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Esthetician Degrees and Certificates
There are essentially two options offered to receive esthetician training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) program, or you can pursue an Associate's degree. Certificate programs typically require 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate's degree ordinarily takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be trained in each of the main areas of cosmetology. Briefer programs are available if you prefer to concentrate on just one area, such as esthetics. A degree program will also probably feature management and marketing training to ensure that graduates are better prepared to operate a salon or other Iowa business. More advanced degrees are not prevalent, but Bachelor and Master's degree programs are available in such specialties as salon or spa management. Whichever type of program you opt for, it's essential to make sure that it's certified by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology. Many states only certify schools that are accredited by certain reputable agencies, for instance the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will review the advantages of accreditation for the school you choose in the upcoming section.
Online Esthetics Schools
Online esthetician programs are accommodating for Iowa students who are working full-time and have family responsibilities that make it hard to enroll in a more traditional school. There are numerous online beauty school programs offered that can be attended by means of a personal computer or laptop at the student's convenience. More conventional beauty programs are typically fast paced given that many courses are as brief as 6 or 8 months. This means that a substantial portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online programs, you are covering the same amount of material, but you're not spending numerous hours away from your home or commuting back and forth from classes. However, it's vital that the school you choose can provide internship training in local salons and parlors in order that you also get the hands-on training needed for a complete education. Without the internship portion of the training, it's difficult to acquire the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology industry. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online program to confirm that internship training is provided in your area.