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Cosmetology
Get creative, get trendy and get going with Rend Lake College's Cosmetology program. Expert instructors train students in the basics of hair cutting, hair styling and skin care and work up to the latest, hottest trends. Learn under expert supervision while you work with real clients at Studio RLC, the college's school/salon located at the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon. Fine-tune your skills in other facets of the industry, like customer service, hairstyling, facials, nail care and the salon business. The real-world experience gained here is an excellent benefit. Whether you're coming in right out of high school or looking to train for a new career, this program will get you up and running, and you'll have fun while you're at it!
Degrees & Certificates in Cosmetology
COMMUNITY & CORPORATE EDUCATION DIVISIONThis program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
COSMETOLOGY - Degree
Associate in Applied Science Degree
The Cosmetology Associate in Applied Science Degree program meets the standards of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This program is designed to prepare individuals for positions in the Cosmetology field. Typical graduates work as hairdressers / hairstylists in chain or independent salons. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with the latest styles, trends and techniques. The program prepares students to take the Illinois Cosmetologist licensure exam. All COSM courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.
Students will be expected to attend class 5 days per week for up to 8 hours per day. Some Saturday clinical work is to be expected.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 65 Hours
Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)
- COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking 1 (3)
- CSCI 1101 Introduction to Computers (3)
- ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
- MATH 1202 Business Mathematics or
MATH 1107 Contemporary College Mathematics (3) - PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology or
PSYC 2106 Human Relations (3)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
COSMETOLOGY - Certificate
Occupational Certificate
A one-year program leading to an Occupational Certificate in Cosmetology. The program is designed to prepare individuals for positions in the Cosmetology field. Typical graduates will work as hair dressers in chain or independent salons or open their own salons. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with the latest styles, trends and techniques.
An extended-length evening program also is available. Students in the day program will be expected to attend class five days per week for up to eight hours per day. Some Saturday clinical work is to be expected. Each semester consists of two courses that are co-requisites and must be taken concurrently.
The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and prepares students to take the Illinois Cosmetologist licensure exam.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 50 Hours
BARBER - Certificate
A one-year program leading to an Occupational Certificate in Barbering. The program is designed to prepare individuals for positions in the Barber field. Typical graduates will work as barbers in chain or independent shops or open their own. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with the latest styles, trends and techniques. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and prepares students to take the Illinois Barber licensure exam.
Students in the day program will be expected to attend class five days per week for up to eight hours per day. Some Saturday clinical work is to be expected. Each semester consists of two courses that are co-requisites and must be taken concurrently.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 50 Hours
BARBER- Degree
Associate in Applied Science Degree
The Barber Associate in Applied Science Degree program meets the standards of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations. This program is designed to prepare individuals for positions in the Barber field. Typical graduates will work as barbers in chain or independent shops or open their own. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with the latest styles, trends and techniques. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and prepares students to take the Illinois Barber licensure exam.
Students will be expected to attend class five days per week for up to eight hours per day. Some Saturday clinical work is to be expected.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 65 Hours
Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)
- COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking 1 (3)
- CSCI 1101 Introduction to Computers (3)
- ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I 1 (3)
- MATH 1202 Business Mathematics or
MATH 1107 Contemporary College Mathematics (3) - PSYC 2101 Introduction to Psychology or
PSYC 2106 or Human Relations (3)
1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.
BARBER TEACHER- Certificates
Occupational Certificates
Short-term occupational certificates designed to prepare individuals for positions teaching Barbering. Typical graduates will work as instructors in Barber programs.
Based on Illinois Department of Professional Regulation guidelines, students with three years of practical experience as a licensed barber are required to complete 500 clock hours of instruction. Licensed barbers with less than three years of practical experience are required to complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction.
Students will be admitted at various times during the year based on demand and openings in the program. This program prepares students to take the Illinois Barber Teacher licensure exam.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 19 or 37 Hours
BARBER TEACHER I — Certificate
Prerequisite: Three years of practical experience as a licensed barber
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 19 Hours
BARBER TEACHER II — Certificate
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 37 Hours
ESTHETICS - Certificate
Occupational Certificate
The Esthetics program meets the standards of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This program is designed to prepare individuals to perform the skills of an esthetician. The curriculum includes professional ethics, personal hygiene, sterilization and sanitation, skin analysis, scientific concepts in skin care and special esthetics procedures. Students will learn hands-on skills in non-therapeutic massage, skin health and nutrition, mask therapy, facial treatments, professional equipment usage, hair removal processes and professional makeup techniques.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 30.5 Hours
First Semester (10 Cr. Hrs.)
- COSM 1219 Esthetics Theory I (5)
- COSM 1220 Esthetics Clinic I (5)
NAIL TECHNOLOGY - Certificate
Occupational Certificate
This program is designed to prepare students for a career as a licensed Nail Technician. Career opportunities exist in the field of manicurists and pedicurists. Learning will occur in the classroom and in a clinic setting. Upon successful completion, students will have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licensing exam. The program is approved by the IDFPR.
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 16 Hours
First Semester Cr. Hrs.
- COSM 1215 Nail Technology Theory I (4)
- COSM 1216 Nail Technology Clinic I (4)
- COSM 1217 Nail Technology Theory II (4)
- COSM 1218 Nail Technology Clinic II (4)
COSMETOLOGY TEACHER - Certificate
These are short-term occupational certificates designed to prepare individuals for positions teaching cosmetology. Typical graduates will work as instructors in cosmetology programs.
