Sunday, 27 May 2012

Online Cosmetology Certification and Certificate Information

Research online cosmetology certification and certificate programs. Get information about online courses, licensing options, career requirements and salary.

Overview of Online Cosmetology Certificate Programs

Cosmetology licenses are issued by state cosmetology boards; licensing requirements state that training programs be completed on-campus and students receive hands-on practice in hair and beauty treatments. As a result, there are no available online cosmetology certificate programs. However, some programs have received special dispensation from state boards to offer selected courses online. Licensed cosmetologists looking to advance their studies can enroll in online programs in areas like cosmetology business and instruction.

Program Information and Requirements

Students enrolled in cosmetology certificate programs must take most of their classes on campus. Some programs offer one or two classes in an online format. Online classes usually last one semester and are offered near the beginning of the certificate program. As online instruction continues to expand, some colleges are trying to get additional distance learning courses approved. However, much of a cosmetology curriculum involves hands-on practice in a salon, which must be completed on-campus.
Students usually need a computer with Internet access and word processing software in order to access online classes. Most online classes utilize course management systems and interactive technologies to facilitate interactions between instructors and students.

List of Commonly Approved Online Cosmetology Courses

Courses that are approved for online instruction are basic classes that don't involve hands-on salon training. Some cosmetology certificate programs require general education credits in basic math, reading and writing; these classes can also be taken online.

Cosmetology Law, Business and Sanitation

All cosmetology students are required to take an introductory course in law, business and sanitation; this course is offered online by some colleges. Students learn about state cosmetology laws and basic sanitation and safety rules.

Anatomy and Physiology for Cosmetologists

Students receive a comprehensive overview of anatomy and physiology as it relates to skin, nail and hair care in an online learning format. Lessons also cover the disorders that can affect nails, skin and hair.

Cosmetology Career Information

Cosmetologists earned a median hourly wage of $11.13 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); this rate includes tips (www.bls.gov). However, the BLS also notes that a number of factors can impact earnings, including experience, potential for bonuses and sales commissions, location and salon size. The BLS reported that over 800,000 cosmetologists were employed in the U.S. in 2008. The number of licensed cosmetologists is projected to increase by 20% to just under one million by 2018.

Continuing Education and Licensure Information

Cosmetology certification is not required, but aspiring cosmetologists who have completed a state-approved program must take and pass a licensing exam. All 50 states require practicing cosmetologists, other than shampooers, to be licensed. Cosmetology licenses must be renewed every few years, and continuing education courses may be available online. Students interested in advanced positions in cosmetology can enroll in online business administration programs and open their own salons. They can also become cosmetology instructors.

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