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Licensed Cosmetology

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Overview

Students in the Licensed Cosmetology program study topics such as safety, history, careers, professionalism, infection control, chemistry, PA state cosmetology law, salon business, and anatomy and physiology. In addition, students are trained in hair care skills such as shampooing, hair cutting, styling, braiding, perming, relaxing, coloring, foiling, extensions, and up-dos. Instruction also includes the care of hands, nails, feet, toes, and skin. Makeup artistry is also part of the curriculum. Students practice their skills on mannequins, practice hands, or people. 


During their junior and senior year, students demonstrate services on customers in the Spartan Spa cosmetology clinic. Upon completion of 1,250 hours of training, a transcript of 75% of higher in the course, and an official criminal record history check, students are able to take the State Board Examination, which is required for licensing.


Students enrolled in the Licensed Cosmetology program will be responsible for purchasing a kit every school year when they advance to the next level of the program. (There are four program levels.) Kit prices range from approximately $250 to $500, depending on the level and materials required.

Possible Certifications

  • Barbicide Certification

  • S/P2 Cosmetology

  • Nail Technology License

  • Cosmetology Teacher License

  • Cosmetologist License

  • Human Trafficking Awareness Certification

  • Infection Control Communications

  • S/P2 Ethics & You in the Cosmetology Industry

  • S/P2 Time For Team Huddle

  • First Aid

  • Domestic Violence Awareness

Career Opportunities

Below are the potential job opportunities for students graduating from this program. Foundational careers are those that can usually be obtained immediately after high school with the industry-recognized certifications earned at York Tech. Technical careers typically require the industry-recognized certifications earned at York Tech plus a two-year associates degree. Professional careers typically require the industry-recognized certifications earned at York Tech and a four-year college degree (or more).


  • Foundational Careers

    • Stylist Assistant

    • Salon Receptionist/Coordinator

    • Salon Sales Representative

    • Beauty Supply Retail Person

    • Cosmetic Sales Associate

    • Make-Up Artist

    • Dog Groomer

    • Licensed Nail Technician

    • Licensed Esthetician

    • Licensed Cosmetologist

  • Technical Careers

    • Skin Care Specialist

    • Lash Technician

    • Electrologist

    • Special Effects Make-Up Artist

    • Movie/Photo Stylist

    • Hair Color Specialist

    • Platform Artist

    • Dual Licensed Narber/Cosmetologist

    • Beauty Salon/Supply Manager

    • State Board Inspector

    • Licensed Cosmetology Teacher Assistant

  • Professional Careers

    • Master Stylist

    • Beauty Salon/Supply Owner

    • Beauty Magazine Writer/Editor

    • Mortuary Cosmetologist

    • Licensed Cosmetology Teacher

    • Cosmetic Chemist

    • Licensed Medical Professional (RN)

    • Hair Transplant Surgeon

    • Dermatologist

    • Plastic Surgeon

What to Expect

This is a standalone program that does not rotate with any other programs. Students accepted into it will take Licensed Cosmetology courses during all four years at York Tech, with the exception being students who participate in a co-op opportunity during their senior year.

Uniform

Students at York Tech are required to wear a uniform at all times. While in their shop classes, they must wear the uniform designated by the program instructor. At all other times, students may wear their shop uniform OR York Tech apparel, which is sold through the School Store and the Fan Shop. Please review the Student Handbook for a full explanation of the dress code. 


The specific uniform requirements for Licensed Cosmetology can be viewed below. All items that are hyperlinked must be purchased from the online store associated with the link. Items not hyperlinked may be purchased from any retailer, unless noted otherwise.


Required Items

  • Shop classes

    • Purple program t-shirt

    • Black or khaki jeans ONLY

    • Closed-toe shoes (shoes must be worn at all times)

    • Cosmetology smock (level III and IV students only)

    • Cosmetology kit (new kit purchased each year through instructor)

    • Social security number or federal ID number (required for PA State Board of Cosmetology)

    • Level III and IV students must submit an official criminal history record information check with application for licensure

    • All other dress code requirements outlined in the Student Handbook apply

  • Academic classes 


Optional Items


Additional Notes


*Some items sold in the Fan Shop, such as hats, may not be worn during school. Please review the Student Handbook for a full explanation of the dress code.

How to Apply

More information about how to submit an application for York Tech's full-time high school programs can be found on the full-time admissions web page.

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