Cosmetology Course Information

Cosmetology: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 39-5012.00) Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 12.0401)

The curriculum involves 1500 hours to satisfy Missouri 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 cosmetologist.

This course is taught in English.

COSMETOLOGY EDUCATION GOALS

Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis strives to provide a quality educational system that prepares students to pass the state board examination and gain employment within their chosen field of stud. Our quality education system includes an outstanding facility, experienced and competent instructors, and a curriculum developed through years of experience and expertise. Our education goals are:

  1. To educate students to be professional, knowledgeable, and skilled in their field for marketability within the industry.
  2. To maintain an updated program that provides students with the knowledge to compete in their field of study.
  3. To promote the continuing educational growth of our faculty and students, using current teaching methods and techniques.
  4. To teach courtesy and professionalism as the foundation for a successful career in their chosen field of study.
  5. To prepare students to successfully pass the state licensing exam for entry-level employment.
  6. To train and graduate students while empowering them to become confident and excited to enter a successful career within the salon and beauty industry.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Hours: 1500 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinical service learning experiences.

  1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The Core portion of the Cosmetology program is devoted to classroom workshops where students learn design principles, technical information, and professional practices.
  2. Theory, Specialty, Clinic Classroom Experience: Upon successful completion of Core, your time is divided between attending Theory, Specialty Classes and the Clinic Classroom where practical experience is gained.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE OUTLINE

Your time at Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis for the cosmetology program will be divided into six (6)designations:

  1. Core Curriculum:The Core portion of the Cosmetology program instills the basic fundamentals. Students are graded and evaluated using written, oral, and practical testing methods. Students must successfully complete the Core curriculum prior to attending regularly scheduled daily classes in cutting, coloring, permanent waving, and chemical texture services. 
  2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Your clinic classroom time will be guided with individual attention and group learning experiences using mini classes, Skills Tracker, and periodic evaluations developed specifically for this monitoring progress. This is when you begin experiencing your clinic classroom education on paying clients in the clinic classroom area.
  3. Classroom Learning Experience: Your classroom time is divided into several areas: cutting, coloring, and texture, theory, and final phase (Missouri State Board preparation). Each area has a licensed instructor who conducts the different specialty classes weekly; Classroom Learning Experiences may also include guest artist, retail motivation, self-improvement, professional development, and attendance education which may be conducted by a licensed instructor, non-licensed staff member or guest artist. 
  4. Adaptive Curriculum: Upon successful completion of the Core portion of the Cosmetology program the student will enter a new phase of classroom workshops coupled with challenging practical services designed to continue building you into a confident beauty industry professional.
  5. Creative Curriculum: You will spend your last approximately 750 hours at Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis in “high gear” by dressing, acting, and training like a beauty industry professional. You will use your own artistic and creative abilities, coupled with the assistance of the Learning Leaders, to prepare yourself for your future beauty industry career.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The instructional program of Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis meets or exceeds the state requirements:

Subject Minimum Hour Requirement
Theory 150
Shampooing of all kinds 40
Hair coloring, bleaches, and rinses 130
Hair cutting and shaping 130
Permanent waving and relaxing 125
Hair setting, pin curls, finger waves, and thermal curling 225
Comb-outs and hairstyling techniques 105
Scalp treatment and diseases 30
Facials, eyebrows, and arches 40
Manicuring, hand and arm massage and treatment of nails 110
Cosmetic chemistry 25
Salesmanship and shop management 10
Sanitation and Sterilization 30
Anatomy 20
State law 10
Additional hours 320
TOTAL HOURS 1500

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

The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 1500-hour course:

  1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each assigned weekly theory exam.
  2. Core written and practical skill exams: Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program.
  3. Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams.
  4. Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, Missouri state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams.
  5. Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Future Professionals progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor using the Course Key app. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed in order to complete the program.

    Grading Scale: A = 90-100%    B = 80-89%    C = 70-79%    Below 70% = Failing
     
  6. Practical skills test (mock state board): Students must receive a 85% or higher grade on the Practical Skills test (mock state board).

    Grading Scale: A = 97-100%    B = 96-85%    Below 85% = Failing
     
  7. State Law Exam (1400-hour written exam): Students must receive a 75% or higher grade on the Missouri State Law Exam.

    Grading Scale: A = 90-100%    B = 80-89%     C = 70-79%    Below 70% = Failing

Cosmetology Instructional Techniques and Methods

The Cosmetology 1500 clock hour course is 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 lecture, demonstration and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.