The Cosmetology program is a 1000 clock-hour program which follows the criteria of the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology in order to meet licensing requirements. This program also follows the academic standards of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education in awarding each student a certificate in Cosmetology.
The program is designed to provide the student with the basics of the art, science, and business aspects of the cosmetology profession. The program prepares the student to become a competent, qualified professional, meeting entry-level industry standard.
This is a two semester program with each semester lasting 16 weeks including final exams. Each student must complete a minimum of 1,000 clock hours and earn the required clock hours in each area of study as outlined in the schedule of hours mandated by the Massachusetts Cosmetology Rules and Regulations. Once the required hours and basic fundamental standards are met, students practice their skills in the STCC Cosmetology Clinic, Client Lab. Theory, lab and clinical are required components. Application for licensure will not be given until the clock hours and course requirements are met. In this case, the Massachusetts Board of Registration, Division of Professional Licensure, Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology will be notified.
After meeting course, program and 1000 clock-hour requirements, the student will receive an application for the Massachusetts State Operator License Exam. After two years of full-time employment or its equivalent, the Massachusetts licensed cosmetology operator is eligible to apply for full licensure as a Cosmetologist with the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology, Division of Professional Licensure. All areas of cosmetology are taught by Massachusetts Licensed Cosmetology Instructors.
Minimum Grade Requirement: A student must maintain a minimum grade of “C” (73%) in each cosmetology course. A student must meet minimum grade requirements in the fall semester in order to continue to spring semester and qualify for graduation. The related science course, BIOL-146 - Essentials of Human Biology 1 , and the related business course, SMBE-125 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship , have sections customized for the Cosmetology program and, therefore, are restricted to Cosmetology students. Clock hours are posted on the college website in the Master Schedule of classes. BIOL-146 is listed under the department of Biological Sciences and SMBE-125 is listed under the department of Business Administration. If a student fails any of the required courses he/she may re-apply for the following semester that the courses are offered and must follow the procedure for re-entry as outlined by the School of Health & Patient Simulation. Students who receive financial aid benefits and are withdrawn or dropped from the program must contact the financial aid department for re-entry status.
Attendance Requirement: Attendance is compulsory because of the minimum hour requirement for graduation. The college does not provide for make-up time due to absenteeism. If a student fails to meet the attendance requirement or is in jeopardy of completing the clock hours and academic standards, he or she may be dropped from the program.
Kits, Books, and Uniforms: Cosmetology students must purchase assigned books, uniforms and kits for the start of class. The kit is comprised of essential equipment and supplies needed to participate in class.
CORI: All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending upon the findings, the student may or may not be allowed to continue in the program of study.
Health Forms: Must be completed at the beginning of fall semester to participate and earn credit in laboratory and class.
Program Technical Standards: The cosmetology student must be able to meet all of basic fundamental standards to participate in all scheduled laboratory sessions:
- Stand in one place for long periods of time
- Able to bend and stretch
- Manual dexterity
- Motor skills including small muscle control
- Eye hand coordination
- Vision/hearing normal or device corrected
- Distinguish color
- Not prone to psoriasis, dermatitis or other chronic skin diseases with open lesions
- Work with chemicals or skin care products
- Skill in the art of oral and written communication
- Effective interpersonal relation skills
- Skill in test taking
- Demonstrate long and short term memory when designing haircut or chemical services
- Ability to follow instructions
- Ability to read directions
Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)
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The following is the curriculum for course credit as approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, however, cosmetology students are required to start and end the day according to the clock hours required by the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology. The clock hours are reflected in the Master Schedule and total 37.5 clock hours per week, 16 weeks per semester. These hours are reflected under the School of Health & Patient Simulation, School of Business and School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering.
Upon successful completion of the requirements for this program, a Certificate in Cosmetology will be awarded and an application to apply for the Massachusetts Cosmetology Operator licensure examination will be provided.
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