Albany Technical College

Program Description

The Cosmetology program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for careers in the field of cosmetology. Learning opportunities develop academic and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes specialized training in safety, sanitation, state laws, rules, and regulations, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, skin, hair, and nail diseases and disorders, hair treatments and manipulations, hair shaping, hair styling, artificial hair, braiding/intertwining hair, chemical reformation and application, skin and nail care, hair coloring, hair lightening, reception, sales, management, math, reading, writing, interpersonal relations development, computer skills, employability skills, and work ethics. The curriculum meets state licensing requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology. Program graduates receive a Cosmetology diploma and are employable as a cosmetology salesperson, cosmetologist, salon manager, or a salon owner. We admit both *Ability to Benefit (ATB) and ** High School Dual Enrollment students.

Nature of the Work

Cosmetologists offer a wide range of beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling of hair.They may advise clients on how to care for their hair at home. In addition, cosmetologists may be trained to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.

Employment

In 2008, cosmetologists held 684,200 jobs.

Job Outlook

Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists will increase by about 20 percent, much faster than average. This growth will primarily come from an increasing population, which will lead to greater demand for basic hair services.Additionally, the demand for hair coloring and other advanced hair treatments has increased in recent years, particularly among baby boomers and young people. This trend is expected to continue, leading to a favorable outlook for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists.

Earnings

Median hourly wages in May 2008 for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, including tips and commission, were $11.13.The middle 50 percent earned between $8.57 and $15.03.The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.47, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $20.41.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians and Aides, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos332.htm.