OLYMPIA—The state House of Representatives today unanimously agreed with state Rep. Cindy Ryu that online learning opportunities would greatly expand college and job opportunities for Washingtonians who are considering careers in cosmetology, barbering and related fields.
“Fields like cosmetology and manicuring are perfect examples of how the Internet could help students get through college coursework and into jobs more quickly,” said Ryu (D-Shoreline). “It could help students with work and family commitments to earn degrees more quickly, reduce travel time and costs, and greatly expand opportunities for people living in rural areas.”
Ryu’s House Bill 2242 directs the department of licensing to develop rules for incorporating online learning in cosmetology, manicuring, barbering, esthetics, and instructor-training. However, it imposes no mandates on colleges and would not affect rigorous state requirements for hands-on training.
According to Jerry Ahern, Vice President of Education for Gene Juarez Salons and Spas, giving students the flexibility to do coursework during weekends and other times when classes are not scheduled would allow them to complete their training in nine or 10 months instead of the current 12 to 14 months.
Ahern told the story of a single mom who wanted a career in cosmetology, but couldn’t give up her existing job to spend more than a year in campus classrooms. This is just one type of person who could benefit from Ryu’s legislation, he said.
“Enacting this law would give colleges the ability to create more career opportunities for more people in more places while preserving our high academic standards,” said Ryu. “This bill is all about creating more choices for colleges and students.”
Experts in higher education lined up behind Ryu’s legislation, which sailed through the Business & Financial Services Committee with no opposition.
“This is very doable, something we could see happen in the next year or so,” said Steve Lindstrom on behalf of the Northwest Career Colleges Federation. “We solidly support this bill and the concept behind it.”
Republicans as well as Democrats agreed that Ryu’s bill would expand job opportunities for more Washingtonians.
“I think this is a jobs bill,” said Rep. Barbara Bailey (R-Oak Harbor), the ranking Republican member of the Business & Financial Services Committee. “We support it and ask everyone else to do that.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.