A career in cosmetology is a rewarding prospect for people who have a passion or interest in health and beauty. It is an all-encompassing discipline that involves a wide range of procedures, including hair care and styling, skin care, and nail aesthetics. Many see this type of career as the ideal opportunity to do what they love and get paid for it at the same time!
While many individuals are set on achieving accreditation in this field from the time they leave school, many others may look to consider it as a career change. The slog of a 9-5 job can take its toll on the work-life balance. A potential factor that can put people off is the time they may have to take to gain the relevant qualifications.
An additional consideration you will need to take is making sure your resume is in as good a shape as possible before completing your training. If you are equipped with the perfect cosmetology resume before it is time to look for your first job, you will have a considerable advantage over those whose resumes are lacking.
If you have ever wondered how long you will be training before you can be considered a qualified cosmetologist, then read on.
So How Long Will I Be Training For?
The short answer is that it depends on the type of program you choose and how many disciplines you choose to train in. There are several ways to complete your training and earn your qualification, and each will have a slightly different timescale for completion.
Medical vs. non-medical study
The first point you will need to be clear on is what type of cosmetologist you wish to train as. While some areas of study are the same regardless of which route you take, there are some general differences between the two.
Non-medical cosmetology generally refers to anything related to hair, skin, or nails and can be seen to enhance the physical appearance of clients. Procedures can include hair coloring, pedicures, or facials.
Medical cosmetology is more related to the physiology of the body and, in particular, skin care. Procedures might include Botox injections, facelifts, and liposuction.
Studying for a cosmetology certificate
If you wish to specialize in a single area of cosmetology, this may be the quickest route into the industry. A certificate will usually take up to a year to obtain. It will involve theoretical and practical training, with the total study hours usually between 1300 and 1500 hours.
Studying for a degree
As with all options, the total length of time can vary depending on the institution you train at. Typically, a degree will take around two years to complete.
As an example, Evergreen Beauty College offers flexible options when it comes to completing the course. They also enable you to complete sections of your learning and assignments online, allowing you to work your training around other aspects of your life.
However, this is usually followed by an internship within a professional setting. This can also take up to two years but is an essential step for you to be sure that this is the career for you while also ensuring that you are fully equipped to deal with all areas of the industry.
Some institutions will offer accelerated degree programs that could see you qualified in as little as nine months, as well as part-time courses that you can complete at a more relaxed pace over an extended period of time.
No matter which avenue you go down, the ultimate destination will be a highly rewarding career doing what you love and getting paid for it. It is never too late to start, so what are you waiting for?
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