Are you wondering what it’s like to attend cosmetology school in 2019, and what the career outlook is like for beauty professionals? If you are thinking about enrolling in a beauty program in the coming year, there are several things you should know before you start your search for the right school. In the sections below, we will discuss the expectations cosmetology students should have for their education experience, as well as the expectations for the world beyond beauty school.
Use this information to inform your decision to enroll in cosmetology school, and to serve as conversation-starters with school advisors who will guide you throughout the admissions process.
Overall Outlook for Cosmetology Should Remain Strong in 2019
People who visit salons and spas have never had so many choices for services to choose from. Their needs can range from hair, skin, nails, massage and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates strong growth through 2026 in cosmetology related professions. This data can be seen as an indicator that your beauty school training can help you develop employable skills.
Cosmetology Students Have More School Choices Than Ever
With this growth of cosmetology professions, students have more beauty school options than ever as well. Almost every major city, and most smaller ones, have beauty school options within a reasonable commuting distance for most students. In fact, research shows that cosmetology school growth even continued through the five recession-plagued years leading up to 2017. This shows why students should be optimistic about the future outlook beauty professionals, and the potential benefits enrolling in a credible cosmetology program.
Accreditation and Licensure Still Matters
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) is the most prominent accrediting agency for cosmetology programs. They help ensure that beauty school programs align their learning outcomes with the professional needs of clients and employers in the industry. They also make sure students have access to curriculum that promotes proper health, safety, and sanitation procedures that are essential to the integrity of your services. When comparing schools, make sure you ask about their accreditation and curriculum standards.
When having the accreditation conversation with schools, you will also want to ask about your state’s license requirements, and if they prepare students to meet them. Most schools design their curriculum to include the number of hours for classroom and apprenticeship hours that your state requires for licensure. You will also have to sit for a state test in most cases. Be sure you choose a beauty school that will help you earn your license and connect with potential employers when you finish.
The 2019 Cosmetology Classroom Experience
There are some basic facts about today’s world of cosmetology schools, some of which will probably never change. First of all, most programs require students perform the bulk of their training in a classroom setting that aims to mimic a salon environment. You will likely practice your skills on mannequins, as well as real people once you get some experience. Even so, there may be some aspects to your training that will be performed online, such as quizzes and knowledge-based learning. But having the guidance of an experiences instructor in a hands-on setting can prepare you for success in ways that online learning can’t replicate.
On the flipside, today’s students also have access to a world of training videos, and other online tools and resources that beauty students could only dream of in the past. When you are practicing at home, you can access a world filled with professional tips and how-to videos that will enhance your foundational skills and help you keep up with the latest trends and techniques.
Length of Cosmetology School Training in 2019
One benefit of beauty school training in the past, present, and foreseeable future is the efficient timeline on which most programs can be completed. On the short end, some beauty school programs last around 6-8 months, while longer programs can span 12-24 months. If you are focusing on training with a broader set of skills, such as cosmetology, esthetics and skincare, or hair design, you can expect to train for a year or two at most.
How to Find the Right Cosmetology School
Students wanting to start cosmetology school training in 2019 can find their most convenient options in a number of ways. For starters, we have a simple search tool that makes it easy to search for beauty schools right now. If you want to peek at your most convenient options for beauty school training, it only takes a moment to see your results. Just enter your zip code, program of interest and level of education to start your search.
When you connect with beauty schools, be sure to ask their advisors about the professional outlook for licensed graduates in your area. They can help you figure out how to choose the right program, apply for financial aid, and answer your top questions to help you make the best decision. Good luck in 2019 and beyond as you pursue the career you’ve been dreaming of in the world of beauty!