Embrace personal best

Cultivate your eye for detail and aesthetics with the School of Cosmetology. This incredibly creative field presents endless opportunities in the wonderful world of hairstyling, barbering, manicuring, and modern-day spa services. Students recognize their immense potential by training in “VISIONS,” our full-service salon on campus.

PCTI provides a competitive advantage: the School of Cosmetology equips students with the skills necessary to succeed by presenting instruction in two newly renovated classrooms that are equipped with pedicure spas, skincare machines, barbering chairs, and more. Students also utilize the latest software learning programs such as “Milady Smart Tutor” and “MindTap” in forwarding their education.

Those who select Cosmetology perfect their skills in hair cutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, nail care, skin care, facial makeup, and business skills. Graduates leave PCTI with their NJ Board of Cosmetology Work Permit. In addition, our hardworking students have received a 95% passing rate or higher on the NJ State Board of Cosmetology Licensure in “Cosmetology and Hairstyling.”

Barbering is a unique and distinctive program that aims to provide its participating students with a thorough and comprehensive preparation for entrance into the Barbering profession. Students enrolled in this program will be provided a more intensive focus on men’s and women’s haircutting and styling, facial hair training, and other relevant aptitudes that will set them up to successfully pass the New Jersey Barber Exam and graduate with their Barbering license.

Additional educational enrichment opportunities are provided through community service activities with the county Head Start program, days of pampering for senior citizens, participation in school productions, the annual SkillsUSA competition, and working with the public at “VISIONS” to fulfill state training hours.

Many of our students choose to continue their education while working as salon professionals. Others have become profitable business owners in charge of their very own salons.

Career Pathways

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Fully equipped professional salons give PCTI students a competitive advantage. Our facility houses three full-service salons (hairstyling, manicuring, esthetics) fully equipped with teaching tools found in upscale beauty salons which includes state of the art technology:

• 3 Pibbs #496 skin care machines
• 3 hydro therapy European Omni pedicure machines
• Milady Smart Tutor/Smart Tutor software programs

Caring for Others: A Tradition of Giving

Cosmetology students welcome area senior citizens and provide services, at no cost, to residents of area health care facilities throughout the year. These intergenerational activities allow students to give of their time and talent to the older generation. Each Friday, “VISIONS,” PCTI’s on site salon opens its doors to staff and outside clientele who receive professional hair styling, manicuring, and spa treatments at a minimal cost.

“College Connection Program” Earning College Credits in High School

Want to earn college credits before graduating high school? At PCTI you have the opportunity to do just that! Nearly 2 dozen college courses—some specific to career majors and others open to all PCTI students—are offered in affiliations with area colleges and universities!

College Affiliates

Some of PCTI’s affiliates include: William Paterson University, Seton Hall University, Drexel University, UMDNJ (University of Medicine & Dentistry New Jersey), Berkeley College, Passaic County Community College, NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology), Rochester Institute of Technology, FDU and Hudson County Community College.

Licensure & Certification Opportunities

The following licensure opportunities are available to students who successfully complete, before graduation, a specific minimum of hours of coursework in the School of Cosmetology:

• NJ State Board of Cosmetology Licensure “Cosmetology & Hairstyling” eligibility after accumulating a minimum of 1000 hours
• NJ Board of Cosmetology work permit @ 600 hours
• We are proud to announce that all PCTI cosmetology students achieved a greater than 90% passing rate on NJ State Tests for the past five years

School to Careers Experience

PCTI maintains a very strong and supportive School to Careers program, offering 9th, 10th, and 11th graders the opportunity to “job shadow,” and 11th & 12th graders the chance to put their skills to work at a paid position in the workplace. Hundreds of students participate and hundreds of business leaders support our efforts by employing our students.

Awards, Honors & Service

Students have been the recipients of numerous awards while competing at the local and state level including the Best of Show Award at the New Jersey Craftsman Fair.

Cosmetology plays a valued behindthe- scenes role during the production of the district’s Musical Production each spring by providing cosmetology services to the performing arts student actors.

Organizational Affiliations

Students are members of the national organization, Skills USA, which fosters a standard of excellence for those entering vocational careers. Through Skills USA, students are continually challenged via competitions at the local, state and national levels.