Welcome
The philosophy of Meridian Career Institute (formerly Resort & Spa Schools International) is to provide men and women with a quality career education while instilling a foundation of excellence in customer service.

The Tampa Campus of Meridian Career Institute is located in our new 21,717 square foot facility. The school has lecture classrooms and labs with industry standard equipment in order to provide the student with the necessary "hands-on" training and real world career skills. The school also has a student salon, bookstore, learning resource center and student break area.

The campus is centrally located right off of Interstate 75 near Interstate 4. This location provides easy access for students from all across the Tampa Bay area. The campus has plenty of parking for students and staff.

Programs
Cosmetology
Cosmetology prepares students for entry level positions as cosmetologists. Cosmetology students will learn to perform men's and women's haircutting, styling, perm application, coloring, bleaching, facials, chemical waving, relaxing, straightening, scalp treatments, shampooing, manicure & pedicure, nail extensions, waxing and make-up. Upon graduation and state licensure they will be qualified for positions as entry level Cosmetologists (performing full hair services), Nail Technicians, or Make-Up Artists and prepared to seek employment in a full service cosmetology salon or nail salon performing the above services on female or male clients.

Barber-Styling\Cosmetology Combination Program
The Barber-Styling\Cosmetology Combination Program prepares students for entry- level positions as Barbers and Cosmetologists. Students learn men and women's haircutting, styling, perm application, coloring, hair removal, beard and mustache trimming, hairpieces, relaxing and hair straightening, scalp treatments, facials, shampooing, manicures & pedicures, nail extensions and make-up. Upon graduation and the passage of the Barber-Styling State Board Examination and passage of the Cosmetology State Board Examination, the student will be qualified for positions as Barber Stylists, Cosmetologists, Nail Technicians or Make-up Artists in a full service salon, day spa, nail salon or barbershop performing the above services on male and female clients.

Full Specialty Program (Esthetics\Skincare with Nails)
The Full Specialty Program prepares students for entry level positions as an Esthetician\Skincare & Nail Specialist. Students learn the theory and practical skills for manicures & pedicures, sculptured nails, nail art, acrylics, fiber-glass, gels, wraps and salon management. The student will advance into the theory and practical skills necessary for skin care with instruction in State Law, HIV/AIDS, chemistry, bacteriology, sterilization, ethics, skin disorders as well as basic facial massage, makeup, hair removal, glycolic acids, cosmetic peels, collagen treatments, aromatherapy and special camouflage make-up and microdermabrasion and lymph biology (lymph drainage). This program is designed to prepare the student for entry level employment in the field of esthetics, skincare and nails.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a career focused on helping others and promoting health and wellness. With training from Meridian Career Institute you can learn how to help your clients who suffer from back pain, tension, stress, depression, arthritis and more. Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

After training and receiving a license to practice massage therapy, you can have the opportunities to work in spas, chiropractic offices, cruise ships, massage clinics and more. If a massage therapy career interests you, find out more about Meridian Career Institute today.

Admission Procedures
Meridian Career Institute requires each applicant to meet with Admissions to familiarize the applicant with the facilities and policies of our institution.

Each applicant must have evidence of one of the following: standard high school graduation, GED equivalent, home-study certificate or transcript from a home-study program that is equivalent to high school level and is recognized by the student’s home state. An applicant to any program who has not yet obtained a GED or who cannot provide proof of graduation may obtain GED testing information from the Admissions Department. The applicant is encouraged to work with the Admissions Department until the GED is satisfactorily completed. At that time, the applicant may then continue with the enrollment process. Each applicant must be above the compulsory age of attendance at a secondary institution in order to be admitted to Meridian Career Institute.

Financial Assistance
Meridian Career Institute is a recognized participant in programs of student financial assistance supported by the U.S. Department of Education. The objective of these programs is to provide funds for students who wouldn't otherwise be able to continue with their education. The amount of financial aid awarded is determined through an analysis of need.

Meridian Career Institute is an accredited member of the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges.