How to Select a Cosmetology School near Gardner Colorado

Now that you have decided to train as a cosmetologist and attend a beauty school near Gardner CO, the process begins to find and enroll in the right school. It’s important that the school you select 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 initial search, you may be somewhat confused about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are pretty much interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We’ll discuss a little bit more about that in the upcoming section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Gardner residence. Tuition will also be an important aspect when reviewing possible schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the closest or the least expensive it’s not necessarily the right option. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are looking at later within this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of courses are offered.

Defining Cosmetology

Cosmetology is an occupation that is all about making the human body look more beautiful with the application of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that a number of cosmetology schools are described as beauty schools. Many of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but basically a cosmetic can be almost anything that enhances the look of a person’s skin, hair or nails. In order to work as a cosmetologist, most states require that you undergo some kind of specialized training and then be licensed. Once licensed, the work settings include not only Gardner CO beauty salons and barber shops, but also such venues as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, after they have gotten experience and a clientele, establish their own shops or salons. Others will start seeing customers either in their own homes or will go to the client’s house, or both. Cosmetology college graduates have many titles and are employed in a wide range of specialties including:

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

As earlier mentioned, in the majority of states practicing cosmetologists must be licensed. In a few states there is an exception. Only those offering more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Others employed in cosmetology and less skilled, including shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Cosmetologist Degrees

There are basically two pathways offered to get cosmetology training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs typically call for 12 to 18 months to finish, while an Associate’s degree ordinarily takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be trained in each of the major areas of cosmetology. Briefer programs are offered if you wish to concentrate on just one area, for instance hair coloring. A degree program will also most likely include management and marketing training in order that graduates are better prepared to manage a parlor or other Gardner CO business. Higher degrees are not typical, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are offered in such specializations as salon or spa management. Whatever type of course you decide on, it’s important to make certain that it’s certified by the Colorado Board of Cosmetology. Numerous states only recognize schools that are accredited by certain reputable agencies, including the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will discuss the benefits of accreditation for the school you choose in the upcoming section.

Online Beauty Schools

Online cosmetology schools are convenient for Gardner CO students who are working full-time and have family commitments that make it hard to attend a more traditional school. There are numerous web-based cosmetology school programs offered that can be attended by means of a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional beauty schools are often fast paced because many courses are as short as 6 or 8 months. This means that a considerable portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online programs, you are covering the same volume of material, but you’re not spending many hours outside of your home or travelling to and from classes. On the other hand, it’s vital that the program you select can provide internship training in nearby salons and parlors so that you also obtain the hands-on training necessary for a complete education. Without the internship part of the training, it’s difficult to acquire the skills needed to work in any facet of the cosmetology field. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online school to confirm that internship training is provided in your area.

What to Ask Cosmetology Training Classes

Below is a list of questions that you need to investigate for any cosmetology training school you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Gardner CO home, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Following we have compiled some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final determination.

Is the School Accredited? It’s necessary to make sure that the cosmetology training program you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in 81040 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many Gardner CO employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Each beauty school that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly regarded. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school’s accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Gardner CO salon owners or managers, or any person working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not considered. And last, consult the Colorado school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s essential that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. If your goal is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to launch a hair salon in Gardner CO, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a poor program in the specialty you are pursuing will not deliver the training you require.

Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided?  Studying and refining cosmetology techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the cosmetology courses you will be attending. Some schools have salons on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a beauty program provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on using mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. Therefore look for other schools that offer this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  As soon as a student graduates from a beauty school, it’s crucial that he or she gets support in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with Gardner CO businesses that are looking for trained graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which salons and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  Almost all beauty schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not drop it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be provided.

Enrolled in Cosmetology School near Gardner CO?

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

Choose the Right Cosmetologist School near Gardner CO

Locating and enrolling in the right cosmetology program is essential to receive the necessary training to become a licensed cosmetology specialist. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to compile all of the information you get from the beauty school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to contrast schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the college and program you pick are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you start with that foundation, and address the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the ideal selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be self-assured that you are prepared to start your new career as a professional cosmetologist in Gardner CO.

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