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Technical Diploma

Cosmetology

Just the Facts

Cosmetology

44 Credit Technical Diploma

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

Face-to-Face

Career Cluster

Human Services

Program Location

Eau Claire

Start Months

August, January

Estimated Program Cost

Learn more about the cost of attendance.

Term 1
$ 3,561
Term 2
$ 3,017
Term 3
$ 1,698
Books
$ 5,126
Estimated Total
$13,402

Cosmetology Overview

Are you looking for a fun career that allows you to utilize your creative and artistic skills? CVTC's Cosmetology program allows you to learn all aspects of skin, hair, and nail care.

In our state-of-the-art cosmetology salon, you'll gain hands-on experience in a setting that mirrors the work environment. Your training will prepare you for an easy transition into a professional salon career as a hair stylist, barber, or owner.

You will gain a complete understanding of salon operations, from marketing and retail, to hygiene and communication skills. The cosmetology classes will cover:

  • Basic and specialty haircutting
  • Manicure, pedicure, and nail enhancements
  • Facials, makeup artistry, and color analysis
  • Hair designing and styling
  • Chemical concepts
  • Ethnic hair care
  • Salon operations and management
  • Retail sales/marketing
  • Wisconsin cosmetology laws
  • Bacteriology and sanitation
  • Perming and coloring
  • Hair, skin, and scalp conditioning
  • Professionalism and ethics

Salon & Spa

Come Check Out the Salon and Spa!

Shear Inspiration is a state-of-the-art salon and learning lab providing haircut, color, manicure, and pedicure services. Cosmetology students perform the services with the help of industry-expert instructors, keeping the cost reasonable for community members. Learn more.

Check It Out

Join Us for the Fall Open House!

Thursday, November 5, 20263:30 – 7 p.m.View Event Details

Earn credit for prior learning!

Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning

Explore This Program

Career Opportunities

  • Hair Stylist
  • Cosmetologist
  • Barber

Graduate Employers

  • Urban Style
  • Walmart
  • West Side Salon
  • Great Clips
  • Sport Clips

Graduate Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.

$31K yearly salary

Our recent Cosmetology graduates reported an average starting salary of $30,698.

75% employed

75% of our recent Cosmetology graduates got a job in the industry.

107 regional jobs

There are 107 job openings in the CVTC district for the Cosmetology industry.

Transfer Credits to Other Institutions

Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.

View Transfer Options

Program Courses

These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.

You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.

Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Cosmetology program.

Sample Courses

Haircutting 1

Topics of this course include: basic techniques and principles used in male and female haircutting techniques, client consultation procedures, safety and sanitation procedures, and professionalism.

Nail Technology

Fundamentals include basic nail terminology, basic acrylics, basic nail design, product knowledge, and safety and sanitation practices.

Salon Business Operations

Learn an overview of salon management/ownership responsibilities, decision making in business, business planning, and financial management.

Your future is waiting…

Are you ready to get started?

Apply Now

Student Testimonial

Photo of Sami, Cosmetology Student

I love the instructors here. They are flexible, super friendly, and are always there when you have questions.

Sami

Cosmetology Student

Student Learning Outcomes

A Student Learning Outcome refers to the specific skills, knowledge, or abilities that students are expected to demonstrate upon successful completion of an academic program or degree.

Students will:

  • Perform shampoo, haircut, and style service
  • Perform skin care services
  • Perform chemical services
  • Perform nail services
  • Develop business practices for industry success

Additional Admissions Resources

Admission Requirements

Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.

View Admission Requirements

Advising Tips

We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.

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