Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Tucson AZ

How to Select a Cosmetologist College near Tucson Arizona

nail technicians training at Tucson AZ beauty schoolNow that you have made a decision to train as a cosmetologist and enroll in a beauty school near Tucson AZ, the process starts to search for and enroll in the best school. It’s imperative that the school you choose not only provides the necessary training for the specialty you have decided on, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your preliminary search, you might be somewhat confused about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We’ll discuss a bit more concerning that in the upcoming section. If you plan on commuting to classes you will want to find a school that is within driving distance of your Tucson residence. Tuition will also be a critical consideration when reviewing prospective schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the nearest or the least expensive it’s not always the ideal choice. There are various other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask concerning the cosmetology schools you are thinking about later within this article. Before we do, let’s discuss a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of training programs are offered.

Defining Cosmetology

Tucson AZ makeup ar4tist applying makeupCosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human body look more attractive through the use of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that many cosmetology schools are referred to as beauty schools. Many of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but really a cosmetic may be anything that enhances the look of a person’s skin, hair or nails. In order to work as a cosmetologist, most states mandate that you take some kind of specialized training and then be licensed. Once you are licensed, the work settings include not only Tucson AZ beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, after they have gotten experience and a customer base, open their own shops or salons. Others will start seeing customers either in their own residences or will travel to the client’s house, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many professional names and work in a wide range of specialties including:

  • Hairdressers
  • Hairstylists
  • Beauticians
  • Barbers
  • Manicurists
  • Nail Technicians
  • Makeup Artists
  • Hair Coloring Specialists
  • Estheticians
  • Electrolysis Technicians

As formerly stated, in the majority of states working cosmetologists have to be licensed. In a few states there is an exemption. Only those conducting more skilled services, for instance hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Other people employed in cosmetology and less skilled, including shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Cosmetology Degrees and Certificates

Tucson AZ hairdresser cutting hairThere are essentially two avenues offered to receive cosmetology training and a credential upon completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) program, or you can work toward an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs normally require 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate’s degree ordinarily takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be instructed in all of the main areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are offered if you prefer to specialize in just one area, for example hair coloring. A degree program will also most likely feature management and marketing training so that graduates are better prepared to manage a salon or other Tucson AZ business. More advanced degrees are not typical, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are available in such areas as salon or spa management. Whatever type of program you opt for, it’s imperative to make sure that it’s approved by the Arizona Board of Cosmetology. A number of states only certify schools that are accredited by certain respected organizations, including the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will review the advantages of accreditation for the school you select in the upcoming section.

Online Cosmetology Schools

student attending cosmetology school online in Tucson AZOnline beauty programs are accommodating for Tucson AZ students who are working full time and have family responsibilities that make it difficult to attend a more traditional school. There are a large number of web-based cosmetology school programs offered that can be attended via a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional cosmetology schools are frequently fast paced since many programs are as brief as six or eight months. This means that a significant amount of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same amount of material, but you are not spending numerous hours outside of your home or driving to and from classes. On the other hand, it’s imperative that the training program you choose can provide internship training in area salons and parlors to ensure that you also receive the hands-on training necessary for a comprehensive education. Without the internship portion of the training, it’s impossible to obtain the skills required to work in any facet of the cosmetology industry. So don’t forget if you decide to enroll in an online school to confirm that internship training is provided in your area.

Questions to Ask Cosmetologist Training Classes

Questions to ask Tucson AZ beauty schoolsFollowing is a series of questions that you should look into for any cosmetology training school you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Tucson AZ home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Following we have compiled several of those additional questions that you need to ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the Program Accredited? It’s important to make sure that the cosmetology training program you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in 85701 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a prerequisite for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many Tucson AZ employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Each cosmetologist college that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews together with the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Tucson AZ salon owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And finally, consult the Arizona school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s imperative that you enroll in a school that specializes in your area of interest. If your ambition is to be trained as an esthetician, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to launch a hair salon in Tucson AZ, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in the specialty you are seeking will not deliver the training you need.

