specifically on esthetics and aesthetic medicine — it is not a cosmetology school that also offers esthetics. That focus means the curriculum, the instructors, and the hands-on environment are built around skin care from the ground up.
What it costs
The Facial / Skin Care Specialist Program at MedSpa Institute is $6,000 all-in. That total covers everything:
- $5,000 — tuition
- $100 — registration fee
- $900 — kit and books
There are no hidden add-ons. The kit and books you need to complete the program are included in that number.
Financing options
If you prefer to spread the cost, MedSpa Institute offers in-house financing:
- $1,500 down
- From $135 per month
- 0% interest for the first 12 months
Affirm is also available as an alternative financing option.
It is free to apply, and no payment is required to enroll.
Open enrollment — apply when you're ready
MedSpa Institute runs on open enrollment. New classes begin every two months, so you are not waiting for a single annual deadline. When you are ready, you apply — and the process starts from there.
- Apply online: medspa-institute.com/apply
- See the full program: medspa-institute.com/courses
- Book a campus tour: medspa-institute.com/open-house
Campus tours are available weekday afternoons. If you want to walk the Tampa facility, meet the team, and ask questions before you commit, that is the right first step.
Who this program is for
The Facial / Skin Care Specialist Program at MedSpa Institute is designed for adults who are ready to make a real career move into esthetics. It suits people who:
- Are starting fresh in the beauty or wellness industry
- Are already working in a related field and want a formal credential
- Want a hybrid schedule that fits around existing commitments
- Are drawn to the clinical, medical-spa side of skin care rather than a traditional salon setting
You do not need prior experience in esthetics to apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is a facial specialist in Florida?
A facial specialist — also called an esthetician — is a licensed skin care professional. In Florida, the credential is the Facial / Skin Care Specialist license, issued after completing an approved 220-hour training program and registering with the Florida Department of Health.
How many training hours does Florida require to become a facial specialist?
Florida requires 220 clock hours of approved training for the Facial / Skin Care Specialist credential.
Does MedSpa Institute have a Tampa campus?
Yes. MedSpa Institute's Tampa campus is located at 11351 Countryway Blvd, Tampa, FL 33626. It is licensed by the Florida Commission of Independent Education (License #12817).
Is the program available online?
The program is hybrid: 149 hours are completed online and 71 hours are completed in person at the Tampa campus. Both components are required.
How much does the program cost?
The program is $6,000 all-in — $5,000 tuition, $100 registration, and $900 for your kit and books. In-house financing is available: $1,500 down, from $135 per month, with 0% interest for the first 12 months.
Is it free to apply?
Yes. Applying is free and no payment is required to enroll.
Can I tour the Tampa campus before I apply?
Yes. Campus tours are available weekday afternoons. You can book a visit at medspa-institute.com/open-house.
What is the difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician in Florida?
There is no separate "medical esthetician" license in Florida. Both titles refer to the same credential: the Facial / Skin Care Specialist. Completing an approved 220-hour program and registering with the state qualifies you to work in spa, salon, and clinical or medical-spa settings.
When can I start?
MedSpa Institute has open enrollment, with new classes beginning every two months. You can apply at any time at medspa-institute.com/apply.