The Cosmetology curriculum is designed to provide competency-based knowledge, scientific/artistic principles, and hands-on fundamentals associated with the cosmetology industry. The curriculum provides a simulated salon environment that enables students to develop manipulative skills.
Coursework includes instruction in all phases of professional imaging, hair design, chemical processes, skin care, nail care, multi-cultural practices, business/computer principles, product knowledge, and other selected topics.
Graduates should qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. Upon successfully passing the State Board exam, graduates will be issued a license. Employment is available in beauty salons and related businesses.
The Mountain Tech Spa, an on-campus spa facility, provides practical experience for Cosmetology students under the direction of College faculty.
The Cosmetology program is approved by:
North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
121 Edinburgh South Drive, Suite 209
Cary, NC 27511
- Phone: (919) 736-6123
- Fax: (919) 733-4127
- Website: North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners
Specific Program Requirements
- General college admission requirements.
- Submission of proper documentation is required by the Spa Therapies and Operations Department and the NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners prior to class start. Required documentation includes a Hepatitis B record, current government-issued photo ID showing date of birth, and social security card, tax ID card, or Department of Homeland Security ID.
- Completion of required Hepatitis B vaccine. The first dose is to be completed by the first day of class. The second Hepatitis B vaccine is to be completed at least one month after the first dose. The third dose must be completed six months after the first.
- To earn hours, Cosmetology students must be physically present in the laboratory. When leaving a laboratory, students must clock out.
- Students must be able to differentiate between colors with or without reasonable accommodations and be comfortable working directly with chemicals found in products used in the cosmetology industry
- Students should be able to use cosmetology equipment such as clippers and shears and be able to stand for prolonged periods with or without reasonable accommodations.
Specific Requirements
Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ACA, BUS, CIS, and COS
Good To Know
Why General Education?
You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”
General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.
How many hours of General Education do I have to take?
If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:
- Six hours from Communication
- Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
- Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
- Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics
General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:
| Communication | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social & Behavioral Science | Natural Science & Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-110 | ART-111 | ECO-251 | BIO-161 |
| COM-120 | ART-114 | ECO-252 | BIO-163 |
| COM-231 | ART-115 | HIS-111 | BIO-168 |
| ENG-110 | HUM-110 | HIS-112 | MAT-110 |
| ENG-111 | HUM-115 | HIS-131 | MAT-121 |
| ENG-112 | MUS-110 | HIS-132 | MAT-143 |
| ENG-114 | MUS-112 | POL-120 | MAT-152 |
| PHI-215 | PSY-150 | MAT-171 | |
| PHI-240 | SOC-210 | PHY-110/110A | |
| SOC-225 | PHY-121 |
Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:
- Six hours in English Composition
- Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
- Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Three to eight hours in Mathematics
- Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
- 11 to 14 additional General Education hours
If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:
- Six hours in English Composition
- Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
- Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
- 12 hours in Mathematics
- 12 hours in Natural Sciences
If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:
- Six hours in English Composition
- Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
- Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Three to four hours in Mathematics
- Four hours in Natural Sciences
Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.
What will I learn in General Education?
At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:
Students will critically evaluate information:
- Students will demonstrate information literacy.
- Students will critique works of human expression.
- Students will analyze scientific literature.
Students will solve problems:
- Students will identify processes.
- Students will analyze problems.
- Students will interpret the results.
- Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.
Students will effectively communicate.
- Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
- Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
- Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.
Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?
A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.
If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.
Tambra Luppino, Chair, Spa Therapies and Operations Department
- Phone: (828) 398-7674
- Email: tambramluppino@abtech.edu
Doreen Carroll, Cosmetology Instructor
- Phone: (828) 398-7676
- Email: doreenecarroll@abtech.edu
Rhonda Dobson, Cosmetology Instructor
- Phone: (828) 398-7655
- Email: rhondatdobson@abtech.edu
- Cosmetology Book Package - $488.00
- Cosmetology Kit A - $1122.00
- Styling Kit - $190.40
- Denman Pro Brush Set - $52.00
- Super Nozzle Blower Pik - $5.00
- Additional Hair Piece for A.A.S. program - $75-$100
(Note: costs do not include tax.)