Randolph Community College's new Cosmetology program will finally become a reality in August when classes will begin to teach students all the phases of professional imaging, including hair design, chemical processes, skin care, nail care, and business principles.
RCC will accept 20 students into the fall 2009 class and an additional 20 students in spring of 2010. "The Cosmetology program will provide a tremendous service for Randolph County," said Anne Hockett, vice president for instructional services at the College. "RCC will train individuals who are part of the workforce within our planning area with a new set of employable skills. Additional course offerings in entrepreneurship will also teach these individuals how to run their own businesses."
Hockett said the addition of Cosmetology at RCC is a prime example of how community colleges can respond to needs of the local community and the economy. During community listening forums in the development of RCC's Long Range Plan in fall 2007, community members named Cosmetology as one of the areas that the College should consider as a possible new program. RCC then conducted a feasibility study in spring 2008 and surveys of beauty salons, high schools, and the community showed initial interest of 39 people enrolling in the program full-time and 75 part-time. Plus salons listed 25 job openings at the time.
Although it has been a bit of a struggle to get the facility and program ready under the current state budget situation, Hockett said the program is a financial positive for the College. Part of the equipment needed for the program was donated by another community college. And the program is expected to pay for itself after the first year. "We expect 45 FTE the first year, earning about $155,000 for the College," said Hockett. (FTE is Full Time Equivalent, the funding formula used by the state to fund community college enrollment.)
RCC will offer three options with the Cosmetology program – the associate degree, diploma and certificate. Most classes will be offered in the daytime, with some general education requirements available in the evening or online. Students will be able to finish the associate degree (70 credit hours) in five semesters. A diploma (44 semester hours) or certificate (34 semester hours) can be completed in three semesters. Students who finish the certificate should qualify to sit for the State Board of Cosmetic Arts examination. A diploma will give students additional skills related to starting their own businesses. An associate degree will provide students with advanced cosmetology skills and the ability to teach others.
Students will gain hands-on experience through a salon environment operated by the College and open to the public. The Randolph Community College Cosmetology Center will be located in the Hillside Shopping Center on S. Fayetteville Street. Hockett said the 6,000 square feet of leased space at Hillside will accommodate 36 students at a time at styling stations on the floor, plus students in two classrooms. In addition, the Center will hold eight shampoo stations, nine dryers, a waxing room, a pedicure/manicure area, a waiting area, two offices for instructors, and lockers and a break room for students. Renovations currently being done at the Hillside Shopping Center site are expected to be completed by July 1.
Since Cosmetology is a limited enrollment program, the priority deadline for admission for the fall semester is July 1. Enrollment will be based on application date and completion date of enrollment requirements. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 17. For more details on enrollment requirements or to fill out an RCC admissions application, prospective students should go to RCC's Web site at www.randolph.edu or call 336-633-0200.
