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Nail Technician Degree Overview
Individuals interested in a career as a nail technician must first obtain the skills and education necessary to perform one's duties through an accredited nail technician program. Such programs are typically offered through community colleges, career colleges and schools, or specialty schools for cosmetology. Nail technician programs will vary in length, but most will take less than a year to complete and result in a certificate or diploma demonstrating one's competency.
Students enrolled in a nail technician program will learn to shape and manicure nails, attend to blotchy or dry skin, maintain equipment and how to sterilize it, and provide other treatments. Programs will have student practice on one another or through a salon, some schools may provide internship opportunities, while others will have a location on campus. This practical experience is beneficial and may be used to assist in finding work after graduation. In addition, students will learn about business operation and customer service in order to establish and maintain a business.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
90,630Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Nail Technician Schools
Career Training Solutions understands that advancements in education and training are made each day. It is our goal to prepare our students for the changes in industry by providing quality education and training that is focused on hands-on experiences using the most current technology available.
History
Career Training Solutions (CTS) was established on April 27, 1998, as the Health and Beauty Academy, Inc., in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Health and Beauty Academy offered programs in European Skin Care, Body Spa and Wellness, Esthetics, Electrolysis, and Professional Massage Therapy. In October of 2000, ownership of the Health and Beauty Academy changed, and the school was renamed Career Training Solutions (CTS).
The new management of Career Training Solutions implemented stronger curricula to the programs already offered. In addition, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Specialist, Phlebotomy, and Practical Nurse programs were implemented. CTS attained national accreditation with the Commission of the Council of Occupational Education (COE) in February 2002. In 2008 CTS offered its first degree granting program, the Registered Nurse program, and will continue to look for new education alternatives to better serve the community.
Today Career Training Solutions remains committed to providing quality education to its students and to enhancing the prosperity of the communities we serve.
Acceptance Rate
63.89
Tuition
$31,479 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
UBS students learn how to perform manicures, pedicures, artificial nail applications, and cosmetology from their Los Angeles campus. Universal Beauty School provides opportunities for qualified students to create and utilize nail art as well as enhancement services to maximize earning potential. Through their contemporary, practical, and accredited professional training programs, UBS helps to produce individuals with quality skills and a focus on customer care. The four-hundred hour program combines practical operations in addition to technical instruction.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$39,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Combining the Esthetics and Nail Technician program, Laurel's Nail Technician course exists to provide service for individuals passionate to work as an esthetician or as a nail technician. Students enrolled in the program will gain an understanding of skincare and makeup. Through their comprehensive knowledge of manicuring, pedicuring, nail design, and artistry, they produce highly skilled individuals. Graduates from the course will be awarded a diploma and have the opportunity to sit for the Esthetics and Nail Technician licensing exam after completion of 600 hours of instruction.
Acceptance Rate
91.45
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
The Salon Professional Academy offers a program for individuals interested in Nail Technology. Students learn a variety of treatments and how to utilize nail products. They will also learn safety and sanitation, anatomy, physiology, and business management. Developing professional skills by working with mannequins and real clients. With a small number of students in every class, they can promote better learning and instructors can focus more on every development of their students.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,140 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Combining the Esthetics and Nail Technician program, Laurel's Nail Technician course exists to provide service for individuals passionate to work as an esthetician or as a nail technician. Students enrolled in the program will gain an understanding of skincare and makeup. Through their comprehensive knowledge of manicuring, pedicuring, nail design, and artistry, they produce highly skilled individuals. Graduates from the course will be awarded a diploma and have the opportunity to sit for the Esthetics and Nail Technician licensing exam after completion of 600 hours of instruction.
Acceptance Rate
91.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
The Fila Academy focuses on beauty & cosmetology training for students located in High Point and surrounding areas. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this location are:
In one of the ways The Fila Academy may support its students is by offering students with help in finding employment.
The last reported accreditation for The Fila Academy was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see programs available, tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,145 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville provides beauty & cosmetology training for students located in Westerville and surrounding areas. Over the past several years this school has granted certificates to over 130 cosmetology students. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this location are:
To help support students, Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville may provide services to students, like:
- Career counseling for students
- Job placement assistance
The last reported accreditation for Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. To see program disclosures, please visit the official website of the school.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$22,800 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton focuses on cosmetology training for students located in and around Dayton. Last year over 120 students completed their training and prepared for licensing. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this school are:
To help support students, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton may provide services to students, like:
- Helping students find employment
- Night and weekend classes available
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1998. Please visit creativeimages.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,350 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Students interested in a cosmetology career can get an education through Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton, which is located in a residential area of Dayton, OH. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 2002. This school's cosmetology program is constructed to prepare students for immediate employment upon completion, providing all the skills needed to prepare students for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. In addition, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton also offers a cosmetology instructor training program for professionals who want to become educators and a nail technology program, which offers training in nail artistry and care.
