Program Overview:
The Careers in Cosmetology Program prepares individuals to care for and beautify hair, skin and nails. Students are instructed in the art and science of cosmetology as well as all aspects of the industry. Hair services taught include giving shampoos, rinses, scalp treatments, styling, setting, cutting, hair coloring and lightening, permanent waving and chemical relaxing. Skin procedures include facials, make-up and hair removal. Nail techniques include manicures, pedicures, artificial nail enhancements, advanced nail techniques, and foot/leg and hand/arm massage. Emphasis is placed on hygiene, safety and sanitation as well as State Board of Cosmetologists’ rules and regulations. Related areas of instruction include human anatomy and physiology; mathematics and measurement; analysis, diagnosis and histology of hair, skin and nails; chemistry; fundamentals of electricity; product knowledge; customer relations; and employability skills. Salon management is an integral part of the classroom and clinical experience. The 1,500 hour program includes classroom instruction, clinical experience, related mentored work-based learning experience and a senior capstone project. Upon successful completion and the instructor’s recommendation the student will be required to take the Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists’ Examination.
The Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) developed by Experior Testing references the following sources for State Board exam content:
- Annotated Code of Maryland Business Occupations and Professions Article: Title 5 – Cosmetologists and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 9, Subtitle 22
- Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology
- Salon Fundamentals: A Resource for Your Cosmetology Career
Courses
Advanced Cosmetology: Theory and Application
Prerequisite: Principles and practices of Cosmetology
This course allows students to develop and practice more advanced techniques in the filed of cosmetology. Upon completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate various facial treatments, preform various massage and manipulation techniques, perform a make-up application, demonstrate a hair press and thermal style, select, apply and explain various hair coloring and lightening techniques, explain and demonstrate the proper technique for hair braiding, describe human body systems and explain these functions as they relate to cosmetology, select, apply and explain various hair removal techniques and skin care treatments, perform the application of various artificial nail techniques, continuously update academic, technical and workplace skills through clinical applications and apply and understand concepts of mathematics and measurement. Students will complete this course over their junior year, earning one credit each time it is taken.
Clinical Experience in Cosmetology
Prerequisite: Advanced cosmetology: Theory and Application
This course allows students to develop and practice advanced techniques in cosmetology. Students who demonstrate successful application of knowledge and skill acquired during in school clinical will be recommended to participate in up to 300 hours of a supervised clinical experience in an off-site salon setting. A minimum of 270 hours must be completed in this experience.
Mastery of Cosmetology
Prerequisite: Advanced Cosmetology: Theory and Application
This course provides students the opportunity to further refine and apply skills that support all aspects of the cosmetology industry. It will assist in preparing students to obtain employment and advance in the field of cosmetology upon completion of this course students will be able to explore job market and employment opportunities, apply the fundamentals of small business management, explain and demonstrate the skills necessary for transition from school to a professional setting, complete a senior capstone project/portfolio, take the State Board Exam, recognize the array of careers options available to a licensed cosmetologist, continuously update academic, technical and workplace skill through clinical applications, and demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired during in-school clinical and work-based learning experiences. Students will complete this course in their senior year, Earning one credit each time it is completed.
Principles and Practice of Cosmetology
This course provides and introduction to the field of cosmetology. Students develop and practice basic skills in cosmetology; develop a broad understanding of the variety of career options available to a licensed cosmetologist; and learn how science and math is a fundamental aspect of the practice of cosmetologist. Upon completion of this course students will be able to explain the history of the cosmetology profession, demonstrate the necessary employable skills to effectively manage their career, demonstrate effective human relations in a professional setting, describe the properties of the hair, skin and nails, identify the diseases and disorders of hair, skin and scalp, describe the structure of the nail and perform a basic manicure and pedicure, discuss and perform the techniques of shampooing, rinsing and conditioning hair, demonstrate the proper use of hair cutting tools, techniques, and the principles of hair design, demonstrate proper safety and infection control procedures, apply the foundation knowledge of anatomy, physiology and chemistry and how it relates to the practice of cosmetology, continuously update academic, technical and workplace skills through clinical applications, and lastly, apply and understand concepts of mathematics and measurement. Note: Students will complete this course over the sophomore year, earning one credit each time it is taken.