Cosmetology
Click Here for Closed Captioning.Cosmetologists keep people looking their best. And, career options in this field are endless. Cosmetologists can easily move into any number of jobs such as esthetician, on-air broadcast stylist, product sales, hair animation, personal styling and many more. Even better, cosmetologists can easily set up their own professional salon out of their homes or in commercial space.
This Center of Excellence program is for seniors interested in learning more about careers in cosmetology or who are serious about pursuing a state licensure in cosmetology.
Credit hours
This program is eligible for eight units of high school credit. You will be prepared for the Missouri State Board of Licensing examination required to become a cosmetologist.
What you’ll learn.
This 1,220-hour, full-day program is designed to help you understand and practice the skills necessary to succeed in the cosmetology industry:
- hair and scalp
- haircutting techniques
- chemical applications
- skin care and make up
- nail care
- personal hygiene
- business and professional ethics
- safety, sterilization and sanitation methods
- salesmanship and communication skills
- state laws and rules
Note: Our program is based on the Missouri requirement of 1,220 hours, BUT all other states require a 1,500 hour license. If you see any chance of working in this industry outside the state of Missouri, we offer (and recommend) an additional “38 day” option to your program the following year.
Schedule
One year program, 7.5 hours per day
You’ll take classes at
Herndon Career Center
11501 E. 350 Highway
Raytown, MO 64138
Prerequisites
Minimum 2.0 GPA
90% attendance
Reading, writing, and math at the 10th grade level (courses in art, biology, chemistry, business management and speech are recommended)
Other requirements
You are expected to complete the full-year program in order to meet state and program standards. You will receive a kit with workbooks, mannequins, mannequin stand, mannequin hand and other needed supplies. You will be responsible for providing your own uniform, shoes and transportation.
The total cost of these supplies is approximately $700 and is due, in full, at the beginning of the school year. An additional $135 will be needed around May for the Missouri State Board Exam.
You must have completed all high school graduation requirements (except Practical Arts electives) by the beginning of senior year.
Demand and Pay
Below are wages and expected employment growth according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration’s O*NET career exploration and job analysis tool.
Cosmetologists (state license)
Median wages: $11.21 hourly, $23,330 annual (salary depends on market and type of salon)
Number of people already in the industry: 631,000
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 219,500 (growth is expected to be 20%, much faster than other occupations)
Skills, character and physical traits of successful people in this career:
- Creativity
- Refined motor skills and manual dexterity
- Good eye for color and design principles
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Memory for sequence and steps in processes
- Ability to communicate verbally with clients
To apply
Contact your high school counseling office to complete an application, student contract and student essay of interest.
Your school will determine if you meet the program criteria. If you do not, but your counselor or principal feel you can be successful in the program, they can recommend you.
