Cosmetology

If you love to work with people and enjoy a fast paced environment where you can be creative every day, Cosmetology might be for you! Whether you want a career in Cosmetology or a stepping stone to another career field, this is a great program.

One of the greatest benefits of studying Cosmetology at the Wilson Talent Center (WTC) is that upon completion of the program, you are ready to take the State of Michigan Board of Cosmetology Licensing exam. After passing, you will be a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Michigan, without spending $20,000+ to do this after high school.

In this program, students will develop professional attitudes, employability skills, communication skills and technical skills which are essential to obtaining licensure and employment in one of may fields in the beauty industry including hair stylist, instructor, sales representative, manicurist, esthetician, color specialist, platform artist, or salon owner. As students advance through the program they will have the opportunity to work on the public in the student salon supervised by their instructors.

This two-year program includes both practical application classroom time as well as distance learning theory hours. 


Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course

Cosmetology - Manicuring

National Career Cluster

Human Services Pathway

Michigan Career Pathway

Human Services

Instructor(s)

Kasey Smith
State of Michigan licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
CTE Standard  Teaching Certification
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Studies from Sienna Heights University
22 years of experience in Cosmetology, including 13 years an an instructor, 10 years as a salon owner
517. 244.1402

Jamie Collins
State of Michigan Licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University
20 years of experience in Cosmetology, including various roles in juvenile educational positions
517.244.1321

Types of Credit

One full Fourth year math credit

½ Science credit per year

½ English credit per year

Michigan Merit Curriculum:  Visual Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA), one full credit

Recommended by WTC; awarded by sending school

Articulation Agreements

Davenport University
Ferris State University
Jackson College

Special Requirements/Recommendations for Success

9th grade (minimum) reading and math levels

Ability to read, understand, and apply technical information

Basic keyboarding and word processing skills (Windows environment)

Good attendance and attitude

Good communication skills

Ability to work well in teams and individually

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a noisy environment

Problem solving skills

Ability to lift and move equipment

Visit www.salary.com for local salary ranges for potential careers

Own transportation required due to extended class time

Textbook and state board exam written at a 9th grade reading level

Program Description

The focus of the Cosmetology program is the development of professional attitudes, employability skills, communication skills, and technical skills essential to obtaining Cosmetologist licensure and employment in one of the many fields of the beauty industry, including hair stylist, instructor, sales representative, manicurist, esthetician, color specialist, platform artist, or salon owner.  Students are exposed to all areas of Cosmetology including shampooing, manicuring and advanced nails, wigs, facials, makeup, haircutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, scalp treatments, perm waving, hair pressing, chemical relaxing, salon business and all theory related subjects. As they advance through the program, Cosmetology II students will have the opportunity to work on the public in the student salon supervised by instructors.

Students are treated as young adults and will be expected to assume responsibility for their own actions and progress. High standards of performance are expected since the well-being and safety of patrons in the student salon depends on the accuracy in practical applications backed by theoretical knowledge. Students must be dependable, able to read and understand directions, have emotional stability, physical dexterity and empathy toward others.

 Upon successful completion of the course, which includes 1500 hours of training while performing the required MPA's (Minimum Practical Applications) and passing a pre-state exam with 75% or higher, the student will be ready to take the State Board Exam and seek employment. This employment may also provide a means of assisting with the cost of further education.

Universal Accommodations

The Cosmetology program is committed to universal learning and supporting all students' needs. Our classroom space, routines, resources, and interactions will be as inclusive as possible. Treating each other with respect, listening to each other, having an open mind and a willingness to help each other learn is crucial to universal learning.

Strategies to provide optimal learning for all students in this course include, but not limited to:

  • Extended time for testing if necessary
  • Secluded area for testing if requested ahead of time
  • Auditory text for text or test available with provided earbuds
  • Large print text available
  • Printed notes from overhead presentations available when requested
  • Board/Projected presentations are verbalized
  • Extended time for assignments if requested in advance

If the student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan in place for their homeschool, please notify the instructor of its existence at the beginning of the program or when it is put in place.

As the Cosmetology program content is state mandated for licensure, modifications to the curriculum may not be allowable and still align with licensure requirements. However, accommodation will be provided as stated in an IEP or 504 plan for circumstances where it is applicable/appropriate and when it is expressly agreeable in writing that doing so will not meet licensure requirements.

Specific concerns related to an individual's plan can be discussed at any time with instructors. Monitoring of student success will be provided and documented to assist with helping each student reach personal goals.

