Cosmetology Courses, Curriculum and Careers

Cosmetology Courses and Curriculum in Louisiana

Published on October 25, 2012 by: Michelle Hays

Persons who attend a cosmetology school, complete all course work and pass the State licensing exam can go on to pursue any of numerous job opportunities. This article is intended to acquaint prospective students on the basics of cosmetology courses, curriculum and career opportunities.

Cosmetology Courses and Careers

Although many people mistakenly believe that cosmetologists only cut, color and style hair, their offerings, and skills, actually go far beyond this misconception. As a licensed cosmetologist, you can perform a wide variety of duties, including makeup application, manicures and pedicures, salon manager and cosmetology instructor. Once you choose a cosmetology specialty, you can work in numerous different fields, including the theater, film, spa and salon industries. However, before you go out into the work force, you need to take the right cosmetology courses to refine your skills and prepare you for a lucrative, lifelong career.

Cosmetology License

Your cosmetology license will allow you to cut, style and color hair, as expected. However, during cosmetology school, you will also learn how to professionally apply makeup, wax and arch eyebrows, and perform manicures and pedicures. You will also learn valuable salesperson skills that will help you sell hair and nail products, and give you the ability to work well all different types of people. After you successfully complete 1,500 hours of hands-on and classroom training, you must pass your state's cosmetology examination to become gainfully employed as a cosmetologist.

Manicurist License

As a professional manicurist, you can find employment in salons, spas and nail salons. You can train for these high-demand, fast-paced jobs within an accredited cosmetology school. Expect courses on learning how to apply nail tips, nail wraps, and acrylic gel nails, as well as classes on nail chemistry and advanced nail techniques. You will also learn retail sales and client consultation skills that will help you better position yourself in the marketplace. After 500 successful hours of schooling, you must also pass your state's manicuring examination to become licensed in the state in which you live.

Teacher License

As a cosmetology teacher, you will learn valuable skills that allow you to teach cosmetology students on basic and advanced hair, skin and nail techniques. Your seven to eight month instruction includes 750 hours of preparation. During your studies, you will learn teaching and lesson plan techniques, supervisory responsibilities, student evaluation and testing theory and execution. Like all other cosmetology requirements, you must also take and pass your state's cosmetology teaching examination to obtain your license and legally secure employment.

Types of Jobs and Salary Ranges

While no exact personal earnings figures can be correctly calculated, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does provide some wage projections for people in the field. The BLS reports, that as of May 2011, cosmetologists working in the personal care services received an annual wage of $26,550. However, cosmetologists who worked in the video and motion picture industries reported a mean salary of $69,780. However, it is important to note that your salary can fluctuate throughout slow and busy times of the year, and can also reflect your personal decision to work either part or full time.

Finding Your Perfect Career

When it comes to finding your perfect career path within the cosmetology field, you need to consider some common industry working conditions. If you do not mind standing up all day long, and helping people find just the right hair cuts and styles, you are well suited for a general cosmetologist position. If you do not like standing much, you might be a better manicurist fit, if you also enjoy the work and possess a high level of demonstrated capabilities. If you really want to help other people succeed in the business, you might consider pursuing a cosmetology teaching certificate. This position gives you regular hours, a supervisory role and the chance to mentor hundreds, if not thousands, of future cosmetology industry professionals.