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Program Description

Students will study basic cosmetology skills designed to meet standards established by the New Mexico State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The degree requires 68-69 credit hours in cosmetology and general education, which exceeds the minimum of 1,600 clock hours required by State Board. The Pivot Point International-based curriculum covers theory and lab in the following State Board requirements: sterilization, bacteriology, shampoo, rinses, scalp treatments, chemical rearranging (perms and relaxers), hairstyling, hair coloring and lightening, hair cutting, facials, pedicures, salon business and retail sales. Students can earn licensure by the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists after passing the state exam. This program’s first term courses are offered fall term and spring term only. This may delay a student’s program start date. Please check with an academic advisor for more information

Special Requirements

Student equipment and textbooks are required to complete the cosmetology courses. In order to become registered with the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, provide a birth certificate and pay a registration fee (money order) by the 5th day of the term.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the HWPS Office for more information.

Program Fees: Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, initial treatment/counseling in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids, etc.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

A career in cosmetology may offer opportunities in the areas of stylist, consultant, sales representative or owner. Jobs are available in private salons, franchise salons and day spas. Attaining the AAS Degree in Cosmetology exceeds the State of New Mexico’s requirements for licensure and may offer advancement opportunities in management positions in industry or entrepreneurial situations of salon ownership.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies  ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Certificate and Degree Options

• Cosmetology, Associate of Applied Science 

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