Cosmetology Course Descriptions
COSMETOLOGY: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5012.00, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0401
The curriculum involves 1000 hours to satisfy New York state requirements. The course includes extensive instruction and practical experience in cutting, hair coloring, perming, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, sanitation, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.
*Graduates are prepared to be entry-level cosmetologists.
This program is taught in English. Textbooks and Course Materials are only offered in the English Language.
COSMETOLOGY COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Hours: 1000 clock hours
The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinic classroom learning experiences.
- Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 200 hours are devoted to preclinical classroom instruction where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction, and guided practice. Instruction emphasizes design principles, technical procedures, safety and sanitation, professional conduct, and readiness for supervised services.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Future Professionals apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services. With coaching and guidance from Learning Leaders, they refine technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience, product recommendations, and professional work habits. Learning continues through mini-classes, feedback, and structured practice.
COSMETOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE
- Core Curriculum: The Core Curriculum introduces the foundational principles and skills of the program through theory instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Future Professionals build essential technical knowledge, safety and sanitation practices, client care, and professional habits. Learning Leaders monitor progress, and learning is evaluated through written, oral, and practical methods, as applicable. Completing Core successfully prepares students for the next phase of their education, including supervised clinic classroom experiences.
- Protégé Learning Experience: The Protégé Learning Experience supports the transition from Core into the Adaptive Curriculum and clinic classroom learning. Future Professionals continue guided practice, strengthen service readiness, and prepare to apply their skills in supervised guest experiences.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: In the clinic classroom, Future Professionals provide services to guests under Learning Leader supervision. They keep learning and reinforce classroom instruction through coaching, mini-classes, practical worksheets, and progress evaluations. They practice consultations, service planning, technical proficiency, guest communication, sanitation and safety, and professional service habits.
- Classroom Learning Experience: Classroom education throughout the program includes cutting, coloring, texture, makeup, skin, and nails. Instruction combines theory, demonstrations, and practical application. Additional learning opportunities may address retailing and product knowledge, communication, professional development, motivation, and career readiness, facilitated by appropriate school team members or guest artists.
- Adaptive Phase: During the Adaptive phase, Future Professionals expand their knowledge through specialty classroom instruction and progressively challenging practical work. They continue developing technical consistency, problem-solving, guest service, confidence, and professionalism, with feedback and assessments supporting their progress.
- Creative Phase: The Creative phase focuses on refining technical and professional abilities as Future Professionals prepare to enter the industry. They apply artistic judgment, strengthen independence and accountability, and practice the standards of guest experience, teamwork, and professional conduct expected in a salon environment, with continued Learning Leader guidance.
During the creative curriculum you will have the option to apply to be in our Phase II honors program. This is open to all who meet the criteria. Future Professionals must have an academic average of 90% or higher, exceptional attitude, and above a 90% attendance. Future Professionals must apply by submitting a resume and be interviewed by our education team. In Phase II, Future Professionals will have the opportunity to mimic the true salon environment. This means they are held to higher standards such as speed and creativity. They will have the opportunity to work in a designated area in the clinic area.
COSMETOLOGY COURSE SUBJECTS
The instructional program of Paul Mitchell the School NYC meets or exceeds the state requirements:
| Requirements | Total Clock Hours |
|---|---|
Professional Requirements
| 24 |
Safety and Health
| 26 |
Anatomy and Physiology
| 15 |
Hair Analysis
| 10 |
Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases
| 10 |
Chemistry as applied to Cosmetology
| 5 |
Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners and Treatments
| 30 |
Haircutting and Shaping
| 175 |
Hairstyling
| 245 |
Chemical Restructuring
| 180 |
Hair Coloring and Lightening
| 180 |
Nail Care and Procedures
Overlay Wrapping; Repair, Maintenance and Removal
| 40 |
Skin Care and Procedures
| 60 |
| Hours required by NYS Regulations | 1000 |
The institution offers employment assistance to help graduates’ efforts to secure education-related employment that includes, but is not limited to training in professionalism, resume’ development, job interview preparation and job search skills.
COSMETOLOGY PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE
- Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
- 200-hour orientation practical skills evaluation test: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher. If a student fails to pass this evaluation test on their second attempt, they may be asked to withdraw and re-enroll in the next Core class start date.
- Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all final exams.
- Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, New York state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all final exams.
- Clinic Practical Skill Assessment: Future Professionals progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor using Course Key app. All assignments must be completed in order to complete the program.
COSMETOLOGY INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS
The 1000 cosmetology programs are provided through a sequential set of learning steps which address specific tasks necessary for State Board preparation, graduation, and job entry level skills. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. Each student will receive instruction that relates to the performance of useful, creative and productive career-oriented activities. The course is presented through well-developed lesson plans that reflect the latest educational methods. Subjects are presented by means of lectures, demonstration, distance education, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.