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Questions to Ask Barber Schools
Below is a list of questions that you will want to research for any barber college you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Sulphur Springs TX home, as well as the price of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to pursue a certificate, diploma or a degree will undoubtedly be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a barber school. Below we have put together some of those additional questions that you should ask each school before making a final decision.
Is the Barber School Accredited? It's important to make sure that the barber training program you select is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a superior curriculum and education. Accreditation may also be essential for obtaining student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable for non- accredited schools. It's also a requirement for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many Sulphur Springs TX employers will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon those with accredited training.
Does the School have a Great Reputation? Any barber college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the field. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, indicating that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school's accrediting organizations. If you have any connections with Sulphur Springs TX barber shop owners or managers, or anyone working in the trade, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And last, consult the Texas 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? A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, for example barbering. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it's imperative that you decide on a school that specializes in your area of interest. Since your goal is to be trained as a barber, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to open a barber shop in Sulphur Springs TX, then you want to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly rated school with a poor program in barbering will not provide the training you need.
Is Plenty of Live Training Provided? Studying and perfecting barbering skills and techniques requires 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 campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a Sulphur Springs TX barber school furnishes little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies heavily on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So search for other schools that provide this kind of training.
Does the School have a Job Placement Program? When a student graduates from a barber college, it's imperative that he or she receives aid in landing that very first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer assistance develop relationships with area employers that are seeking qualified graduates available for hiring. Check that the schools you are looking at have job placement programs and inquire which Sulphur Springs TX area shops and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.
Is Financial Aid Offered? The majority of barber schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Ask if the schools you are considering have a financial aid office. Talk to a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications except for expense, do not eliminate it as an alternative until you determine what financial help may be available in Sulphur Springs TX.