In 2010-2011 about eighty-nine students completed programs at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton. This school reported students had a federal loan default rate of approximately 6.1% in 2009.
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton offers student services such as help with finding job options for students and flexible courses for working or busy students. State and county licensing procedures may vary, and as such it is suggested students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. Students can learn more about Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton, including licensing and consumer disclosures, by visiting creativeimages.edu.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,350 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
PCI Academy, located in the rural area of Ames, IA, offers cosmetology training for interested individuals. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1981. The main program offered by PCI Academy is in cosmetology, which prepares individuals with the skills and education necessary to obtain licensure and seek out gainful employment after graduation. The cosmetology training courses that may be offered at this location are:
Approximately 430 students completed their training at this school over the last few years. Between the years of 2007-2009 the estimated average default rate for students taking loans to cover the tuition costs for this school was around 4.95%. PCI Academy provides student services such as job placement options for students looking for work, remedial education classes for program or licensure preparation, and cosmetology career guidance to help students. Students should look up state licensing requirements to determine whether programs meet current standards. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, please visit pci-academy.com.Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$23,624 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Morgantown Beauty College Inc is a school that provides training in the beauty industry for residents of Morgantown, WV. Morgantown Beauty College Inc has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1993. This school's cosmetology program is designed to train students for immediate employment upon completion, providing all the skills required to prepare students for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. In addition to cosmetology, this school also offers an esthetics program, which offers an excellent education in the field of skin care and treatment, a cosmetology instructor training program for professionals that wish to teach cosmetology as a career, and a massage therapy program, which educates students with the skills that would be needed in spa settings.
The school enrolls about twenty-one students per year, providing students an excellent learning atmosphere. Morgantown Beauty College Inc reported students had a loan default rate of approximately 9.6% in 2009.
Morgantown Beauty College Inc provides job placement options for graduating students in need of employment. Local and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. For information and consumer disclosures, please visit school's website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,902 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
The Salon Professional Academy's Nail Technology program includes instruction on innovative techniques for manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, and nail sculpting. Individuals enrolled in the program have the opportunity to learn the basic and contemporary design, chemistry, and artificial nail product application and maintenance. Training in business and marketing skills are offered to widen their knowledge in the industry. They are dedicated to guiding their students in transforming them into a highly skilled and competitive area.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,790 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance is located in Clifton, New Jersey. The school provides specialized training with small classes to allow each student to receive the attention needed to become a proficient nail tech. The curriculum provided at Raphael’s in addition to the one-on-one training, help motivated students build confidence and successfully transition to a busy salon environment. Students are taught about manicuring, artificial nails, and nail structure to better understand the science behind the vocation.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,740 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
24:1
Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Boardman is located in Shelby, Ohio. The design of the nail technician course at Raphael’s is to provide the training and insights to succeed in a salon after program completion. Teachers spend time introducing the science and art of being a nail technician. From a scientific standpoint, students learn the components of the nail bed and nails along with proper maintenance. The art of maintaining nails includes the personal connect with each customer and the associated style intended to capture.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,740 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Niles provides specialized training for nail technicians in small class sizes to get individualized attention. Helping students build their confidence working in a real salon setting. They are introduced to nail structure and manicuring techniques along with advanced training in artificial nail application. After finishing the program, they are prepared to work in an environment where their skills are needed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,740 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$18,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
7:1
Brown Aveda Institute - Mentor is located in Mentor, Ohio, and is a career institution that specializes in cosmetology training. The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences has accredited the instruction & training provided by Brown Aveda Institute - Mentor for over five years. The main program offered by this school is in cosmetology, which trains students with the skills and education needed to obtain licensure and seek out long term employment after graduation. In addition, this school also offers an esthetics program, for individuals who wish to focus on skin treatments and care and a nail technology program, which offers education in nail care.
The school enrolls about 140 students yearly, which can provide a great learning environment for students. This school reported students had a federal loan default rate of around 6.7% in 2009.
Brown Aveda Institute - Mentor offers services for students in the form of cosmetology career counseling assistance to help students, job placement opportunities for individuals looking for work, and flexible courses for those with irregular schedules. State and county licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students research getting a license in cosmetology. For information and consumer disclosures, please check out school's website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,950 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
The United Beauty College located in Englewood, Colorado offers a top flight nail technician program for qualified students. A manicurist or nail technician is trained to attend to grooming nails on the hands and feet. The span of duties can include trimming, grooming, repairing and polishing. It can also extend to different types of nails such as acrylics, extensions, and the application of acrylic nails. By properly maintaining a customers nails and nail beds, a personable nail tech is set up to earn trust and business for years to come.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,316 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Capri College could prepare you for a better future! We've created a unique educational experience and every day we strive to stay current by frequently educating our instructors, bringing in guest artists, and teaching you new trends in hair, skin care, and massage. We are proud to be a Sassoon Connection Member School (Davenport Campus) and we teach our students in depth business training with the Nuts and Bolts Business Training Courses. We are not a chain or franchise and we are not limited to one product line. We supply top of the line products like Redken, Purology, Chi, Big Sexy, Biotone and Dermalogica. We strive for educational excellence and care about your future. Because we know our reputation depends on your success!
