FAQs

In as little as 16 weeks, you have the potential to graduate with a Tattoo Certification from an Oregon State Licensed Tattoo School. Upon receipt of your Tattoo Certificate, you will have the opportunity to take the State of Oregon Tattoo Licensing Exam and begin your career. Classes begin every 4 months and are conveniently held Sunday to Tuesday or Wednesday to Friday. With no more than 6 students enrolled per class, per term, small class sizes enable you to receive the quality education Southern Oregon Tattoo Academy is known for. SOTA retains highly qualified instructors who are motivated to see you succeed and are willing to invest in your success.

JOY: Joy is a feeling of excitement and safety. It comes from being in a place where you feel empowered to think big and are supported to achieve even bigger things. COMPETENCE: The ability to do something successfully and efficiently. When we are competent we are able to take joy from our work and gratification from passing that competence on to others so they may feel joy in their lives. CREATIVITY: The ability to think beyond what is known and imagine what else might be. Creative thinking is a key component in making a positive difference in our lives and the world. EVOLUTION: To ensure that competence does not lead to complacency we must continually strive to evolve both personally and professionally. Learning new skills in our personal and professional lives is key to enriching our lives and the lives of the people we serve. CARE: The provision of what is necessary for the well-being of someone or something. Serious attention and consideration to avoid damage SOTA's Core Values undergird our mission of: Changing lives through art and entrepreneurship.

* You must be at least 18 years of age to attend * You must have graduated with a High School Diploma, GED Certificate or the equivalent * You must be proficient in English * The Tattoo and Body Art industry may require standing for long periods of time. Anyone suffering from neck, back, hand, wrist, or leg problems, or having severe allergies should consult their physician before beginning any class.

Cost Application Fee: None Enrollment Deposit: $2,000 (includes Student Tattoo Kit and Books) Tuition: $10,000 Is Financial Help available? YES! A payment program is available for those who qualify. How can I qualify for SOTA's Financial Help? We realize that attending school is expensive; that there are currently no grants or loans available; and that the money is coming directly out of your pocket. So while most tattoo schools require fees to be fully paid upfront before classes start, SOTA is one of the only ones that offers payment programs. Deposits can be made up to a year before beginning class. Between this time and school starting, students can make as many payments as they’d like, of whatever amount they want. When school begins, this causes the monthly payment to be lower. The Student Kit Fee is included in each student's Enrollment Deposit. An initial tuition payment isn't officially due until the second week of class. This helps our students confirm you're in an environment where you can thrive, and gives confidence that you’re getting the education you’re paying for. If you choose to continue, the first payment is due two weeks after the first day of class. Each month after that another payment is due until you’re paid off. As long as you’re done paying it off by the time you’re done with classes, you’re set. Disclaimer: Financial Help is available only for those who qualify.

The Academy is 16 weeks long. Terms begin in October, February and June. Section 1 is mainly Theory/Lecture. Section 2 is mainly Practical Application and Tattooing. (the class is split equally into these two Sections) A minimum of 3 hours of daily, self-directed learning is required outside of class. When are classes held? CLASS 1 (Sunday - Tuesday) Section 1 Sun 10am-4pm Mon-Tues 9am-12pm (noon) Section 2 Sun-Tues 10am-6pm CLASS 2 (Wednesday - Friday) Section 1 Wed 10am-4pm Thurs - Fri 9am-12pm (noon) Section 2 Wed - Fri 10am-6pm This unique schedule gives SOTA students the opportunity to continue working while attending class if desired.

* Maintain cumulative grades above 75% * Pass all evaluations with a score above 75% * Complete a minimum of 50 tattoo procedures * Attend all classes. Hours are regulated by the State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, therefore any missed class hours must be made up.

* Complete the inquiry form * We will contact you to schedule a time to stop by the school, meet us and check out our facilities Note Schools generally interview prospective students. We strongly believe that students should also interview prospective schools in order to make the best decision. Therefore, we recommend that prospective students visit at least one other school before meeting with us. Check out their facilities; ask about class size; ask about their instructors' qualifications; find out if they provide a Student Tattoo Kit and what it includes; inquire about the class schedule. We're confident that if you do this, you'll realize the value of education provided by Southern Oregon Tattoo Academy.