What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Below is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Towson MD residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber training program. Following we have put together some of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make certain that the barber school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Towson MD for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous employers will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Towson MD barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the trade, 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. And finally, consult the Maryland school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you choose a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your objective is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Towson MD, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Any Live Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering skills and techniques involves plenty of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber lessons you will be attending. Some schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Towson MD barber school furnishes limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the most effective alternative for developing your skills. So search for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's important that she or he gets help in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish help develop relationships with area businesses that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Towson MD area shops and establishments they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Most barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and find out what student loans or grants you may 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 each of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an option until you find out what financial help may be offered in Towson MD.