Capri College is a school held to precise standards such as honest recruitment practices, minimum three years instructor experience, and student satisfaction by ACCSC accreditation. Our skilled, passionate, caring educators will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to get your license. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, hands-on education possible and to offer the knowledge and technical skills you need to be confident and hopefully successful!
Nothing compares to the hands-on experience with real clients we provide. Improved technical skills, people skills, and confidence are the result. One visit to our salon-like practical training clinic and you will see the difference real experience makes!
Capri College has long-standing relationships with salon and spa employers. We listen to them for ways we can improve, to keep our education current. Our reputation, community involvement, and long-standing relationships allow us to assist you with as many employment options as possible.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,780 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Nail Technology at Iowa School of Beauty specializes in grooming and appearance of fingernails and toenails. Students learn how to properly pamper their clients through relaxing manicures and pedicures. They have the freedom to explore their creativity and have fun doing it here. Nail professionals can treat natural nails as well as add-on acrylic nails, gels coverings, or a silk strengthener.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,640 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,270 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Capri College could prepare you for a better future! We've created a unique educational experience and every day we strive to stay current by frequently educating our instructors, bringing in guest artists, and teaching you new trends in hair, skin care, and massage. We are proud to be a Sassoon Connection Member School (Davenport Campus) and we teach our students in depth business training with the Nuts and Bolts Business Training Courses. We are not a chain or franchise and we are not limited to one product line. We supply top of the line products like Redken, Purology, Chi, Big Sexy, Biotone and Dermalogica. We strive for educational excellence and care about your future. Because we know our reputation depends on your success!
Capri College is a school held to precise standards such as honest recruitment practices, minimum three years instructor experience, and student satisfaction by ACCSC accreditation. Our skilled, passionate, caring educators will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to get your license. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, hands-on education possible and to offer the knowledge and technical skills you need to be confident and hopefully successful!
Nothing compares to the hands-on experience with real clients we provide. Improved technical skills, people skills, and confidence are the result. One visit to our salon-like practical training clinic and you will see the difference real experience makes!
Capri College has long-standing relationships with salon and spa employers. We listen to them for ways we can improve, to keep our education current. Our reputation, community involvement, and long-standing relationships allow us to assist you with as many employment options as possible.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,780 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Located in Tualatin, OR, Northwest College is a private beauty school that provides career education for students interested in cosmetology. The school offers a comprehensive cosmetology program that provides the skills and education needed to get licensure and employment upon graduation. The cosmetology programs that are taught at this school are:
Northwest College offers student services in the form of help with finding job options for students and career counseling for students entering a career in cosmetology. Students must look up local and state licensing regulations to determine whether programs meet established standards. Students can learn more about Northwest College, including consumer disclosures, by visiting nwcollege.edu.Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$18,631 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Capri College could prepare you for a better future! We've created a unique educational experience and every day we strive to stay current by frequently educating our instructors, bringing in guest artists, and teaching you new trends in hair, skin care, and massage. We are proud to be a Sassoon Connection Member School (Davenport Campus) and we teach our students in depth business training with the Nuts and Bolts Business Training Courses. We are not a chain or franchise and we are not limited to one product line. We supply top of the line products like Redken, Purology, Chi, Big Sexy, Biotone and Dermalogica. We strive for educational excellence and care about your future. Because we know our reputation depends on your success!
Capri College is a school held to precise standards such as honest recruitment practices, minimum three years instructor experience, and student satisfaction by ACCSC accreditation. Our skilled, passionate, caring educators will teach you the skills and knowledge you need to get your license. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, hands-on education possible and to offer the knowledge and technical skills you need to be confident and hopefully successful!
Nothing compares to the hands-on experience with real clients we provide. Improved technical skills, people skills, and confidence are the result. One visit to our salon-like practical training clinic and you will see the difference real experience makes!
Capri College has long-standing relationships with salon and spa employers. We listen to them for ways we can improve, to keep our education current. Our reputation, community involvement, and long-standing relationships allow us to assist you with as many employment options as possible.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,780 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,283 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
How Do You Become a Nail Technician?
To begin work as a nail tech, you will need to complete all necessary training at a state-approved cosmetology/nail school and understand licensure requirements for your state of residence (age, experience, academic, background checks, and examinations).
