The beauty industry is constantly evolving. To keep pace, educational institutions must change with it. Since 2023, Bellus Academy has offered a hybrid Cosmetology program at our locations in Poway, Chula Vista, and El Cajon, CA, and Manhattan, KS. It blends online learning with hands-on training at our supervised student salons, allowing students to benefit from convenient online scheduling without sacrificing practical experience. Here, we discuss our hybrid program and how students can benefit from this innovative learning model.
The Advantages of Learning Online
Many institutions turned toward online learning in response to COVID-19 shutdowns. While this move was done out of necessity, students and educators quickly discovered the advantages. Online courses bring a variety of benefits for adult learners, including:
Unlike traditional classrooms, online courses don’t have a set time for attendance. Instead, students may study when it is most convenient. This makes online learning easier to balance around your other activities, including work or family responsibilities. It’s also more accessible to students who don’t live close enough to campus to commute every day.
Speaking of the commute – online courses don’t require one. Instead of traveling to campus to learn, students can access their coursework wherever they have an internet connection. This can help you save money by reducing fuel costs. It also saves you time.
Not every student learns in the same way, and many get the most benefit from combining a variety of approaches. Online platforms often come with a range of digital study resources, including interactive textbooks, video tutorials, and practice quizzes. With a selection of options available, students can use the tools they find engaging and effective.
Practice Independent Learning
Many careers in the beauty industry require some amount of independent motivation, organization, and time management. Online learning creates an independent study environment, allowing students to practice these skills while training. By the time you accept your first job, you’ll know how to keep yourself productive without supervision.
Online courses are independent, but that does not mean they’re not interactive. Students enjoy ample opportunity to engage with the class. Forums, discussion boards, and video discussions allow students to share knowledge and resources. Not only does this create a richer experience, but it also keeps students connected and fosters growth.
The Importance of Hands-On Training
As beneficial as online learning may be it cannot replace hands-on training. In a field like cosmetology, hands-on training is absolutely essential. Mere theory cannot prepare students to provide real-world service to real customers. To succeed in your future career, you must also study in person in an environment where you can:
- Be supervised by an experienced licensed professional
- Observe and imitate technique demonstrations
- Practice hair, nail, and makeup techniques
- Build familiarity with standard industry equipment
- Use a variety of hair, makeup, and salon products
- Receive feedback from instructors and classmates
- Connect classroom theory with real-world applications
- Develop customer communication and service skills
- Gain confidence in your abilities
- Learn how to build a clientele
All these opportunities are essential to build the practical skills and confidence you will need to provide a quality service – and they can’t be replicated online. Any effective beauty school program, therefore, must have an in-person component. At Bellus Academy, students gain hands-on experience in our Student Salons and Spas, under the supervision of experienced licensed instructors.
Our Hybrid Cosmetology Program at Bellus Academy
Bellus Academy offers a hybrid Cosmetology program. This option combines online learning, interactive digital experiences, and hands-on salon floor experience. Students receive an iPad to access their remote classroom and learning platform.
The hybrid model allows students to enjoy the advantages of both learning types. Online coursework gives students the benefit of flexibility and reduced expense while studying the theory. Meanwhile, in-person practical training occurs in our Student Salons and Spas. This gives students the opportunity to get hands-on with industry equipment and techniques under the supervision of licensed instructors. They also exercise their customer service skills and build confidence in a salon environment.
Students in our program also can practice in other environments. On-campus presentations allow students to learn from guest artists, while industry competitions let top learners demonstrate their skills and artistic vision – and potentially earn awards and recognition.
Enroll in Beauty School Today
Are you interested in the beauty industry, or looking for an opportunity to join a new career field? Get started today at Bellus Academy. Our hybrid Cosmetology program delivers hands-on training alongside the convenience of online education, making it easy to fit your studies into a busy schedule. Our award-winning instructors and student resources set you up to graduate within a year.
Hybrid programs are available at our campuses in the San Diego, CA, area: El Cajon, Poway, and Chula Vista. We also offer the same program at our Manhattan, KS, campus. Contact us today at 888-990-7094 to learn more about financial aid opportunities available to those who qualify or to find out how to apply now.