Nail Technician

Intro

Learn to properly clean, condition, shape, reinforce, color and enhance natural nails, and to apply and repair artificial nails, in this hands-on certificate program that includes clinical hours spent working with actual clients at our on-campus salon.

Degrees

Nail Technician

Degree:

Certificate

Location:

Wadena Campus

Credits:

Overview

Program Overview

You’ll get a comprehensive background in every important aspect of being a nail technician: dermatology, growth and health of nails, chemistry as it relates to manicuring, and professional sanitation, safety and customer service skills. Highlights of the program include spa manicures and pedicures with hand and foot massages, flat and dimensional nail art, and UV light-cured acrylics and gel lacquers.

Hours spent at our on-campus salon in Wadena count as clinical hours toward your licensure, and a required license preparation course will ensure you’re ready for the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology’s licensure exams.

The Nail Technician program covers:

Knowledge and technical procedures to perform all manicuring skills
Ethical and professional behavior, and human relation skills, for working with people in a salon environment
State rules and regulations for manicurist license holders
Minnesota sanitation and safety requirements
Evaluation of disorders or diseases that should be referred to a physician
Safe preparation and use of salon equipment and supplies
Preparation of chemical formulas necessary to perform nail services

Related Programs

You may also be interested in our Advanced Practice Esthiology and Hair Technician certificate programs, or our Massage Therapy and Cosmetology diploma programs.

Scholarships/Cost

M State has one of the lowest tuition rates in Minnesota, and thanks to grants, scholarships and sponsorships, more than half of all M State students have a completely tuition-free experience.

Learn all about our low tuition rates and fees at Detailed Cost. To explore financial aid options, visit Paying for College. We also offer Zero Textbook Cost programs and courses, which can save you substantial money on books; learn more at Z-Degrees.

Program Cost Estimate

Nail Technician Certificate

Foundation Scholarships

M State's two foundations award more than $280,000 in student scholarships each year. You may be eligible — learn more at Foundations.

Workforce Development Scholarships

More than 40 programs at M State offer Workforce Development Scholarships to new students. See if your program is eligible and apply at Workforce Development Scholarships.

Business and Industry Sponsorships

M State collaborates with local businesses to offer valuable student support, such as financial assistance, internships, part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities. Find details at Business and Industry Partner Sponsorships.

Sample Classes

COSM1202 - Salon Practicum Nail Technician

Credits:

1 - 6

In this course, students work in a licensed school salon to meet requirements stipulated by the State Board of Cosmetology. The course includes instruction in applied science and skills in cleaning, conditioning, shaping, reinforcing, coloring and enhancing of nails, and in the application and repair of artificial enhancements. Each student is required to complete a specific minimum number of clinical exercises, as well as a minimum number of clinical hours, to fulfill requirements set by the State Board of Cosmetology.

COSM2003 - License Preparation Nail Technician

Credits:

1 (1/0/0)

This course will prepare the nail technician student for the general theory exam, written practical exam and Minnesota laws and rules exam issued by the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology. Additionally, the student will practice mock tests in preparation for skills certification. Nail technician students will review their knowledge and skills in all theory and practical topics learned throughout their training. Completion of this course will help the student identify areas of weakness that need additional review prior to scheduling their state exams.