Course Topics

The following topics will be covered in the curriculum provided through Milady Standard Cosmetology - 14th Edition & Milady Standard Foundation Texts:

Sanitation & Patron Protection

Infection Control

Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases

Chemical/Occupational Safety

Cosmetology Practical Application Processes

Chemistry

Electricity

History of Cosmetology & Nail Technology

Career Paths

Life Skills

Career Management

Professional Image & Ethics

Communicating for Success

Work Habits

The following areas will be explored and reflected upon each week as the student progresses through the program:

Attendance

Safety of work Area & Personal Safety

Care/Maintenance of Equipment/Work Area

Professional/Personal Judgement

Effort

Cooperation

Self-Discipline and Responsibility

Quality of Work

Quantity of Work

Acceptable Dress, Grooming & Appearance

Distance Learning Theory Hours

A portion of the required theory hours of training are obtained through Distance Learning Theory Hours. The distance learning theory hours allocated throughout the program must be carefully documented and substantiated in order to be valid.

It is imperative that assignments are satisfactorily completed in order to complete Distance Learning Theory Hours. If assignments are not satisfactorily completed, the ability to complete the required hours for licensure may be affected and continuation in the program may be impacted.

These hours may not be reciprocated in other states towards licensure. 

Exit Outcomes

Professional Employability Skills needed to obtain and keep a job

Explore the many careers available in the beauty industry

Understanding of basic human needs and human behavior

Effective communication skills – both speaking and listening

Basic Cosmetology/Manicurist Skills, including analysis of clients conditions that prevent services to be received in the salon

Meet all State Board of Cosmetology requirements for licensure, including the required hours of theory and practical application training and minimum practical applications

Attendance Policy

Due to a tight schedule, attendance is required on all days scheduled to complete the required hours for licensure eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the allowable hours that may be missed during their training are not exceeded.

All students will receive a Schedule of Hours at the beginning of each year that gives an approximate number of hours that are available for the school year. It lays out the allowable bank of missed hours that is available for absences. This bank cannot be exceeded or the ability to complete the program with enough hours to meet licensure requirements will be at risk. If the bank of allowable missed hours is exceeded in Cosmetology I, the student will not be able to return for Cosmetology II their senior year.

As part of our employability skills training, if you are absent, you must call the school before class starts. The phone number is (517-244-1306). Students must be in complete uniform before clocking in each day.

It is the student's responsibility to access any missed theory work they must arrange a time in which they can be shown any procedures that were introduced and demonstrated during their absence with the instructors.

Uniform Policy

In order to receive hours in the Cosmetology program, students much be in complete uniform prior to clocking in each day. Students will receive school-issued uniform items that must not be altered to wear while in attendance each day. It is the student's responsibility to keep their uniform items in clean and sanitary condition at all times. In addition to the school-issued uniform items, students will need to provide solid black, closed-toe shoes. Students must be in complete uniform, clocked in, and in their assigned area ready for instruction prior to the start of class to be on-time and not considered tardy.

Personal Appearance

  • Hair must be clean and neat
  • Makeup, if worn, must be professional in nature
  • Nails must be clean and neat
  • Practice of personal hygiene - regular bathing, using deodorant, brushing teeth and care of breath are a must
  • No headgear or hats, unless of religious affiliation without instructor approval

Grading Policy

Grading is based upon meeting and/or exceeding goals for each Essential Competency Area within the Cosmetology program.

The following Essential Competency Areas (ECA's) are sets of related knowledge, skills, and behaviors that together allow an individual to perform effectively within the program. Successful progression through the curriculum and training towards licensure aligns students with the skills needed to compete in the workforce.

  • Employability
  • Practical Application
  • Safety & Infection Control

Grades will be based on the following criteria: 

A (95%): meeting and/or exceeding the goal for all ECA's

B (85%): not meeting goal calendar in 1 ECA

C (75%): not meeting goal calendar in 2 ECA's

D (65%): not meeting goal calendar in 3 ECA's

F (59% and below): No Evidence on any ECA

Evidence of performance in each ECA will be gathered multiple times throughout the marking period. Students will be encouraged to continue to have their performance evaluated regularly in order to gather evidence towards their professional development within the curriculum. Goal calendars will be distributed and displayed each marking period. Students will track their progress independently with regular feedback on plans for improvement.

Cosmetology Program Virtual Tour

Student Testimonial

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