How to Select the Right Esthetician College Near Dubuque Iowa

Now that you have made a decision to enter the field of cosmetology and enroll in an esthetician school near Dubuque IA, the task starts to locate and enroll in the right program. It's essential that the program you pick not only provides the proper education for the specialty you have chosen, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you start your initial search, you might be a little bit confused about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don't be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Dubuque residence. Tuition will also be a critical consideration when reviewing prospective schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the nearest or the lowest cost it's not always the ideal option. There are various other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask concerning the aesthetician schools you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about what kinds of training programs are offered.

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Esthetician Training Requirements

Esthetics programs, which are available through dedicated schools of esthetics, career colleges or schools of cosmetology, must meet the requirements set forth by each state’s board of cosmetology. Most states recognize esthetics programs that consist of 600 hours of coursework and practical training as meeting the requirements for licensure, although a number of states require more hours while others require significantly fewer. For example, esthetician license candidates in Wisconsin must complete a program that is at least 450 hours long, while candidates in Indiana must complete a program consisting of at least 700 hours. Esthetics programs blend theory and practical study to introduce students to everything from skin histology and sanitation practices to the safe application of facial products and makeup. These programs also include coursework that covers the business, ethics and professional standards of the esthetics industry.

Esthetician Job Description

Estheticians (or aestheticians) are skin care specialists who typically work in Dubuque Iowa spas and salons as well as resorts and medical facilities to provide a variety of treatments for their clients. Some of the typical duties of an esthetician include performing deep skin cleansing and treatments, hair removal, and massages. Estheticians also recommend skincare treatments, products, and regimens to their clients. Many estheticians are self-employed, which allows them to set their schedules and work where they wish. However, these professionals still often need to work evenings and weekends. These skin care specialists also spend much of their time standing and may be exposed to harmful chemicals. Certified estheticians have excellent customer service and communication skills. They're adept at time management, observation and monitoring and are competent in understanding and using the tools necessary for facial procedures and extractions. Certified estheticians are familiar with medical, spreadsheets, and word processing software. They present a professional appearance and have the physical fitness to stand for prolonged periods of time. A career in esthetics generally requires working evening and weekend hours.

Online Esthetician Courses

Online esthetician programs are advantageous for Dubuque IA students who are employed full time and have family commitments that make it difficult to attend a more traditional school. There are many online cosmetology school programs available that can be attended by means of a desktop computer or laptop at the student's convenience. More conventional cosmetology programs are often fast paced given that many courses are as short as six or eight months. This means that a substantial amount of time is spent in the classroom. With internet programs, you are covering the same volume of material, but you're not spending numerous hours away from your home or driving back and forth from classes. On the other hand, it's imperative that the training program you select can provide internship training in nearby salons and parlors to ensure that you also obtain the hands-on training necessary for a comprehensive education. Without the internship portion of the training, it's impossible to gain the skills required to work in any facet of the cosmetology field. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online program to confirm that internship training is available in your area.

What to Ask Esthetician Training Classes

Following is a series of questions that you should research for any esthetician training program you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Dubuque home, as well as the expense of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Below we have compiled several of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.

Is the Esthetician Program Accredited? It's important to make sure that the esthetician training program you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not available for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, a number of Dubuque IA employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Each esthetician college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the industry. Being accredited is an excellent beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Dubuque IA salon owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult the Iowa school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  Some esthetician schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your desire is to open a Dubuque IA beauty salon, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator as well. Choosing a highly rated school with a poor program in the specialty you are pursuing will not deliver the training you require.

Is Enough Live Training Provided?  Practicing and mastering esthetician techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the cosmetology lessons you will be attending. Some schools have salons on site that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a beauty school offers limited or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So try to find other schools that provide this kind of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  As soon as a student graduates from an esthetician program, it's crucial that he or she receives help in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish help develop relationships with Dubuque IA employers that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Aid Offered?  Most esthetician schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students as well. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an option before you find out what financial help may be provided.

Learn How to Become an Aesthetician in Dubuque

Enroll in the Right Dubuque Esthetician Training

Locating and enrolling in the right esthetician college is important to get the proper training to become a licensed cosmetology professional. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to in order to feel confident about your decision. Be sure to organize all of the information you receive from the beauty school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that data to contrast schools. A good beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the academy and program you decide on are accredited and have excellent reputations within the profession. If you begin with that base, and address the additional questions provided in this article, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the ideal choice. And when you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are qualified to launch your new career as a professional esthetician in Dubuque Iowa.

 

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