About the Program
Cosmetologists are unique artists that bring empowerment and joy to their clients lives. If you have a passion for beauty and skin care and want to learn how to turn this passion into a career, consider taking the next steps in becoming a licensed Cosmetologist at Otero College. The Cosmetology Career Academy has established a rotation of classes that allows you to gain specific skills throughout the three-semester program, preparing you to work in the Academy’s public salon. The salon allows you to practice your classroom skills in a real-world working environment. During the public salon hours, you are able to offer a full line of services, including hair, skin, and nail care.
The Cosmetology Salon is open in the fall and in the spring. Walk-in appointments are accepted; however, appointments are encouraged. For dates or to make an appointment with students at the salon, contact 384-6990. All work is supervised by instructors.
Program Certificates
Otero College cosmetology school program will meet the Colorado State Board of Barber and Cosmetology credit hour requirements. Four certificate options exist within this program: Cosmetologist 60 credits, Hairstylist 40 credits, Esthetician 21 credits, Nail Technician /Manicurist 20 credits, and Barbering 50 credits.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment in cosmetology careers to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2018 and 2028, by about 8%.
Visit the Academic Catalog
For Course Curriculum & Certificates Information
Club Cosmo
Club Cosmetology is a student organization for students enrolled in the Cosmetology Career Academy. The organization focuses on the competencies that business and industry representatives have deemed critical to job success, such as professionalism, customer service and community service.
Membership is open to all students attending the Cosmetology Career Academy.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students are advised to review the information on the Professional Licensure Disclosure page BEFORE beginning a program that leads to professional licensure with the intent to be licensed outside of the state of Colorado. Review the licensing information provided for the applicable program. While CCCS colleges endeavor to ensure this information is up to date, changes in licensure requirements of any state can change at any time. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. states and territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements and confirm the CCCS college program meets those requirements.
Program Information
Courses Offered:
In Person
Certificate Length:
Cosmetologist (3 semesters)
Nail Technician (1 semester)
Esthetics (2 semesters)
Hair Stylist (2 semesters)
Barbering (3 semesters)
Program Credits:
60 (Cosmetologist)
20 (Nail Technician)
21 (Esthetics)
40 (Hair Stylist)
50 (Barbering)
Skills Training
- Skin care training
- Manicure, pedicure & nail design
- Hair cutting & stylingg
- Hair coloring
- Hair chemical texture services
- Waxing & hair removal services
- Makeup application
- Communication skills