Cosmetology training program
The Cosmetology diploma program offered at Dorsey School of Beauty combines comprehensive classroom instruction with valuable hands-on training in an actual beauty clinic (with real-life clients) for a complete educational foundation. Dorsey School of Beauty’s Cosmetology program is designed to take a student’s interest in the beauty industry to the next professional level. In the Cosmetology program, students help people look their best (as they work towards building great careers for themselves). Upon graduation, students will have had the opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of art principles, hair styling, hair cutting, and shaping, hair coloring, thermal waving and curling, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, shampooing, manicuring, scalp and facial treatments. Once licensed, graduates may work as entry level cosmetologists under numerous job descriptions. The Cosmetology program requires a student to complete 1,500 clock hours of training. The Cosmetology program at Dorsey School of Beauty has cosmetology instructors who believe in an approach that is flexible and understanding of the individual needs which enables each student to reach their full potential. At Dorsey School of Beauty, students will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of Cosmetology and what it’s like to operate in the workplace. Choose Dorsey School of Beauty to jumpstart your career in hair and beauty today!
The Cosmetology diploma program is offered at the following Dorsey School of Beauty campus locations:
Cosmetology training program – Michigan career training
Training in this program includes:
- An in-depth focus on cosmetology theory and real-world practice and experience.
- Coursework that is designed to enhance the student’s development of practical and technical skills.
- The use of professional cosmetology facilities and equipment.
- The opportunity to gain hands-on training (while supervised) in our on-campus beauty clinic, where cosmetology services will be provided to the public, who may be charged for the services rendered by students.
- Dorsey Schools is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. This applies to the Dorsey School of Beauty located at the Madison Heights campus, (which serves as the main campus) and the Roseville campus (a branch campus of Madison Heights).
- Dorsey School of Beauty (located at the Taylor campus) is also a main campus and is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc. (NACCAS).
- A Cosmetology student kit, which contains various tools used in the industry (as well as textbooks) are provided by Dorsey School of Beauty.
Cosmetologist career outlook
A career as a professional cosmetologist can be fun and rewarding. Graduates of this program (once they become licensed) are eligible to seek entry-level employment in positions that may include stylist, color specialist, skin or nail specialist, platform or makeup artist, manufacturers’ representative, and cosmetic salesperson, among others. Jobs in this field can be found in beauty salons, spas, and other beauty-related businesses.
According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.a In addition, according to the State of Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7.8% from 2014 to 2024.b
Frequently Asked Questions:
What a Cosmetologist Does
Becoming a Cosmetologist
The Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program
Additional Information
What a Cosmetologist Does
What type of work does a Cosmetologist do?
Cosmetologists perform a variety of hairstyling and beauty services including (but not limited to) shampooing, cutting, styling, and coloring hair. Cosmetologists may also apply make-up, provide facial treatments, perform hair removal services, and provide nail and skin care services. In addition, cosmetologists can also schedule client appointments, operate cash registers to accept payment from clients, update and maintain client information, and keep their workstation and tools clean and sanitized.
Where do Cosmetologists work?
Cosmetologists traditionally work in salons but some may also work in a spa, hotel, or resort.
Will I be able to find a job?
I
t’s important to note that no school can guarantee employment. Here at Dorsey School of Beauty, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Cosmetology program. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page. It is worth noting though that according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.a In addition, according to the State of Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7.8% from 2014 to 2024.bHow much can I expect to make as a Cosmetologist?
Here are some helpful websites that will allow you to view information on Wages & Employment trends:
Are there other jobs I may be able to obtain as a Cosmetologist?
Cosmetologists, once licensed, may work under other various titles such as Stylist, Cosmetologist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Stylist, and Nail Technician. When looking at any position, it’s important to evaluate the duties of the position along with the required skills and knowledge to determine if a candidate may meet the requirements set forth by the employer.
How is a Cosmetologist different from other professionals in the Beauty industry?
Cosmetologists may perform a variety of services to clients hair, nails, makeup, and skin. Some beauty professionals may be more specialized in the work they perform and may only perform selected services
Are there other career opportunities for Cosmetologists?
Some may choose to use a career as a Cosmetologist as an entryway into the beauty field. It would not be uncommon for a Cosmetologist to work in the field to gain experience to grow their skills and/or responsibilities. Some may also choose to go back to school to further their education and/or strengthen their credentials.
Becoming a Cosmetologist
I have no background/experience in the beauty field – can I really do this?
You can! Many cosmetologists have little to no experience prior to beginning their training. That’s why it’s very important for someone interested in becoming a cosmetologist to evaluate their school and training options closely.