Is Any Hands-On Training Provided?  Learning and perfecting cosmetology skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the cosmetology lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on campus that allow students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a beauty school offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So try to find other schools that offer this type of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  Once a student graduates from a beauty school, it’s essential that she or he gets aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help maintain relationships with Tucson AZ businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which salons and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  Most beauty schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative before you determine what financial aid may be available.

Enrolled in Cosmetology School near Tucson AZ?

If you have decided to attend Beauty School in the greater Tucson AZ area, following is some interesting and perhaps useful information about the location of your new school campus.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson (/ˈtuːsɒn, tuːˈsɒn/) is a city and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States,[6] and home to the University of Arizona. The 2010 United States Census put the population at 520,116,[3] while the 2015 estimated population of the entire Tucson metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was 980,263.[7] The Tucson MSA forms part of the larger Tucson-Nogales combined statistical area (CSA), with a total population of 1,010,025 as of the 2010 Census. Tucson is the second-largest populated city in Arizona behind Phoenix, both of which anchor the Arizona Sun Corridor. The city is located 108 miles (174 km) southeast of Phoenix and 60 mi (97 km) north of the U.S.–Mexico border.[6] Tucson is the 33rd largest city and the 58th largest metropolitan area in the United States (2014).

Major incorporated suburbs of Tucson include Oro Valley and Marana northwest of the city, Sahuarita[8] south of the city, and South Tucson in an enclave south of downtown. Communities in the vicinity of Tucson (some within or overlapping the city limits) include Casas Adobes, Catalina Foothills, Flowing Wells, Midvale Park, Tanque Verde, Tortolita, and Vail. Towns outside the Tucson metro area include Benson to the southeast, Catalina and Oracle to the north, and Green Valley to the south.

The Spanish name of the city, Tucsón [tukˈson], is derived from the O'odham Cuk Ṣon [tʃʊk ʂɔːn], meaning "(at the) base of the black [hill]", a reference to a basalt-covered hill now known as Sentinel Peak, also known as "A" Mountain.[9] Tucson is sometimes referred to as "The Old Pueblo".

Enroll in the Right Cosmetologist College near Tucson AZ

Tucson AZ barber blow drying client's hairPicking and enrolling in the right cosmetologist school is imperative to receive the necessary training to become a licensed cosmetology technician. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel certain about your decision. Don’t forget to organize all of the information you get from the beauty school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then use that data to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the institution and program you select are accredited and have impressive reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, and address the additional questions supplied in this post, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the right selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be self-assured that you are qualified to begin your career as a professional cosmetologist in Tucson AZ.

Other Beautiful Locations in Arizona

  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Eloy AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Thatcher AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Vernon AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Pirtleville AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Sun City AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Yucca AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Eden AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Paradise Valley AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Nogales AZ
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Wikieup AZ
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 8

    Trouvaille Salon & Spa
    14 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Waxing, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    7888 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

    Annette Andree Hair Studio
    9 Reviews
    Hair Stylists, Blow Dry/Out Services, Waxing
    Phone:
    431 E 7th St, Tucson, AZ 85705

    Images Salon Spa
    5 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hair Salons, Skin Care
    Phone:
    6061 E Broadway Blvd, Ste 108-110, Tucson, AZ 85711

    Flaunt Salon
    6 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Waxing, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    15770 N Oracle Rd, Unit H2, Tucson, AZ 85739

    VN Nails
    9 Reviews
    Waxing, Nail Salons, Eyebrow Services
    Phone:
    7555 N La Cholla Blvd, Ste 111, Tucson, AZ 85741

    Wee's Hair Salon
    26 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Waxing, Eyebrow Services
    Phone:
    2040 W Orange Grove Rd, Ste 110, Tucson, AZ 85704

    Divinity Salon
    34 Reviews
    Nail Salons, Hair Salons, Waxing
    Phone:
    3402 E Broadway, Tucson, AZ

    Nails By Yen
    186 Reviews
    Nail Salons, Waxing
    Phone:
    6360 N Campbell Ave, Ste 120, Tucson, AZ 85718