Cosmetology
The Cosmetology program at the Capital Region Career & Technical
School teaches students the competencies and professional skills
necessary to pass the New York State Board practical and written
licensing exams. Only licensed cosmetologists may work in salons in
New York State, and to sit for the licensing exam, they must
complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of approved instruction.
Students attend the Cosmetology program for two years, including a
summer school session, to satisfy the hours requirement. Students
engage in hands-on learning where theory is applied and skills and
competencies are strengthened. A clinic open to members of the local
community provides students with real life experience in their
field.
The program features integrated academics including English/language
arts, applied math and science, and practical chemistry, for which
some schools grant high school credit in addition to the career and
technical program credit.
video:
view a videoclip of cosmetology class
Career opportunities:
Cosmetology salon or school owner
Platform artist
Desairologist
Electrologist
Hair colorist/specialist
Hair stylist
Makeup artist or demonstrator
Manicurist/nail technician
Skin care specialist
Product educator/demonstrator
Salon manager
Research technician
Units of study:
Bacteriology
Decontamination and infection control
Properties of the hair and scalp
Shampooing, rinsing, conditioning
Hair cutting and coloring
Artistry in hair styling
Thermal hair styling
Wet hair styling
Hair coloring
Chemical hair relaxing and soft curl permanents
Thermal hair pressing
The artistry of artificial hair
Manicuring
The nail and its disorders
Removing unwanted hair
Cells, anatomy and physiology
Electricity and light therapy
Chemistry
The salon business
Integrated science (1st year students)
Integrated English (2nd year students)
Portfolio:
Students create a portfolio which they present to teachers, administrators, peers and/or industry professionals. The portfolio includes employability information and exemplary work in technical and communication skills that students have created and developed over the course of the year.
Academic prerequisites:
10th grade reading level
8th grade math level
Suggested prerequisites:
Ability to meet physical demands of profession
Ability to communicate
Good hand-eye coordination
Keyboarding
Introduction to computers
Science
Art
College credit:
The Capital Region Career & Technical School has an articulation agreement with Schenectady County Community College (1 credit in Ethics received senior year)
Teacher profiles:
Alumni profiles:
Successful Cosmetology grad never stops learning, growing
"My work is fun, and I do what I love. I feel like the luckiest person in the world." Cyndy Slyke's passion for Cosmetology is as boundless as the opportunities the field presents and rivaled only by her enthusiasm for Career & Tech. The class of 2000 Cosmetology alumna has worked as a hairstylist, cosmetics rep, makeup artist, consultant, writer and volunteer. She has won awards, been published and is a popular guest speaker who is dedicated to advancing her own professional education. Read more
What's new
Salons, barbershops and day spas offer numerous employment opportunities for licensed cosmetologists and barbers, while resorts and retreats provide another source of jobs. Growth in our region’s technological, educational and business sectors will increase the demand for experienced professionals.
Going Green
Cosmetology students learn about electrical draw and energy efficiency, and they work with many hair, skin and aromatherapy products that are now formulated from organic ingredients. They conserve resources by recycling paper and plastic, buying in bulk, and using fabric towels and capes that are laundered in energy efficient washers and dryers and reused for cleaning once worn out.
[4/26/10]
