Nail Technician Course Description

nail technician Course Description

Nail Technician: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5092.00
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0410 
The curriculum involves 150 hours to satisfy Virginia state requirements. The course is structured to provide basic training and hands-on experience in various nail care techniques and professional skills. Areas of instruction include manicures, pedicures, sculpted nails and nail tips, nail removal, nail wraps, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, and state laws and regulations.

*Graduates are prepared to be entry level nail technician.

This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English Language.
The nail technician course is an approved program through DPOR, COE, SCHEV, and USDE.

nail technician PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Nail Technician 150-Hour Program is designed to train students in practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional attitudes necessary to pursue licensure and prepare for opportunities in the nail technician profession.

nail technician Course Overview

Course Hours: 150 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinical service learning experiences.

  1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction: The initial hours are devoted to classroom workshops, demonstration, and practical experience. You will learn nail principles, technical information, and professional practices.
  2. Clinic Learning Experience: The remaining hours are spent in the clinic classroom area where practical experience is gained.

nail technician Course Outline

The Nail Technician Course is 150 hours in length to become a licensed Nail Technician. Our curriculum is broken up into 2 designations. 

  1. Core/Protégé’ Curriculum:  This multi-week pre-clinical orientation focuses on building a strong foundational knowledge of nail care and techniques. Students are assessed through written, oral, and practical evaluations. Successful completion of the Core curriculum is required before progressing to the Protégé phase, ensuring a smooth transition into the hands-on clinic experience.
  2. Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: In this phase, students will refine their skills in a professional clinic setting, working with real clients under the guidance of experienced Learning Leaders. This hands-on training enhances technical expertise, professionalism, and client relationship-building. Additionally, students will participate in mini-classes, complete skills tracker, and undergo evaluations to further support their growth and prepare them for a successful career in the industry.

nail technician Course Subjects

The instructional program at Paul Mitchell The School Roanoke meets or exceeds state requirements. The following subjects are taught in both the brick-and-mortar and hybrid programs:

Subject

Clock Hours of
Classroom Instruction

Clock Hours of
Lab Instruction

Minimum Hours
of Instruction

Orientation 
School policies and procedures, professional image, state law, regulations, and professional ethics and practices

8

 

8

Sanitation and Disinfection
Sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, microbiology, infection control, safety and first aid

2

6

8

Anatomy and Physiology
Building blocks of human anatomy, and basic body systems

8

0

8

Diseases & Disorders of the Nail
Identification, causes, characteristics of common nail diseases, disorders, and conditions

8

0

8

Nail Theory
Nail composition, growth, functions, factors affecting nail health, conditions impacting nails and skin, consultations, and business practices for nail technicians

16

0

16

Nail Procedures

Manicures: Nail shaping, cuticle care, and polish application with a focus on nail health and aesthetics.

4

16

20

Pedicures: Foot care, exfoliation, massage, and polish application with emphasis on hygiene and client comfort.

4

18

22

Sculptured Nails and Nail Tips: Application of acrylics, gels, and nail tips with a focus on durability and aesthetics.

4

28

32

Nail Removals: Safe removal of acrylics, gels, and wraps while preserving natural nail integrity.

4

10

14

Nail Wraps: Application and maintenance of silk, fiberglass, and linen wraps for nail strength and repair.

4

10

14

TOTAL HOURS

62

88

150

Students enrolled in the Nail Technician program with distance education will complete a portion of their theory education through online learning. Distance Education hours and assignments are graded and recorded daily. Theory chapter exams, final exams and evaluations must be completed within the school facility.

The curriculum requirements for nail technician must include the following minimum performances:

PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Performances

Manicures

30

Pedicures

15

Individual Sculptured Nails & Nail Tips

200

Individual Removals

10

Individual Nail Wraps

20

TOTAL

275

nail technician PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE

Paul Mitchell the School Roanoke offers Future Professionals the option to enroll in either a traditional brick-and-mortar or a hybrid schedule that includes distance education. In the hybrid program, only the theory portions of the curriculum can be completed online, while practical instruction must take place in a traditional classroom setting.

The following tests and grading procedures are incorporated during the student’s 150-hour course:  

  1. Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on each assigned theory exam. Exams are completed at the conclusion of each online theory module. Depending on the length of the distance education module, theory exams will occur weekly or bi-monthly. The theory exams will evaluate the student’s academic performance for each subject of the distance education curriculum.
  2. Core written and practical skills evaluation: Students must receive a grade of 75% or higher on each written exam and each practical skill exam in order to complete the Core program. The exams are an overview of instruction taught during the Core schedule. All Core written and practical skill exams must be passed with a 75% in order to transition to the Clinic Classroom. If students are unable to pass each exam after two attempts, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program and re-enroll in the next available Core class start date. Exams are completed at the conclusion of each theory module.
  3. Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Progress in practical skill assessments and instructional hours will be digitally tracked by the Future Professional Advisor using the Course Key app. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed to fulfill the program requirements.

The following grading scale is used for theory progress:
A = 90 – 100% B = 80 – 89% C = 75 – 79% Failing = Below 75%