Cosmetology is a lucrative career option that does not require a college diploma. With just a high school diploma or GED and around 1600 hours of specialty training at a state-approved program, you can sit for your state’s board exam and get a license. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most full-time programs take about 9 months, and some programs also award an associate’s degree.
In less than a year, students can complete all the required training
Many colleges and trade schools offer cosmetology programs for their students. Recently, Pasadena City College had plans to suspend their program. However, after more than 30 instructors, clients, alumni, and current students came to a meeting with the board of trustees to voice their disapproval, the school has decided to reverse their decision.
Removing the Cosmetology Program
Originally, Pasadena City College had plans to use their cosmetology school’s salon for the expanding nursing program and put the cosmetology program on hold until they found a new location, according to the Daily News. The nursing school was in need of more space in to adhere to the accreditation guidelines. The school also needed time to find a replacement for the person who ran the program, who was retiring at the end of the semester. The school contacted the adjunct instructors via email that at the end of the summer session, their employment would be put on hiatus until the school determined what to do with the program.
The Adverse Affect
The school had intended to look for an off-site location for the salon and determine at that point whether or not the program would continue come fall semester. However, the official statement was that the program was on hold indefinitely. Putting the program on hold would not have affected any of the current students, as they would have completed their required curriculum when the semester ended. However, there would have been other consequences, including putting 9 people out of work.
Closing the school could hurt the dreams of many would-be cosmetologists
Additionally, about 57 students enroll in the program each semester, which would have meant that almost 60 would-be cosmetologists would have to look elsewhere for training until the program was re-instituted. Furthermore, without a salon on campus, many students, faculty, and other members of the public would be unable to benefit from the low-cost haircuts and styling offered at the student-run salon.
Students and Faculty in Action
The students and faculty were not ready to see their cosmetology program be placed on indefinite hiatus, so they worked together to change the situation. At the board meeting, they expressed their dissatisfaction that the school was putting a program on hold, even after they had put a considerable amount of time and energy into developing a new program. They also stated their displeasure at having such a small window of warning about the change.
Students and faculty addressed their concerns during the board meeting
The faculty and students questioned why the school did not have better preparation for adjusting the program to an off-site location and a new administrator. They felt that the school had done nothing to try to keep the program. Several students and alumni discussed the benefits of the program, including many local studios looking for students from the program to fill their open seats.
The meeting worked, and the school has reversed its decision, which means students will be able to take advantage of the instruction offered at Pasadena City College. The school will continue to look into what to do about the program, including the open position for administrator and the need for a new space. They plan to come back to a future meeting with a thorough report on the subject.