Educational Programs2025-12-29T18:06:28-06:00

Education Programs

AIB IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Choosing a career path isn’t always easy and that’s why we’re here to help. American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is one of Florida’s premier beauty, barber, and massage schools, and by choosing us, you could be our next SUCCESS story!

In each of our programs, AIB educators have professional training, skills and REAL-WORLD industry experience to share with each student to help them learn the techniques necessary to achieve a fun and rewarding career! From the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, to the hands-on experience with clients in our student salon or spa, you can gain the experience necessary to graduate and get your career started. It’s time to FOCUS on YOU!

It’s your time to shine and showcase your talents, after all we are located in Florida, the SUNSHINE STATE! The area that has it all, white sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and a fun night life, all in close proximity to AIB in the Tampa Bay area.

Take The First Step!

Take The First Step!

AIB IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Choosing a career path isn’t always easy and that’s why we’re here to help. American Institute of Beauty (AIB) is one of Florida’s premier beauty, barber, and massage schools, and by choosing us, you could be our next SUCCESS story!

In each of our programs, AIB educators have professional training, skills and REAL-WORLD industry experience to share with each student to help them learn the techniques necessary to achieve a fun and rewarding career! From the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom, to the hands-on experience with guests in our student salon or spa, you can gain the experience necessary to graduate and get your career started. It’s time to FOCUS on YOU!

It’s your time to shine and showcase your talents, after all we are located in the SUNSHINE STATE! The area that has it all, white sandy beaches, warm sunny weather, and a fun night life, all in close proximity to AIB in the Tampa Bay area.

“I learned so much! The educators here are amazing and have so much to offer to each student individually and as a whole. Each educator has their own unique style of teaching. I have gained so much because of this, as a student and a person. Anyone looking for an amazing school to start a new career path you want to be at American Institute of Beauty.” – Melissa S. (Graduate)

What Can I Learn in AIB’s Programs?

At AIB, you’ll learn more than just theoretical concepts. We know that to prepare for a career you LOVE and can be successful at, you’ll need training that exposes you to a variety of skills in many areas.

It’s all an adventure and it begins right here! Our education programs are filled with hands-on practice and creating on top of having fun. We know practice won’t make you perfect, but it sure can make you better! Knowledge is power and we ensure you know the theory behind what you’re learning along with hands-on experience in our student salon and spa. We encourage our future professionals to be passionate about what they do every single day! Love what you do!

Go ahead and complete the form or give us a call to see how you could be a part of our AIB SUCCESS story!

Cosmetology Student

Wondering if the beauty and wellness industry is right for you?

Massage Student

Why Choose AIB?

Beauty, Barber, and Massage* school is a big step in starting your journey to becoming a licensed professional. Picking the right school can help you set your future career up for success and ignite your passion even more!

See how we can help you pursue what you love, learn the skills necessary, and live your future career as a licensed professional. Reaching your full potential is right around the corner- we want you to Love it, Learn it, and Live it!

We’re all about diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. AIB is more than just a beauty school; we offer a real and authentic educational experience.

*Not offered at all campus locations

What Does a Future in the Beauty, Barber, and Massage Industry Look Like?

Wondering what careers are waiting for beauty, barber, health and wellness professionals? The world of beauty is vast! There are so many opportunities available! Here are a few potential careers you could pursue after licensure:

Barber student smiling while using shears to cut hair and comb to hold hair as he cuts. Client is sitting in barber chair with back facing the camera

Potential Careers

  • Salon or spa owner
  • Barbershop owner
  • High-end salon stylist
  • Platform artist (such as Redken)
  • Hair Colorist
  • Freelance professional
  • Hair and makeup for theatre
  • Eyelash extension specialist
  • Medi spa esthetician
  • Waxing specialist
  • Makeup artist
  • Brow specialist/artist
  • Nail artist
  • Massage Therapist in Medical Office
  • Sports Team Massage Therapist
  • Social media influencer
  • Brand ambassador
  • Product Creator/Manufacturer
  • Educator
  • And so much more!

