Full Specialty is a Diploma program offered by Fort Pierce Beauty Academy in Vero Beach, FL. The program takes 20 weeks (day) to complete, with a total tuition of $10,150.
Program Overview
If you love helping people feel confident through skincare, nails, lashes, brows, and beauty services, the Full Specialty program at Academies of Cosmetology can help you build the foundation for your next step.
Offered only at our Vero Beach location, this 600-hour program introduces students to the science and practical skills of full specialty training. You can learn through classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice while developing professional habits that matter in the beauty industry.
From manicures and pedicures to facials, waxing, makeup, lash services, and nail enhancements, this program is designed to help you grow your skills in more than one area of beauty.
This program is designed to introduce the lay person to the science of Full Specialty through theoretical training and practical application instilling good work habits, ethics, good grooming, and professionalism.
Build your skills step by step. Training is structured to help you grow as you move through the program. You can begin by learning the theory behind skin, nails, products, and service procedures, then apply that knowledge through supervised practice.
Learn alongside experienced instructors. Throughout the program, you can work with instructors who guide demonstrations, answer questions, and provide feedback as you practice.
Develop skills beyond the service. Full Specialty training also includes the habits and expectations needed in a professional beauty environment. You can learn about sanitation, client communication, ethics, grooming, and Florida law, all of which help support safe and professional services.
One focused path: skincare and nails together. If skincare and nails are where your passion lies, the Full Specialty program brings both passions into a single, focused course of study. At 600 clock hours, you can build real skill in facials and skincare treatments alongside manicures, pedicures, and nail artistry, without spending training time on services outside your interests.
What you’ll learn.
- Skincare and beauty services: facial techniques; skin theory and analysis; makeup techniques; lash and brow treatments; hair removal
- Nail services: nail theory; manicuring; pedicuring; tips with overlay; sculpting using a form; nail wraps and mending; nail fills; artificial nail removal; advanced nail practices; nail art and polishing
- Science and safety: sanitization and sterilization; chemistry; electricity; anatomy; HIV/AIDS awareness
- Professional foundations: orientation; Florida law; ethics and professionalism; good work habits; client-focused service preparation
What sets this Program apart
Established local school. Serving the Treasure Coast since 1966, with multiple campuses for convenient access.
Supportive learning environment. Learn from experienced instructors who are focused on helping you build skills and confidence throughout your training.
All-inclusive tuition, so you’re ready from day one. Your tuition covers more than just instruction, your textbooks, uniforms, and kit are all included, so you’re not left piecing together a shopping list before class starts. Everything you need to begin training is part of your enrollment from day one, letting you focus on building your skills instead of tracking down supplies.
- Hands-on training in a student salon environment with real clients
- Instructors with years of industry and teaching experience
- Day and evening schedule options to fit your life
- Academic and career advisement throughout your training
- Financial aid available for those who qualify
- Approved for veterans training at all three campuses
Admission Requirements and Process
To enroll in the Full Specialty program, applicants must be at least 16 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), and complete an admissions interview. Potential students with a foreign high school diploma must have an outside agency that is qualified to translate documents into English to confirm the academic equivalence to a U.S. high school diploma.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old to be admitted to this program.
- High school diploma or GEDYou must have either a high school diploma or a G.E.D., and bring proof of it to enroll.
- Foreign high school diplomaApplicants with a foreign high school diploma must have an outside agency that is qualified to translate documents into English confirm its academic equivalence to a U.S. high…
- Admissions interviewYou must complete an admissions interview, where the team confirms current requirements for your program and campus.
- Valid photo IDBring a valid photo ID with your required enrollment documents.
- Transfer transcriptsIf you are requesting transfer hours, provide transcripts or records from your prior school so they can be evaluated.
- Funding documentsBring your financial aid information if you plan to apply, and veteran education benefit or vocational rehabilitation documents if they apply to you.
Application Process
- 1Start with a conversationThe admissions process begins by connecting with our team. You can fill out a form or call the school to schedule a tour, ask questions, and learn which campus offers the program you are interested in.
- 2Visit the campusDuring your tour, you can see classrooms, training areas, and student spaces, and get a better feel for the school environment and what training may look like day to day.
- 3Complete an admissions interview and applicationYour admissions interview gives the school a chance to learn more about your goals and help you understand program requirements, schedules and attendance expectations; the admissions application and enrollment agreement are completed with the admissions team.
