Now that you have made a decision to enter the field of cosmetology and enroll in an esthetician school near Steilacoom WA, the task starts to find and enroll in the ideal program. It’s essential that the school you pick not only furnishes the appropriate education for the specialty you have decided on, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your initial search, you may be a little bit puzzled 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 kind of school. We’ll discuss a little bit further about that in the following section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to find a school that is within driving distance of your Steilacoom residence. Tuition will also be an important factor when evaluating potential schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it’s not always the ideal option. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are thinking about later in this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of training programs are available.

Defining Cosmetology

Cosmetology is a profession that is all about making the human body look more attractive through the use of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that many cosmetology schools are regarded as beauty schools. Many of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but actually a cosmetic may be anything that improves the look of a person’s skin, hair or nails. In order to work as a cosmetologist, most states mandate that you go through some form of specialized training and then become licensed. Once you are licensed, the work environments include not only Steilacoom WA beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, once they have gotten experience and a client base, establish their own shops or salons. Others will begin seeing customers either in their own homes or will go to the client’s residence, or both. Cosmetology college graduates go by many titles and work in a wide variety of specialties including:

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

As formerly mentioned, in most states practicing cosmetologists must be licensed. In certain states there is an exemption. Only those offering more skilled services, such as hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Other people employed in cosmetology and less skilled, including shampooers, are not required to get licensed in those states.

Esthetician Degrees

There are primarily two avenues offered to receive esthetician 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 commonly takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be instructed in each of the major areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are available if you prefer to concentrate on just one area, such as esthetics. A degree program will also likely incorporate management and marketing training in order that graduates are better prepared to run a salon or other Steilacoom WA business. More advanced degrees are not prevalent, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are offered in such specialties as salon or spa management. Whatever type of course you go with, it’s imperative to make certain that it’s recognized by the Washington Board of Cosmetology. Numerous states only certify schools that are accredited by certain respected agencies, for instance the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will review the benefits of accreditation for the school you decide on in the next segment.

Online Esthetics Classes

Online esthetician classes are advantageous for Steilacoom WA students who are working full-time and have family commitments that make it difficult to enroll in a more traditional school. There are a large number of online cosmetology school programs offered that can be attended through a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional cosmetology programs are often fast paced since many courses are as brief as six or eight months. This means that a considerable portion of time is spent in the classroom. With internet programs, you are dealing with the same amount of material, but you’re not devoting many hours away from your home or travelling back and forth from classes. On the other hand, it’s essential that the program you select can provide internship training in area salons and parlors in order that you also get the hands-on training needed for a comprehensive education. Without the internship portion of the training, it’s difficult to obtain the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology field. So make sure if you choose to enroll in an online school to verify that internship training is available in your area.

Questions to Ask Esthetician Training Courses

Following is a series of questions that you will want to research for any esthetician training program you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Steilacoom home, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you want 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 preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a cosmetology school. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.

Is the School Accredited? It’s essential to make certain that the esthetician college you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified 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 guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not offered in 98388 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Steilacoom WA businesses 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 esthetician school that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good 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, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Steilacoom WA salon owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to recommend others that you had not thought of. And finally, contact the Washington school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  A number of esthetician schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs commonly broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s essential that you select 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 well regarded for that program. If your aspiration is to open a Steilacoom WA beauty salon, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a poor program in the specialty you are seeking will not provide the training you need.

Is Any Live Training Provided?  Practicing and mastering esthetician skills and techniques demands plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the beauty lessons you will be attending. Some schools have salons on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a beauty program offers little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends mainly on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  Once a student graduates from an esthetician program, it’s essential that she or he receives help in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with Steilacoom WA employers that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  The majority of esthetician schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative until you find out what financial assistance may be offered.

Attending Esthetician School Near Steilacoom WA?

Perhaps you live in the Steilacoom Washington area, or have found a school that you will commute to or even relocate to attend.  Either way, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new esthetician program.

Enroll in the Right Esthetician School near Steilacoom WA

Picking and enrolling in the right esthetician program is essential to get the proper training to become a licensed cosmetology professional. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require so as to feel positive about your decision. Make certain to consolidate all of the responses you receive from the cosmetology school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to contrast schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the institution and program you pick are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and address the additional questions supplied in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the proper choice. And when you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be self-assured that you are prepared to launch your new career as a professional esthetician in Steilacoom WA.

Other Beautiful Locations in Steilacoom Washington

Business Results 1 - 10 of 581

MYNX Aesthetik

37 Reviews

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Phone:

2711 N 21st St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Sea Spa Steilacoom

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215 Wilkes St, Ste 104, Steilacoom, WA 98388

Purely Skin

4 Reviews

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Essential Esthetics

32 Reviews

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Karelia Skincare & Sugaring Studio

16 Reviews

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2605 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406

Bae's Skin Care

4 Reviews

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Healing Waters Skincare

2 Reviews

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5801 Soundview Dr, Ste 152, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Skin Logic By Shadi

10 Reviews

Day Spas, Skin Care, Waxing

Phone:

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Simply Soft Waxing and Skincare

17 Reviews

Skin Care, Waxing, Acne Treatment

Phone:

8730 Tallon Ln NE, Ste 104, Lacey, WA 98516

Vip Skincare Massage

2 Reviews

Day Spas, Skin Care, Massage Therapy

Phone:

5208 100th St, Lakewood, WA 98499

 

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