Technical standards outline the skills and expectations required for students to successfully enter, progress through, and complete the program. They ensure clarity and consistency for students, faculty, staff, administration, and disability services. These standards apply equally to all students.
If you require accommodations to fully participate in the program, please contact the Office of Disability Services to confidentially discuss your needs. Technical standards can be met with or without accommodations, and the examples provided are not all encompassing.
Technical Standard, Definition and Examples
Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. General understanding of salon and cosmetology guidelines and practices. Use of judgment and problem-solving. Application of ethical standards. Understanding of health and safety guidelines.
Examples:
- Identify cause and effect relationship in clinical situations.
- Assimilate knowledge from lecture, laboratory, and clinical areas.
- Retain information and use it appropriately.
- Develop professional suggestions for services and treatment plans.
Physical abilities sufficient to move around the simulated salon setting and treatment areas and use laboratory equipment, as well as perform required steps for all services. Tolerance for working with various chemicals. Ability to stand for prolonged periods, navigating workstations and salon settings. Ability to utilize sharp instruments such as razors and scissors; and salon equipment. Ability to multi-task. Time management skills. Physical health sufficient to perform and receive salon services. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective salon services.
Examples:
- Move around clinical space and equipment. Stretch, bend, stand, and elevate arms for a long period of time.
- Have stamina to stand and ambulate around the simulated salon environment for long periods of time.
- Use equipment appropriately.
- Assist clients with transfer and movement into chairs.
Skills necessary to complete cosmetology procedures in a timely manner. Tactile feeling to assess client need.
Examples:
- Observe and listen to client in the consultation phase.
- Observe and respond to client during salon service phase.
- Educate client post-service phase.
Auditory abilities sufficient for following instructions/directions and assessment of services for clients in a simulated salon.
Examples:
- Observe and listen to client in the consultation phase.
- Observe and respond to client during salon service phase.
- Educate client post-service phase.
Visual abilities sufficient for following instructions/directions and assessment of services for clients in a simulated salon.
Examples:
- Observe client in the consultation phase.
- Observe and respond to client during salon service phase.
- Educate client post-service phase.
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. Ability to communicate orally with others. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Comprehension and understanding of spoken and written language including the unique verbiage used in the industry for scope of practice.
Examples:
- Collect assessment data.
- Explain salon services and procedures.
- Read instructions accurately.
- Document and interpret salon services developed, prescribed, and performed.
- Verbalize to clients the details of the various services as well as proper home maintenance.
- Work as a team member in the salon environment.
Abilities sufficient to interact and work with individuals from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Ability to work with others. Maintain hygiene and dress requirements for a salon setting. Ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs. Ability to adapt to changing environments and work-related challenges.
Examples:
- Establish rapport with clients, colleagues, members of the business community, and other salon professionals.
- Demonstrate patience and empathy with clients.
- Demonstrate delivery of required services with a variety of individuals.
Display of good character, friendliness in multiple situations and circumstances. Develop professional relationships with peers, clients, and management through application of soft skills such as cooperation, discussion, and negotiation.
Examples:
- Work in a professional setting with clients and others to build clientele and positive working relationships.
We are committed to ensuring all students have the support they need to succeed in this program. If you have a documented disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they fundamentally alter essential training requirements, create undue hardship, or pose a safety risk to you or others.
Disability Services Statement
If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office (Ward Hall Building; 252-638-1454) as soon as possible—ideally before classes or field experiences begin. You are also encouraged to inform your instructor as needed so we can best support your learning.