The nail salon is a popular destination, and professionally trained nail specialists are in demand. If you’re creative and have a passion for nail art, a nail technology program could help you to prepare for an exciting career in the beauty industry. Since nail technicians are not bound by the traditional working hours, you’ll have the flexibility to work on your own schedule and terms. Nail technicians also have a wide range of career opportunities, excellent earning potential, a chance to work with influential people.
Nail technicians in New York State must obtain a license to practice from the New York State of Licensing Bureau. State-approved programs cover the topics mandated by the Bureau to prepare adults with knowledge and skills to pass the licensing exam and become capable nail care professionals.
Christine Valmy
The Nail Specialty course offered by Christine Valmy covers the art and science of nails. The coursework will seek to inspire creativity and give a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology through theory and practical coursework. A diverse range of topics will not only prepare students to provide a full scope of nail services but also successfully manage business-related matters. Graduates will have a competitive edge through their knowledge of best practices. The school offers various schedules to help students achieve educational goals while managing other responsibilities. Part-time classes meet Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for 18 weeks and Wednesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for 12 weeks. The weekend class meets Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for 18 weeks.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty
Duration: 12 to 18 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Safety, Health and First Aid, Anatomy & Physiology of the Nail, Bacteria & Infectious Diseases, Methods of Infection Control, Client Consultation, Manicure & Hand/Arm Massage, Pedicure, Tip Application, Nail Wraps, Liquid & Powder Extensions, Gel Nails, Job Skills, Nail Art, Business Practices
Prerequisites:
- A passion for the profession
- A completed application for admission
- Attend a personal interview with an enrollment officer
- Complete the Enrollment Agreement
- Complete a school tour
- Pay the registration fee of $100
- Must have a high school diploma, GED or college degree
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
The estimated cost for tuition and fees is $2,400. Books and supplies are additional.
Website: https://www.christinevalmy.com/
Address: 1501 Broadway, Suite 700, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-779-7800
Fax: 212-779-2832
New York Institute of Beauty
The Nail Specialty program at New York Institute of Beauty prepares students for a career as a nail specialist. Theory and practical instruction will support the development of technical skills to give graduates a competitive edge in the industry. Business coursework will pave the way for students to own and operate a nail services business. Graduates will be prepared to apply for licensure in the state of New York.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty
Duration: 12 to 18 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Safety & Health, Anatomy & Physiology of the Nail, Hand, Arm, Foot, and Leg, Bacteria & Infectious Diseases: Nail, Foot, Skin Disorders and Diseases, Methods of Infection Control, Client Consultation, Manicuring & Hand/Arm Massage, Pedicuring, Tip Application & Design, Nail Wraps, Liquid & Powder Extensions, Gel Nails, Job Skills, Nail Art, Business Practices, Retailing Techniques, Unassigned
Prerequisites:
- Must be 17 years or older
- A completed New York Institute of Beauty application form with the non-refundable registration fee of $100
- Complete the Enrollment Agreement
- Must have a high school diploma, GED or college degree
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
The estimated cost for tuition and fees is $9,795. Books and supplies are not included in the cost.
Website: https://www.nyib.edu/
Address: 11 Oval Drive, Suite #180, Islandia, NY 11749
Phone: 631-615-4964
American Beauty Institute
The Nail Specialist program at American Beauty Institute trains adults to become competent Nail Service Technicians. The coursework will cover the fundamentals and anatomy and physiology, infection control, and safety in conjunction with courses that are designed to develop skills and creativity. Graduates will be prepared to apply for licensure in New York and for entry-level employment. Various class schedules are available to accommodate working professionals.
Program overview:
Nail Specialist
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Safety & Health, Anatomy & Physiology, Bacteria & Infectious Diseases, Methods of Infection Control, Client Consultation, Manicuring & Hand/Arm Massage, Pedicuring, Tip Application & Design, Nail Wrapping, Liquid & Powder Extensions, Gel Nail Applications, Job Skills, Nail Art Techniques, Business Practices, State Board Prep
Prerequisites:
- Must be 17 years or older
- Attend a personal interview
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
A flexible payment plan is available for all students.
Website: https://beautyinstitute.us/
Address: 30 W. 32nd Street 4th Fl., New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 564-2555
Alt: (212) 564-9300
Email: abischoolny@gmail.com
Nail Skin & Hair Institute
The Nail Specialty course offered by Nail, Skin & Hair Institute helps students develop technical skills and creativity for success a nail specialist. The curriculum includes 250 hours of theory and practical instruction in manicuring and pedicuring, wraps, gels, and acrylics. It will also cover the latest techniques in the industry.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Liquid and Powder Nail, Safety and Health, Nail Extensions, Anatomy and Physiology, Gel Nails, Bacteria and Diseases, Methods of Infection Control, Retailing Techniques, Client Consultation, Business Practices, Tip Application, Nail Art, Job Skills, and Manicuring/Pedicuring
Prerequisites:
- Must be 17 years or older
- Attend a personal interview
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
New classes begin each month. Contact the school for a current schedule and cost.
Website: https://nailskinhairinstitute.edu/
Address: 3709 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756
Phone: 516-520-4800
American Beauty School Inc.
The Nail Specialty course offered by the American Beauty School Inc. uses the Milady Standard Nail Technology course materials which cover a wide range of skills to produce well-rounded nail technician graduates. Apart from specialty courses, students will also learn marketing techniques, communication, and business skills to operate successful businesses. The state-approved course covers 250 hours of instruction and prepares students to take the state board exam offered in a convenient location in the Bronx.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
History and Career Opportunities, Life Skills, Your Professional Image, Communicating for Success, Infection Control: Principles and Practices, General Anatomy and Physiology, Skin Structure, Growth, and Nutrition, Nail Structure and Growth, Nail Disorders and Diseases, Basics of Chemistry, Nail Product Chemistry Simplified, Basics of Electricity, Manicuring, Pedicuring, Electric Filing, Nail Tips and Wraps, Monomer Liquids and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements, UV and LED Gels, The Creative Touch, Seeking Employment, On the Job, The Salon Business
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $9,280. It includes the registration fee, books, and equipment.
Website: https://americanbeautyschool.edu/
Address: 1380 Metropolitan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462
Phone: (718) 285-9850
Modern International Beauty School
Modern International Beauty School is licensed by the NYS Education Department so graduates will be eligible to apply for New York State licensure as a Nail Technician. Students will obtain essential knowledge and skills to work as nail technicians. Experienced instructors will focus on hands-on training in the school’s salon clinic, giving students the opportunity to perfect their skills. This first-hand experience will prepare graduates to manage real-life situations.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
History and Career Opportunities, Life Skills, Your Professional Image, Communicating for Success, Infection Control: Principles and Practices, General Anatomy and Physiology, Skin Structure, Growth, and Nutrition, Nail Structure and Growth, Nail Disorders and Diseases, Basics of Chemistry, Nail Product Chemistry Simplified, Basics of Electricity, Manicuring, Pedicuring, Electric Filing, Nail Tips and Wraps, Monomer Liquids and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements, UV and LED Gels, The Creative Touch, Seeking Employment, On the Job, The Salon Business
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid photo ID and social security card
- Pay the registration fee of $50
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $1,450. It includes the registration fee, books, and equipment.
Website: http://www.mibeautyschoolny.com/index.html
Address: 4802 8th Ave. (778 48th St.) Brooklyn NY 11220
Phone: 718-686-6188
Alt: 718-435-8448
Beauty Beauty International School
The state-approved Nail Specialty course at BBIS prepares students to take the state licensure exam for a career as a nail specialist. The training will cover a wide range of essential skills that will give graduates the confidence to provide a range of nail services and to manage a successful business. Flexible schedules are available to meet the needs of full-time students and working professionals.
Program overview:
Nail Specialty
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Anatomy and Physiology, Bacterial and Infectious Disease, Business Practices, Client Consultation, Correcting and Repairs, Gel Nail Applications, Infection Control, Job Skills, Liquid and Powder Extensions, Manicuring/Hand and Arm Massage, Nail Art Technique, Nail Wrapping, Pedicuring, Professional Ethics, Safety and Health, The Application and Design
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- A valid photo ID and social security card
- Pay the registration fee of $50
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $1,180. Books cost $300. The registration fee is $20.
