Health and Wellness Professional - Cosmetology

The Health & Wellness Professional - Cosmetology Diploma provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning in classroom, salon/spa and workplace settings. In addition to hands-on practical experience in VCC’s state of the art Health and Wellness Salon and Spa, instructional activities such as lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journaling, and project-based learning strategies are used throughout.  Students are required to successfully complete each course prior to advancement to the next suite of course.  Course sequencing may vary but will be confirmed prior to the start of the program.

Practical training is conducted in the fully equipped Health & Wellness Salon and Spa at VCC’s Downtown Campus, In class, students can explore the unique health needs of the community surrounding VCC where services are provided to the public, providing authentic representation of the demands and conditions encountered in the industry.

Students participate in workplace practicums in year one and two which provide opportunities for students to apply their technical skills outside in the industry.

Things to Consider:

In a salon and spa environment, professionals work in a dynamic, client-centered setting that requires attention to both personal interaction and technical precision. Students in this program may perform tasks that involve key aspects of the working environment which include:

• Direct Client Interaction: A Health & Wellness Professional involves close, one-on-one interactions with clients, including physical touch and focusing on creating a comfortable and welcoming experience while attending to personal service needs. 

• Physical Activity: Professionals are often required to stand for extended periods, maintain a steady hand, and perform tasks that require fine motor skills, such as precision in specialized manual treatments. Professionals are required to use chemicals and products that may aggravate respiratory or skin conditions

• Visual Precision: Tasks often demand strong depth perception, accurate color recognition, and the ability to identify fine details in hair, nails, and skin treatments, ensuring quality and satisfaction in visual results.

• Environment: Students will work in an environment that could contain strong scents and be visually and auditorily stimulating

• Independence and Responsibility: While collaborative in nature, salon/spa environments also require professionals to work independently, managing their appointments, service routines, and client records effectively.

• Structured and Hygienic Setting: Adhering to strict sanitation, safety, and hygiene standards is essential in a salon/spa setting to ensure the well-being of both clients and staff.

• Creative and Adaptive Atmosphere: The environment often fosters creativity and innovation in services, as professionals adapt to changing client preferences and industry trends.

• Basic Administrative Skills: Professionals may also be responsible for basic tasks such as scheduling, processing payments, and managing supplies, which require fundamental writing, organizational, and numerical skills.