Employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, which could lead to a greater demand for hairdressers, stylists, barbers and cosmetologists over the next decade.
- United States Department of Labor
USCA programs
All programs include Theory (classroom study and discussion), Practical (applying your knowledge by practicing your skills), and Clinic (working on clients in a salon-type setting to use your skills in a learning process).
All USCA programs prepare students to take the required state licensing exam in order to be employed in their chosen field.
Cosmetology
Explore the latest styles and techniques of hair cutting and styling, skin care, make-up, nail care, hair color, perming, ethnic hair design, as well as business management and building a clientele.
As a graduate in Cosmetology, you are prepared for a variety of careers including hairstylist, hair colorist, salon manager, salon owner, esthetician, nail technician,
platform artist — all in an exciting and growing beauty industry!
COURSE outline
HAIRDRESSING
475 clock hours
Haircutting
Fundamentals of Haircutting
Blunt Cutting
Graduation Cutting
Combination Cutting
Hairstyling
Wet Setting
Blow Outs
Thermal Styling
Long Hair Styling
Ethnic Hair Design
BASIC TRAINING
150 clock hours
Tools & Their Uses
Understanding Chemicals
Hygiene & Sanitation
Rules & Laws
CHEMICALS & HAIR TREATMENTS
500 clock hours
Shampoo and Conditioning
Scalp Treatments
Permanent Waving
Fundamentals of Perm Waving
Sectioning and Wrapping
Processing for Perm Waving
Fundamentals – Chem. Reforming
Sectioning and Processing
Contemporary Wrap Techniques
Hair Coloring
Temporary Hair Color
Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Permanent Hair Color
Highlighting Techniques
Dimensional Color
Corrective Hair Color
RELATED ELECTIVES
35 clock hours
Seminars/Special Subjects
SANITATION & MANAGEMENT
200 clock hours
Personal and Public Hygiene
Sanitation & Disinfection
State Laws and Statutes
Obtaining & Maintaining Employment
Building a Clientele
Professional Relationships
Salon Retailing
Business Management
Government Relations
ESTHETICS
85 clock hours
Skin Analysis
Cleansing the Skin
Anatomy
Facial Manipulations
Skin Disorders
Introduction to Cosmetics
Applying Various Cosmetics
Product Knowledge
NAIL TECHNOLOGY
55 clock hours
Fundamentals of Manicuring
Fundamentals of Pedicuring
Manicuring Procedures
Pedicuring Procedures
Application of Nail Enhancements
Length OF THE COURSE
Full time = 1,500 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of 55 weeks.
Students may graduate sooner
(but not sooner than eight months).
Part time = 1,500 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of 110 weeks.
Classic Barbering
Learn the latest in men’s cuts including pompadours, tapers, and fades. You will also learn color chemistry and grey coverage, shaving techniques, skin care, business management, sterilization and sanitation.
With a Barber license, you can begin a career as a barber apprentice, barber, or barbershop owner or manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of barber jobs will grow by 19% from 2020 to 2030, and once you complete this Classic Barbering program, you’ll be ready!
COURSE outline
GENERAL THEORY
150 clock hours
Barber History
Bacteriology
Infection Control
Implements, Tools, and Equipment
Anatomy and Physiology
Chemistry, Electricity, and Light Therapy
Properties, Disorders, and Treatment of the Hair, Skin, and Scalp
Facial and Scalp Massage
Shaving and Facial Hair Design
Haircutting and Styling
Chemical Texture Services; Hair Color and Lightening
Barbershop Management; IL Law and Rules
THEORY & PRACTICAL APPLICATION
1,500 clock hours
Bacterial and Infection Control
Haircutting and Styling
Shaving and Facial Hair Design
Chemical Texture Services; Hair Coloring and Lightening
Facial and Scalp Massage; Electricity and Light Therapy
Barbershop Management; IL Law and Rules
Properties, Disorders, and Treatment of the Hair, Skin, and Scalp
Chemistry
Anatomy and Physiology
Implements, Tools, and Equipment
Barber History
Length OF THE COURSE
Full time = 1,500 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of 55 weeks.
Students may graduate sooner
(but not sooner than nine months).
Esthiology
Along with skin care training that will include skin analysis, treatment and facial techniques, you will learn the skillful and artistic application of cosmetics, healthful and healing body treatments and business practice knowledge.
When you graduate from the Esthiology program, you are ready to begin your career as a professional esthetician, make-up artist, salon or spa manager, salon
or spa owner, cosmetics company representative or platform artist.
COURSE outline
BASIC TRAINING
75 clock hours
History of Skin Care
Personal Hygiene
Professional Ethics
Sanitation & Disinfection
Intro to Skin Analysis
SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS
150 clock hours
Cells, Metabolism, Systems
Bacteriology
Physiology
Human Anatomy
Chemistry
Disorders of the Skin
Special Esthetics Procedures
PRACTICES & PROCEDURES
500 clock hours
Non-Therapeutic Massage
Nutrition & Health of the Skin
Skin Analysis
Cleansing the Skin
Mask Therapy & Facial Treatments
Facial Treatments w/o Machines
Facial Treatments w/Machines
Electricity, Machines & Apparatus
Hair Removal
Professional Make-up Techniques
Product Knowledge for Esthetics
BUSINESS PRACTICES
25 clock hours
Illinois Law & Rules of the Act
OSHA Standards
Length OF THE COURSE
Full time = 750 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of 27.5 weeks.
Students may graduate sooner
(but not sooner than 18 weeks).
Nail Technology
Manicuring and pedicuring are just the beginning. You will also learn nail care, application of a variety of artificial nail systems, as well as basic nail art techniques and skills to help you develop a clientele that will lead to a successful career.
As a licensed Nail Technician, you are licensed and prepared for a career as a salon nail technician, manicurist, pedicurist, sculptured nail artist, salon owner
or manager, or platform artist nail specialist.
COURSE outline
HAIRDRESSING
50 clock hours
History of Nail Care
Personal Hygiene
Professional Ethics
Sanitation & Disinfection
Bacteriology
Disorders of the Nail
OSHA-SDS
Chemicals & Their Uses
Technical Application of Chemicals
BUSINESS PRACTICES
30 clock hours
Illinois Law, Nail Tech Rules
OSHA Standards
Workers Comp Act
RELATED CONCEPTS
15 clock hours
Cells, Metabolism, Body Systems
Theory of Massage
People Skills
PRACTICES & PROCEDURES
255 clock hours
Fabric Procedures
Sculpturing Procedures & types
Cured Gel Procedures
Manicures
Pedicures
Hand, Arm & Foot Massage
Product Knowledge for Nails
Basic Nail Art
Length OF THE COURSE
Full time = 350 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of
13 weeks and 1 day.
Students may
graduate sooner (but not sooner
than 8 weeks).
Part time = 350 clock hours
There is a limited contract time of 26 weeks and 3 days.
