Cosmetology

A cosmetology client having their hair sprayed

Cosmetology

Technical Diploma

30 Credits | 1 Year

Technical Diploma | Financial Aid-Eligible

Rice Lake, Superior

Hybrid and On Site instruction

Career Cluster: Human Services

In this high-quality, two-semester Cosmetology program, you will learn the essential technical skills required to properly care for people's hair, skin and nails. Apply your creativity, artistic design, effective customer service skills and cutting-edge practices to a career as a Cosmetologist, Barber, Color Technician, Make-up Artist, Nail Technician or Esthetician. 

Program Overview

The Cosmetology program prepares you with essential theory and hands-on instruction to develop your skills in cosmetology. You'll learn theories and techniques that are reflective of industry standards and apply these skills working with real clients in Northwood Tech's state-of-the-art salons. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to take the Wisconsin Cosmetology Practitioner License examination

Program Outcomes

Cosmetology graduates will be able to:

  • Perform shampoo, haircut, and style service
  • Perform skin care services
  • Perform chemical services
  • Perform nail services
  • Develop business practices for industry success

Technical Standards

In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program. 

Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program

In this two semester program, you'll develop skills in the fundamentals of hair sculpture, hair design, chemical texture, hair color, nail care and design, esthetics, advanced techniques and client services.

Learn by doing. 

This Cosmetology program is the most cost-effective program in the region.

Upon completion, you may take the Wisconsin Cosmetology Practitioner License Examination. 


Academics

Full program course offerings are available at the Rice Lake and Superior campuses. Fall and spring semester starts are available. 

Highly Trained, Passionate Instructors

Learn with highly-trained and passionate licensed Cosmetology instructors who bring a multitude of experience to the learning environment. Every instructor is committed to your success. 

Pivot Point Legacy Partner School

This designation reflects an educational program consisting of distinctive techniques of scientific hair designing and cosmetology. Techniques from this program are taught in educational institutions around the world. 

Extracurricular Activities

Participate in community-based field trips, local salon visits, campus and club activities, hair shows and competitions. 


Required Courses

Coursework addresses the essential theoretical and practical instruction to develop skills in cosmetology fundamentals, hair sculpture, hair design, chemical texture, hair color, nail care and design, esthetics, advanced cosmetology techniques and client services that is reflective of industry standards and trends. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Cosmetology Courses

31502385
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
Develop skills, utilizing proper tools and equipment, in hair coloring, tinting, and bleaching while applying chemistry principles and law of color inclusive of color correction techniques, hair damage assessment, and appropriate product selection on manikins and clients. COREQUISITES: 31502382 Hair Sculpture, 31502383 Hair Design, 31502384 Chemical Texture, 31502386 Cosmetology Fundamentals, and 31502387 Introductory Client Services
31502387
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Apply practical techniques learned in the classroom for hair sculpture, hair design, chemical texture, hair color and communication skills with clients, inclusive of individual student needs, including point-of-sale process and salon operations. COREQUISITES: 31502382 Hair Sculpture, 31502383 Hair Design, 31502384 Chemical Texture, 31502385 Hair Color, and 31502386 Cosmetology Fundamentals.
31502394
|
UGRD
| 1 CR
Develop skills, utilizing proper tools and equipment, in hair removal, beard and mustache shaping, facial treatments, makeup, eyelashes, light therapy, and basic principles of electricity on manikins and clients. PREQUISITES: 31502382 Hair Sculpture, 31502383 Hair Design, 31502384 Chemical Texture, 31502385 Hair Color, 31502386 Cosmetology Fundamentals, and 31502387 Introductory Client Services and COREQUISITES: 31502388 Intermediate Client Services , 31502389 Advanced Cosmetology Techniques, 31502395 Nail Care and Design, and 31502396 Advanced Client Services.

Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*

Cosmetology

30 Credits | 1 Year

$5,026

Plus $2,700 for Cosmetology Kit


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.


After the Northwood Tech Cosmetology Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a technical diploma in Cosmetology. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation. 

View Career Options

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Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information

Northwood Tech’s Cosmetology technical diploma is designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The College has not determined and does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure in states/territories other than Wisconsin and Minnesota as documented on the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states/territories other than Wisconsin or Minnesota should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin or Minnesota, you may be required to obtain a social security number.

Out-of-State applicants sign a Professional Licensure Disclosure Form.

For more information, visit: 
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Sherry Rehnelt

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8136

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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