Inspirational images found in leading magazines and the social media pages of top celebrities raises the spotlight on nail art. They awaken a desire within the everyday consumer for beautifully painted nails. There’s no doubt that manicures and pedicures are no longer just a luxury but a necessity for many women and men. Nail technician programs are governed by the state and include all the elements needed to provide safe and quality nail services to the public. Creativity is not enough when it comes to public health and the judicious use of the potentially hazardous substances involved in nail art and artificial nails. It is also essential to develop skills that determine success or failure in the industry. Skills such as effective communication, leadership, flexibility, reliability, and professionalism are a must for any nail technician. To attract and retain clients, you must be able to spot trends, establish trends, create unique customer experiences, and market your skills. These set the foundation for any successful beauty business
San Diego City College
The Manicuring program At San Diego City College provides students with entry-level skills to succeed as a manicurist and improve their opportunity of passing the California State Board licensing exam. The program consists of two sessions, covered in 11 units. Students must achieve a grade C or better in all units to earn the Certificate of Completion. Graduates will be eligible to take the California State Board licensing exam. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Manicuring – Certificate of Achievement
Duration: 16 weeks (full-time) 28 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 400
Units: 11
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Apply for admission to the program
- Request official transcript from high school and any college courses completed to be sent to SDCC
- Complete a personal interview with an Admissions Representative or designee
- Attend a student orientation
- Register and pay for classes
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for resident students. Costs for textbooks, practical kits, uniforms, tools, and equipment are not included.
Website: https://www.sdcity.edu/
Address: 1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101-4787
Phone: (619) 388-3400
Bellus Academy
Bellus Academy offers a nail technician program that exceeds the state required minimum for nail technician training. The curriculum goes beyond the basics of manicuring with a spa treatment training module required for employment in luxury salons and spas. Students will learn all the current trends in nail technology. Through partnerships with leading industry brands like OPI and Minx nails, they are able to give students exposure to the latest innovations and trends. Instructors will cover techniques offered in advanced workshops. These include hot rock, spa nail protocols, aromatherapy, and reflexology for both hands and feet. During the practical classes, students will apply their skills on clients on the clinic floor. Graduates will demonstrate competency with the tools of the trade and be eligible to sit for the State Board exam. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Program overview:
Spa Nail Technician – Certificate
Duration: 5 months (full-time) 6 months (part-time)
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Apply for admission to Bellus Academy
- Provide documentation of completing high school of equivalent
- Schedule and attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Must have a valid state ID and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $10,280.300 includes tuition, books, fees, uniform, and student kit. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://www.bellusacademy.edu/
Address: 13266 Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064
Phone: 858-748-1490
Jasmine Beauty School
The nail technician program at Jasmine Beauty School teaches students who to perform manicures and pedicures, apply nail extensions and acrylics, repair nails, and create nail designs. Students will learn theoretical principles in the classroom but the bulk of the learning will be during practical sessions on the clinic floor. Faculty will use lectures, demonstrations, and interactive sessions in the classroom to cover the required theoretical training. Course topics include disinfection and sanitation, manicures operations, pedicures operations, professionalism, laws and regulations, health and safety considerations, bacteriology, anatomy and physiology, water and oil manicures, hand and arm massage, nail tips, and nail analysis. Students must complete theory and operations with a grade average of 70% or better to graduate from the program. Day and evening classes are offered. The program is taught in both English and Vietnamese.
Program overview:
Manicuring – Certificate
Duration: 15 weeks (full-time) 38 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 400
Prerequisites:
- Complete an application for enrollment
- Submit a record of completing high school or GED
- Applicants without a high school diploma must be over 18 years old and have completed up to the 10th grade
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $75
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid state ID and social security card
Program cost:
Tuition for the program is $1,775. Books and supplies cost an additional $425. The registration fee is $75. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://www.jasminebeautyschool.com/
Address: 5911 University Ave, Suite #318, San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 1 (619)269-5720
Email: admin@jasminebeautyschool.com
American Beauty Institute
The nail technician program at American Beauty Institute prepares students for success on the California State Board licensing exam. The curriculum provides both theoretical and practical preparation for a career in the beauty industry. It will cover basic manicures, pedicures, sanitation and sterilization procedures, nail care, grooming, basic nail artistry, silk treatments, and artificial nails. As instructors cover various techniques, students will have a unique opportunity to develop skills and broaden their creativity through full-service training in an active clinic. The school will also facilitate professional seminars and demonstrations by guest artists. Students must maintain a theory grade of 75% and pass a final written and practical exam to graduate from the program. Graduates will be prepared to take the practical and theory exam required for licensure as a nail technician in California. Part-time and full-time schedules are available.
