Cosmetology is the art, science and business of beauty care and thus offers students a variety of career opportunities. Students completing the program can choose to be general cosmetologists or to excel in an area of expertise such as perming and cutting, hair care and coloring, or skin and nail care.This program welcomes both men and women. Students of the Cosmetology program will receive a combination of classroom and laboratory work with the opportunity to practice their skills on mannequins and actual customers in the campus clinic/salon. Acquired cosmetology hours or credits earned and documented from other licensed colleges, whether in- or out-of-state, may be accepted upon approval of the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologists. Graduates holding a valid cosmetology license are also eligible for employment on tourist ships and in other unique employment settings. Academically, courses in chemistry, English, math and business are necessary in preparing for a career in cosmetology.The Board of Cosmetologists, which is the cosmetology licensing body, requires 1,550 hours of clinical time in order to become licensed in the State of Minnesota. Upon completion of 1,550 hours and passing of the state exam, a license will be issued. (Note: 33 credits in Salon Practicum is the maximum number of credits which can be applied toward the diploma.)

1. Relate the knowledge and technical procedures to perform proficiently in all cosmetology skills.
2. Apply ethical behaviors and human relation skills with patrons, employers and co-workers.
3. Show professionalism in response to all relationships in the cosmetology salon environment.
4. Know and understand the Minnesota state laws, rules and regulations, and statutes for the individual policies or responsibilities that pertain to all cosmetology license holders.
5. Know employee sanitation procedures and perform safety procedures in compliance with Minnesota laws and rules.
6. Evaluate hair, skin and nail disorders or diseases that should be referred to a physician.
7. Prepare and know the specific uses and safety of all equipment and supplies used in the cosmetology salon.
8. Prepare the chemical formulas necessary to ensure accurate product knowledge to perform cosmetology services.

Like any profession, the most successful and the most satisfied are those who know what it is that makes them happy. Some of the traits of a successful cosmetologist include: a positive outlook on life, creativity, the desire to work with one's hands the desire to make people happy, preference for physical movement throughout the day, self motivation, and ambition. Cosmetologists receive a base pay with incentives and benefits such as vacation, holidays and health insurance. Cosmetologists' salaries are increasing with the rapid growth in the industry. There are opportunities to become a salon manager with all the advanced training necessary to succeed.

• Gainful employment report

The program is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (800) 621-7440, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.