Nail Technician Schools, Nail Tech Online Courses &Training Guide

The purpose of this website is to provide you with all the information that you will need in order tounderstand what a nail tech does, what you will learn at a nail tech school, and also give an overallidea of what the costs of nail technician school include.

Our goal is for our readers to walk away with a clear picture in mind of not only the training andwork involved in becoming a nail technician but also the rewards that come from choosing thiscareer.

A manicurist or a nail tech is an individual who specializes in everything that has to do withgrooming the nails on the hands and feet. This includes cleaning the nails, trimming them, andpolishing them. They are also qualified to give nail extensions, apply artificial nails, acrylic nails, andbasically do anything else connected with the beautifying of the nails.

One of the services that nail technicians provide, that are favored by clients, is that of givingpedicures. However, the work that a nail tech does goes above and beyond just making theircustomers toenails and fingernails look attractive.

Nail technicians must be extremely observant. They must be able to look at their clients nails andassess the health of the nails. They must also be trained enough to provide good suggestions on howclients can strengthen and improve the appearance of their nails.

If an individual chooses to go the route of cosmetology school, they will be engaging in a longertraining period simply because cosmetology school is designed to not only teach about the nails, butit is also designed to teach about the hair, application of makeup, and skin care.

Conversely, if an individual chooses to enroll in a nail specific program, the education time is shorterbecause the program is designed to specifically focus on nail technician training.

In order to take nail technician courses, most states require an individual to be at least 16 years oldand to have completed high school or to have a GED.

Through the course of their training, an individual studying to be a nail technician is going to learnabout different infirmities that affect the nails. They will also become familiarized with the chemicalsand other products that are used to maintain proper nail hygiene.

During training, perspective nail techs will also learn about state laws pertaining to safety. They willlearn what procedures to follow if their client sustains an injury while they are doing a manicure orpedicure. They will also learn about certain massage techniques, ways to scope and curl nails, andsome of the technology that is used in giving a manicureand pedicure.

Also they will learnhygiene, sterilization, and sanitation. Students will study nail disorders and mustcome to understand the theory behind the practice of manicuring and pedicures. Time will be spenton advanced nail techniques. The anatomy and physiology of the nails of the hands and feet will bediscussed.

Nail technicians will learn about salon management andhow to start a mobile nail salon. They will

become well-versed in the state laws and regulations that govern their work.

Additional subjects that may be discussed are hot stone pedicures, electric drill usage, nail repairprocedures, hand and arm massage, foot massage, nail art, and a whole host of other subjectsrelated to the care of the nails on the hand and feet.

Typical nail tech classes you will take in nailschool:History of Nail CarePersonal Hygiene, Public HealthSafety, Sterilization & SanitationNailCare Chemicals Uses & Technical ApplicationsNail Care Tools, Machines or Apparatuses UsesNailDesign & ArtistryManicures/PedicuresFabric & Sculpting ProceduresLight-Cured GelsNailExtensions, Tips & WrapsAcrylic Nail Forms, Application, Fills and RemovalNial ProductKnowledgeMassage Techniques for Hands, Arms & FeetBacteriology & Disorders of the Nails

Schools that train nail technicians will usually use a mixture of book theory andpractical learning. This means that students will have hands-on training with clients while they areundergoing their training courses.

This hands-on time allows the student to become familiar with working with actual customers andwill allow them to take the book knowledge that they have learned and use it in a real-world setting.This will better equip them to pass any licensing exams.

After receiving this training, an individual will have to take an exam that is required by the state.Before an individual can work as a nail technician, they must pass this exam and receive a nailtechnician license.

How Long Is the Training to Become a Nail Technician?

The training requirements to be a nail technician varies from state tostate. A student can expect to receive anywhere from between 200 to 800 hours of training prior totaking their exam.

The average number of training hours around the country is approximately 375 hours. Some stateswill allow students to work as an apprentice in order to get some of the training hours required.

However, the vast majority of states require that students receive the majority of the training whilein a classroom setting.

In addition to varying requirements from state to state, there are also different programs that anindividual can enroll in. Some programs are part-time, while others allow students to attend full-time.

Obviously, if a student is attending a part-time program, they can expect the amount of months thatthey are in training to be longer than that of an individual who is attending full-time.

On average, students will spend between 3 to 12 months in training. However, it is a good idea forstudent to speak with the school that they are looking at enrolling with in order to get a better ideaof the amount of time that is going to be required.

Some students have chosen to pursue additional education to receive the title of master nailtechnician. Obviously, this will extend the amount of time and the amount of schooling that a studentwould receive. In some states, becoming a master nail technician requires a student to also pass amaster nail technician exam.

How Much Does Nail Technician School Cost?

There is a lot of variation in the tuition costs for nail schools. Thisvariation exists because of differences in the amount of hours required per state for nail techniciancourses. Additionally, different schools require their students to purchase different types ofequipment in order to work with the program.