Start The Enrollment Process

Have you decided American Institute of Beauty may be the right school for you? Contact our admissions team by giving us a call or filling out the form. From there, we’ll reach out to you to schedule your personal tour, so you can get an inside look of our school and start the enrollment process. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get started on your future as a beauty, barber, or massage therapy professional!

AIB Student

Beauty, Barber, and Massage School FAQs

When you’re looking to enroll in a beauty, barbering/hair design, or massage therapy program, there are a few questions you’ll want answered right away. We’re here to address the most commonly asked questions about starting beauty school so you can get the info you need to make a decision that changes your life. You want to do this, and we want to help!

What Schedules Are the Programs Offered In?2025-06-10T12:55:42-06:00

Our St. Petersburg campus offers cosmetology, barbering/hair design, full specialist,nail technology, and skin care programs in both full and part-time day and evening schedules. We know that our students have other obligations in their life, like family and their current jobs. That’s why we offer schedules that work with you!

Our Bradenton campus currently offers cosmetology and barbering/hair design programs in full-time and part-time day schedules. We’re always evaluating student needs, and we’re excited to help you find a program that fits your educational journey.

How do you transfer to AIB?2025-04-16T11:39:42-06:00

For questions on transferring to American Institute of Beauty from your current beauty school institution, please contact our Admissions team!

Largo Campus: 727-532-2125 | St. Pete Campus: 727-826-0969

When Do Classes Start?2025-04-16T11:39:57-06:00

Class start dates vary by program and campus.

How Long are the Programs?2025-04-16T11:35:58-06:00

The length of the program ultimately depends on which one you are interested in and how flexible your schedule is! Our programs are offered in full-time or part time day or part-time evening schedules.

*The Massage program is not offered at all campus locations.

How Long Will It Take to Complete the Program?2025-04-16T11:37:46-06:00

Once again, this depends on which program you are interested in and how flexible your schedule is! For example, our Nail Technology program can be completed in just 9-weeks on a full-time schedule!

What Are My Options for Funding My Education?

Financial Aid2025-10-08T11:34:21-06:00

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. All campus locations in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Bradenton offer financial aid.  Your future is worth funding. Don’t be afraid to learn more about what options are available for investing in a career you love.

Veterans’ Training2025-03-31T13:38:31-06:00

American Institute of Beauty is approved for veterans’ training by the Veterans Administration. We accept many different types of VA benefits, including your POST-9/11 GI Bill®, at our campuses. You’ve dedicated your life to making the lives of others better, and you can continue that lifestyle with a career in beauty! Contact us to learn more about using veterans benefits at AIB.

Dependents and spouses of veterans may also be eligible. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Florida Prepaid2025-03-31T13:38:59-06:00

Florida Prepaid is a great way to fund your education, and it’s not limited to traditional colleges. If your parents have put money away for you to invest in yourself, you can use it to help fund your beauty education at AIB! www.myfloridaprepaid.com/

Scholarships2025-05-28T15:10:27-06:00

External Scholarships

AIB provides access to many different external scholarships to students who have enrolled in our programs. Each external scholarship has its own requirements and availability throughout the year. The criteria for each external scholarship is unique. For more information visit: Beauty Changes Lives | Scholarships

Testimonials

I just graduated as a Full Specialist and I couldn’t be any happier with my experience. My Skin Care educator was the MOST passionate, educated, and genuine teacher I’ve ever had. She truly wanted to see us succeed. She was very hands on, answered all our questions, and even gave us the best advice when we truly needed it. There was a great level of respect that we all had for each-other. Her experience in the beauty world is so helpful, especially because she is so knowledgeable in her field. She cared about us INSIDE the classroom and OUTSIDE the classroom. We have cried together, laughed together, and made the best memories in such a short amount of time. I always looked forward to going to class because I knew we would be making the most out of our time. I’m truly sad to leave but I know that I can always stay in touch with her. I’m also very sad to leave all the amazing friends I made while being in school. I made my forever friends. Thank you AIB for this experience and for giving me the education of a lifetime. I get a forever mentor, friends, and an license! –Selena Sanchez (Graduate)

