Beauty Colleges Washington PA

How to Pick the Right Cosmetology Training Program near Washington Pennsylvania

Washington PA wedding makeup artist with client Since you have decided to become a cosmetologist and enroll in a beauty school near Washington PA, the task starts to search for and enroll in the ideal school. It’s important that the program you pick not only furnishes the necessary education for the specialty you have chosen, but also readies you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your preliminary search, you might be somewhat unclear about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are pretty much interchangeable and both refer to the same type of school. We’ll talk a little bit more regarding that in the next section. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will want to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Washington residence. Tuition will additionally be an important aspect when evaluating prospective schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it’s not automatically the right choice. There are several other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are thinking about later within this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of courses are offered.

Definition of Cosmetology

Washington PA hair stylist cutting hair Cosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human body look more attractive with the application of cosmetics. So naturally it makes sense that many cosmetology schools are referred to as beauty schools. Many of us think of makeup when we hear the word cosmetics, but basically a cosmetic may be anything that improves the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. If you want to work as a cosmetologist, most states mandate that you take some type of specialized training and then become licensed. Once licensed, the work environments include not only Washington PA beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, once they have gotten experience and a clientele, open 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 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 already stated, in most states practicing cosmetologists have to be licensed. In some states there is an exception. Only those performing more skilled services, for instance hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Others employed in cosmetology and less skilled, which include shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Cosmetology Degrees and Certificates

nail techs training at Washington PA beauty school There are basically two pathways offered to receive cosmetology training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) program, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs normally require 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate’s degree usually 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 wish to concentrate on just one area, for example hair coloring. A degree program will also most likely feature management and marketing training in order that graduates are better prepared to operate a parlor or other Washington PA 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 essential to make sure that it’s certified by the Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology. A number of states only certify schools that are accredited by certain highly regarded agencies, for example the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will cover the advantages of accreditation for the school you decide on in the following segment.

Online Beauty Programs

student attending online beauty school in Washington PA Online cosmetology schools are advantageous for Washington PA 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 web-based beauty school programs available that can be accessed through a personal computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional beauty schools are typically fast paced since many programs are as brief as 6 or 8 months. This means that a large portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are dealing with the same volume of material, but you’re not devoting numerous hours outside of your home or commuting to and from classes. However, it’s imperative that the program you select can provide internship training in area salons and parlors so that you also receive the hands-on training needed for a complete education. Without the internship part of the training, it’s impossible to acquire the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology profession. So be sure if you choose to enroll in an online program to confirm that internship training is provided in your area.

What to Ask Cosmetologist Degree Programs

Questions to ask Washington PA cosmetology schools Below is a list of questions that you should investigate for any cosmetologist training school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Washington PA home, in addition to the cost of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want 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 should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Following we have collected several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.

Is the School Accredited? It’s important to make sure that the cosmetology college you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized 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 guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not available in 15301 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, many Washington PA businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Good Reputation? Each cosmetologist school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school’s accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Washington PA salon owners or managers, or anyone 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, consult the Pennsylvania school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets 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 imperative that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. If your goal is to be trained as an esthetician, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to open a hair salon in Washington PA, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in the specialty you are pursuing will not deliver the training you require.

Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Practicing and mastering cosmetology skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the beauty lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on site that enable students to practice their developing skills on real people. If a beauty program provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for cultivating your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance? When a student graduates from a beauty school, it’s crucial that she or he gets assistance in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develope relationships with Washington PA employers that are searching for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out 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 Available? Almost all beauty schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and find out 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 available to students also. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you find out what financial assistance may be offered.

Considering Cosmetology Schools in Washington PA?

If you are considering attending Beauty School in Washington PA or in a nearby area, following is some interesting and useful information regarding the location of your new school campus.

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Prior to the Revolutionary War the Fort Washington area was settled by many German immigrants. One such person was Philip Engard who immigrated in 1728. Engard purchased 100 acres (40 ha) on what was to be named Susquehanna Road and Fort Washington Avenue. By the mid-18th century the area came to be known as Engardtown, and Fort Washington Avenue was originally called Engardtown Road. The house built by Philip Engard is listed as the "Engard Family Home - 1765" in the Upper Dublin Township Open Space & Environmental Resource Protection Plan - 2005, as part of the Upper Dublin Historical Properties #25.

During the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped here after their October 4, 1777 defeat at the Battle of Germantown, and immediately prior to their march to Valley Forge. From December 5–8, 1777, the Battle of White Marsh was fought here between British and American forces. Throughout the encampment, Washington was headquartered at the Emlen House, built by Quaker George Emlen in 1745. British commander General William Howe observed the American lines from the bell tower of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church (at Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road), site of the British encampment on December 5. Today, Fort Washington State Park contains the area in which the primary American defenses were situated.

On July 17, 1856, Fort Washington was the site of one of the worst train accidents in the United States when two North Pennsylvania Railroad trains collided with one another near the Sandy Run station (later renamed to Camp Hill, now the defunct Fellwick Station). The exact number of deaths is uncertain, but 59 were killed instantly and dozens more perished from their injuries. Many of the dead were children from St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church from the Kensington section of Philadelphia, who were traveling to Sheaff's Woods, a park in the Fort Washington area, for a Sunday school picnic.[1][2]

Washington PA barber trimming hair Selecting and enrolling in the right beauty college is imperative to receive the proper training to become a licensed cosmetology professional. You originally came to this website because you have an interest in learning more about Beauty Colleges. So make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to organize all of the information you get from the beauty school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that information to compare schools. A good start in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the school and program you pick are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you begin with that base, and answer the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the right selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be self-assured that you are ready to begin your career as a professional cosmetologist in Washington PA.