Location is also a factor that must be considered when examining the cost of nail schools. Forexample, individuals attending nail technician schools in large metropolitan areas, such as LosAngeles and New York, can expect to pay more money than an individual who is attending the sametype of school in a rural area in Minnesota.

The type of training that a person chooses will also play a factor in the amount they will have to pay.If an individual chooses to attend a comprehensive cosmetology program, they should expect thetuition to be somewhat higher than an individual who chooses to just attend a nail technicianprogram.

When speaking to administrators prior to enrolling in a nail technician school, it is a good idea to askabout the tuition cost. Also, ask about costs that are not included in the tuition, such as the price oftextbooks, chemicals, polishes, and nail care products that might be used or any other supplies thatrequire an out-of-pocket contribution by the students.

On average, an individual looking to take a nail technician course of between 300 hours to 600 hourswill be looking at paying between $3,000 and $5,000. This price includes textbooks and additionalsupplies. Some higher end schools will charge between $5000-$9000. Once again, when discussingtuition it is a good idea to factor in the amount that must be paid for supplies, books, aprons, andany additional tools that will be used during the training.

Nail Technician License and Certification

Once a student has completed the required hours of training, they are thenable to take their licensing exam. Once the board exams have been passed for the state, nailtechnicians are required to renew their license on a regular basis.

Some states will require nail technicians to take additional education prior to renewing their license.

Additionally, some states will require nail technicians to take safety and sanitation quizzes in orderto guarantee that the nail technician understands and is still following the guidelines laid out by thestate.To find out more information about licence requirements in various states find your state onthis page.

Finding the Nail Tech School That Is Right for You

Since everyone learns at a different rate and with different styles, inorder to be successful, it is going to be imperative that an individual looking to become a nailtechnician finds a school that will teach them according to their style.

It will require a little bit of work on the part of the individual looking for the training, but in the longrun, it will be beneficial.

The first step that an individual looking for a nail tech school should do is search for beauty or nailtech schools that are in their area. They should request information from the schools they find.

Once an admissions representative contacts them, they should be ready with a series of questions toask the admissions representative. Examples of questions that students looking for schools can askare the following:

Is your school accredited?What is the tuition cost, and do they include books and supplies needed forthe course?Can I tour the school?What is the schools policy on leave of absences andabsenteeism?Does your school solely offer nail tech courses, or do they also offer comprehensivecosmetology, aesthetics, and makeup courses?What are the class schedules? Are classes available inthe evening and on weekends? Do students have the option of attending part-time or is full-time theonly option?What is the duration of the course I am considering?What are the skills and techniques

that are taught through this course?How many students are in each class?What percentage ofstudents graduate from your program, and how many of them find employment?Are there jobplacement services available?

After asking these questions, students should consider other things. For example, they should thinkof the proximity of the school to their home or job. It is also a good idea to look into financial aid.Prospective nail school students should not be afraid to ask questions, and then ask more questions.

It is important for students to feel comfortable with the manicurist school that they are going toattend prior to choosing to attend it. This is the only way that they are going to be able to guaranteethat they will get the most out of their tuition dollars and walk away understanding the subjects thatthey are learning.

Nail Technician Schools OnlineIndividuals who are looking to become nail technicians, but who havebusy schedules, are interested in learning about nail tech schools online. Some wonder, can I attenda nail tech school online and still qualify to take the board exams?

How much should I expect to pay for online nail technician training? Will the training I receivedrequire me to do an internship? How will I engage in hands-on training? All of these questions areextremely important, and the answer to each question is going to vary depending on thecircumstances in which a student is looking to get their nail technician certification.

The state where an individual is looking to get board certified is going to play a part in answeringsome of the above mentioned questions. Every single state in the United States requires that thevast majority or all of the training hours happen in the classroom.

The reason for this is because a lot of the skills connected to being a nail tech require hands-ontraining. Students will be shown how to carry out a procedure, they will carry out the procedure,receive instructions and then repeat the process again. However, there are many schools that areoffering parts of their nail courses online.

Nail technician schools online focus on teaching students theory. They cover aspects of becoming anail technician that do not require hands-on work.

There are several organizations that offer nail technician certification online oronline nail art school.Individuals who are interested in nail technician schools online may want to look at specialtyschools, such as the MediNail Learning Center, which offers a specialized online certificationprogram designed for individuals who wish to work in the medical field as a medical nail technician.

These individuals may work with a podiatrist in a medical spa.To find out more informationaboutonline nail technician courses check out this page.

Nail Technician Salary How Much Does a Nail Tech Make?

The average nail technician salary is going to vary depending on the state where the nailtechnician is practicing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2013 data, on the low end,a nail technician may expect to receive $16,650. On the high-end they can earn upwards of $29,560.Both of these figures are pre-tip salaries.

There are different factors that will influence the amount of money that a nail technician will make.These factors include the state where they work, if they are self-employed, or if they work for acompany.