Program overview:
Manicuring – Certificate
Duration: 15 weeks (full-time) 38 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 400
Prerequisites:
- Must have graduated from high school or earned a GED
- Applicants without a high school diploma or GED must have satisfactory scores on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test – Verbal 200 Quantitative 210
- Must pay the published tuition and fees
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have a valid state ID and social security card
Program cost:
The program cost of $4,601.50 includes tuition, registration fee, STRF fee, books, and materials. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://www.americanbeautyinst.org/
Address: 4625 Convoy Street #A, San Diego CA 92111
Phone: (858) 560 – 1088
Fax: (858) 560 – 1088
Email: info@AmericanBeautyInst.org
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology
Palomar Institute of Cosmetology offers a nail technician programs that provides in-depth training in nail care using OPI Nail Technology. Training begins in the classroom and is followed by practical exercises and service of clients in the student salon. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, bacteriology, spa quality manicures and pedicures, nail art, nail repair, and specialty wraps. Instructors will also cover review exercises to support students’ success on the state board exam. Graduates will be prepared for success on the licensing exam and to start a rewarding career as a manicurist, nail specialist, product sales rep, or platform artist. Day and evening schedules are offered.
Program overview:
Manicuring – Certificate
Duration: 11 weeks (full-time) 16 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 400
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid state ID and social security card
- Must have a high school diploma or GED or pass an admission assessment
- Complete an application for admission and pay the non-refundable registration fee of $200
Program cost:
The program cost of $4,997.50 includes tuition, registration fee, STRF fee, books, and supplies. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://www.pic.edu/
Address: 355 Via Vera Cruz #3, San Marcos, CA 92078
Phone: (760) 744-7900
Email: contactus@pic.edu
California Hair Design Academy
The manicurist program at California Hair Design Academy provides students up-to-date skills and techniques to provide services such as manicuring, pedicuring, nail art design, and application of artificial nails according to the guidelines of the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Technical instruction will include laws and regulations, manicuring chemistry, health and safety, hazardous substances, disinfection and sanitation, water and oil manicures, complete pedicure, application of nail tips, and application of nail wraps. included in the student kit. Students must attend classes regularly and pass the assigned tests with a grade of 70% or better to graduate from the program. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm or from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for the evening class.
Program overview:
Manicurist – Certificate
Duration: 20 weeks (full-time) 24 weeks (part-time)
Contact hours: 400
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid state ID and social security card
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed a GED certificate
- Applicants without a high school diploma or GED must pass an admission assessment
- Submit a completed application and registration fee
Program cost:
The program cost of $4,725 includes tuition, registration fee, STRF fee, books, and student kit. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
Website: https://chdaschools.com/
Address: 8011 University Avenue, Suite A-2, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: [619] 461-8600
Email: info@chdaschools.com
Advance Beauty College
Advance Beauty College offers an advanced manicuring program that give students a competitive edge in the industry. Through partnerships with leading brands like CND, Bio Deaweed Gel, Color Club, Skyline Beauty Supply, and Whale Spa Advance Beauty College gives students an opportunity to learn comprehensive nail theory in a state-of-the-art facility. Apart from classroom learning, students will provide services in spa manicure and spa pedicures using exfoliating scrubs, warm towel applications, moisturizing masks, and enhanced massage techniques. They will also use professional nail enhancement systems such as sculptured gel application, dipping powder system, electric file, and white acrylic application. The school offers an externship opportunity for students who after completing 60% of the coursework will gain professional experience while still in school. The program is offered in traditional as well as hybrid formats. Instruction is delivered in English and Vietnamese.
Program overview:
Advanced Manicuring – Certificate
Duration: 11-30 weeks
Contact hours: 600
Prerequisites:
- Submit documentation of successfully completing high school or its equivalent
- Applicants without a high school diploma or equivalent must be at least 18 years old
- Apply for admission to the program
- Provide a photo ID and an original signed social security card
- Eligible non-citizens must provide alien documentation
Program cost:
The total program cost of $5,720 for on campus instruction includes tuition, registration, student kit, and books. The cost for hybrid learners is $4,995.
Website: https://advancebeautycollege.com/
Address: 25332 McIntyre Street, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: (949) 951-8883