How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Springfield IL

How to Pick an Esthetician Training Program near Springfield Illinois

Springfield IL esthetician client with cucumber facialSince you have made a decision to enter the field of cosmetology and attend an esthetician school near Springfield IL, the process starts to locate and enroll in the right program. It’s important that the program you select not only furnishes the necessary education for the specialty you have selected, but also prepares you for passing the licensing examination. When you begin your initial search, you may be a little bit puzzled about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both pertain to the same kind of school. We’ll talk a little bit further regarding that in the upcoming section. If you plan on commuting to classes you will want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Springfield residence. Tuition will likewise be an important factor when assessing possible schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the nearest or the lowest cost it’s not automatically the right choice. There are a number of other considerations that you should evaluate when comparing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are considering later within this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of courses are available.

Defining Cosmetology

esthetics facial toners Springfield ILCosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human body look more attractive with the use of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that numerous cosmetology schools are regarded as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the word cosmetics, but basically a cosmetic may be anything that enhances the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. If you want to work as a cosmetologist, most states mandate that you undergo some type of specialized training and then become licensed. Once licensed, the work settings include not only Springfield IL beauty salons and barber shops, but also such venues as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, once they have gained experience and a customer base, launch their own shops or salons. Others will start servicing clients either in their own residences or will go to the client’s home, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many titles and are employed in a wide variety of specializations including:

  • Estheticians
  • Hairdressers
  • Hairstylists
  • Beauticians
  • Barbers
  • Manicurists
  • Nail Technicians
  • Makeup Artists
  • Hair Coloring Specialists
  • Electrolysis Technicians

As already stated, in most states working cosmetologists must be licensed. In a few states there is an exception. Only those conducting more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Other people employed in cosmetology and less skilled, including shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Esthetician Certificates and Degrees

Springfield IL esthetician client with face maskThere are primarily two pathways offered to obtain esthetician training and a credential upon completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs usually call for 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate’s degree usually takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be trained in each of the main areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are available if you want to focus on just one area, for example esthetics. A degree program will also most likely feature management and marketing training so that graduates are better prepared to run a parlor or other Springfield IL business. More advanced degrees are not prevalent, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are offered in such areas as salon or spa management. Whatever type of program you go with, it’s important to make sure that it’s recognized by the Illinois Board of Cosmetology. Numerous states only certify schools that are accredited by certain respected agencies, for instance the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will examine the advantages of accreditation for the school you select in the upcoming section.

Online Esthetics Training

woman attending esthetician school online in Springfield ILOnline esthetician programs are accommodating for Springfield IL students who are working full time and have family commitments that make it difficult to attend a more traditional school. There are a large number of online cosmetology school programs offered that can be attended through a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More conventional beauty programs are often fast paced because many courses are as short as six or eight months. This means that a substantial portion of time is spent in the classroom. With internet courses, you are dealing with the same amount of material, but you are not devoting many hours away from your home or driving to and from classes. On the other hand, it’s imperative that the program you pick can provide internship training in local salons and parlors so that you also obtain the hands-on training needed for a comprehensive education. Without the internship part of the training, it’s impossible to acquire the skills necessary to work in any facet of the cosmetology profession. So be sure if you choose to enroll in an online program to verify that internship training is provided in your area.

Questions to Ask Esthetics Trade Schools

Springfield IL models benefit from esthetic treatmentsFollowing is a list of questions that you should investigate for any esthetician training school you are considering. As we have previously discussed, the location of the school relative to your Springfield residence, together with the expense of tuition, will probably be your initial 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 options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Below we have compiled several of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the School Accredited? It’s essential to make sure that the esthetician school you choose is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in 62701 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, numerous Springfield IL employers will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Each esthetician institute that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good 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, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Check rating services for reviews in addition to the school’s accrediting organizations. If you have any contacts with Springfield IL salon owners or managers, or someone working in the trade, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They might even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the Illinois school licensing authority to find out if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus?  Some esthetician schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. 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. If your goal is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your vision is to launch a Springfield IL beauty salon, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a weak program in the specialty you are pursuing will not provide the training you require.

