When making any major decision in life, it’s natural to have questions…. A lot of questions. Listed here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about our program.
The Salon Professional Academy teaches all theory and practical information as required by the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners + other curriculum & skills that are needed for a successful career in the industry. We use Pivot Point, Summit Business Center, Michael Cole, Redken, Mizani, Creative Nail, Dermalogica and Sugar lash curriculum to enhance our teachings.
While training at The Salon Professional Academy, students learn hair, skin and nail services. Improving their skill set on mannequins, each other and guests.
We hold Federal accreditation through NACCAS – National Accreditation Commission of Career Arts & Science
State Authorization through – Tennessee Higher Education Commission
According to Salary.com 2023 data
*National Average -$29,801
*State of Tennessee Average – $27,601
*Nashville Area Average – $ 27,701
*TSPA NASHVILLE – $52,275. Data provided by Michael Cole/Summit Salon Business Center in a 2022 survey conducted of The Salon Professional Academy – Nashville graduates after 3 years.
Licensure is issued by the state of Tennessee.
Once a student completes all curriculum and a minimum of 1500 hours their information is turned over to the testing agency, PSI. Students must then take two separate tests, theory and practical. The cost for each test is $67.00. Students must pass the state board theory test before they are invited to take their state board practical.
We currently offer cosmetology and cosmetology instructor classes.
We currently do not offer individual programs for aesthetics or nails.
1. Enrollment application
2. Provide one of the following: Official Transcripts from a certified high school showing completion; HiSET; G.E.D.; or evidence of completion from a state credentialed home or private school. All official transcripts must include graduation date.
2a) Foreign applicants must provide a transcript that is translated into English and determined equivalent to a U.S. (4) year high school diploma by an outside qualified agency.
USCES.org CREDENTIAL EVALUATION REPORT AACRAO Professional Member American Translators Association Member USCES, LLC support@ usces.org
3. Government issued photo I.D.
4. Signed complete enrollment agreement
5. Essay (1 paragraph minimum) why you should be selected to enroll
6. 1 Letter of Recommendation, from one of the following;
7. Required registration fee
8. Change of name documentation if applicable (marriage license, divorce certificate)
Instructor Training – Admissions Requirements
1) Applicants must provide items listed above.
2) Provide a copy of a current practitioner license.
3) Be a licensed cosmetologist for three years prior to testing for instructor’s license.
The Salon Professional Academy currently offers 2 schedules for our students.
The first eight (8) weeks of training are full time for each student. Tuesday –Thursday 9:00 – 5:00pm, Friday & Saturday 9:00 – 4:30pm.
After the first 8 weeks a student may attend full time (34 hours a week, Tuesday through Saturday) or
Flex schedule (29 hours a week). Specific flex schedules are determined when you start the program.
All training schedules include every Saturday 9:00-4:30pm
The Salon Professional Academy “Student Kit” includes everything required by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology plus many other key items that are needed to have a successful career in our industry.
The Salon Professional Academy has partnered with Sam Villa’s company to provide you professional tools: blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron, shears, texturizing shears, razor, razor blades, brushes, combs plus many other salon quality tools that will last you long into your career!
The Salon Professional Academy does not offer on-campus housing at this time.
However, we do have a long relationship with an apartment selector. To find housing close by, contact Leasing Specialist, at 615-833-3151.
Financial Aid, including direct loans, pell grants and industry scholarships are available to those who qualify. We encourage everyone to complete your online FAFSA prior to touring the academy.
Mrs. Davenport is our Financial Aid advisor and she is available to meet with student candidates Tuesday through Saturday by appointment.
The Salon Professional Academy is exclusively endorsed by Redken 5th Avenue, which is our primary haircare line. We also carry some Mizani styling aids. Mizani is a sister company of Redken 5th Ave.
For our nail program we use CND and our skin care manufacturer is Dermalogica. Currently we use Crown and OFRA makeup
YES! We feel that quality education comes from individual attention, so it’s important to keep our class sizes small. Our advanced cosmetology classes have as few as five students but no more than 15, giving our students and our educators the optimum learning/teaching environment.
Don’t just take it from us that TSPA is a great cosmetology school. Hear from other students, industry leaders, and parents!
In 2023 we had a placement rate of 96.67%.
We are a Redken endorsed school. All tools and equipment are provided for the student to use during their training at the academy.
Yes, students have the opportunity to improve their skills while providing services to outside guests.
When you graduate from The Salon Professional Academy, you will be a knowledgeable and skilled professional trained to pass the state board exams and work as a cosmetologist.
The Salon Professional Academy is authorized for operation as a postsecondary education institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by The Salon Professional Academy in Nashville, please visit www.tn.gov/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data link under Recent Reports at the bottom of the screen.
