How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Jefferson Valley NY

How to Select an Esthetics Training Program near Jefferson Valley New York

Jefferson Valley NY esthetician client with cucumber facial Now that you have decided to enter the field of cosmetology and enroll in an esthetician school near Jefferson Valley NY, the task starts to find and enroll in the right program. It’s essential that the program you pick not only furnishes the necessary education for the specialty you have selected, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you begin your preliminary search, you might be rather confused about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are essentially interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We’ll talk a little bit more about that in the next segment. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Jefferson Valley home. Tuition will likewise be an important consideration when reviewing possible schools. Just remember that because a school is the closest or the least expensive it’s not automatically the best option. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are considering later in this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what types of programs are available.

Definition of Cosmetology

esthetics facial toners Jefferson Valley NY Cosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human body look more attractive with the use of cosmetics. So naturally it makes sense that a number of cosmetology schools are regarded as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the word cosmetics, but actually a cosmetic can be almost anything that improves the look of a person’s skin, hair or nails. If you want to work as a cosmetologist, the majority of states require that you go through some type of specialized training and then become licensed. Once licensed, the work environments include not only Jefferson Valley NY beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, after they have acquired experience and a customer base, launch their own shops or salons. Others will start servicing clients either in their own homes or will go to the client’s residence, or both. Cosmetology college graduates go by many names and work in a wide range of specialties including:

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

As earlier stated, in the majority of states working cosmetologists must be licensed. In some states there is an exemption. Only those offering more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Others employed in cosmetology and less skilled, which include shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Esthetician Degrees

Jefferson Valley NY esthetician client with face mask There are essentially two options available to obtain esthetician training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) program, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs normally require 12 to 18 months to finish, while an Associate’s degree usually takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be instructed in all of the major areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are offered if you prefer to focus on just one area, such as esthetics. A degree program will also most likely feature management and marketing training so that graduates are better prepared to manage a salon or other Jefferson Valley NY business. More advanced degrees are not typical, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are available in such areas as salon or spa management. Whichever type of course you go with, it’s imperative to make certain that it’s recognized by the New York Board of Cosmetology. A number of states only approve schools that are accredited by certain reputable organizations, for example the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will discuss the benefits of accreditation for the school you select in the next segment.

Online Esthetics Programs

woman attending esthetician school online in Jefferson Valley NY Online esthetician programs are convenient for Jefferson Valley NY students who are employed full time and have family commitments that make it hard to enroll in a more traditional school. There are many web-based beauty school programs available that can be accessed through a personal computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional cosmetology programs are often fast paced given that many courses are as short as 6 or 8 months. This means that a considerable amount of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same volume of material, but you’re not spending numerous hours outside of your home or commuting to and from classes. However, it’s imperative that the training program you pick can provide internship training in local salons and parlors so that you also receive the hands-on training necessary for a comprehensive education. Without the internship part of the training, it’s difficult to gain the skills necessary to work in any area of the cosmetology industry. So be sure if you decide to enroll in an online program to verify that internship training is provided in your area.

What to Ask Esthetics Training Classes

Jefferson Valley NY models benefit from esthetic treatments Below is a series of questions that you should look into for any esthetician training program you are considering. As we have previously covered, the location of the school in relation to your Jefferson Valley home, as well as the cost of tuition, will most likely be your primary qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly 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 should research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology school. Below we have collected some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.

Is the Program Accredited? It’s essential to make sure that the esthetician 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 guaranteeing a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be necessary for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not available in 10535 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 Jefferson Valley NY 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? Each esthetician institute that you are seriously considering should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school’s accrediting organizations. If you have any relationships with Jefferson Valley NY salon owners or managers, or anyone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are reviewing. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, contact the New York school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Focus? Some esthetician schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for example hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs often 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 ambition is to be trained as an esthetician, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your desire is to start a Jefferson Valley NY beauty salon, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a poor program in the specialty you are seeking will not provide the training you require.

Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and refining esthetician techniques and abilities involves plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is furnished in the beauty courses you will be attending. Some schools have salons on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a beauty school provides little or no scheduled live training, but rather depends heavily on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for cultivating your skills. Therefore look for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from an esthetician academy, it’s imperative that she or he receives assistance in landing that initial job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that provide help develop relationships with Jefferson Valley NY employers that are seeking trained graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and ask which salons and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only confirm that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of esthetician schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students too. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not omit it as an alternative until you find out what financial aid may be offered.

Attending Esthetician School Near Jefferson Valley NY?

Perhaps you live in the Jefferson Valley New York 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.

Jefferson Valley Mall

Jefferson Valley Mall is an enclosed shopping mall in Yorktown Heights, New York. Opened in 1983, it is anchored by Macy's, Sears, and Dick's Sporting Goods. It is managed by Washington Prime Group.[1]

In the early 2000s the mall went under a renovation changing the flooring and color along with removing the fountain and trees. In 2015, Sears Holdings spun off 235 of its properties, including the Sears at Jefferson Valley Mall, into Seritage Growth Properties.[5] In February 2016, the mall ownership was changed from Simon to Washington Prime Group.

Construction is underway to expand and renovate the Mall.[6][7] On October 15, 2018, it was announced that Sears would be closing their store due a plan to close 142 stores as part of their bankruptcy process.[8] Part of the first level is expected to become 24 Hour Fitness.

Enroll in the Right Esthetics Program near Jefferson Valley NY

Choosing and enrolling in the right esthetician program is imperative to get the appropriate training to become a licensed cosmetology professional. Be sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Make certain to organize all of the responses you receive from the cosmetology school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that data to compare schools. A sensible start in your due diligence process is to make certain that the school and program you select are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you start with that foundation, and answer the additional questions provided 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 examination, you will be confident that you are ready to begin your career as a professional esthetician in Jefferson Valley NY.