Berkowits School

Berkowits School was founded in 1978, and electrolysis was its first program. Over the decades it has trained electrolysis students from many parts of the world. A laser hair removal course was added in 2006, and an esthetics course followed in 2014 when the facility was enlarged.

Operating under a license from the New York State Education Department, the school also holds national accreditation from NACCAS. Its laser hair removal course has received State Education Department approval and is designed to equip graduates for jobs as certified laser hair removal technicians. According to the school, its laser program, launched in 2006, was the first in New York to win both approval and licensing from the State Education Department. The school also claims to be the only one in New York that teaches esthetics, electrolysis and laser hair removal as three distinct programs.

Students train in a student spa with fully motorized facial chairs, and the facility is described as modern. The esthetics course is a 600-hour program covering facial treatments, makeup artistry, waxing and business practices, with hands-on work on a full-line all-in-one facial machine. Laser hair removal is a 40-hour course that pairs laser physics with practice on seven different lasers, and it can be finished in one Monday-to-Friday week. The school says it is not affiliated with any laser manufacturer and uses widely used lasers from across the industry.

Scheduling is flexible. Students choose morning, afternoon or evening classes and full-time or part-time study, and they are asked to share their availability so a program can be arranged around it. Students who combine day and evening classes can become licensed estheticians in about 15 weeks. Laser courses start every four to six weeks throughout the year. Electrolysis runs 120 to 600 hours depending on the state where the student plans to practice, and it can be taken full time or part time.

Members of the public can book treatments performed by students at reduced rates. Financial aid is available for the 600-hour esthetics and 600-hour electrolysis programs, with federal options including the Federal Pell Grant, Direct Loans and Parent PLUS Loans. Students apply through the FAFSA using school code 042732, and aid requires a high school diploma or GED, demonstrated financial need and enrollment in an eligible program. Aid is not offered for the 120-hour or 320-hour electrolysis courses or the 40-hour laser course. The school is also approved for GI Bill benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents, and for ACCES-VR training for qualifying individuals. Prospective students can call to arrange a tour. Free street parking is available, and the school is reachable by NYC bus and subway. It draws students from across the New York area, New Jersey and nationwide.

Instruction is hands-on and individualized, with courses taught by instructors the school describes as experienced and licensed. The school says students receive individual attention throughout their training.

A modern facility with a student training spa and motorized facial chairs.