The Academy of Hair Design in Saint John, New Brunswick offers a diploma in cosmetology. When Karen McManus, the Academy principal, first meets prospective students, she endeavors to learn all she can about their career interests. She also inquires about their health, particularly leg and back strength, and about any allergies since chemicals are used extensively in the cosmetology work environment.

Karen also inquires about the prospective student’s academic background. While she prefers students to be high school graduates, those over 21 years of age may qualify for admission if they have successfully completed the tenth grade. All students must successfully complete an aptitude and skills test that requires approximately 40 minutes to complete. The Academy also participates in a co-op program with local high schools, providing high school seniors with some exposure to their college and a cosmetology career. One student we spoke with was a co-op student as a high school senior and, because of this experience, was fully convinced that this was the ideal career choice for him.