High school Cosmetology programs provide students with an understanding of the cosmetology industry, including career options, trends in cosmetology, and the latest styling techniques. Students in this pathway have the opportunity to earn college credit for COSM 1000 through an articulation agreement with Athens Technical College. Students can also move into the college-level Cosmetology pathway through Athens Technical College and earn the Salon & Spa Support Specialist TCC through ACCA.

* High school level pathway offered through Athens Community Career Academy.
* Available for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in Clarke County School District.

Introduction to Personal Care Service

This course introduces both the fundamental theory and practices of the personal care professions, including nail technicians, estheticians, barbers, and cosmetologists. Emphasis will be placed on professional practices and safety. Areas addressed in this course include state rules and regulations, professional image, bacteriology, decontamination and infection control, chemistry fundamentals, safety, Hazardous Duty Standards Act compliance, and anatomy and physiology. Students will experience basic hands-on skills in each area to help them determine the pathway they are most interested in pursuing. By completing courses in the personal care services pathways, students can potentially earn credit toward the hours required by the Georgia State Board of Barbering and/or Cosmetology or hours toward their license as an esthetician or nail technician. 

Cosmetology Services II

After exploring the different areas of Personal Care Services in the introduction course, students may choose to pursue further training in cosmetology services. This course, as well as additional advanced cosmetology courses, are aligned with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology requirements and licensure, and with the Technical College System of Georgia. This course is designed to enhance the understanding of the anatomy of the skin and hair relating to the Cosmetology Industry. Students will master shampooing, permanent waving, haircutting, basic skin care, and make-up application while maintaining safety and sanitation in the workplace set forth by OSHA standards. The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Personal Care Services. 

Cosmetology Services III

This course will cover haircutting, hair color, and relaxers. Both theory and practical work will be implemented for students to have basic entry-level skills in the field of cosmetology. Safety and infection control will be applied throughout this course. Professional work ethics, communication skills, critical thinking skills, soft skills and professional image will be utilized during this course. This course aligns to the regulations and requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology. The prerequisites for the course are Introduction to Personal Care Services and Cosmetology Services II.