15 Best Schools for Nail Technicians & Manicurists
The best schools for nail technicians & manicurists. Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, and beautify fingernails and toenails. Before choosing to become a nail technician, it is important to know how much money you can expect to make, especially in your first year. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for manicurists and pedicurists is good.
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How Much Money Does A Nail Technician Make?
Employment of manicurists and pedicurists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median hourly wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $14.97 in May 2022.
Top Nail Technician and Manicurist Schools
- Manatee Technical College
- Northwest Kansas Technical College.
- Lake Land College.
- Mountainland Technical College.
- Johnson County Community College.
- Mid-State Technical College.
- Lorenzo Walker Technical College.
- Davis Technical College.
- Eastern Arizona College.
- San Jacinto Community College.
- Ridgewater College.
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College.
- Pickens Technical College.
- Chippewa Valley Technical College.
- South Georgia Technical College.
- Shelton State Community College.
What Manicurists and Pedicurists Do
Manicurists and pedicurists typically do the following:
- Polish or buff nails.
- Clean, trim, and file nails.
- Soften calluses and remove rough skin.
- Massage and moisturize hands (for a manicure) and feet (for a pedicure).
- Discuss nail treatments and services available.
- Apply or remove artificial nails and nail art.
- Advise clients about nail and skin care for hands and feet.
- Remove clients’ nail polish, if any.
- Clean and disinfect their work area and tools.
Best Schools for Nail Technicians & Manicurists / Nail Technician Programs
1. Mid-State Technical College – Nail Technician program
Being a nail technician is about more than just polishing nails. You’ll use your artistic skills to create a relaxing escape for your clients. If you’re looking for a career that presents new challenges daily and keeps you meeting new people, nail technician may be the choice for you.
Mid-State’s Nail Technician program prepares students to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists. You’ll learn manicuring theory; skin anatomy; nail growth, irregularities, and diseases; sterilization and sanitation; equipment and table maintenance; cuticle, blemish, and rough skin removal; nail filing, shaping, and polishing; cream application and extremity massage; nail sculpture and design art; product storage and use; customer service; laws and regulations; and business practices.
2. Baldwin Beauty School in Austin, TX
Baldwin offers a 600-hour manicurist course. Over 18 weeks, students learn about manicuring, pedicuring, and nail esthetics. The curriculum consists of a mixture of classroom demonstrations and real-world training in the Student Salon, which provides services to the public. Students also take courses in business and sanitation, which provides valuable training for future careers in the salon industry.
3. The Ogle School of Hair, Skin, And Nails.
This establishment has been setting up prospective nail techs and manicurists for success since the early 70’s and has offered students a high quality education, an amazing program, and the clout needed to land their dream jobs after graduation. With several locations in Texas, the Ogle nail tech program, which is covered in their cosmetology program, can be completed in under one year. You’ll have to undergo 1500 hours of rigorous training, but at the end of your program, you’ll be ready to pass your exams, land a job, and build your nail technician career.
4. Marinello Schools of Beauty – Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA (Closed)
The Marinello Schools of Beauty are part of a private for-profit chain that has been approved by the NACCAS. The schools’ manicure and nail technology programs prepare students for careers as manicurists or nail technicians through classroom learning and hands-on practice with real clients. Once enrolled, students learn about the anatomy and physiology of the hands and feet, as well as sanitation and infection control, common nail disorders and diseases and general manicuring. Additional topics include the application of different types of artificial nails.
5. The Elaine Sterling Institute
As a famous Atlanta, Georgia school, this nail technician establishment is an accelerated program that allows students and prospective nail techs to become licensed professionals in as little as 6-9 months. With a 600-hour program (an affordable one, to boot), students receive all the training and special skills they’ll need to pass their state board and licensure exams. They offer students classes at night and during the day and is also highly recommended for nail techs and manicurists.
6. Guy’s Shreveport Academy of Cosmetology
Guy’s Shreveport Academy of Cosmetology, Inc., is a private for-profit school that is licensed by the State of Louisiana Board of Cosmetology and holds accreditation from NACCAS. The school offers a comprehensive cosmetology program that prepares students for the Louisiana state licensing exam. Students will attend classes for a total of 1500 hours in order to complete the program in 47 weeks.
7. Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy
If you’re looking for a top-notch nail tech education in Florida, you can’t get much better than the Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy in Tampa or Lakeland. The special perk of this program? It’s hugely accelerated. You can become a nail tech in just 9-15 weeks (the requirement is 300 hours). There’s a year-round schedule, as well as flexibility for part time and full-time students.
How do I become a nail Technician (Manicurist / Pedicurist) in USA?
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and then pass a state exam for licensure. Under state reciprocity agreements, licensed manicurists and pedicurists may be able to get a license in another state without needing to complete an additional program or to pass that state’s exam.
Important Skills of a Manicurist / Pedicurist
1. Customer-service skills
Manicurists and pedicurists must have good listening and interpersonal skills to meet clients’ needs. Interacting with clients while doing a manicure or pedicure encourages repeat business.
2. Business skills
Manicurists and pedicurist who run their own nail salon must understand business principles. For example, they should be skilled at administrative tasks, such as accounting, and be able to manage a salon and its personnel efficiently and profitably.
3. Dexterity
A steady hand is essential in achieving precise nail design. In addition, because manicurists and pedicurists often use sharp tools, they must have good finger dexterity.
4. Creativity
Manicurists and pedicurists must be able to neatly finish small, intricate nail designs, as well as to suggest designs and match them to individual tastes.
Education:
Manicurists and pedicurists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program. These programs usually involve classroom and hands-on training. For a list of approved programs, contact your state licensing agency.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
State licensing requirements vary but usually include completing a state-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and passing a state exam. Applicants also may need to be at least 16 or 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Check with your state licensing agency for details.
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