Cosmetology Course Information

COSMETOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTION

Significant reading, writing and studying will occur during the educational experience. You must have a sufficient understanding of the English language in order to successfully complete the program. All courses are taught in English.

Cosmetology: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5012.00 
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0401
The curriculum involves 1600 hours to satisfy New Mexico 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.

*Students are prepared for an entry level cosmetologist.

This course is taught in English. Textbooks and Course Materials are only offered in the English Language.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Hours: 1600 clock hours

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

1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 210 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.
2. Clinic 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Adaptive Curriculum: 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.
6. Creative Curriculum: 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.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE SUBJECTS

The instructional program of Paul Mitchell the School Albuquerque meets or exceeds the state requirements:

Any person is eligible to receive a license in cosmetology who submits proof that they are at least 17 years of age; has an education equivalent to the completion of the second year of an approved high school; has completed the required clock hours in an approved school for the applicable course; has paid the required fees; and has passed the examination conducted by the Board to determine his fitness to receive a license.

COSMETOLOGY COURSE PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE

The following tests and grading procedures are incorporated during the student’s 1600-hour course:

1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
2. Core written and practical skills evaluation: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program. The exams are an overview of instruction taught during the Core schedule. All Core written and practical skill exams must be passed with a 80% in order to transition to the Clinic Classroom. If students are unable to pass each exam after two attempts, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program and re-enroll in the next available Core class start date.
3. Final exam 1 (upon successful completion of Adaptive exam): 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.
4. Final exam 2 (upon successful completion of Creative Exam): The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, New Mexico state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on all final exams.
5. Clinic Practical Skills Assessments: Students progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed in order to complete the program.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The 1600 hour cosmetology program 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 lecture, demonstration, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.