Nail Technician: Diploma Program Summary

About this article
There are many career opportunities for personal appearance professionals. While competition for higher paying salons and studios will be heavy, well-trained specialists should fare well in the job market. Nail technicians, also called manicurists and pedicurists, are specialists in caring for the nails, grooming and coloring them to client tastes.
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Why Earn a Nail Technician Diploma?

Career Possibilities:

Students who take and pass licensing examinations for a nail technician are qualified to work in the field. That can take the form of a nail studio, a hair salon that offers nail services and day spas. Some nail technicians, especially those with business training, are self-employed. Other licensed nail techs work as personal assistants or for cosmetic companies in the nail product lines. A personable character and good communication skills are a must-have in all of these career choices.

Nail artists also apply polishes, color and designs to nails. Technicians skilled in painting will be highly competitive in the market. Employment in the personal appearance field is expected to grow about as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, due to the growth of the nail care industry, nail technician opportunities will grow faster than average.

Specifics About the Degree:

Most cosmetician education lasts up to two years, but nail tech programs generally take less time to complete. Many programs are distance learning based and students can work within their own schedule and family constraints.

Courses in the nail tech program include:

  • Business Practices
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Basics in Manicures and Pedicures
  • Chemistry
  • Treatments
  • Sanitation and Hygiene
  • Nail Art

Salaries in the nail tech field vary greatly by region and salon and customer tips (which are often based on the price of the service). Generally, this employment group including earned between $12,920, and $35,990 in 2004.

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