How to Enroll In the Best Aesthetician Training Near Mercer Island Washington

Now that you have made a decision to enter the field of cosmetology and attend an esthetician school near Mercer Island WA, the process starts to find and enroll in the best program. It's important that the program you pick not only provides the proper training for the specialty you have decided on, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your initial search, you might be somewhat unclear about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don't be, because the titles are basically interchangeable and both relate to the same kind of school. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Mercer Island home. Tuition will additionally be an important factor when reviewing potential schools. Just keep in mind that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it's not necessarily the best option. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask concerning the aesthetician schools you are considering later in this article. Before we do, let's talk a little bit about what kinds of programs are offered.

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Esthetician Training Programs

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 Mercer Island Washington 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 Esthetics Programs

Online esthetician schools are accommodating for Mercer Island WA students who are working full-time and have family commitments that make it challenging to enroll in a more traditional school. There are a large number of web-based beauty school programs available that can be attended via a home computer or laptop at the student's convenience. More conventional beauty schools are frequently fast paced because many programs are as short as 6 or 8 months. This means that a substantial portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same volume of material, but you are not spending many hours outside of your home or driving to and from classes. On the other hand, it's vital that the program you select can provide internship training in area salons and parlors in order that you also obtain the hands-on training necessary for a comprehensive education. Without the internship part of the training, it's impossible to acquire the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology profession. So make sure if you choose to enroll in an online school to verify that internship training is available in your area.

What to Ask Esthetics Training Courses

Below is a list of questions that you should research for any esthetician training program you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Mercer Island home, together with the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you need to research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final determination.

Is the Esthetician School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the esthetician school you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently 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 Mercer Island WA businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Every esthetician institute that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Mercer Island WA salon owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. Finally, contact the Washington school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  A number of esthetician schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective 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 start a Mercer Island WA beauty salon, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator as well. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in the specialty you are pursuing will not provide the training you need.

Is Plenty of Live Training Provided?  Practicing and refining esthetician skills and techniques requires plenty of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the cosmetology lessons you will be attending. Some schools have salons on campus that enable students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a beauty academy offers little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on the use of mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. So look for other schools that offer this type of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  As soon as a student graduates from an esthetician school, it's imperative that he or she receives assistance in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer aid maintain relationships with Mercer Island WA employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available?  Many esthetician schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you find out what financial aid may be provided.

Learn How to Become an Esthetician in Mercer Island

Enroll in the Right Mercer Island Esthetician Program

Picking and enrolling in the ideal esthetician program is imperative to receive the proper training to become a licensed cosmetology specialist. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel positive about your decision. Be sure to compile all of the responses you get from the beauty school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then use that data to contrast schools. A sensible start in your due diligence process is to make sure that the academy and program you choose are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you begin with that foundation, and address the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the proper choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are prepared to begin your career as a professional esthetician in Mercer Island Washington.

 

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