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If you’re interested in becoming a nail technician you may have started looking for a manicure and pedicure school, also called a nail school, in order to how to do nail work. Whether you’re planning to move further into the beauty industry, you’re a lover of nail art, or you’re just gathering general information about nail tech programs, here’s a general overview of manicure and pedicure schools.
Manicure and pedicure schools at a glance
| What they’re called | Nail tech schools, nail technician programs, or nail technology schools |
| Training hours | Most programs run 300 to 600 hours; Washington requires 600 hours at a licensed school |
| Time to complete | Usually three to nine months: about five months at Evergreen Beauty College |
| Can you go online? | Not fully; hands-on hours are required, though some schools blend in online coursework |
| How you get licensed | Complete your state’s required hours, then pass its written and practical exams |
What are manicure and pedicure schools?
A manicure and pedicure school is a licensed program that teaches you professional nail care and provides the state-required training hours you need to become a licensed nail technician. These schools go by a variety of names. You may see them called nail tech schools, schools offering nail technician programs, nail technology schools, nail care programs, or nail tech courses. They’re often provided by a school or training center that also offers more general esthetics and cosmetology programs.
What do manicure and pedicure schools teach?
Nail tech programs provide you with the information you need to enter a nail technician career. Nail technician students will usually learn about the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of nails and skin, as well as nail trends, business skills, and how to execute various salon services that a nail salon might have available. Depending on the program you take, you may learn artificial nail application, nail repair, and information about other trendy nail options, like gel nails. You’ll learn everything you need to become a licensed nail technician, as well as log whatever clock hours are required with real clients for you to graduate.
How long is manicure and pedicure school?
This depends on a variety of components. It may partially depend on what state you’re in; the number of training hours required in different states in order to take your licensure exam may vary. It will also depend on whether you’re able to pursue your beauty career full-time or if you have to work part-time, as a part-time nail technician course will usually take around twice as long.
Most nail tech programs take somewhere between 300 and 600 hours of training over three to nine months. In Washington, you’ll need 600 hours at a licensed school before you can take the state’s written and practical licensing exams. At Evergreen Beauty College, the nail technician program takes about five months to complete, with four-hour class days.
Is a manicure and pedicure school important?
If you want to become a licensed manicurist, it is important to go to a nail tech school. As with many career paths within the beauty industry, there are various educational requirements that usually come along with the process. A qualified nail tech needs to go through the courses necessary to fulfill the education requirements in their state.
In some states, nail technicians may be able to go through an apprenticeship process instead of formal education, but they’ll still need to take the licensing exam. In Washington, for example, the apprenticeship route takes 2,000 hours: more than three times the 600 hours you’d complete at a licensed school. Going through a manicure and pedicure school will help you learn all the skills you need to be successful in nail technology.
Find the best schooling options near you
There are lots of schooling options available for people who are interested in becoming a nail technician. If you’re looking for a great experience in Washington, Evergreen Beauty College might be a good choice. Evergreen teaches its nail technician program at three campuses across Washington: Everett, Renton, and Olympia. Evergreen is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and licensed by the Washington State Board of Cosmetology. Learn more about Evergreen Beauty College’s nail technician program and discover what you’ll learn here, then request more information to get started on your journey.
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FAQs: Manicure and Pedicure Schools
Do manicure and pedicure schools offer flexible programs?
It depends on the school and the program. It’s very common for manicure and pedicure schools to offer nail care program options that allow you to learn these advanced techniques without having to come in during a normal school schedule. For example, you may be able to go to your classes after a normal 9-to-5 schedule, or you might be able to take night classes. At Evergreen, classes run in four-hour daily sessions with morning, afternoon, and evening options, depending on the campus, so your training can fit around work or family. Talk to the school you’re interested in attending to see whether they offer any flexibility in terms of their program schedule.
How expensive are manicure and pedicure schools?
Nail tech programs are almost always shorter than more extensive cosmetology programs like barbering or esthetics, which means they’ll likely be less expensive as well. Many schools will also provide financial aid options for those who qualify, which can include opportunities like federal financial aid, access to scholarships, and more, which can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Finally, some schools also provide payment programs that can allow you to spread your purchases over time. Talk to your school’s financial aid experts to determine what you can do to handle your costs.
Can you attend manicure and pedicure schools online?
Generally, you won’t be able to attend a complete manicure and pedicure school online. This is because nail technicians need hands-on experience in order to do their jobs properly. As a nail tech, you need to learn about these components in person. However, some schools may offer partial training online and partial training in person. That’s how Evergreen’s EverFlex schedule works: four hours of hands-on training on campus each day, plus 10 hours of online coursework per week. If online training will be helpful for you, contact the school you’re interested in attending to see whether they offer any amount of help with online training.
