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What to Ask Barbering Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should research for any barber college you are considering. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Cumberland MD home, together with the cost of tuition, will probably be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish 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 need to research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Following we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final determination.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make certain that the barber school you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged 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 assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be necessary for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not offered for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous Cumberland MD employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more positively upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Every barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have referred their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly regarded. Visit rating services for reviews together with the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Cumberland MD barber shop owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to recommend others that you had not considered. And finally, consult the Maryland school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances filed or if the schools are in total compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a specific specialty, for instance barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's important that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your intention is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to launch a barber shop in Cumberland MD, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly regarded school with a weak program in barbering will not provide the training you require.
Is Enough Hands-On Training Provided? Learning and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities involves lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the barber courses you will be attending. Some schools have shops on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Cumberland MD barber school provides limited or no scheduled live training, but instead depends mainly on using mannequins, it may not be the best alternative for acquiring your skills. So look for alternate schools that offer this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber school, it's crucial that he or she receives support in securing that very first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that furnish aid develop relationships with area businesses that are seeking skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Cumberland MD area shops and establishments they refer students to. Also, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have broad networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Available? The majority of barber schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are considering have a financial aid department. Speak 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 accessible to students too. If a school fulfills each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not drop it as an option until you learn what financial aid may be offered in Cumberland MD.