How to Enroll In the Right Barber College Near Merced California
Now that you have decided to attend a barber school near Merced CA, the task starts to search for and enroll in the right school. It's important that the school you pick not only provides the proper training for the specialty you have decided on, but also readies you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your preliminary search, you might be somewhat puzzled about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools, which both may offer barbering programs. Well don't be, because the titles are essentially interchangeable and both refer to the same type of school. We'll discuss a bit more concerning that in the following section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Merced residence. Tuition will also be an important consideration when assessing potential barber schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the closest or the lowest cost it's not always the right choice. There are several other factors that you should weigh when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will go over what questions you should ask about the barber colleges you are looking at later in this article. Before we do, let's discuss a bit about what barbering is and why you may want to become a barber.
Why Become a Barber?
Barbering can be considered a subspecialty in the larger field of cosmetology. While cosmetologists train to work in hair, nails, skin, makeup, and overall beauty enhancement, barbers focus on cutting hair, almost exclusively men’s hair, and giving shaves and trimming facial hair. They might learn specialized techniques such as coloring and permanent waving like cosmetologists do, but it’s not essential. Barbers and cosmetologists also earn different licenses that specify which services they can legally perform. The first step to becoming a barber is to complete a barbering program. You might choose to enroll in a dedicated barber school or sign up for a barbering program in a cosmetology school that offers barbering as a specialty. Because states have different requirements for training and licensure, it is important to start by checking with your state cosmetology board.
What to Ask Barbering Training Programs
Following is a series of questions that you will want to research for any barber school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Merced CA home, in addition to the expense of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's essential to make certain that the barber school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in Merced CA for non- accredited schools. It's also a criteria for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating companies for reviews in addition to the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Merced CA barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. Finally, contact the California school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Many cosmetology schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you enroll in a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your aspiration is to launch a barber shop in Merced CA, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on volunteers. If a Merced CA barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's important that he or she receives help in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish assistance maintain relationships with area businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Merced CA area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. High rates not only affirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.
Is Financial Assistance Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Consult with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school meets all of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an option before you determine what financial help may be available in Merced CA.
How to Train to Be a Barber in Merced
Choose in the Right Merced Barber School
Selecting and enrolling in the ideal barber college is essential to receive the proper training to become a licensed technician. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel positive about your decision. Make certain to organize all of the responses you receive from the barber school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then use that information to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the institution and program you choose are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you start with that base, and answer the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the proper selection. Once you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be confident that you are ready to start your new career as a professional barber in Merced California.