Overview
The Cosmetology program is a comprehensive competency based Chapter 74 approved three-year program designed to develop skills used by cosmetologist. 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 Cosmetologist. Upon successful completion of the course, which includes the requirement of 1,000 instructional hours, students are prepared and eligible to take the Board of Registration of Cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist. The Board also sets the curriculum requirement, which is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks - Business and Consumer Services Cluster - Cosmetology, and regulates the schools that train candidates in this occupation. The Board protects the health and safety of the public by maintaining high standards for the industry.
VTE Framework: Cosmetology
Grade 9
“Career Exploratory” is an introduction to the Cosmetology program. The student is introduced to fundamentals of health and safety, blood spill procedures (universal precautions), infection control, customer service, professional image and communication skills, anatomy, color theory, hair design as well as, life skills, history and career opportunities within the industry. Practical work includes scalp care, shampooing and conditioning, braiding, nail care, pedicuring, wet and thermal hairstyling, facial, and hair removal. Vocabulary words, writing assignments, portfolio work. Students attend career exploratory 2 periods a day.
Grade 10
This course is designed to further develop the basic skills and knowledge needed for success in the cosmetology field. Students continue to receive practical instruction on equipment safety, infection control and sanitation, along with customer service and communication skills. Practical work includes scalp care, shampooing and conditioning, wet and thermal hairstyling, and blow dry styling, facials, make-up application, hair removal, advanced hairstyling, and haircutting. Safety lessons, including the OSHA ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration ) 10 hour training, and certification. Students attend Cosmetology 1 and related theory 2 - 3 periods each day.
Grade 11
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to achieve proficiency in their knowledge and technical skills in the cosmetology program. Students receive advanced levels of instruction in facials, make-up application, nail care, nail techniques, and artificial nails, including tips, wraps, gel nails and nail art. Wet and thermal styling, hair cutting, permanent waving, chemical relaxing and smoothing techniques, hair removal, haircoloring chemical use and precautions, as well as sanitation practices, and safety lessons. Upper level students meeting state board hourly requirements will have an opportunity to provide human services in the “Salon at THS” (our clinic floor) which is open to the public. Students attend academic classes every other week, alternating with Cosmetology 2 lab and related theory.
Grade 12
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to master their technical skills and comprehension level in the cosmetology program. Students receive instruction in the professional salon business, wigs and hair enhancements. Students meeting state board hourly requirements will provide human services in “Salon THS” that is open to the pubic. Qualified seniors who are in good standing vocationally and academically, who have successfully passed the state board exam, can participate in our cooperative education program. Students may be offered the opportunity to apprentice in a paid off-campus position through cooperative education, and an opportunity to master their knowledge and skills in a professional workplace. Students attend academic classes every other week, alternating with cooperative work experience, or Cosmetology 3 lab and related theory.
Training / Skills you will learn:
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Cosmetologist license preparation
OSHA-10 ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Cosmo and Barbering Permits
Career Opportunities:
With a High School Degree
Hair Stylist
Salaries: $30,000 per year
With a 2 Year College Degree
Cosmetology Teacher
Salaries: $50,000 per year
With a 4 Year College Degree
Chemist
Salaries: $70,000+ per year