The Cosmetology
program is a comprehensive competency-based program designed to develop skills used by cosmetologists. Students who wish to enter the program must do so by the start of their sophomore year. The Cosmetology program is certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetologists and Barbering. Upon successful competition of the course, which includes the requirement of 1,000 instructional hours, students are prepared to take the Board of Registration of Cosmetologists license exam using the curriculum standards set by the Board. All of the professionals in the field of Cosmetology work closely with the public and are regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Cosmetologists and Barbering. This Board also sets the curricula requirements, which are aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Business and Consumer Services Cluster – Cosmetology, and regulates the schools which train candidates in these occupations. The Board protects the health and safety of the public by maintaining high standards for the industry.
Students in the Cosmetology program are introduced to career opportunities in the field of cosmetology which includes hairstylist, manicurist, skincare specialist, cosmetic chemist, and make-up artist. The curriculum, following the guidelines set by the Board of Registration of Cosmetologists, emphasizes toxic use. Under the supervision of licensed instructors in a state-of-the-art equipped classroom/shop, students will learn techniques and skills necessary for success in the beauty industry along with the sciences of the profession including anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Students are exposed to the basic fundamentals of hairdressing during the first year. After the first year, second-year students are able to perform hands-on non-chemical services on clients. Chemicals are introduced to second-year students after completing the correlating Chapters. Qualified third-year students who have mastered skills in all phases of cosmetology will have the opportunity to extend their learning experience into the world of work in an area salon as part of the Co-operative Education Program.
Course Objectives:
Using industry standards, students will learn the following competencies:
- Integrate academics through project-based learning
- Recognize career pathway opportunities
- Interact safely in a shop environment
- Develop a knowledge of toxic reduction alternatives
- Incorporate the use of industry standard technology and software
- Read, understand, and communicate in the language of the field
- Organize and research information
- Develop a professional appearance, exemplary work ethic and superior communication skills
- Interact safely in a personal services environment
- Determine client needs
Certifications/Licenses:
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Cosmetologists & Barbering
Looking toward the future:
Students completing the Cosmetology program have the option of securing gainful employment, continuing formal studies at the post-secondary level, or pursuing a combination of both. The Board of Registration offers additional licenses in the personal services industry.
Cosmetology/Personal Services is the art and science of improving beauty through care and treatment of the skin, hair, and nails. Once a student has completed the required 1,000 instructional hours and has passed the Board of Registration of Cosmetologists license exam, there are numerous career opportunities awaiting them. Employment can be found in independent salons, day spas, retail sales, health care centers, cruise lines, and the entertainment industry. There are many options for post-secondary technical training leading toward additional licenses as well as pursuing majors in business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Students successfully completing the Cosmetology program have the option of securing gainful employment, continuing formal studies at the post-secondary level, or pursuing a combination of both.
Post-Secondary Options:
| Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry Creative Schools of Hairdressing and Barbering | Elizabeth Grady Holyoke Community College Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy New England Hair Academy | Rob Roy Academy for Barbering Springfield College Westfield State College |
Career Opportunities:
Entry level Jobs- High School Diploma – On-the-Job Training
| Cosmetic/Product Retail Sales | Receptionist |
Skilled Jobs – License/ Technical/Community College/ Associates Degree or Certificate
| Apprentice/Assistant Barber Beauty Consultant Beauty Technologist/Somatologist Competition Stylist Cosmetology Instructor Desairologist | Esthetician Electrologists Eyelash Technicians Hair Colorist Hair Stylist Laser Cosmetic Technician Massage Therapist | Make-up Artist Manicurist/Pedicurists Manufacturer Representative Microblading Specialist Platform Artist State Board Examiner State Board Inspector |
Professional Careers – BS / MS Degree/Graduate Studies/ Additional Licenses
| Artistic Director Body Art Practitioner | Dermatologist Market Research/Consumer Research Journalism/Beauty Writer | Plastic Surgeon Product Research and Development |
Instructors
 Rhonda Moran Exploratory & 1st Ext. 1202 |  Wendy Ventura Exploratory, 1st & 2nd Ext. 2260 |
 Lisa Lavalle 2nd & 3rd year Ext. 1201 |  Kelsey Gaines Clinical Assistant Ext. 1302 |