Can I Get Into Beauty School In Kansas Without a GED?
By Doug Brinlee
The beauty industry is steadily growing. Careers for hairstylists, nail technicians, and other professionals in the field are in constant demand. There are a lot of career opportunities for graduates of cosmetology and beauty schools. But just like any other vocational school, there are requirements to get in. Every state has different requirements and regulations that are administered by that state’s board of cosmetology. If you are interested in pursuing a career in beauty, you need to be sure you meet all of the qualifications. Here is some information on what you need for enrollment as well as what you need for a career in cosmetology.
Kansas Beauty School Enrollment Requirements
Requirements to get into cosmetology school vary from state to state. In Kansas, you must be at least 16 years old and you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, which would be a GED. Since cosmetology and beauty schools are considered to be vocational schools, then they are regarded the same as colleges and other institutes of higher learning. So you have to have graduated form high school or received your GED to get in. The good news is that you don’t have to take anything like an SAT exam to get into cosmetology school. As long as you meet the state requirements (and maybe had some cosmetology in high school) then you should get in with no problem.
Why A High School Diploma or GED Important
Really it is all about statistics when it comes to a high school education. Research has shown that of students who attend college and have a high school degree, 65% of them graduate. Of those who attend college with a GED, 15% of them graduate. This goes for vocational schools as well, like cosmetology schools. Also, students who graduate high school with a GED make approximately $12,000 more a year.
So why get a high school diploma or GED? Because it opens up your opportunities for a job. You will find that most jobs, even the many of the lowest-paid ones, require a GED. This is proof that you have a basic education and are capable and intelligent enough to properly complete your job. 95% of employers in the U.S. accept a GED as an adequate substitute for a full high school diploma. 98% of all colleges and accept GEDs, too. So if you have not completed high school, it would be a wise choice to at least go and get your GED. The test is not difficult and over 400,000 get their GED every year.
Choosing The Right School For You
If you still want a career in cosmetology and you have (or are planning to get) your GED, then you need to decide which school is right for you. Every state has cosmetology schools. The question is, which one is the best choice for you? It depends on what you are looking for. Do you want a school that is local or a good school that is far away? Are you looking for a large school such as a chain or a small school with a more intimate setting? Are you wanting to learn to specialize or do you want to learn to do everything from hair to nails?
When checking out schools, look at their curriculum and what courses they offer. If you work full time, you need to see if the school offers night and weekend classes. Some other factors to consider are whether the school offers financial aid (tuition won’t be cheap), how long they have been in business, and the cleanliness of the facility. Most importantly, you want a school that is state-accredited. Otherwise, you will end up with a certificate that you can’t use.
Education and Training
Most states require that all hairstylists, barbers, and other professionals in the field to be licensed, with the exception of shampooers and make-up artists. To qualify for your license, states require that all practicing barbers, hairstylists, and nail technicians complete a state-accredited cosmetology school. An accredited school means one that has met all the requirements set up by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology and Sciences.
Each specialization requires a number of hours that you have to log in before you can receive your degree. Depending on what you are studying, the hours can be anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand. These courses usually last about 9 months, depending on the school. Some areas, such as a manicurist, only lasts two or three months.
Get Your License
Once you graduate from a cosmetology school, you will need to pass a state exam in order to get your license. The exam consists of a written test and, in some cases, a comprehensive practical test that displays your skills. Some states even require an oral exam. Some states require separate licenses for different professional areas so graduates must study for more than one test. Most states require separate testing for manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists.