Nail technicians, like other professionals in the beauty industry, experience a joy of service that is unmatched by few other professions. There is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from pleasing a customer and providing a service that makes clients feel good about themselves. Such is the case for many nail technicians who, guided by their creativity, answer the call and enter an industry that is recognizing explosive growth.
Enrolling in a nail technician educational program is a vital first step to providing nail care services. The program will cover the fundamentals of manicuring, pedicuring, sanitation, nail orders, acrylics, nail art, and nail sculpture. Preparation for salon ownership is an essential part of the program. Courses in marketing, client relationships, customer service, and business relationships will not only foster independence in practice but also encourage and inspire it.
The path to a career in nail technology varies from state to state. In Arizona, you must complete an approved program comprising of at least 600 contact hours of theory and practical activities in a clinic. With your certificate or diploma in hand, your next step is to apply to the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology to take the licensure exam. The exam is administered by Professional Credential Services. PCS will assign an appointment date to take the exam after the Board confirms your eligibility. You will receive your credential to operate as a licensed nail technician after passing both the theory and practical examinations. Licenses must be renewed yearly.
GateWay Community College
The Nail Technician Certificate program at GateWay Community College helps students develop skills to meet the requirements of the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology for a nail technician. A licensed instructor will cover theory and practical training that students will need to provide nail services. Students will learn proper steps in safety, sanitation, shaping of the fingernails and toenails, how to apply product, nail sculpture, removing calluses, design art, nail enhancements, customer service skills, marketing, laws and regulations, and business practices. The certificate program follows a format that allows for quick entry into the workforce. The first 16 weeks of the training will cover theory and hands-on demonstration. Students will then move to a nail salon where they will provide nail services to the public under the supervision of an instructor. A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who complete the course hours with a score of 80% or higher. A certificate does not guarantee receipt of Nail Technician License in Arizona or any other state. Graduates will know how to establish and maintain a clientele, adhere to sanitation practices and requirements, and practice within the guidelines of state laws that are specific to nail technicians.
Program overview:
Nail Technology Certificate
Duration: 7 months
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Meet the state minimum age requirement
- Submit a copy of a valid state or federal issued photo ID
- Submit a copy of high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit a completed application for admission
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $4,665 and includes tuition, lab, and estimated book fee. The registration fee of $15 is not included.
Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/nail-technician
Address: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8000
Turning Point Beauty
The nail technology program at Turning Point Beauty prepares students for licensure as a nail technician. The state-approved program covers 600 clock hours of theory and practical instruction in the science of beautifying hands, feet and nails. The curriculum includes orientation; theory, principles, nail tech, AZ law and rules; manicuring, pedicuring, and product information; nail wraps -fiberglass product and procedure; creative touch nail art; disinfection procedures and materials; and gel nail applications, UV and LED types, product and procedure. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level employment in a salon and for success on the state board exam.
Program overview:
Certificate in Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist
Duration: 7 months
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- A high school diploma or GED – Ability to Benefit students are not accepted
- Provide a valid state ID and social security card
- Submit a completed enrollment application
- Submit a copy of birth certificate or green card
- Provide the most recent years’ taxes
Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $6,300 for in-state and out-of-state students. Books and supplies cost an additional $855.
Website: https://turningpointbeauty.com/programs/
Address: 5127 W. Indian School Road, Suite 125, Phoenix, AZ 85031
Phone: (623) 846-1476
Academy of Nails
The nail technician program at the Academy of Nails covers the basics of manicuring and pedicuring, the chemistry of nail enhancements, and state board exam prep. The curriculum contains three modules. Module I includes four weeks of pre-clinic and two weeks on the clinic floor; module II includes weekly theory and exams, evaluations, and nail enhancement skills; and module III covers perfecting technique and business building skills. Students will learn the science and process of acrylic, nail structure, safety and sanitation, basics of disinfection, nail enhancements, independence, salon ownership, nail protocols, and exam prep. A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who complete the written and practical exam.
Program overview:
Nail Technology Certificate
Duration: 20 weeks
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Meet with an Admissions Officer
- Review the school catalog
- Complete the admissions packet
- Must be 18 years or above
- Applicants under 18 must provide proof of education including a high school diploma or GED
- Provide a picture ID -driver’s license or state ID
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $6,395 and includes tuition, registration fee, and kit.
Website: https://www.academyofnails.net/
Address: 3553 W Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone: (602) 995-5666
Email: academyofnail@aol.com
Empire Beauty School
The nail technology program offered by Empire Beauty School helps students fulfill the state requirements for licensure. Theory and practical instruction will cover manicuring, pedicuring, nail extensions, skin and nail disorders, and salon management. Students will learn proper steps in safety, sanitation, shaping of the fingernails and toenails, how to apply product, nail sculpture, removing calluses, design art, nail enhancements, customer service skills, marketing, laws and regulations, and business practices. Graduates will be eligible to take the state licensure exam to assume entry-level employment as a licensed nail technician.
Program overview:
Nail Technology Diploma
Duration: 21 weeks (full-time) 43 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Meet the state minimum age requirement
- Submit a copy of a valid state or federal issued photo ID
- Submit a copy of high school diploma or equivalent – Ability to Benefit is not accepted by Empire Beauty School
- Attend a Career Planning interview
- Complete the Enrollment Package and pay the required fee
Program cost:
The cost of the program is $5,175 and includes tuition, registration fee, and application fee.
Website: https://www.empire.edu/cosmetology-schools/arizona/phoenix-glendale
Address: 2727 W. Glendale Ave #200 Phoenix, AZ 85051
Phone: (602) 249-1262