My educator was an amazing instructor. She is extremely patient, and she makes sure that no one is left behind. She wants all her students to become successful. I do feel like as her student, I will become successful. I did a facial on a client today and she told me in front of my class that I have a bright future because she felt so satisfied with my service. Nothing makes me happier than having a happy client. I know that feeling too well since I do makeup for weddings on weekends. Making many people feel this happy too is the most honorable feeling. My educator made me feel like I am just as good of an esthetician as I am a makeup artist. To feel comfortable in your service. -Kat R. (Graduate)

When I was attending AIB I was enrolled in the nail technology course. I was new to nails so I had a lot to learn, and I was overwhelmed by the bookwork, but I can honestly say that because of my educator it was the best school experience I’ve had. She really goes over and above for her students. She took the time to go over things with me and made sure I thoroughly understood the curriculum we were being taught. When I had to take test, I did great, and I really do feel I owe that to her. She made it enjoyable to learn and even just come to class in general because she’s just a genuinely nice/cool person. We would do fun nail trivia in class too, so it made things easy to learn. She made sure if we wanted to learn something specifically, she would go out of her way to show us a demo. With that being said, my educator taught me so much in the three months of my course. Even after graduating I know that if I have a question or concern with nails, she’s willing to help with no hesitation. I could go on and on specifically about why she’s a great teacher, but I made my point! -Jade S. (Graduate)

The Extras at AIB

We like to go above and beyond in providing for our students. That’s why we offer a few extras at AIB!

Twice a year, AIB hosts industry-leading employers in our communities from all aspects of the beauty industry to come in and connect with our students on career days. You can meet potential employers, do mock interviews, and you might even land a job before you graduate!

We offer lifetime career placement assistance. You can come back any time after you graduate and we’ll help you find opportunities. We can also help you mock interview and fine-tune your resume.

We bring in guest speakers, such as Redken representatives, to talk about expectations, desired skills, and their experience in the beauty industry. We also bring in industry leaders to demonstrate what is trending and is hot in the beauty industry. You can have the chance to meet and interact with beauty industry professionals!

Cosmetology

For those that want it all! Hair, Skin, & Nail care. If you want flexibility in your career, the cosmetology program offers you a career as a hair stylist, skin care specialist, nail speciality, plus so much more…

Cosmetology

Got the vision? Built for the hustle? AIB’s Barbering/Hair Design Program teaches every skill from fades to color and design so you can perfect your craft and own the chair…

Cosmetology

Ready to dominate the med-spa world? Our Advanced Esthetics course teaches you in-demand techniques like advanced chemical peels, microcurrent treatments, LED light therapy and pre/post-op skincare so you can start your pro career fast.

Cosmetology

Explore the world of facials, waxing, gel/acrylic nails and more. Do you have a passion for skin care? Do you love to do your nails? If you answered “Yes!” a career as a full specialist might be right for you!

Cosmetology

Are you looking to be that “one-stop-shop” for all things health, wellness, and skincare related? The Spa Therapy program gives you the ability to become a licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician.

Cosmetology

Glowing skin. Makeup artistry. Skin care routines. Brows, brows, brows! Are you excited by the idea that you could one day be a professional esthetician? A fresh new career in skin care could be right for you.

Cosmetology

A strong attention to detail, a love of fashion, a passion for art, and a desire to take on a career in the beauty industry are what you need to pursue a nail tech education!

Restricted Barber

Driven by the fade? Step into the culture. AIB’s Restricted Barber Program builds your precision, creativity, and clipper skills preparing you to be shop-ready fast.

Cosmetology

Have you always been interested in helping people reach their health and wellness goals? Explore the world of therapeutic techniques such as Hydrotherapy, Swedish, Chair, and Sports Event massage.

Breast cancer doesn’t always announce itself with an obvious lump. Changes in the skin, nipple, shape or size of the breast, swelling, pain, or changes around the underarm can all be reasons to talk with your healthcare provider.

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, swipe through ➡️ for some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of and ways you can take a more active role in your breast health. One of the most important things you can do is become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If something seems new or different, don’t ignore it, even if you recently had a normal mammogram. Many breast changes are caused by conditions other than cancer, but a healthcare provider can determine whether further evaluation is needed.

