Students who may wish to pursue a career in the beauty industry can get into the cosmetology & spa institutes programs. These programs may help them become skincare specialists, massage therapists, hairstylists, manicurists or cosmologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow by 40% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all other occupations. Career prospects for massage therapists are also bright with 23% expected employment growth during the same time period.
Massage therapists relieve pain and stress, and help rehabilitate injuries by using touch to sooth the soft-tissues of the body. Skincare specialists are responsible for cleansing and beautifying the face and body in order to enhance the appearance of people. Manicurists are also beauty professionals who clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails.
Cosmetology & Spa Institute Programs
There are a number of cosmetology & spa institutes that offer programs in cosmetology, esthetics, makeup, manicure, nail technician, and more.
Aspiring manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program. Skincare specialists, on the other hand, usually need to work towards a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program. Massage therapists are required to complete a postsecondary education program.
Cosmetology & spa institute programs may include both classroom study and hands-on practice. The coursework may further include instruction in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, makeup, hairstyling, manicure, pedicure and more.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in programs offered by cosmetology & spa institutes, candidates generally need to hold a high school diploma or GED. Students may be required to submit further documents as well.
Financial Aid
The best cosmetology & spa schools may offer financial assistance in order to help students benefit from their programs. Students may avail funds in the form of student loans, grants and scholarships. Grants and scholarships are essentially gifts which do not need to be repaid. Through these programs, candidates can get assistance to pay for their tuitions, fee and related educational expenses.
Accreditation
Though there are several cosmetology & spa institutes, candidates must enroll in the accredited schools. The accreditation is a vital credential that may show that a school offers quality learning opportunities and has the best learning standards. It may also validate that the school offers services essential for students while pursuing a program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of cosmetology & spa institutes may find work opportunities in the beauty industry. Some may set up their own businesses while others work in spas, fitness centers, hospitals, nail salons, or hair salons.
Massage therapists generally work part time while skincare specialists typically work full time. The work of massage therapist can be quite demanding as these workers have to stand and bend for long periods of time.
The income is subject to the type of profession, location and experience among other factors. According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $21,440 while the median annual wage for massage therapists was $35,970 in 2012.
States with the highest employment level in this occupation:
State | Employment | Employment per thousand jobs | Location quotient | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|
| California | 1660 | 0.11 | 1.26 | 18.13 | 37720 |
| Florida | 1130 | 0.14 | 1.68 | 17.97 | 37370 |
| Illinois | 960 | 0.16 | 1.92 | 17.9 | 37240 |
| Texas | 760 | 0.07 | 0.78 | 16.62 | 34570 |
| New York | 650 | 0.07 | 0.85 | 20.12 | 41840 |
Source: bls.gov