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What Does a Nail Tech Do?
Nail technicians not only perform manicures and pedicures, but also advise clients on the best way to take care of their skin and nails and promote the sale of certain products. There are a variety of tools used in this line of work and technicians must learn how to keep them properly sanitized and safe. Working with nails involves a lot of sitting and bending over as well as exposure to chemicals. Many nail technicians also run their own successful businesses and must be trained in business, inventory, hiring, and supervisory practices. A good nail technician must have people skills, creativity, and hand-eye coordination.
Nail technician training is typically part of a college cosmetology program. It is not usually offered as a complete program online, but there are some institutions that offer a portion of their nail tech classes online.
What to Expect From a Nail Technician School
Students considering nail technician school online must make their decision based on several key factors. Nail technicians and other beauty and cosmetology professionals are responsible for clients' personal appearance. Normally, cosmetology programs and courses for nail technicians are not available in online form because of the hands-on nature of the professional skills involved. However, students can take some of the prerequisite courses through distance learning programs at various colleges. Students must also weigh the requirements for licensing in their particular state.
Program Availability and Type
Online-only nail technician schools are not available, but some non-professional programs could be available from select institutions. Normally nail technician education programs must be completed at a traditional educational institution, whether it be a college with a cosmetology program or a beauty school with a program specifically for nail technicians. Students can complete some prerequisite classes in anatomy and physiology online, and some personal enrichment courses in nail care and cosmetology are available from some institutions.
Students may at times be able to find cosmetology programs that allow them to take other prerequisite courses online. Some programs also allow students to transfer those prerequisite credits in from an institution that does have online classes.
Licensing Requirements
Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but commonly nail technicians must complete a state-approved cosmetology program and register with the state to complete their cosmetology license. Because of the hands-on nature of the profession, states do not normally approve nail technician programs that do not present the bulk of their material in a traditional learning environment. Students should ensure that a program meets their state's licensing requirements before enrolling.
Nail Tech School Online Program Options
While 100% online programs in this field aren't typically available, multiple community or technical colleges offer education options for those who can spend some time on campus.
Hybrid Programs
- St. Paul College offers a nail technician certificate program. This certificate program covers topics such as shaping, cleaning, and caring for nails, as well as artificial nail techniques. This certificate program is offered through a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person classes. The school also offers cosmetology diploma and associate's degree programs that include nail care training, and students can take online and hybrid courses to complete the curriculum.
- Everett Community College has a cosmetology training program that covers nail, skin, and hair care. Students can complete some classes in a hybrid format, and flexible scheduling with weekend classes are available.
Schools with Online Nail Technician Courses
The following schools offer online courses for nail technicians. These courses are not part of nail tech certification programs, but they do contain valuable information and are worth checking out.
- Udemy.com offers several different nail tech classes, such as Expert Nail Technician, Your Guide to Becoming the Best Nail Tech, Gel Polish Decorations, and Create Your Own Nail Salon from Home. These video courses run from a few lectures to over fifty. Courses at all levels and price ranges are available.
- International Open Academy has an online nail technician course for beginners. Students learn about skin care, hand and foot massage, and recognizing nail disorders in addition to standard manicure, pedicure, and nail art instruction. This may be a good option for those who want to see if becoming a nail technician is right for them.
- Courses for Success offers a self-paced 150-hour Nail Technician online course, which teaches you not only how to do nails, but also how to create a successful nail technician business. This is a more expensive online option, but it may be worth looking into prior to attending an in-person nail technician program.
Advanced Programs
After gaining hands-on training as a nail tech, individuals can pursue online cosmetology business and law programs. These programs are normally intended for beauty professionals who wish to advance their careers into a management position, or for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business. Common courses for a cosmetology business and law program are:
- Business management
- Cosmetology regulations
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Basic anatomy and physiology
How to Become a Licensed Nail Technician Online
After completing an accredited, state-approved nail technician program, you must take both a written and practical exam. The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology website offers exams recognized by many states, as well as practice tests and information about nail tech certification online. You can also look at your own state's certification website to see if they allow you to get your nail technician license online. The National Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACAMS) website has a detailed chart on the requirements for each state and how to contact your state's licensing board. For example, in Washington state, you must have 1600 school hours, 2000 apprentice hours, and pass both the written and practical exams. The exams for Washington have to be done in person and cannot be completed online, however other states may allow for an online written exam.
Job Outlook for Nail Technicians
All manicurists and pedicurists, including nail technicians, made an average of $25,770 per year in 2019. In the next 10 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that job growth will be 19% for those in this profession. The growing amount of new nail and beauty salons in addition to turnover in the industry means that job opportunities are good. New types of nail services, such as mobile manicures, are expected to grow as well.
Because of licensure requirements, fully online programs to become a nail technician are not generally available. One reason for this is the importance of practicing your skills in a salon-like environment. Hybrid programs are a good solution that combine online courses with in-person training requirements.