And remember: screening is important even when you feel completely healthy. Mammograms can find breast cancer before symptoms develop, which is why staying current with the screening schedule recommended for you matters.

💕 Know your normal
💕 Pay attention to changes 
💕 Speak to your doctor if you do notice changes
💕 Keep up with recommended screenings
💕 Encourage the people you love to do the same

Breast awareness isn’t about living in fear, it’s about having the knowledge to advocate for your health🎀

#breastcancerawareness #pinktober #breasthealth #earlydetection #knowthesigns
No tricks, just some pretty amazing people to spotlight this October! 🎃✨ We’re celebrating a few of the incredible team members who bring their unique talents, experience, and dedication to AIB each and every day🧡👏

Get to know our October In the Spotlight staff members! 🍂🌟
Pinktober is here! 🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and AIB is proud to recognize it by raising awareness, sharing important information, and debunking common myths surrounding breast cancer.

In 2026, an estimated 321,910 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women besides skin cancers, accounting for about 1 in 3 new cancer diagnoses.

Breast cancer can affect men, too. Although fewer than 1% of cases occur in men, an estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. With lower awareness and no routine screening, men are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.

The takeaway? Know your body, understand your risk, and stay on top of recommended screenings. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

🚨Need help accessing a mammogram?🚨 Free and reduced-cost screening resources are available in our local community:

(Eligibility requirements vary by program. Contact each resource directly to confirm qualifications.)

📍 Pinellas County
🎀 Florida Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: No-cost breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, for those who qualify. Call 727-824-6917 for info.

🎀 Pinellas County Mammography Voucher Program: No-cost breast health screenings and related services for those who qualify. Call 727-820-4117 for info.

📍 Manatee County
🎀 Florida Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: Breast cancer screenings for those who qualify. Call 941-861-2676 for info.

🎀 We Care Manatee: Breast health services for those who qualify, including screening mammograms and additional diagnostic testing when needed. Call 941-755-3952 for info.

Cost or lack of insurance shouldn't keep someone from seeking potentially lifesaving care. If you or someone you know needs assistance, reach out to these local resources to learn what may be available.

This Pinktober, let's raise awareness, encourage early detection, support those impacted by breast cancer, and make sure our communities know that resources are available🎀🩷
🚨ANNOUNCEMENT🚨 AIB is currently monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias which has resulted in hurricane and storm surge watches being issued for portions of the Northern Gulf Coast. Isaias is expected to strengthen into a strong hurricane before approaching the Northern Gulf Coast on Friday. At this time our area is not in the probable path of the storm.

We will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias, and if any further updates are required due to a shift towards our area we will share via text message and posts to our social media pages.

Thank you.
The Career Day appreciation continues! ❤️🙌 We’re highlighting even more of the businesses and industry professionals who joined us for Fall Career Day at the St. Pete Campus! Every conversation, piece of advice, career opportunity shared, and connection made gives our Future Professionals another chance to learn about the many directions their careers can take after graduation.

A huge THANK YOU to:
➡️ @_islandcutz
➡️ @salonvolo 
➡️ @europeanwaxstpetersburg 
➡️ @1stngoalfades_clearwater
➡️ @haircuttery_largomall 
➡️ @taylornailditsalon
➡️ @millieandcosalon 
➡️ @hairlinesondemand 
➡️ @jcpenneysalon
➡️ @fademastersbarbershops 
➡️ @_stylist_julie_ with @supercuts
➡️ @joannapatt with @supercuts
➡️ @scott_jones_saloncentric 
➡️ Kenya, Branch Manager @regionsbank

And to ALL of the businesses that participated in our Fall Career Days this year: thank you for investing your time in the next generation of beauty, barbering, and wellness professionals. We’re grateful to have you in the AIB community! ❤️
Our Fall Career Days brought some incredible industry connections to AIB! 🤝✨ Across our three campuses, local beauty, barbering, and wellness businesses joined us to meet our Future Professionals and graduates, share career opportunities, answer questions, and offer a firsthand look at where their education can take them.

