Maryland’s Only School For Electrolysis Opens

Maryland’s Only School For Electrolysis Opens

Maryland’s only school dedicated to the practice of Electrology has already enrolled its first students. The Maryland Electrolysis Education Center (MEEC), located in Laurel, Maryland began accepting students on November 2, 2023. As a result, for the first time in more than 17 years Maryland and others from nearby states can take the coursework needed to become a licensed electrologist close to home.

The school is operated by Eileen Ebersole Collins LEI, CPE. Collins, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the field, is one of only two practicing Licensed Electrology Instructors (LEI) in Maryland. Prior to MEEC’s opening, the nearest schools recognized for licensure in Maryland were in New York, Massachusetts, Georgia or California.

Electrolysis is an increasingly popular personal care treatment that provides permanent hair removal services on all parts of the body. The only FDA-approved treatment for permanent hair removal, it can be used on both fair and dark hair (unlike laser treatments), and all skin types. Electrolysis uses a variety of modalities including thermolysis (which uses localized heat), galvanic electrolysis (which chemically dissolves the follicles), and blend (which utilizes both modalities). It is estimated that the full-time, established Electrologist averages between $40,000 and $75,000 per year. The field is one that particularly appeals to individuals with an independent or entrepreneurial bent, since practitioners can often set their own work schedule and maintain business hours on the days of their choice.

“After practicing in this field for 30 years, I realized that I wanted to share the fulfilment and opportunities it offers. When I had to go to California to obtain the qualifications to become a licensed instructor in Maryland, I realized that there was a need for a local educational institution that would offer students a rewarding career opportunity without requiring out of state travel,” Collins stated.

The MEEC course of study includes 250 hours of online theory (done at the student’s own pace), followed by 400 hours of in-person clinical courses taught on site at the Maryland Electrolysis Education Center in Laurel, Maryland. Courses are taught by Collins and a team of licensed and experienced practitioners. In-person classes have 10 or fewer students per instructor. Upon graduation students receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to sit for the MD Board of Nursing Electrology Practice Committee licensure exam (written and practical). Once they successfully pass the licensure exam, they are eligible to practice in MD as a licensed electrologist. Students wishing to practice outside Maryland will also be prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Electrologist board certification from IBEC, an international certification for those in the field of Electrology, which can be an important credential in states that do not require licensing, such as Pennsylvania and Virginia.

MEEC is open to students from any state or country. To be eligible for the program students must be 18 and have a high school diploma or HSE (high school equivalent). They must also pass an eye exam from a licensed optometrist. Tuition and fees for the full program are $14,050.00. MEEC is approved to operate as a private career school from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and also approved as a school for Electrology by the Maryland Board of Nursing, Electrology Practice Committee (MBON-EPC). The Maryland Electrolysis Education Center is located at 300 Thomas Drive, Units 2 & 3, Laurel, MD 20707. For additional information on MEEC visit www. https://www.mdelectrolysiseducation.com or contact director@mdelectrolysiseducation.com, 240-994-0306. ##

About Eileen Ebersole Collins

A licensed electrologist since 1993, Eileen earned her Certified Professional Electrologist credential from the American Electrology Association in 1996. A full time electrologist for almost 30 years, Eileen has served as the Maryland Association of Professional Electrologists, Inc. (MAPE), Recording Secretary for six years, as its Vice President and Program Chairperson for 10 years and is MAPE's current President. She also has served as a Delegate from Maryland to the American Electrology Association's Board of Directors for the last eleven years. Her electrology training was earned at the Maryland Institute of Electrology, the California Electrology Academy, where she recently earned her advanced certificate in Electrology as well as the completion of Dectro International's Train the Trainer Program. Eileen has also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Global College. She is a Prince George's County, Maryland native and resides in Laurel, Maryland. At MEEC, Eileen will share her expertise in most of the electrology lectures and training. ##