Northwest Technical College to open cosmetology academy

Jul. 15—BEMIDJI — Northwest Technical College

will open a cosmetology academy in August to provide training to students interested in the beauty industry.

The academy will open in the former location of Bemidji's Professional Salon Academy at 519 Anne Street. Wendy Brown, longtime owner of the Professional Salon Academy, leads NTC's cosmetology academy faculty.

"This history and experience ensures that NTC Cosmetology Academy students will get the most up-to-date and innovative teaching in the industry," a release said.

NTC will offer a diploma in cosmetology starting in August, which will include training in nail-care technology, esthetics and advanced practice esthetics.

For students seeking to specialize or to start with a shorter program, NTC will begin offering standalone certificate programs in nail-care technology or esthetics in spring 2025. Credits earned with those certificates can be applied directly to the full cosmetology diploma in the future.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects a 17% increase in employment opportunities for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists by 2030.

An open information night is set for 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, at Northwest Technical College's main campus.