Based on Illinois Department of Professional Regulation guidelines, students with two years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist are required to complete 500 clock hours of instruction. Licensed cosmetologists with less than two years of practical experience are required to complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction.
Students will be admitted at various times during the year based on demand and openings in the program. This program prepares students to take the Illinois Cosmetology Teacher licensure exam.
► Total = 19 or 37 Hours
COSMETOLOGY TEACHER I
Prerequisite: Two years of practical experience as a licensed cosmetologist
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 19 Hours
COSMETOLOGY TEACHER II
The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.
► Total = 37 Hours
Schedule
COSMETOLOGY & BARBERStudents attend full-time Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both classroom and clinical are held at Studio RLC at Rend Lake MarketPlace Mt.Vernon, IL. Studio RLC students are a reflection of the Cosmetology program, Rend Lake College, and the profession. Professional, ALL-BLACK dress clothing and black, closed-toe shoes are required.
NAIL TECHNOLOGY
Students attend part-time Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both classroom and clinical are held at Studio RLC at Rend Lake MarketPlace Mt. Vernon, IL. Students are a walking ad for the Nail Technology program, Rend Lake College and the profession. Black scrub tops, black scrub bottoms or Dermalogica shirt and black scrub bottoms and black closed toe shoes are required.
ESTHETICS
Students attend part-time either Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both classroom and clinical are held at Studio RLC at Rend Lake Marketplace Mt.Vernon, IL. Studio RLC students are a walking ad for the Esthetics program, Rend Lake College, and the profession. Black scrub tops, black scrub bottoms or Dermalogica shirt and black scrub bottoms and black closed toe shoes are required.
NEW CLASSES STARTING: Cosmetology, Barber, Nail Technology and Esthetics classes begin each fall semester.
Financial Aid
The college tries to assist individuals who demonstrate financial need, and in most cases, financial aid is available. The college has been approved as a participating institution for grants made by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and also is approved for federal student aid programs, including veterans benefits. Locally endowed scholarships are available to full-time students through the Rend Lake College Foundation.Go to Financial Aid| Go to Foundation
Employment
There is almost no limit to the places cosmetology can take a person. While many cosmetologists work in salons or open their own salons, many find work at spas, hotels and resorts.The job placement potential, along with the diverse career opportunities available within the beauty industry, makes for a very attractive consideration. In addition to hair design, our industry offers opportunities in make-up, fashion photography, product education, platform artistry and salon management. We believe that a state of the art education is the most important element for a successful career in cosmetology – a career that is filled with exciting opportunity and personal fulfillment to profoundly impact your life – and the lives of your future guests.
Program Outcomes
Cosmetology
- Demonstrate an understanding of the art of haircutting, hair design, nails and/or skin.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical sequence of chemical application.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skill through guest service and consultation.
- Analyze client needs and perform appropriate techniques.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Esthetics
- Demonstrate an understanding of the art of haircutting, hair design, nails and/or skin.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical sequence of chemical application.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skill through guest service and consultation.
- Analyze client needs and perform appropriate techniques.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Barber
- Demonstrate an understanding of the art of men's haircutting, shaving, & hair design.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical sequence of chemical application.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills through guest service.
- Analyze client needs through guest consultation.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Barber Teacher
- Illustrate barbering techniques through practical demonstration.
- Demonstrate proper and effective lesson delivery.
- Facilitate a satisfactory learning environment.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Cosmetology Teacher
- Illustrate cosmetology techniques through practical demonstration.
- Demonstrate proper and effective lesson delivery.
- Facilitate a satisfactory learning environment.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Nail Technology
- Demonstrate an understanding of the art of nail care, nail health, manicures, and pedicures.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical sequence of chemical application.
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills through guest service.
- Analyze client needs through guest consultation.
- Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully pass the state board exam.
Thank you for your interest in Studio RLC Cosmetology School. The beauty industry of today can be both personally and financially rewarding.
Following your beauty school education as a trained professional, you will realize your artistic dreams and work as a beauty professional almost anywhere in the world. Whether you choose to create fashion behind a chair in the salon; own your own salon or spa business; or opt for the excitement of a career in fashion, feature film, TV, or product education, Studio RLC Cosmetology School will help you reach your artistic, technical and lifestyle goals.
Enjoy the Journey, 
Faculty & Staff
Rend Lake College
Cosmetology / Studio RLC
327 Potomac Blvd. • Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Phone – (618) 242-8459
Toll-Free (In-District) – 1-800-369-5321
[email protected]
www.rlc.edu/studiorlc
Connect with us!
Academic Advisement Center
Administration Building, Office 115
[email protected] • 618.437.5321, Ext. 1266
College office hours
Monday - Thursday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM • Friday 8 AM – 4 PM
Monday – Thursday: 8 AM – 4 PM During Summer
Upcoming Events
| Bookstore Book Buyback Dec 04 2023 |
| Semester Exams Dec 02 2023 |
| Kettlebell Blast - CANCELED Dec 05 2023 |
| Open Interviews - Hiring Part-Time Custodian & Cook for RL-Cafe Dec 05 2023 |
| R.I.P.P.E.D - CANCELED Dec 06 2023 |
| RLC Foundation Dinner Dec 07 2023 |
| RLC Faculty/Staff Holiday Party Dec 08 2023 |
| Nursing Information Meeting Dec 08 2023 |
| Archery Team Corn Hole Tournament Fundraiser Dec 09 2023 |
| Five-Week Intersession (Online Classes Only) Dec 11 2023 |