Cosmetology

This pathway is designed to prepare students for careers within the personal care industry, including hairstylist, colorist, and nail technician. The courses in the program of study cover the safety procedures in salon environments, principles of hair design, nail structures, and chemistry of color application.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Cosmetology Pathway is a part of the Human Services career cluster. The Human Services Career Cluster relates to human needs like counseling, mental health, personal care, family, community, and consumer services.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Cosmetology I

Cosmetology I is the foundational course in the Human Services career cluster for students interested in learning more about becoming a cosmetologist. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will gain knowledge in the fundamental skills in both theory and practical applications of cosmetology practices. Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the cosmetology industry. Upon completion and acquisition of 1500 hours, students are eligible to take the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology Examination to attain a Tennessee Cosmetology License. Artifacts will be created for inclusion in a portfolio, which will continue throughout the full sequence of courses.

Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2 Course: Cosmetology II

Cosmetology II is the second course in the Cosmetology program of study intended to prepare students for careers in cosmetology by developing an understanding of efficient and safe work practices, nail procedures, hair design, and chemical services. Students will gain experience in practical applications of cosmetology practices. Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the cosmetology industry. Upon completion and acquisition of 1500 hours, students are eligible to take the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology Examination to attain a Tennessee Cosmetology License. Artifacts will be created for inclusion in a portfolio, which will continue throughout the full sequence of courses.

Level 3 Course: Cosmetology III

Cosmetology III is the third course in the Cosmetology program of study intended to prepare students for careers in cosmetology by developing an understanding of efficient and safe work practices, salon business concepts and operations, advanced hair techniques and chemical services, and facial and skin care procedures. Students will gain experience in practical applications of cosmetology practices. Laboratory facilities and experiences simulate those found in the cosmetology industry. Upon completion and acquisition of 1500 hours, students are eligible to take the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology Examination to attain a Tennessee Cosmetology License. Artifacts will be created for inclusion in a portfolio, which will continue throughout the full sequence of courses.

Aligned Industry Credential: Hair Braider Registration. The Hair Braider Registration is required to offer hair braiding services in Tennessee. This registration signifies sixteen hours of training in health, hygiene, and sanitation and is not equivalent to the Natural Hair Stylist License. In Tennessee high schools, this training must be provided by a licensed cosmetology instructor using materials chosen by the instructor, AND the awarding of the training certificate MUST be at the discretion of the licensed cosmetology instructor.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

Credit Type: Dual Credit

Institution: TCAT - Clock Hours - Cosmetology Program

Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA improves the quality of our nation’s future skilled workforce through the development of Framework skills that include personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics.

Pearl-Cohn High School

Academy of Health Science & Personal Care

Community Partners