Website: https://www.bbischool.com/
Address: 41 Seventh Ave. South, New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-343-2680
Brittany Beauty Academy
The nail technician program at Brittany Beauty Academy is open to persons with and without nail care experience. The state-approved curriculum is designed to develop personal creativity and career direction as a nail technician. Certified instructors will prepare students to take the New York State Board Exam to obtain a nail technology license.
Program overview:
Nail Technology
Duration: 12 weeks
Contact hours: 250 hours
Courses:
Orientation, Safety and Health, Anatomy and Physiology of the Nail, Hand, Arm, Foot and Leg, Bacteria and Infectious Diseases; Nail, Foot, Skin Disorders and Diseases, Methods of Infection Control, Client Consultation, Manicuring and Hand/Arm Massage, Pedicure, Nail Art, Retailing Techniques, Nail Wraps, Tip Application and Design, Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions, Gel Nails, Job Skills
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16.5 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED or pass a written entrance exam
- Must pass a personal interview with a licensed agent of school director
- Spanish students must take the SLE exam and pass with a minimum score of 15
- A valid photo ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $3,500. The kit costs $900 and registration is $100.
Website: https://brittanyacademy.edu/
Address: 210 E 188 St, 2nd FL. Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: 718-220-0400
Other State-Approved Nail Specialty Schools in New York City
AA Plus Beauty Plus
154-05 Northern Boulevard Rm. 309,
Queens, NY 11354
(718) 886-5911
How Long Does it Take To Become a Nail Technician in New York City?
Nail technicians must be licensed to offer nail enhancement services in New York. The first step to licensure is to complete a 250-hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations. Nail specialty programs take approximately 12 weeks to complete full-time.
Do You Need a License to Become a Nail Technician in New York?
“The practice of “nail specialty” means providing services for a fee or any consideration or exchange to cut, shape or to enhance the appearance of the nails of the hands or feet.” New York Department of State.
It includes the application and removal of sculptured or artificial nails.
You must obtain a Nail Specialty License to work on nail appearance. The license is issued by the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS). It will cover your practice as an individual. If you plan to operate your own business, you will need a separate license for Appearance Enhancement.
How To Obtain a Nail Specialty License in New York?
You may apply for your license on the New York State e-Licensing system after securing a NY.gov ID account.
To apply for a Nail Specialty license, you must:
- Be 17 years old
- Have completed a 250-hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations – the school director must complete the New York State Approved Schooling section of the application
- Submit a physical exam report conducted and signed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The examining physician must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application
- You must complete a 1- hour course on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness.
- Pay the initial application fee of $40
Once issued, the license will be valid for 4 years.
You may apply for a New York state Nail Trainee temporary license.
To apply for a Nail Specialty Trainee license, you must:
- Be 17 years old
- Submit a physical exam report conducted and signed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The examining physician must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application
- Work under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist
- Be employed by a licensed Appearance Enhancement Business
The trainee license, once issued, is valid for one year.
If you have been educated outside of New York State or the United States, you may be eligible for a temporary license. The DOS may waive the educational requirement if your training meets or exceeds the state requirement. A transcript of your school will be required.
If you can provide at least 5 years’ experience in a similar profession, you may apply to the DOS for a license based on your experience.
If you hold a Nail Specialty license in another jurisdiction, you may qualify for a New York State license through endorsement.
Do I Have to Take An Exam for a Nail Technician License in New York?
You must take and pass both a written and practical exam to obtain your nail specialty license in New York.
You may schedule your appearance enhancement examinations on the New York State e-Licensing system.
On the day of the exam, you must:
- Walk with a form of government issued photo ID – driver’s license, passport, state issued ID, etc
- Provide a copy of your examination confirmation including your candidate number
- Follow the exam site policies as it relates to cell phones and electronic devices, smoking, books, reference materials, firearms, and visitors
The written exam is multiple-choice and tests your understanding of the nail technology curriculum covered in the course. The duration of the test is 2.5 hours.
The practical exam will exam a specific set of tasks also covered in the pre-licensure curriculum.
How Much Does a Nail Technician Make in New York?
A nail technician working in someone’s else salon may earn a base salary of $24,560 annually. Overtime work, experience, skills, and tips may increase your total income.