Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you should research for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Liberty MO residence, in addition to the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber training program you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not obtainable in Liberty MO for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement 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 might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have a Good Reputation? Any barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to excellent reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Liberty MO barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the field, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not looked into. And last, check with the Missouri school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs typically broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you pick 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 well regarded for that program. If your desire is to open a barber shop in Liberty MO, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly ranked school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber classes you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Liberty MO barber college offers little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for developing your skills. So search for other schools that furnish this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's essential that she or he receives help in landing that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with area businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and ask which Liberty MO area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Many barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and learn what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school belongs to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an option until you find out what financial help may be available in Liberty MO.