For those interested in making a career move and considering cosmetology school, understanding what type of education you’re in for can help provide clarity and help determine if pursuing cosmetology school is the right path for you. Specifically, many incoming students wonder if cosmetology qualifies as post-secondary education, and whether or not cosmetology is considered a trade school. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Trade School?
First things first, let’s define what a trade school is. Trade schools are considered specialized educational institutions that provide focused and often hands-on training for a specific vocation or career. Some of the most common programs that come to mind when you think “trade school” are things like electrician, plumbing, and HVAC. However, the breadth of specialized skills that can be taught in a trade school setting goes much further than that. You can find trade schools in many industries including healthcare, technology, culinary, media and digital arts, and more.
Do Trade Schools Impact My Earning Potential?
One major concern students have when exploring post-secondary educational opportunities like trade schools is earning potential. There has long been a misconception that attending a trade school will limit your earning potential after graduation, but this isn’t unilaterally true. In fact, thanks to the scarcity of expertise in many trade programs, you may have the potential to earn more than your traditional college counterparts. Additionally, many trade schools equip you with business knowledge as well as trade knowledge, allowing you to ultimately be the master of your own income.
Attending a trade school may limit your career options compared to a more widely-applicable, four-year degree, but the specialized training and faster pace allows you to focus on something you’re truly passionate about and start making money on that passion more quickly.
Is Cosmetology School Considered a Trade School?
So, now that we’ve looked more closely at what makes a trade school, let’s answer the burning question: is cosmetology school considered a trade school? In short, yes. Cosmetology school, esthetician school, nail technician school, and barber school all fall under the parameters of a trade school.
The length of program, focus on specialized education, hands-on training, and real-world experience qualify Tricoci University’s programs as trade programs.
How Long Is Cosmetology School?
One of the hallmark traits of a trade school is the length of the program. For students interested in cosmetology school, the ability to attend the program as a part-time or full-time student and still finish the program in under 2 years is often a main attraction point.
Depending on the state requirements and training hours necessary to sit for the licensure exam as well as your own schedule and availability, you could finish a cosmetology program at Tricoci University in as little as 12 months. Compared to a four-year program, this cuts your go-to market time considerably, allowing you to jump into the professional beauty world much more quickly and start realizing your earning potential.
Do I Need Any Previous Experience to Attend Cosmetology School?
Trade schools focus on specialized knowledge, which understandably leads people to wonder whether or not previous experience is required to excel at a cosmetology program.
One of the best and most freeing things about cosmetology school is that you do not need any prior experience to attend or excel. How you develop and flourish within your program is entirely up to you. Lean into your passion, make connections with the instructors and fellow students, and soak up the hands-on training you receive, and you set yourself up for success not only during your time as a Tricoci cosmetology student, but after graduation as well.
Pursue a Passion-Filled Career in Cosmetology with Tricoci University
The advantages of attending a trade school like cosmetology school are great for students who are passionate about the beauty industry and want a fast, focused path to an exciting and passion-filled career as a cosmetologist. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your future, we’re here to help. Schedule a virtual tour or explore our many campus options in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin to get started today.