Designing Beauty Academy offers you a choice of three complete educational opportunities. You may enroll in your choice of carefully planned programs to prepare for a career as a cosmetologist, hair stylist, an esthetician or a manicurist.
The Cosmetology program requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including theory and practice to prepare you for the cosmetology licensing exam administered by the State of Colorado's Office of Barber and Cosmetology, and an entry-level position as a cosmetology or related position.
The Hair Stylist program requires 40 credit hours of coursework, including theory and practice to prepare you for the hairstylist licensing exam administered by the State of Colorado's Office of Barber and Cosmetology, and an entry-level position as a hair stylist or related position.
The Esthetician program requires 20 credit hours of coursework on preventative skin care that prepares you for the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology licensing exam, and an entry-level position as an esthetician.
The Nail Technician program requires 20 credit hours of coursework on nail care that prepares you for the manicurist licensing exam administered by the State of Colorado's Office of Barber and Cosmetology, and an entry-level position as a manicurist.
For every credit hour, students have 30 hours of training time, either in a classroom setting learning theory, or in a laboratory setting learning hands-on skills. For every hour of classroom time, four hours is spent in the laboratory.
Hair Stylist programs begin every three months. Esthetician and Nail Technician programs begin every six weeks. Advance registration is recommended, as classes do fill quickly. Visit our calendar page for specific program start dates.
Program Length and Schedule
| Cosmetologist | 12 months / 60 credit hours | Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 5:15 pm |
| Hair Stylist | 10 months / 40 credit hours | Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 5:15 pm |
| Esthetician | 5 months / 20 credit hours | Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 5:15 pm |
| Nail Technician | 5 months / 20 credit hours | Monday-Friday | 9:00 am - 5:15 pm |
The Academy is open from 8:50 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school operates continuously throughout the year except for recognized holidays. The Academy reserves the right to reschedule, postpone or cancel classes.
The following sections on hair, skin, and nails describe the curriculum for each program of study. Whichever program you choose, the required classes are offered in sequence, one at a time.
Credit hours are earned through coursework that addresses specific tasks necessary for state licensing preparation, graduation and entry-level job skills. Academy equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. You will receive instruction relating to a job and career in your chosen area of study. Courses are based on established lesson plans, which reflect current educational methods. Subjects are presented via lecture, demonstration and student participation.
