Portable Career for Military Spouses: Pack Your Cosmetology License and Go!
By April DykmanMilitary Spouse Options for Funding Education
In addition, to help military spouses develop portable careers that they can continue when their family relocates, the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor cosponsor the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program. MyCAAs provide portable career opportunities for military spouses, making it easier for a military spouse to find a job following relocation. The account may be used to pay for up to $6000 of post-secondary education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, equipment, and credentialing or licensing fees.
Cosmetology School for Military Spouses
MyCAAs may be used with a variety of regionally- and nationally-accredited education providers, such as community colleges and trade schools. Cosmetology school is one type of education that fits the bill, and it can provide the basis for an exciting career in a creative industry.
Though requirements vary from state-to-state, it's possible to make up any hours needed to meet the new state's requirements. Some states, such as California, require a high number of hours that will meet and often exceed other state's reciprocity requirements.
Lynelle Lynch, president of the Bellus Academy of Beauty and Spa in San Diego, California, says, "If a licensed cosmetologist transferred from New York to California, he or she would need to take 600 more hours and then pass the state test."
Globetrotting military spouses should consider a cosmetology school that offers international certification through ITEC, such as Bellus Academy. ITEC is an international examination board that offers a variety of qualifications worldwide, including beauty programs. ITEC certification allows you to work in 33 countries. "It provides more options should your family be transferred overseas," says Lynelle.
Job Placement and Flexibility for Military Spouses
Lynelle says another benefit of cosmetology school for military spouses are the job placement services in the beauty industry. "Unlike a lot of industries, the beauty industry is a collaborative community," she says. "Bellus, for example, is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. When a student must relocate, I can contact that network to find a school in the area that can help him or her find a job."
April Dykman is a freelance writer with a background in marketing, education, and event planning in the beauty industry.
Featured Schools
Prepare for an exciting new career at the Milan Institute.
- Bakersfield
- Clovis
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
Get the hands-on training you need to succeed at Blake Austin College.
- Vacaville
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
Start your career with training from Alameda Beauty College.
- Alameda
- Cosmetology
If you've ever imagined yourself working in the fast-paced beauty industry, Marinello Schools of Beauty has a program to get your foot in the door. Whether you choose cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology or makeup artistry, Marinello will help you turn your passion for beauty into a career.
Marinello Schools of Beauty makes every student's success a top priority. Our schools are designed to simulate a working salon environment to provide students with real-life experience and a practical, hands-on education. Each campus is equipped with the latest visual and teaching aids, including the modern professional beauty equipment used in America's top salons.
- Anaheim
- Concord
- Cathedral City
- Lomita
- Stockton
- Moreno Valley
- Seaside
- Inglewood
- Santa Clara
- Bell Gardens
- Napa
- Lake Forest
- Redding
- Hayward
- Chico
- San Mateo
- Castro Valley
- Los Angeles
- Ontario
- Victorville
- San Diego
- San Rafael
- Bakersfield
- Huntington Beach
- Paramount
- Cosmetology
- Advanced Facial and Body Treatments
Get hands-on training for a beauty industry career at the Milan Institute of Cosmetology.
- La Quinta
- Fairfield
- Visalia
- Reno
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
