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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

Career Opportunities

Barber

Cosmetologist

Hair Stylist

Master Designer

Sales Associate

Graduate Employers

Grazie Aveda Concept Salon

Great Clips

JC Penney Salon

Ulta Beauty & Salon

Just the Facts

Cosmetology
44 Credit Technical Diploma

Length of Program //
One Year

Delivery Method //

Program Location //
Eau Claire

Program Location //
August and January

Start Months //
August and January

Start Dates //
August and January

 

Financial Aid Eligible

 

 

Non-Traditional Occupation

Estimated Program Cost 

Term 1

$

3,093

Term 2

$

2,958

Term 3

$

1,553

Tools/Materials

$

1,994

Books

$

1,619

 Estimated Total: $11,217

  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 your options today!

Save the Date

 
 

Join us for the Spring Open House

Tuesday, March 28, 2023  //  3:30 – 7 p.m.  //  View Event Details

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.

 

Program Courses

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

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.

Cosmetology Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking where they are working, whether it is in their degree field, and several other questions related to employment. Below are the program outcomes and job data.

// Program Outcomes
 

80%
Employed

80% of our recent Cosmetology graduates got a job in the industry.

 

$28K*
Yearly Salary

Cosmetology professionals make an average starting salary of $28,051.

 

164
Regional Jobs

There are 164 job openings in the CVTC district for the Cosmetology industry.

 

Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions

Transfer your CVTC credits to another institution to continue your education. Explore transfer agreements.

 
* This wage is not specific to CVTC graduates. Wage estimates are based on entry-level positions and are gathered from Lightcast which is an economic modeling software that blends historical and projected industry and occupation trends within CVTC's 11-county district. Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey.

 

Focus On Student Success

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

Sami, Cosmetology Student

Related Programs & Certificates

Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
 

Degrees & Diplomas

Nail Technician, Technical Diploma

Continue Your Learning

CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.

// Explore Continuing Ed Opportunities

  Unsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.