HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN – Ridgewater College is proud to announce the expansion of its Esthetics program to the Hutchinson campus. Students and faculty welcomed friends, family, students, and staff to a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 24.
“We are thrilled to expand our Esthetics program and Ridgewater Salon and Day Spa to the Hutchinson campus and community,” said Melissa Loehlein, Ridgewater Esthetics and Cosmetology instructor. “Today’s esthetics services are no longer considered a luxury—clients seek customized, results-driven treatments supported by advanced ingredient technology and personalized home-care solutions. Our students are trained with the latest tools, techniques, and systems to meet the needs of a rapidly growing industry.”
A cohort of ten students began the 23-credit Esthetics program in August and launched client services at the new Hutchinson salon on Tuesday, November 25. Available services include:
- Corrective skin care treatments
- Makeup application
- Lash and brow design
- Waxing
- Spa services
About Ridgewater’s Esthetics Programs
Ridgewater College first launched its Esthetics program on the Willmar campus in the mid-1990s. Due to strong demand and increased enrollment, the program expanded to Hutchinson in 2024. Ridgewater’s Esthetics and Esthetics-Advanced Practice programs are recognized among the region’s leading training options, offering globally recognized educational systems, knowledgeable educators, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
The Hutchinson Salon and Day Spa will be open Mondays and Tuesdays, November 25-December 16, 8-11 am and 12-3:30 pm. Beginning January 12, hours will expand to Monday through Wednesday during the same times.
Next Step: Advanced Practice Program Coming to Hutchinson in 2026
With the Esthetics program now established in Hutchinson, Ridgewater College plans to expand its Esthetics - Advanced Practice program to the Hutchinson campus beginning Fall 2026, pending approval from the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. The program offers both a 20-credit certificate and a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Esthetics - Advanced Practice program prepares licensed, experienced estheticians to deliver next-level skin care services such as chemical peels, electrotherapy, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. Ridgewater launched this program in 2022 in response to strong industry demand and expanded licensure opportunities through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. The Hutchinson program will accept 10 students for Fall 2026, with classes to be held Thursdays and Fridays.
To learn more or to schedule services, visit ridgewater.edu/esthetics.
Ridgewater College
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Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt Director of Recruiting and Communications
- December 01, 2025
- (320) 222-6090
- Send Email
