About the Institute

Charleston Cosmetology Institute is licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology and has been in existence since 1984. The Institute is committed to excellence in Cosmetology, Manicuring / Nail Art Technology, Esthetics, and Teacher Training.

Charleston Cosmetology Institute is an accredited school - a school that meets high standards of performance. We have a successfully high passing rate for the State Board Examination, and offer lifetime placement assistance to graduates.

Charleston Cosmetology Institute is licensed by the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology; operating according to their regulations and is fully accredited by the Commission on Occupational Education. Accreditation means the school is recognized by a national accrediting agency and is approved by the United Sates Department of Education to administer Title IV federal financial aid to those who qualify.

Our Institute is a Pivot Point Member School. Through the Pivot Point methodology, we provide you with the necessary foundation to become a successful hair designer who will command top money. Those who receive the best education become the most successful, and we have made a commitment to provide our students with the best and only choice for a complete education.

Philosophy:

• Charleston Cosmetology Institute offers the best possible education in the field of cosmetology.  Through this education, we will prepare each student to be employable in the job market.

Our Mission:

• To prepare each student in the career of cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics or teacher training

• To prepare students for an entry level position in cosmetology, nails, esthetics or instruction

• To prepare students to function as an assistant cosmetologist, nail technician, esthetician, or instructor by teaching students not only the basics of cosmetology, nails, esthetics, and instructing, but also the most advanced techniques in the student's selected career

• To prepare each student for the South Carolina State Board examination

Licensing and Accreditation:

• South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology

• Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
  41 Perimeter Center East, NE, Suite 640, Atlanta, GA  30346
  Phone:  (770) 396-3898 or (800) 917-2081  Fax:  (770) 396-3790

Academic Programs:

Charleston Cosmetology Institute offers four courses related to the Cosmetology profession:

• Cosmetology

• Manicuring / Nail Art Technology

• Esthetics

• Teacher Training

Facilities:

• Charleston Cosmetology Institute has a large clinic floor area with 50 stations, 4 classrooms, 5 restrooms, a lounge area for students, and parking. There is no campus housing available; however, there are many apartment complexes located in close proximity of the school. The clinic floor restroom is handicapped equipped.

Student Services:

• The staff at Charleston Cosmetology Institute is always eager to help. Students are encouraged to request counseling with any staff member as often as needed. The school cannot guarantee employment upon graduation; however, we do have an excellent placement record. All graduates are encouraged to request assistance in placements. The school offers continued assistance in placement throughout the graduate's professional career.

Communication Devices

• In conjunction with our Drug Free Workplace regulations, no beepers (including vibrating), bag phones, cellular phones, or any other signaling devices are allowed in the school at any time.

Rules and Regulations for Conduct

• Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner befitting the industry. Rules for conduct are contained in the Student Handbook and are presented during Student Orientation. High standards of integrity and character are expected. A student will be asked to leave if his/her conduct is unbecoming or in discord with any rules of the school. Students must treat each other, the staff, and the customers with respect. A friendly atmosphere makes for more pleasant surroundings; therefore, profanity, rudeness, gossip, and trouble making will not be tolerated. Students are required to wear the school uniform at all times during training.

Student Transfer Policy:

In order for a student to transfer to Charleston Cosmetology Institute, the following procedures will be followed:

• Normal enrollment procedures including presentation of proper identification documents, and completion of enrollment form and personal information data sheet.

• Student must submit their certified transcripts and letter of recommendation from an approved school, as well as official documents showing hours completed.  Documents certifying hours must come directly from the state board or school issuing the hours.  All documentation pertaining to previous training is kept in the students’ file.

• Charleston Cosmetology Institute will only accept 600 transfer hours for cosmetology training.  The student must complete the freshman program before advancing to the clinic floor.  For the manicuring/nail art technology training, 100 transfer hours will be accepted.  For the esthetician course, 100 transfer hours will be accepted.  No transfer hours will be accepted for the Teacher Training course.

• Students will pay the cost of education on a monthly basis.

• The only allowed variance from this policy is for students eligible for VA Education Benefits.  Because of federal guidelines relating to previous training for Veteran students and those that are eligible, students may not receive education benefits for hours that have been previously certified with a passing grade.  Students eligible for VA Education Benefits who have had previous training may receive more than the Institute’s allowed transfer hours.  Credit will depend on the student’s ability to perform practical work and his/her theoretical knowledge.  The Institute must receive a certified detailed transcript of previous hours and grades from all areas of study prior to the scheduled start date to receive any credit and to allow adequate time for testing.  Based on the transcript provided, the Educational Director will generate a test using a minimum of 10 questions from each area of study from the Institute’s own test bank.  In order to receive full credit, the student must pass each section of the test with a minimum score of 85%.  If the student does not meet the minimum 85% passing score, the student will not be awarded any hours for that particular area of study.

• All students must enter Charleston Cosmetology Institute at the beginner's level.

• There is no transfer of hours between programs within the Institute due to the South Carolina State Board of Cosmetology regulations.

Shopping For a Cosmetology School:

• Pivot Point training makes the difference

• Experienced instructors training national student champions

• School most recommended by professionals

• Low student instructor ratio

• High pass rate for State Board Examination

• Superior educational materials

• Established and respected post secondary educational facility with high placement rate