The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics requires any individual working in the cosmetology field to hold a valid license. These licenses are administered after a student successfully completes the designated training. Students who are researching the various cosmetology schools in Georgia will want to look into the specific programs that are provided by each school. Different programs can focus on particular areas of expertise, and range in duration from less than 1 year to 2 or more.
The Empire Beauty School has locations in Atlanta, Kennesaw, Dunwoody and Lawrenceville that offer certification and licensing in the areas of cosmetology and hairstyling, nail technology and cosmetology instruction. They have a great reputation and are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. The schools also maintain affiliations with a number of related associations, and make financial-assistance programs available to their students.
Atlanta is also the home to the Atlanta School of Massage, Atlanta Technical College, Medix School, Sanford-Brown Institute and the International School of Skin and Nailcare. The latter is nationally accredited and recognized by numerous organizations, including the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Immigration and Naturalization. The school administers several grants and scholarships to eligible applicants. In addition, they are known to provide their students with valuable hands-on experience and training; one section of the school is a clinic where students (overseen by their instructors) provide services to the public.
The Georgia Institute of Cosmetology has campuses in Athens, Buford and Augusta. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association and the National Association of Cosmetology Schools. The Georgia Institute of Cosmetology offers conventional classes, as well as training apportioned in "self-paced structural programs" that accommodate an individual's particular goals.
Other institutions offering cosmetology programs in Georgia include The Esani Institute, the American Professional Institute, the Georgia Career Institute, Pro Way Hair School, Vogue Beauty School, the American Professional Institute and the Process Institute of Cosmetology. You can search these programs (and many others) by location and area of specialization by following the links in Resources.
Prior to choosing a school, it's important to identify the specific area in which you would like to specialize. There are many fields and focuses under the umbrella of cosmetology that students choose to concentrate on. Some examples are haircutting, hair coloring, skin care, makeup application and nails.
Assorted grants are made available to individuals who are looking to pursue a career in cosmetology. These grants can be awarded by the vocational school or institute that offers the program, by the government or by private organizations. Several of these grants are based on a student's financial need, and others are awarded to a student because of her skill, talent and potential in the cosmetology field. The government may award federally based financial aid, grants and scholarships to students who are considered to come from disadvantaged financial circumstances.
ACE Grants are intended to help students train for a career in the cosmetology field. The grants are jointly sponsored by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), the Cosmetology Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI). More information regarding ACE Grants can be accessed from the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (see Resources).