Accredited nail technician schools and cosmetology programs offering training programs will cover varying degrees of nail health, safety, salon management, hygiene, advanced nail techniques, and applicable laws & regulations governing nail technicians in your state. You will need between 200-800 hours of training to sit for a state licensing exam in your state with the national average of 387 hours of training for nail techs. Nail technician programs offered by accredited schools can last from 3-18 months depending on the number of classes taken at a given time and curricular design of the program. Upon completion of the college training program, a state examination is required.
Individuals who have graduated a nail technician program must first seek licensure by their state prior to being able to work as a technician. Licensure requirements will vary by state, but often have a minimum age limit and an exam. Some state may require a certain amount of supervised hours as well. Many states will require regular renewal of a license, either through reexamination, an annual fee, continuing education courses or some combination of the three.
Once licensed, an individual will most likely pursue work at an existing salon or spa, developing a client base and broadening his or her skills. Nail technicians typically work 40 hours a week, though the many will work evening hours which tend to be the busiest for this type of work. Individuals will shape nails, paint them, attend to cuticle, work on splotchy skin, provide, and educate clients to proper nail and skin care. Individuals may pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly those who have a large client base or have years of experience in the field.
What Classes Will I Take as a Nail Technician?
Accredited colleges that offer training and certification programs generally blend hands-on learning with traditional academic courses. Fusing academic with pragmatic learning provides a link between theory and practice to help students bring concepts to life. Hands-on learning helps to build muscle memory, prepare students for real-world nail technician work in the field, and endow students with the knowledge to successfully tackle the state licensing examination. A sampling of classes you may see in a nail technician course may include:
- Nail Care History and Nail Products
- Manicure, Gel Manicures
- Pedicure
- Sculptured Nails, Nail Art, Nail Care
- Salon Ecology
- Sanitation & Bacteriology
- Personal Hygiene
- Public Health
- Safety, Sterilization & Sanitation
- Nail Care Tools
- Fabric & Sculpting Procedures
- Massage Techniques: Arms, Hands, and Feet
Online Nail Technician Schools
The fastest growing segment within higher education degrees and certificate programs is online learning or distance learning. The quality and convenience have caught up with the digital delivery of college degree programs and growth for online learning is expected to steadily increase for the foreseeable future. With online college programs, students have the autonomy, freedom, and independence often not found in traditional college courses. The two primary learning modalities with online college programs is asynchronous learning and synchronous learning. Asynchronous learning takes place at differing times while following the same class syllabus with identical learning objectives thus allowing students to log-on and pace learning on their own schedule. On the other hand, synchronous learning is when all students are required to be online at the same time and perform group learning activities simultaneously.
For working professionals or those with hectic family schedules, online nail tech learning opportunities may be worth researching. Make sure to fully understand your states licensing requirements prior to enrolling in any nail technician program. From internships to training requirements, each state will prescribe a set of specific items necessary for any student to accomplish prior to applying for licensure.
Questions to Ask Nail Tech Schools
After reading our College Admissions Guide and compiling your priority list, you will need to begin you research of colleges that are the best to help you meet your personal and professional objectives. A sampling of questions to have in your quiver include the following items:
- School accreditation and awards
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- School tours available
- Online learning options
- Class schedule options: day, evening, weekend
- Course duration
- Academic course list for nail tech, cosmetology, makeup, estheticians, barber, electrolysis, facial treatments, etc.
- Course curriculum
- Student to teacher ratio
- Graduation rate
- Student services available
- Internship requirements
- Life credits or work credits
Job Opportunities and Career Outlook for Nail Techs
Top Job Responsibilities of a Nail Technician
A nail technician, pedicurist, or manicurist is a professional emphasizing the grooming, beautification, and styling of fingernails and toenails. This may include nail design, maintenance, cleaning, polishing, trimming, massaging, moisturizing, and overall nail wellness. In a recent survey of Nail Technicians administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, professionals shed light on common job responsibilities of the trade. The most commonly cited job duties of a nail technician include the following:
- Be detail-oriented and knowledgeable in nail care
- Treat nails by shaping, decorating, or augmenting
- Schedule appointments
- Maintain client information or service records
- Clean & sanitize tools and work environment
- Apply undercoat followed by a clear coat or colored polish onto nails with brush or tools
- Maintain supply inventories & records of client services
- Properly shape nails using files, scissors, and emery boards
- Prepare and maintain nail cuticles
States with the Highest Number of Nail Technicians
- California 20,590
- New York 14,080
- New Jersey 7,570
- Massachusetts 4,890
- Pennsylvania 4,800
Top Paying Cities for Nail Technicians
- Springfield, IL $46,850
- Naples, FL $46,070
- Boulder, CO $44,500
- Daytona Beach, FL $37,210
- Orlando, FL $36,330
Individuals interested in becoming a nail technician may also be interested in cosmetology, esthetics or hair styling. More information outside academia can be found by visiting the AIA, NSHA, and the ANP to discover member benefits and resources for chapters near you.