2008 Woodie Awards
Cosmetology offered on, off campus: Are programs better here or there?
By: Michele Polendey
Issue date: 5/5/05 Section: Features
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Playing "Eenny, meeny, miny, moe" is not an effective way for a student to choose a cosmetology program.
When it comes to planning your future, don't rely on childish games to decide.
Just read the facts.
There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing a private school or simply taking courses offered on campus.
"To be in the world of cosmetology, you have to be up-to-date on the latest fashion. You will learn all of these things at the public or private schools," Patricia Gebert, cosmetology professor, said.
"The nice thing about El Camino is that you get college degree credits," she said.
Just like any other courses taken at a community college, by taking cosmetology credits at EC, students are able to earn units toward an A.S. or A.A. degree.
Gebert said that students will often receive their license to practice and then work in a salon to support themselves through college while they earn the rest of their units.
"Even if you want to transfer, you can still be working in the business to make your money. Say you wanted to open your own salon, so you work on putting yourself through getting a degree in business," Gebert said.
Private schools will offer the education and credits toward a cosmetology license, but lack the necessary courses to earn a college degree. However, there are advantages to the programs.
"Private schools are wonderful in hurrying the students to graduate. In nine months, they can take their state board exam," Gebert said.
A cosmetology student at EC can finish his or her training in two full semesters, plus a winter and a summer session, working 40 hours a week.
A private school program may be a better choice for the student who needs to graduate and start making income move quickly.
"Some students cannot afford to take a week off for Thanksgiving or go on Christmas break. They need to work right away," Gebert said.
While the cosmetology department urges its students to graduate in a timely manner, it may be more convenient for a student to take all of the courses at once.
When it comes to planning your future, don't rely on childish games to decide.
Just read the facts.
There are advantages and disadvantages in choosing a private school or simply taking courses offered on campus.
"To be in the world of cosmetology, you have to be up-to-date on the latest fashion. You will learn all of these things at the public or private schools," Patricia Gebert, cosmetology professor, said.
"The nice thing about El Camino is that you get college degree credits," she said.
Just like any other courses taken at a community college, by taking cosmetology credits at EC, students are able to earn units toward an A.S. or A.A. degree.
Gebert said that students will often receive their license to practice and then work in a salon to support themselves through college while they earn the rest of their units.
"Even if you want to transfer, you can still be working in the business to make your money. Say you wanted to open your own salon, so you work on putting yourself through getting a degree in business," Gebert said.
Private schools will offer the education and credits toward a cosmetology license, but lack the necessary courses to earn a college degree. However, there are advantages to the programs.
"Private schools are wonderful in hurrying the students to graduate. In nine months, they can take their state board exam," Gebert said.
A cosmetology student at EC can finish his or her training in two full semesters, plus a winter and a summer session, working 40 hours a week.
A private school program may be a better choice for the student who needs to graduate and start making income move quickly.
"Some students cannot afford to take a week off for Thanksgiving or go on Christmas break. They need to work right away," Gebert said.
While the cosmetology department urges its students to graduate in a timely manner, it may be more convenient for a student to take all of the courses at once.