Questions to Ask Barber Colleges
Following is a list of questions that you need to look into for any barber college you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Central Point OR residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will probably be your first qualifiers. Whether you would like to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have reduced 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 training program. Below we have put together several of those additional questions that you need to ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber college you choose 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). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in Central Point OR for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals 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 industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, attesting that their students are highly demanded. Check rating services for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Central Point OR barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to propose others that you had not thought of. And finally, consult the Oregon 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 Focus? A number of beauty schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, such as barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you select 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 Central Point OR, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Enough Live Training Provided? Learning and refining barbering skills and techniques requires lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a Central Point OR barber college offers limited or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for developing your skills. So look for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School Provide Job Assistance? As soon as a student graduates from a barber school, it's important that she or he gets support in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help maintain relationships with local employers that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are looking at have job placement programs and find out which Central Point OR area shops and establishments they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are looking at 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 offered to students as well. If a school meets each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be offered in Central Point OR.