Beaut Academy - Wellness Center

Beaut Academy is a beauty training school in Orlando, licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. The academy focuses on training and education rather than placing graduates in jobs, and it states that it has trained more than 500 people.

The Facial Specialist diploma takes 220 clock hours, usually about eight weeks. Coursework covers skin care methods, skin analysis and conditions of the skin, the chemistry of products, depilation, cosmetics, tinting of lashes and brows, and applying eyelashes. The program ends with supervised work on real clients. Cosmetology is the longest program, at 1,200 clock hours over 40 to 60 weeks, divided into 480 hours of theory and 720 hours of lab work. It covers cutting, styling, chemical texturing, color, facials, nails and running a salon. The Nail Technician diploma is 240 clock hours over 10 to 14 weeks and includes infection control. The Medical Assistant diploma is 600 clock hours over 24 weeks and includes a 120-hour supervised practicum at an affiliated clinical site. To earn a diploma, a student must finish all program hours and pass every course with a score of at least 70%. In Florida, facial specialists register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation after completing 220 hours at a licensed school. Cosmetology graduates who want Florida licensure take a separate state exam. Medical assisting does not require a Florida state license, and national certification is a separate step from graduation.

Classes meet Monday through Friday, in morning, afternoon or evening sessions, and students attend at least 25 hours per week. A new class begins every month, or when enough students have signed up. Instruction is offered in English and Spanish. To enroll, applicants need proof of high school completion, which can be a diploma or transcript, or a GED. Applicants who pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test at a passing level also qualify. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and bring a photo ID or driver's license. Before enrolling, they visit the academy to meet an admissions representative and tour the school. Tuition, fees and payment plans are set out in the current catalog. Tuition may be paid weekly, every two weeks or monthly, with no interest. Up to 120 hours of credit may be granted for documented training completed in another state, another country or at another school.

Workshops are short professional development sessions on facial specialist and beauty topics. Options include 4 en 1, 4 en 1 with cosmetic tattoo, 5 en 1, Botox, IPL, Hydragloss, three lash extension techniques, micropigmentation with ombre powder brows and with lip blush, and IPL, diode and ND:YAG technologies. Workshops have no prerequisites, are lecture-only, include no materials or kits, and issue no diploma or certification. They run once enough students sign up.

Academic advising and tutoring are provided by the Academic Director and faculty. Job placement help includes resume and interview preparation, help arranging interviews and networking, though employment is not guaranteed. Personal counseling can be arranged with a professional counselor when needed. The front office has a resource center with reference books and videos. The academy does not offer on-site housing but can refer students to apartment complexes in the area.

Focused on training and education, with job placement support offered as help rather than a hiring service.