Quick answer: Markham is home to several registered career colleges offering beauty and healthcare training, including Elite College of Business and Healthcare, Redwood Beauty College, Beauty Vogue College, and others. When comparing schools, the key factors to look at are hands-on clinical training, class size, instructor experience, OSAP eligibility, and career support after graduation. Elite College stands out with a working Medi Spa Clinic for real client training, small class sizes, and OSAP-approved programs across both healthcare (PSW) and beauty/aesthetics diplomas.

If you’re researching where to train for a career in beauty or healthcare, Markham has a growing number of options. Here’s an honest breakdown of what to look for, and the schools worth knowing about.

What to Look for in a Career College

Before comparing specific schools, it helps to know what actually separates a good program from a mediocre one:

• Hands-on training with real clients — not just mannequins or theory
• Small class sizes — for real one-on-one instructor attention
• OSAP eligibility — for accessible financial aid
• Registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 — ensures the program meets provincial standards
• Career support — job placement help, referrals, and industry connections after graduation
• Range of programs — the ability to specialize or add certifications as your career grows

Career Colleges in Markham for Beauty & Healthcare Training

Elite College of Business and Healthcare

Elite College offers both healthcare and beauty/aesthetics training under one roof including a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate, Medical Esthetics Diploma, Laser Technician Diploma, and Makeup Artistry Diploma. Students train in the school’s own on-site Medi Spa Clinic with real clients, class sizes are capped for personalized instruction, and several programs are OSAP-approved. The college has campuses in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Scarborough.

Redwood Beauty College

Redwood Beauty College’s main campus is located in Markham, offering skin, medical aesthetics, and beauty training. The school is registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and emphasizes small class sizes and real client experience. Advanced programs like injectable training require students to already hold relevant medical credentials, such as a nursing license.

Beauty Vogue College

Beauty Vogue College offers programs in makeup, medical beauty, microblading, and other beauty specialties, with an emphasis on practical training hours and career support for students looking to eventually run their own beauty businesses.

Chellsey Institute of Beauty & Health

Chellsey Institute trains students in a spa-style learning environment, offering certifications in manicures, pedicures, waxing, makeup artistry, body massage, and spa therapy.

Elite Canadian Aesthetic & Hair Academy

Located nearby in Scarborough, this academy is registered with the Ontario Beauty Council and offers aesthetic and hair-focused training programs.

(Note: Program offerings, accreditation status, and locations can change — always confirm current details directly with any school before enrolling.)

Healthcare vs. Beauty Training: Which Path Is Right for You?

If you’re drawn to hands-on caregiving and want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly, a program like a PSW Certificate offers a fast, in-demand path with strong job security across hospitals, long-term care, and home care settings.

If you’re more interested in the beauty and aesthetics industry, programs like Medical Esthetics, Laser Technician training, or Makeup Artistry offer creative, client-facing careers with opportunities in med spas, clinics, and the beauty industry at large.

Some schools like Elite College offer both, which can be a practical advantage if you’re unsure which direction to take, or if you want the flexibility to add a second certification later.

Are Career Colleges in Markham OSAP Approved?

Some are, some aren’t it depends on the specific program and whether it’s approved as a Vocational Program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005. For example, Elite College’s PSW Certificate and several of its diploma programs are OSAP-eligible. Always confirm directly with the school’s admissions team before assuming a program qualifies.

How Do I Know If a Career College Is Legitimate?

Check that the school is registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, and look for programs listed with organizations like the Ontario Beauty Council. You can also look for real student reviews, ask about instructor credentials, and ask whether training includes real client experience versus simulation-only practice.

Final Thoughts

Markham offers a solid range of career college options for both beauty and healthcare training, but not all programs are built the same. The schools that stand out are the ones offering genuine hands-on experience, small class sizes, and real career support after graduation. Elite College of Business and Healthcare combines both healthcare (PSW) and beauty/aesthetics training in one accredited school, with a real working clinic, OSAP-eligible programs, and strong industry connections across the GTA.

Curious which program fits your goals? Explore Elite College’s full program list or contact our admissions team to find the right fit for you.