If you’re seeking an excellent cosmetology program outside of a cosmopolitan setting, it’s possible to find strong programs that can launch your successful and satisfying career as a beauty professional.
So don’t bite your nails in worry or pull out your hair in frustration, but get focused on finding the cosmetology training and education offered in your town to prepare you to work in the fast-growing beauty field.
Attending a cosmetology school outside of a major city could have a financial benefit, too. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools reports that a full cosmetology program in a more rural setting will cost as low as $6,500, compared to at least $10,000 in or near a major metropolitan city. The cost of certified esthetician or nail technician programs ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the location and requirements.
Spotting those programs takes research and knowing specific qualities that make schools stand out. To locate a cosmetology school right where you are, there are three essential steps you can take.
1. Ask others.
When you’re in your go-to salon, ask your favorite stylists and technicians where they got their beauty training. Some may have earned their cosmetology education away, but there’s a good chance that others have experienced what local cosmetology schools have to offer. You’ll get their insight about the strength of the cosmetology programs and will also see first-hand how it helped them land jobs in local salons.
2. Look for accreditation
Cosmetology schools can choose to become accredited, which means they have met academic and other requirements related to facilities, curriculum, admissions policies, staff and instruction, established by an accrediting organization, according to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Beauty schools can get accreditation through entities such as the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, the Council on Occupational Education, which both provide ways online to search to find accredited cosmetology schools. And our quick search identified plenty of accredited cosmetology schools in non-urban settings.
3. Consider the programs
Now that you’ve found out which cosmetology schools others have attended locally, determined if they are accredited or not, it’s time to delve into the type of beauty programs they offer and how it will benefit you. The American Association of Cosmetology Schools says a full cosmetology program “is the most comprehensive and require the most hours.” It says the national average for a full cosmetology program is between 1,400 and 1,600 hours, which can be completed in less than two years. Other cosmetology programs are an estimated 300 hours for nail technology, 500 hours for electrology and 650 hours for esthetics. The association notes that you’ll want to check with your state licensing board for the number of hours it requires in your area of specialty.
Don’t let your location keep you from pursuing your cosmetology career dreams! You can grow your beauty expertise without traveling too far, allowing you to get started right away on a beautiful career.