What to Ask Barbering Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Columbus OH residence, in addition to the price of tuition, will probably be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you need to ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber school 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 assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not obtainable in Columbus OH for non- accredited schools. It's also a prerequisite for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous 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 Great Reputation? Each barber school that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Check that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Columbus OH 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 might even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. And last, contact the Ohio school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Specialty? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your ambition is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to start a barber shop in Columbus OH, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Ask how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a Columbus OH barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead depends heavily on the use of mannequins, it may not be the best option for cultivating your skills. So search for other schools that provide this type of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber school, it's imperative that he or she receives aid in securing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide assistance maintain relationships with area employers that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and ask which Columbus OH area shops and businesses they refer students to. In addition, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are looking at have a financial aid department. Talk to a counselor and learn 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 accessible to students also. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not discard it as an option until you determine what financial assistance may be provided in Columbus OH.