Here’s Part 1 of the businesses that helped make this Fall Career Day possible at our Largo and Bradenton Campuses! ❤️

Massive THANK YOU to:

➡️ @jleesalonsuitesclearwater 
➡️ @taylornailditsalon 
➡️ @millieandcosalon 
➡️ @salonvolo 
➡️ @massagestudiospa 
➡️ @largo.glamfam with @ultabeauty 
➡️ @scott_jones_saloncentric 
➡️ @_stylist_julie_ with @supercuts 
➡️ @joannapatt with @supercuts 
➡️ @haircuttery_largomall 
➡️ @mysolvita 
➡️ Kenya, Branch Manager @regionsbank 
➡️ @jcpenneysalon 
➡️ @largocosmoprof 
➡️ @pigmentstationsalonandspa 
➡️ @fadefactory_barberstudio 
➡️ @phenixsarasotabay 
➡️ @paintlakewoodranch 
➡️ @islandcutz 
➡️ @seychellesspa 

Stay tuned for Part 2! We have even more amazing Career Day partners to recognize! 👏
Connections were made. Questions were answered. Next stop? Careers ahead! ✨ Our St. Petersburg campus welcomed local beauty and barbering businesses for our Fall Career Day, giving our Future Professionals and graduates the chance to connect directly with professionals working throughout the industry.

Career Day is about more than finding an open position. It’s an opportunity to learn about different workplace environments, explore potential career paths, build relationships, and hear directly from employers about life after graduation.

Shoutout to our two AIB raffle winners: Clayton and Sheridan🎉🎟️

Thank you to everyone who spent the evening networking, sharing experiences, and helping our Future Professionals take another step toward their future careers! ❤️
Building careers and connections in Bradenton! 🙌❤️ Our Bradenton Future Professionals had another opportunity to look beyond the classroom during our Fall Career Day!

Local industry professionals joined us on campus to meet our Future Professionals and graduates, share information about their businesses and career opportunities, and offer insight into what it takes to begin building a successful career in the beauty industry.

Let’s hear it for our two AIB raffle winners: Shayleeann and Sievy 🎉🎟️

As our Bradenton campus continues to grow, so does the network of local professionals and businesses our Future Professionals have the opportunity to connect with. Thank you to everyone who came out and made our Fall Career Day such a valuable experience! ✨
Fall Career Day at Largo! 🎉  Our Largo Future Professionals and graduates had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with local beauty, barbering, and wellness employers during our second Career Day of the year!

From learning about current opportunities and different career paths to asking questions about what employers are looking for in new professionals, the evening was all about making connections and looking ahead to what comes after AIB🎓

Let’s hear a round of applause for our two AIB raffle winners Nicole and Mazy🎉🎟️

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night such a great experience for our Future Professionals and graduates. We love seeing our classrooms and clinic floors transform into spaces where education meets opportunity! 🙌
Four years of dedication, organization, and being someone our future professionals and team can always count on!💛 Today, we’re celebrating JoAnn and her 4-year anniversary with AIB🎉 

As our Largo Business Office Associate, JoAnn plays an important role in helping our future professionals navigate their journeys from enrollment all the way through graduation🎓 From maintaining student files and keeping important details on track to answering questions and helping students understand what comes next, she’s a familiar and supportive presence throughout their time at AIB.

Over the past four years, JoAnn has helped countless future professionals through some of the biggest milestones of their education. She understands that sometimes what seems like a simple question or task behind the scenes can mean so much more to a student working toward their future, and she approaches those moments with patience, kindness, and care❤️

Her attention to detail and dependability also make her an invaluable part of our Largo team. There are so many moving pieces that go into supporting our future professionals and keeping a campus running smoothly, and JoAnn is one of those people working diligently behind the scenes to make sure those pieces come together.

JoAnn, thank you for four years of hard work, patience, and commitment to AIB and our future professionals. Your impact can be found in every student you’ve helped along the way, every milestone you’ve helped them reach, and all the ways you support our team each day. We’re so grateful to celebrate four years with you!🥳💐
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