What type of training is needed?
Cosmetologists typically attend a post-secondary school or institution to obtain training. Many of these programs lead to a certificate or a diploma and typically take around one year to complete. Most states require candidates to complete their training at a State approved/licensed school in order to pursue licensure so it’s important for candidates to understand the licensure guidelines/procedures for their specific state as well as ensure their training school meets those requirements. It’s also important to note that since Cosmetologists work very closely with the public and the services they provide are very “hands-on,” it can be advantageous to a student to choose a program that has strong instructional and practical components so they can “learn by doing.”
How long do I have to go to school?
The length of Cosmetology programs may vary state by state, however, in most instances, full-time Cosmetology programs usually take at least 9-months to complete. In the State of Michigan, Cosmetology training programs must be at least 1500 hours of training. The Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program is a 1500 hour program and takes over one year to complete.
Is Certification/Licensure required to obtain employment as a Cosmetologist?
Yes, all states require Cosmetologists to be licensed in order to obtain gainful employment in the field. Requirements may vary state to state, so it’s important to know the requirements in the state in which you desire to pursue employment. States usually require candidates to complete their training at a State approved/licensed school. Upon graduating from a state approved school, candidates are required to take a licensing exam. The licensing exam in Michigan contains a written and a practical component. In order to assist our graduates, Dorsey School of Beauty will pay the cost one time for graduates of this program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey School of Beauty’s exam preparation requirements.
What are important characteristics for Cosmetologists to have?
While this isn’t a full list of important characteristics, Cosmetologists should have good communication and customer service skills, listening skills, time management skills, creativity, and tidiness. If you’re lacking in one or more of these areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be a good Cosmetologist, and it may be an area you wish to focus on as part of your training.
The Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program
Is your program hands-on?
Yes! Cosmetology students at Dorsey School of Beauty will have opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in both the classroom setting as well as in the student salon at Dorsey School of Beauty.
What’s the student salon and why is that important?
Dorsey School of Beauty locations operates a fully functioning salon where Senior Students in the Cosmetology program can practice and apply the skills they have learned throughout their program on members of the public. This hands-on experience affords students the opportunity to continue to enhance their skills while gaining exposure to real-world occupational settings that cosmetologists may be exposed to once licensed and working in the field.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are caring individuals that possess experience and expertise in their respective field. Our instructors meet or exceed State of Michigan and accreditation criteria, guidelines, and qualifications. It’s not uncommon for students of Dorsey Schools to see their instructors as their coach and mentor throughout their studies.
Which Dorsey School of Beauty campuses offer the Cosmetology program?
The Cosmetology program is offered at the following Dorsey School of Beauty campus locations:
Madison Heights, MI (main campus);
Roseville, MI (a branch campus of Madison Heights); and
Taylor, MI (main campus, accredited by NACCAS).
How do I enroll?
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Cosmetology program at Dorsey School of Beauty, the first step you should take is meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives. You can read more about our Admissions process and program-specific admissions information on our
Admissions information page.Does your program include licensure?
While actual licensure is not included in the curriculum of the Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program, graduates may go on to challenge the state licensure exam. Dorsey School of Beauty will pay the cost one time for graduates of this program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey School of Beauty’s exam preparation requirements. Only the State of Michigan Board of Cosmetology can grant Cosmetology licenses to candidates.
What is the tuition for the program?
The current tuition for the Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program at the Lansing, MI; Madison Heights, MI; and Roseville, MI campuses can be accessed by
clicking here. The current tuition for the Dorsey School of Beauty Cosmetology program at the Taylor, MI campus can be accessed by
clicking here.
Is Financial Aid available?
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. For additional information on Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance, we would encourage you to visit our Financial Aid Information page.
Cosmetology program – Gainful Employment Disclosures – Roseville and Madison Heights campuses
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the Cosmetology program for Dorsey School of Business (located in Roseville and Madison Heights), and other important information, please click here to read more.
Cosmetology program – Gainful Employment Disclosures – Taylortown School of Beauty
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the Cosmetology program for Taylortown School of Beauty, and other important information, please click here to read more.
Taylortown School of Beauty operates as Dorsey School of Beauty and/or Dorsey Schools (Taylor campus location).
aBureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairdressers-and-cosmetologists.htm (visited April 6, 2018).
bMichigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Long-Term Occupational Employment Projections (2014-2024) Michigan Statewide, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (SOC Code: 39-5012), http://milmi.mt.gov/Portals/137/publications/projectionsdata/LongTerm_OccupationalProj_2024_MI.xlsx (visited July 11, 2016).
