Cosmetology

Degree(s) Available:

• Cosmetology, AAS

Certificate(s):

• Cosmetology Instructor
• Cosmetology Operator
• Facial Specialist
• Nail Technician

The professional field of cosmetology is very diverse with regard to training requirements and areas of employment. The program offers certificates for an operator's license, facial specialist, nail technician or cosmetology instructor license along with an associates of applied science degree. All of the cosmetology certificate programs are approved by the Texas Cosmetology Commission and prepare students for their respective state licensing examinations. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, graduate students are eligible to take their state exam. Upon passing their state exam, program graduates become licensed to practice in the state of Texas.

The cosmetology certificate program is a full time, 12 month program. Graduates have many employment opportunities including becoming a stylist, skin care specialist, make-up artist, or hair coloring and chemical technician. Other areas may be to become a research assistant in the cosmetology industry, a sales representative for a beauty product, or beauty editor for newspapers and magazines. Salaries vary depending upon the place of employment and the graduate’s skills and number of work hours.

The facial specialist certificate will prepare an individual to perform all aspects of skin care and make-up. The nail technician certificate is designed to prepare an individual for all aspects of the nail profession. Each one of these certificates are approximately half of the length of the cosmetology certificate program.

The AAS degree is designed to train operators with the option to specialize as an instructor, facial specialist or nail technician. The instructor program is for the individual who wishes to teach cosmetology in either a public school, college, technical school or private cosmetology school.

The general education core courses will transfer to a variety of universities. Contact the counselor or adviser at any college for specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses.

Admission Criteria for Operator, Facial and Nail Certificates

In addition to the district admission requirements, the following are requirements for admission to the cosmetology program.

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Completed ENGL 0304 or ENGL 0315 and ENGL 0306 or ENGL 0325, or higher level ENGL course or placement by testing.
3. ASSET minimum scores of 39 in reading and 41 in writing (or CELT reading of 60 and CELT writing of 60) , OR the COMPASS minimum scores of 80 in writing and 76-78 in reading, OR passed reading and writing section of THEA, OR ACT minimum scores of 17 in reading and 16 in writing (fall 1989 to present), OR complete ENGL 0305 and ENGL 0306 with a grade of A or B, OR completion of college-level English with a grade of C or better verified by official transcript, OR an earned college degree.
4. Minimum age of 17 years.
5. Mandatory attendance at a scheduled orientation session or Departmental approval.
6. Program admission for students with previous college experience requires that the student be in disciplinary good standing at all former institutions. No student will be admitted who is under disciplinary suspension status from another college or institution. Any such status requires positive resolution from the other institution before a student will be considered for cosmetology admission.

After program admission approval, the student must have the registration form approved by the cosmetology academic counselor.  Applicants who have completed hours in cosmetology in other educational programs may apply for placement by examination for CSME 1254, 1310, 1501, and 1505.  Official verification of the hours completed is required. 

Applicants who have completed hours in cosmetology in other educational programs may apply for placement by examination. Official verification of the hours completed is required. To receive a certificate in cosmetology, a transfer student must complete a minimum of two full semesters in cosmetology at NHMCCD.

Progression Requirements

Once admitted to the cosmetology program, a student must attain a grade of "C" or better in each cosmetology course in order to progress in the program.

Readmission Policy

A student who withdraws from the Cosmetology Program may be readmitted only once with the recommendation of the department faculty.

Cosmetology Instructor Certificate

In addition to the district admission requirements the following are requirements for admission to the cosmetology instructor certificate.

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Current Texas operator's license.
3. Within the past five years applicants must have a minimum of three years work experience as a licensed cosmetologist versed in all phases of cosmetology. Verification will be required.
4. Completion of 12 semester hours in general education including ENGL 1301.
5. Minimum age of 18 years.
6. Musst pass comprehensive cosmetology placement examination before taking any cosmetology instructor classes. 

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