The Institute of Beauty and Wellness is owned by Susan Haise, who founded it in 1982 as The Skin Institute Esthetic Training Center. Since its origin, the institute has expanded its program options to massage therapy, cosmetology and nail design. The cosmetology program includes a total of 1,800 course hours, which are broken down into theory/classroom and practical hours. Students can opt for either a full-time 52-week class schedule or an accelerated 60-week part-time schedule.
Empire Beauty School of Milwaukee has been training students for careers in the cosmetology field since 2000. This location of the national chain offers a cosmetology program as well as a cosmetology educator training program. Students at Empire participate in community events, supporting their hands-on training with local patrons. Empire's Future Professionals Expo gives students exposure to the beauty industry and experience in one-on-one mentor workshops.
VICI Beauty School is a member of Pivot Point, an elite organization of schools across the world. The cosmetology program at VICI includes 1,800 hours of theory and practical learning to give students an extensive understanding of beauty and wellness. Classes are held full time and typically begin every six to eight weeks. Subjects included in the cosmetology program are hygiene, bacteriology, haircutting, manicuring, product knowledge and more.
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a barber/cosmetologist program that earns students a technical diploma and provides them with the skills they need to enter the hair care/beauty profession. The program, which allows students to enter in either August or January, can be completed in one year to 18 months, including summer attendance. Nail technician, manager and instructor certificates are also available. Students complete an externship course at a professional salon and will be eligible to take the state board licensing examination upon graduation.