Nail Technician Course Description
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5092.00
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0410
The curriculum involves 300 hours to satisfy Utah state requirements. The course includes instruction and practical experience in manicures, pedicures, massage, customer service, personal appearance & hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.
*Graduates are prepared for an entry level nail technician.
This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English language.
Nail Technician Course overview
Course Hours: 300 Clock Hours
The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinical service learning experiences.
- Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 50 hours are devoted to classroom workshops, demonstration, and practical experience. You will learn nail principles, technical information, and professional practices.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: The remaining 250 hours are spent in the clinic classroom area, gaining practical experience.
Nail Technician Course Outline
Your time at Paul Mitchell The School Salt Lake City for the nail technician program will be divided into three designations:
- Core Curriculum: This 50-hour time period is dedicated to exploring foundational knowledge and basic nails procedures. You will receive individual attention in practical workshops, and you will complete monthly worksheets and periodic tests throughout the course. This is an intense and exciting portion of your experience.
- Mentor Learning Experience: Your remaining 250 hours will be spent in a clinic classroom environment. You will dress, act, and work like a beauty industry professional. You will use your own technical and therapeutic abilities, coupled with the assistance of Learning Leaders, to provide service to guests. You will make discoveries and learn relationship-building skills that will ensure your success in this exciting, diverse field.
- Theory Classroom Learning Experience: Your theory classroom time from 250 to 300 hours will be spent in theory class.
Nail Technician Course Subjects
The instructional program of Paul Mitchell The School Salt Lake City meets or exceeds the state requirements.
| Subject | Required Objectives Include | Objective Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Overview of Curriculum | 0.5 | |
| History of nail technology | 0.5 | |
| Implements, tools, and equipment for nail technology including electrical equipment based on technology and industry advancements | 5.5 | |
| Anatomy and physiology of nails and skin | 10 | |
| Diseases and disorders of the nails or skin prevention | Bacteriology; sanitation; sterilization; decontamination; and infection control | 20 |
| Personal, client, and shop safety | First aid; disinfection methods and procedures; sterilization methods and procedures; aseptic techniques; sanitary procedures; blood exposure procedures; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations; safety data sheet; and department of Health and Human Services regulations including Section 26B-7-402 and Rule R392-702; | 15 |
| Chemistry for nail technology | 10 | |
| Theory of basic manicures and basic pedicures | 5 | |
| Artificial nail techniques | Wraps; nail tips; gel nails; and other acrylic nails | 15 |
| Sculptured nails | Hard gel; poly gel; acrylic nail | 15 |
| Law and rule | 2 | |
| Business and shop management | Developing a clientele; professional image; professional ethics; professional associations; public relations; and advertising | 25 |
| Legal issues | Malpractice liability; regulatory agencies; and tax laws | 5 |
| Elective topics | 10 | |
| Preparation for licensing in surrounding states (400 hour program only) | 100 |
Minimum Service Counts for the Nail Technician License
| Service Count Category | Minimum Service Count | Service Count Clock Hour | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural manicure including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Natural pedicure including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Sculptured nails including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Artificial nails including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Removal of artificial or sculptured nails including the use of manual or e-file | 5 | 0.5 | 2.5 |
| Smooth, shave or remove dead skin from the feet using blades, including corn or callus planer, or rasp | 7 | 0.25 | 1.75 |
| Massage the hands, feet, lower arms, or lower legs by manual means | shall complete with each service count | time included in each service count | time included in each service count |
| Client consultation | shall complete with each service count | 0.25 | 13 |
| Sanitation, sterilization, decontamination, and infection control | shall complete with each service count | 0.25 | 13 |
| Electives based on technology and industry advancements |
|
| 60.75 |
| Nail Technology practical exam review | 1 | 4 | 4 |
*The time included in each service count cannot be accurately determined until the service has been fully completed.
The institution offers employment assistance to help graduates’ efforts to secure education-related employment that includes, but is not limited to training in professionalism, resume’ development, job interview preparation and job search skills.
Nail Technician Program Testing and Grading Procedure
The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 300-hour course:
- Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on each assigned theory exam.
- Final exam: This test covers an overview of all related nail technology (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.), Utah State law and other covered nail technology exams. Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams.
- Clinic practical worksheets: Students must complete all clinic practical worksheets.
Nail Technician Instructional Techniques and Methods
The Nail Technician 300 clock hour course is provided through a sequential set of learning steps which address specific tasks necessary for State Board preparation, graduation and job entry level skills. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. Each student will receive instruction that relates to the performance of useful, creative and productive career oriented activities. The course is presented through well-developed lesson plans that reflect the latest educational methods. Subjects are presented by means of lecture, demonstration, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.