How to Select a Cosmetology College near De Witt Iowa
Once you have made a decision to become a cosmetologist and enroll in a beauty school near De Witt IA, the process begins to find and enroll in the best school. It’s important that the program you choose not only provides the proper education 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 a little bit puzzled about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both relate to the same kind of school. We’ll discuss a little bit further about that in the following section. If you plan on commuting to classes you will want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your De Witt residence. Tuition will likewise be an important aspect when reviewing prospective schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the nearest or the lowest cost it’s not automatically the best option. There are many other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let’s discuss a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of programs are offered.
Definition of Cosmetology
Cosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human anatomy look more beautiful with the use of cosmetics. So naturally it makes sense that numerous cosmetology schools are described as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but actually a cosmetic can be almost anything that improves the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. In order to work as a cosmetologist, almost all states mandate that you undergo some form of specialized training and then be licensed. Once licensed, the work environments include not only De Witt IA beauty salons and barber shops, but also such places as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, once they have gained experience and a customer base, establish their own shops or salons. Others will begin servicing clients either in their own homes or will travel to the client’s home, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many names 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 already mentioned, in the majority of states working cosmetologists must be licensed. In a few states there is an exception. Only those conducting more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Other people working in cosmetology and less skilled, which include shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.
Cosmetology Degrees and Certificates
There are basically two options available 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 usually require 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 all of the main areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are available if you prefer to specialize in just one area, for example hair coloring. A degree program will also probably incorporate management and marketing training so that graduates are better prepared to manage a parlor or other De Witt IA business. Higher degrees are not common, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are offered in such specializations as salon or spa management. Whichever type of program you opt for, it’s essential to make sure that it’s recognized by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology. Numerous states only certify schools that are accredited by certain respected organizations, for instance the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will review the benefits of accreditation for the school you choose in the following segment.
Online Beauty Classes
Online cosmetology schools are accommodating for De Witt IA students who are working full time and have family obligations that make it hard to enroll in a more traditional school. There are many online cosmetology school programs available that can be attended via a personal computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More conventional cosmetology schools are typically fast paced because many programs are as short as 6 or 8 months. This means that a substantial portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same amount of material, but you’re not devoting many hours away from 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 area salons and parlors so that you also get the hands-on training required for a complete education. Without the internship portion of the training, it’s impossible to obtain the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology field. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online school to verify that internship training is available in your area.
What to Ask Cosmetology Trade Schools
Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any cosmetology training program you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your De Witt IA home, together with the cost of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the School Accredited? It’s necessary to make sure that the cosmetology school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered in 52742 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of De Witt IA employers will not employ 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 school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to excellent reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with De Witt IA salon owners or managers, or someone working in the field, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They might even be able to propose others that you had not considered. And last, check with the Iowa school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s important that you select a school that focuses on your area of interest. If your intention is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to launch a hair salon in De Witt IA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in the specialty you are seeking will not deliver the training you need.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and mastering cosmetology skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the cosmetology classes you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a beauty school provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So try to find other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a beauty program, it’s important that she or he gets assistance in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with De Witt IA businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? The majority of beauty schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved 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 each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial assistance may be offered.
Enrolled in Cosmetology School near De Witt IA?
If you have decided to attend Beauty School in the greater De Witt IA area, following is some interesting and perhaps useful information about the location of your new school campus.
DeWitt, Iowa
De Witt is a city in Clinton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,322 at the 2010 census, which is a 5.2% increase from the 2000 census, making it the fastest growing city in Clinton County.
De Witt was platted in 1841.[4] The city started under the name Vandenburg, but was later[5] named after DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), an early American politician who served as United States Senator and 7th Governor of New York.[6]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 5,322 people, 2,208 households, and 1,415 families residing in the city. The population density was 890.0 inhabitants per square mile (343.6/km2). There were 2,306 housing units at an average density of 385.6 per square mile (148.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White, 0.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.
Pick the Right Cosmetology School near De Witt IA
Selecting and enrolling in the ideal cosmetologist college is important to get the appropriate training to become a licensed cosmetology practitioner. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel positive about your decision. Be sure to collect all of the information you receive from the beauty school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that data to contrast schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the academy and program you choose are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you begin with that foundation, and answer the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to reduce your list of schools so that you can make the right choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be self-assured that you are prepared to begin your career as a professional cosmetologist in De Witt IA.
Other Beautiful Locations in Iowa
Business Results 1 - 10 of 1
2 Reviews 