Cosmetology is the study and practice of beauty treatments for hair, skin, and nails. These treatments include (but are not limited to) haircuts, hair styling, hair colouring, facials, makeup application, microdermabrasion, waxing, chemical exfoliation, electrology, manicures, and pedicures. Cosmetologists are the educated and trained professionals who perform these services. Cosmetologists work in a number of different settings such as salons, day spas, skin care clinics, or private practice.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a cosmetologist should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field. Cosmetologists must have exceptional customer-service and communication skills. Cosmetologists must listen to their client’s wants and the cosmetologist must be able to fulfill them to the best of their ability...Read More
They must always interact with their clients in a polite, helpful, and positive manner. There may be times when cosmetologists work extremely long hours therefore they must have the physical stamina which allows them to do that. Cosmetologists, when successful, have back-to-back appointments with different clients therefore they must have efficient time-management skills and be able to perform their responsibilities in the allotted time frame.
Cosmetology Degree Levels Available
Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology
The associate’s degree program in cosmetology prepares students for entry-level positions in the cosmetology field. This two-year program provides students with a general knowledge of this discipline’s customs and applications by offering courses in areas such as hair cutting, nail care, skincare, make-up application, salon management, and health and safety standards. During the associate’s degree program, students may focus on an area of specialization such as nail care or electrology. Upon graduation, students must obtain licensure to be able to acquire professional work as a cosmetologist. Licensure requirements vary from state to state therefore the student should enquire or research the local state boards in order to determine licensure requirements for the state they reside in.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in an associate’s degree program in cosmetology, students must have obtained a high school diploma or an academic equivalent (i.e., GED). Transcripts from high school and SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. In conjunction with these documents, students must submit an application form from the institution along with the application fee. Students who have volunteer and/or work experience in the cosmetology field, should document this information in the application form since this would greatly benefit their acceptance into the college or university.
Tuition and Accreditation
The figure stated below is only an estimate since college and university tuition fees vary depending on the institution. This is due to numerous factors (e.g., public versus private institutions, distance education, etc.). An associate’s degree in cosmetology may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Employers primarily hire applicants who have graduated from an accredited institution. Therefore, students who aspire to obtain an associate’s degree in cosmetology should enroll in a college or university accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Science (NACCAS).
Average Annual Salary Range for Cosmetologists
There are numerous factors which affect an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, and who they are employed by. This results in a variation of salary ranges for individuals employed in the same profession. Having stated this, $ 16,820 to $ 36,820 is the average annual salary range for cosmetologists (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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