Is Plenty of Live Training Provided?  Studying and mastering esthetician techniques and abilities requires lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the cosmetology lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on campus that make it possible for students to practice their growing skills on real people. If a beauty program offers minimal or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on the use of mannequins, it might not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. Therefore search for alternate schools that furnish this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  As soon as a student graduates from an esthetician school, it’s imperative that he or she gets support in finding that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid maintain relationships with Springfield IL businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are considering have job placement programs and find out which salons and businesses they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available?  Most esthetician 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 learn what student loans or grants you may get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships offered to students as well. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not omit it as an option before you determine what financial help may be provided.

Attending Esthetician School Near Springfield IL?

Perhaps you live in the Springfield Illinois area, or have found a school that you will commute to or even relocate to attend.  Either way, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new esthetician program.

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is the capital of the U.S. state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County. The city's population of 116,250 as of the 2010 U.S. Census makes it the state's sixth most populous city.[9] It is the largest city in central Illinois. As of 2013, the city's population was estimated to have increased to 117,006,[4] with just over 211,700 residents living in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Sangamon County and the adjacent Menard County.[10]

Present-day Springfield was settled by European Americans in the late 1810s, around the time Illinois became a state. The most famous historic resident was Abraham Lincoln, who lived in Springfield from 1837 until 1861, when he went to the White House as President. Major tourist attractions include multiple sites connected with Lincoln including his presidential library and museum, his home, and his tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The capital is centrally located within the state. The city lies in a valley and plain near the Sangamon River. Lake Springfield, a large artificial lake owned by the City Water, Light & Power company (CWLP), supplies the city with recreation and drinking water. Weather is fairly typical for middle latitude locations, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and summer weather is like that of most midwestern cities; severe thunderstorms may occur. Tornadoes hit the Springfield area in 1957 and 2006.

Find the Right Esthetician Program near Springfield IL

Locating and enrolling in the right esthetician program is imperative to receive the necessary training to become a licensed cosmetology technician. Be sure to ask all the questions that you require in order to feel positive about your decision. Be sure to compile all of the responses you get from the cosmetology school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then employ that information to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence process is to make certain that the academy and program you pick are accredited and have impressive reputations within the field. If you start with that base, and address the additional questions presented in this post, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the proper choice. Once you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be self-assured that you are ready to begin your new career as a professional esthetician in Springfield IL.

Other Beautiful Locations in Springfield Illinois

  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Malta IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Glenwood IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Taylorville IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Shipman IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Loves Park IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Niles IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Forrest IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Palmyra IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Capron IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Bradford IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 25

    All About That Face
    4 Reviews
    Skin Care, Waxing, Permanent Makeup
    Phone:
    948 Clock Tower Dr, Springfield, IL 62704

    Willow & Birch Salon
    4 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Waxing, Skin Care
    Phone:
    521 E Washington St, Springfield, IL 62701

    Bekah Huston Skincare
    1 Reviews
    Skin Care, Waxing, Eyebrow Services
    Phone:
    4525 W Wabash Ave, Ste C, Springfield, IL 62711

    Dalliance Spa & Salon
    12 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Makeup Artists, Waxing
    Phone:
    314 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701

    Famous Salon
    1 Reviews
    Makeup Artists, Skin Care, Eyelash Service
    Phone:
    1201 S Veterans Pkwy, Ste D, Springfield, IL 62704

    Massage Envy - Springfield - IL
    2 Reviews
    Massage, Skin Care, Massage Therapy
    Phone:
    2933 Veterans Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62704

    Inner Health Spa
    6 Reviews
    Day Spas, Massage Therapy, Saunas
    Phone:
    1733 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62703

    The Gallery of Springfield
    4 Reviews
    Blow Dry/Out Services, Skin Care
    Phone:
    2941 Montvale Dr, Springfield, IL 62704

    K M Hair Works & Spa
    3 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Skin Care, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    3201 Sherman St, Springfield, IL 62703

    BJ Grand Salon & Spa
    14 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hair Salons
    Phone:
    3055 Professional Dr, Springfield, IL 62703