The following is a list of average nail technician salaries based on place of employment:

Nail technicians who are employed by a public company will make between $10,174, and $47,166annually.Nail technicians who work at a private company or for a private firm earn between $16,200and $30,000 annually.Nail technicians who work at an organization earn between $12,208 and$31,444.Nail technicians who work in physician offices earn between $20,380 and $29,330annually.Nail technicians who work in the travel industry, department stores, and in recreationalindustries earn between $25,070 and $27,860.

Nail Technicians Wages by Location

As previously mentioned, wages for nail technicians will vary by state.The states of Alaska, Iowa,Tennessee, Kansas and South Dakota are the states that pay technicians the highest.

StateHourly WageWeekly WageMonthly SalaryAnnual SalaryAlaska$14.99$599.6$2597.5$31,170

Iowa$14.18$567.2$2458.33$29,500

Tennessee$13.3$532$2305.83$27,670

Kansas$13.22$528.8$2290.83$27,490

South Dakota$13.04$521.6$2260.83$27,130

Nail technicians looking to work abroad should expect to earn approximately 15,500 ($26,106USD)in the United Kingdom. Those working in Australia will earn between AU$20,500 ($20,500USD) and AU$50,465 ($47,210 USD) annually. Those looking to work in Canada can expect toreceive between C$18,242 ($16,742 USD) and C$37,260($34,180 USD) annually.

Relation between Years of Experience and Salary for Nail Technicians

According to the bureau of labor statistics, on average a nail technician in the United States is goingto start working from between $7.25 an hour and $15.43 an hour. Throughout the course ofemployment, a nail technician can expect to receive wage increases from between $.90 to $7.55. Onaverage, they will receive bonuses throughout the year in total of $986.

The BLS reports that nail technicians with 1 to 4 years of experience should expect to earn between$9,800 and $47,678. Nail technicians with 5 to 9 years of experience should expect their salary toincrease to between $11,548 and $88,188 annually.

Workers with 10 to 19 years of experience can expect between $12,000 and $48,980. Those withmore than 20 years of experience will earn between $9,731 and $49,585 annually. A nail technsalary will also very depending on what they do.

If an individual is a full cosmetologist and they have a license that allows them to do hair, makeup,and skin services, their earning potential skyrockets dramatically. Cosmetologists, before makingmoney through tips, will average between $16,850-$42,360 annually.

Check out this video for the Nail Tech Salary Advice

Job Outlook for Nail Technicians

The outlook for nail technician jobs is phenomenal. According to the industrystatistics that were published in Nails Magazine, the money that people spent on their nails at thesalon over the last year has increased by 12 percent.

It is estimated that more than $8.2 billion was spent on nail care services. It is also estimated thatnail care technicians have had nail tech jobs for more than 12 years.

Career Paths Nail Techs Can Take

The options that are available for nail technicians are endless. Whenyou look at nail technician resumes, you see that they include not only working in salons, but theyalso include working in the medical field. Many nail technicians work as employees in salons andspas.

Others have in-home services where they visit their clients at their home. Some work as managers,and others have gone back to school to be instructors. It is estimated, according to Nails Magazine,that 33 percent of licensed nail techs own their own salon.

Check out this video forCareer Advice on becoming a Nail Technician Franchise Owner.

Typical Day in the Life of a Nail Technician

The typical day of a nail technician is going to be busy. They will startthe morning looking over the appointments that they have and reviewing the clients are coming intothe salon.

They will check the services that they will need to provide and make sure that they have all of thetools necessary. During their free time, they will schedule new appointments and confirm futureappointments.

Nail technicians will spend time preparing their station and making sure that their files, emeryboards, cuticle knifes, and other tools are clean. In this field, attention to detail is everything. Inorder to be a good nail technician, a person must be organized and detail orientated.

When a nail technician meets with the client, they will spend time discussing the challenges they arefacing with their nails. Prior to doing a manicure or pedicure, a nail technician will ask theircustomer about the reason behind the procedure.

Is it a special occasion? Or is it a weekly or bimonthly touch-up that they regularly schedule? Havingthis information will allow the technician to adjust the way that they do the procedure. A manicuristwill take the time to get to know their clients.

They understand that their clients have options when it comes to getting manicures and pedicuresdone, and so they will strive to build customer loyalty by developing strong customer relationships.Their business is built on customer retention and customer referrals.

Finally, the technician will do the manicure orpedicure. They may give the client a brief massage on their hands, their feet, or their calves.

Some oils and lotions may be used in order to help the client feel relaxed. Finally, at the end of theappointment, the technician will schedule the next appointment.

They will emphasize to their client the importance of doing regular maintenance in order to keeptheir nails looking awesome.

Nail technicians have an exciting job. In order to get new customers and to retain customers, theymust transmit the happiness they feel about doing their job to their customers. Customers who aretreated well love to refer their friends to their nail technician. A good technician will continually betaking steps to get their business and their clientele to grow.

Check out this video to get a sense of the typical day as a nail tech.

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