- 4Complete your FAFSAVisit https://studentaid.gov/ and complete the FAFSA using the school code 016573. This step determines what federal aid you may be eligible to receive.FAFSA Code for Beauty and Massage Institute (Vero Beach): 016573
- 5Meet with the financial aid teamOnce your FAFSA is processed, the financial aid advisors will walk you through your award, including what’s covered, what’s left, and your payment options.
- 6Prepare for your start dateAfter your enrollment steps are complete, the team confirms your start date and helps you prepare for orientation, supplies, uniforms, and your first day of class.
Program Schedule
Day classes are open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Vero Beach campus. All students must carry a minimum of 16 hours per week. Normal completion for full time day student is 20 weeks.
Start dates. Full Specialty day classes start the 1st Tuesday at 20-week intervals, as enrollments permit. Contact admissions for current start date information.
The Academies are closed Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of attendance. Full Specialty (Vero Beach only): registration fee $150.00; tuition $10,150.00; graduation/processing fee $175.00; total cost $10,475.00. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
Books, kit and supplies. Your tuition covers more than just instruction, your textbooks, uniforms, and kit are all included. Your student kit (including tools, supplies, and embroidered scrubs) is included as part of your program. Any additional equipment beyond the basic kit would be purchased separately by the student. Replacement of any kit contents, supplies, materials, or books that are provided as part of the tuition will be charged separately.
Application and registration fee. Academies of Cosmetology Inc. does not have an application fee. A student who cancels after three business days of signing, but prior to entering classes, is refunded all monies paid less the $150.00 registration fee.
Federal financial aid. Financial aid is available to those students who qualify for it at any campus. Our academies participate in the following Federal Financial assistance programs: Pell Grants, Subsidized Student Loans, Unsubsidized Student Loans and Parent Plus Loans. Pell Grants are awards of Federal Aid funds ranging from $767 to $7,395. If you qualify for federal loans, you won’t begin repayment until 6 months after you graduate, or 6 months after you drop below half-time enrollment. Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/ using our school code (016573).
Payment plans. Payment methods may be cash, credit card, money order, check, Title IV grants and loans. Any cash payments required may be broken down in either weekly or monthly amounts; the school will work with each individual person to develop a payment plan that will fit their budget.
Scholarships and other funding. The school offers a scholarship based on attendance. The Gold Seal Scholarship is available through the local high school. Depending on your situation, other options may include veteran education benefits, vocational rehabilitation, or other eligible funding sources. All campuses of Academies of Cosmetology are approved for veterans training.
Curriculum
Full Specialty is a 600 clock hour program offered only at the Vero Beach location. A student in the full specialty program must complete 600 clock hours and the minimal service-based competencies; a clock hour is defined as 55 minutes of instruction.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Full Specialty training can help you build skills for beauty services that focus on skincare, nails, lashes, brows, makeup, and hair removal. These services may be offered in salons, spas, nail studios, and other beauty settings, depending on licensing requirements and employer needs. This training can result in employment as an esthetician or skin specialist, nail technician, salon or school owner, teacher, platform artist just to name a few.
Career paths.
- Full specialist
- Esthetician
- Skin specialist
- Nail technician
- Lash and brow service provider
- Makeup artist
- Waxing specialist
- Salon or spa team member
- Salon or spa owner
- Platform artist
Licensure. The full specialty student must complete the school’s written final theory exam and hands-on competency test prior to the application being sent to the state for licensing. Upon licensure the Academy alumnus is fully licensed for entry level as a full specialist. While employment is not guaranteed, full specialty training can give you a foundation for exploring different paths in the beauty industry.
What to expect as a Fort Pierce Beauty Academy student
Training at Academies of Cosmetology is structured but personal. You’ll work through both classroom instruction and hands-on practice in a supervised student salon environment, where you’ll perform real services on real clients as you build your skills.
Classes are small enough that instructors know your name and where you are in your training. If you’re struggling with a technique or falling behind on hours, someone will notice and help you get back on track.
Get ready for your first day. Once your enrollment steps are complete, admissions can help you prepare for what comes next, including orientation, uniforms, supplies, school policies, and attendance expectations. As part of each student’s kit issue, 4 sets of embroidered scrubs are issued. Students must wear fully enclosed shoes with rubber soles.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
All three campuses are accredited by NACCAS (National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences) and licensed by the Commission for Independent Education through the Florida Department of Education (license #2919 for Beauty and Massage Institute (Vero Beach)). All campuses are also approved for veterans training.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Testimonials
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