Cosmetology
Cosmetology - AAS
The BTC Cosmetology program will no longer be offered. Please visit BTC’s Programs and Degrees to review current BTC programs and contact Admissions admissions@btc.edu to schedule an appointment with an advisor if you’d like to discuss other program options.
General Information
Bellingham Technical College Cosmetology School
1411 Railroad AVE
Bellingham, WA 98225
360.752.8789
cosmetology@btc.edu
This school is licensed under chapter 18.16 RCW. Inquiries, concerns, or complaints regarding this school can be made to the Washington State Department of Licensing:
Mailing Address:
Department of LicensingCosmetology
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507
360.664.6626
Street Address:
Department of Licensing Business and Occupations405 Blake Lake BLVD Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Cosmetology curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
Note: RCW 18.16.200 Disciplinary Action-Grounds: Any applicant or licensee under this chapter may be subject to disciplinary action by the director if the licensee or applicant: Has engaged in the commercial practice of cosmetology, barbering, manicuring, esthetics, or instructed in or operated a school without first obtaining the license required by this chapter.
Employment Information
Estimated Program Costs
Entry
When Can I Start?
The BTC Cosmetology program will no longer be offered, Please visit BTC’s Programs and Degrees to review current BTC programs and contact Admissions admissions@btc.edu to schedule an appointment with an advisor if you’d like to discuss other program options.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
Admissions application and assessment testing in Reading, Math and Writing is required. Your score on the test and/or your previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence. Contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with academic planning.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
Note: Applicants should have good mental and physical health, and have a high degree of manual dexterity. A pleasing personality and the ability to communicate and work well with others are important, as is stamina and good health since professionals must be on their feet the majority of time, and, in many cases, around chemicals.
Program fees address distinct and specified costs such as lab assistants, supplies, student kit, materials, equipment, rentals, software licensing, replacement and upgrade, maintenance, and other operational costs.
Early Program Course Requirements
Updates to Cosmetology early program requirements are under review by the college. Interested students should meet with the program navigator.
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 111-129
General Education Core Courses
AENGL 100 Applied English 5 CR AMATH 100 Applied Occupational Math 5 CR CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 CR Program Core
COSMT 101 Cosmetology Basic Skills and Salon Practice 15 CR COSMT 110 Trichology, Dermatology, and Onychology 5 CR COSMT 111 Salon Management 5 CR COSMT 112 Salon Safety, Chemistry, and Electricity 5 CR COSMT 201 Haircutting and Styling Lab and Salon Practice I 8 CR COSMT 202 Haircutting and Styling Lab and Salon Practice II 8 CR COSMT 203 Haircutting & Beard Design Lab & Salon Practice I 8 CR COSMT 204 Haircutting & Beard Design Lab & Salon Practice II 8 CR COSMT 205 Color Lab and Salon Practice I 8 CR COSMT 206 Color Lab and Salon Practice II 8 CR COSMT 207 Textured Hair Services Lab and Salon Practice I 8 CR COSMT 208 Textured Hair Services and Salon Practice II 8 CR COSMT 220 Cosmetology Capstone 2 CR The following course is required for any additional practice hours needed for licensure: COSMT 210 Cosmetology Lab & Shop Practice (2-18 credits) 18 CR
Online Synchronous
Hybrid Synchronous
Self-SupportProgram Outcomes
The BTC Cosmetology graduate will be able to:
- Perform hair care services for all types of hair including hair analysis, hair cutting, hairstyling, hair coloring and lightening, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing.
- Perform natural nail services including manicuring and pedicuring.
- Perform basic skin care services including skin analysis, facials, makeup application, and superfluous hair removal.
- Demonstrate customer service skills, self-growth, and personal development.
- Perform salon business such as front desk operations, dispensary inventory and loss prevention, resume building and interviewing skills, self-marketing, and the basic knowledge of starting one's own salon business.
- Demonstrate knowledge of decontamination control, public hygiene, and special sanitation procedures used for the protection of the client and the operator.
- Demonstrate skills to pass the Washington State licensure written and practical exams required for a professional license to work in the Cosmetology industry.
Faculty & Support
Laura Doss
Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!