Cosmetology

This program is designed in compliance with the rules, regulations and state-mandated curriculum of the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. Cosmetologists practice the art and science of improving beauty through the care and treatment of skin, hair, and nails. Graduates of this program are well-prepared cosmetologists with excellent employment prospects.

The curriculum provides hands-on training in bacteriology/sterilization, manicuring, artificial nails, draping of clients, shampoo, scalp treatment, hairstyling, haircolor, permanent wave/chemical relaxers, haircutting, facials/make-up, wigs, receptionist duties, salon management, electricity, anatomy/physiology, and ethnic hair care.  If students finish the required 1250 hours of the core program, students may elect to receive training to become a cosmetology instructor and participate in a student teaching program.

BCTC students, under the supervision of licensed instructors, hold cosmetology clinics that are open to the public. The clinics provide students with real world experience by performing basic salon services for customers such as haircutting, styling, permanent waves, various color services, manicuring, and facials. The clinics provide students with invaluable experience that helps further prepare them for the workplace.

The Cosmetology program is regulated and licensed through the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. To complete the approved curriculum, students must document 1250 hours of instruction in the program.   BCTC offers two instructional sessions each day, with each session scheduled for a maximum of three hours of instruction each day.  This provides more than sufficient time to earn the required 1250 hours. However, some participating school districts may follow a schedule that will not meet the 1250 hour requirement. Therefore, some students may need to complete additional hours after graduation to complete the program and be eligible to take their state board exams for their Cosmetology license. Students who fail to meet the minimum hour requirement prior to graduation may enroll after graduation at BCTC as a tuition paying adult or at a local private school to complete the hour requirement.

Instruction of 1,250 hours qualifies the student for the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology licensing examination. Upon successful completion of the examination, the student then becomes a licensed cosmetologist or nail technician in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is qualified for employment in a full service salon or advanced licensing in teaching.