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What to Ask Barber Schools
Following is a list of questions that you should investigate for any barber school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school relative to your Corsicana TX home, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your first qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those preliminary qualifications, there are even more factors that you need to research and take into consideration before enrolling in a barber college. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.
Is the Barber College Accredited? It's necessary to make sure that the barber training program you choose 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). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards assuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be important for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which frequently 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, many Corsicana TX businesses will not employ recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.
Does the School have an Excellent Reputation? Each barber college that you are seriously considering should have a good to outstanding reputation within the field. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for endorsements from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating services for reviews along with the school's accrediting agencies. If you have any contacts with Corsicana TX barber shop owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. Finally, check with the Texas school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.
What’s the School’s Focus? Some beauty schools offer programs that are expansive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs frequently expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's essential that you decide on a school that focuses on your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make certain that the school you enroll in is accredited and well regarded for that program. If your dream is to launch a barber shop in Corsicana TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will instruct you how to be an owner/operator. Selecting a highly ranked school with a weak program in barbering will not deliver the training you require.
Is Any Hands-On Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering techniques and abilities demands lots of practice on volunteers. Check how much live, hands-on training is included in the barber courses you will be attending. A number of schools have shops on site that allow students to practice their developing skills on volunteers. If a Corsicana TX barber school provides little or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the best option for acquiring your skills. Therefore look for other schools that furnish this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? Once a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she gets aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that provide aid maintain relationships with local businesses that are looking for qualified graduates available for hiring. Verify that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Corsicana TX area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Assistance Available? Almost all barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Consult 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 each of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not eliminate it as an option before you learn what financial aid may be offered in Corsicana TX.