Everything You Will Learn in a Nail Tech Program

Being a nail technician is fun. Clients arrive at the salon lining up and gathering around the colorful display of nail polishes to choose their nail shade, waiting for their turn to get manicures.

In contrast to other beauty professions, like hair stylists, barbers, or estheticians, a nail artist sits most of the day. It’s a zen-like profession that takes a steady hand, concentration, and attention to detail. In a nail technician program, students can learn how to create a clean, sanitary, and efficient environment and hone their craft while letting their creativity loose.

Becoming a licensed nail technician

Contemporary painterly manicures have taken off and infiltrated algorithms thanks to the popularity of nail art on social media and viral nail art videos. While many aspiring nail artists are self-taught and learning their craft through tutorials, a manicurist must become a technician before they can become an artist, which is why attending a nail tech program is important.

There are sanitization steps to understand, and practicing these procedures is essential. A client can develop a fungus or an infection if products and tools are not clean. In a certified nail tech program, students will begin by learning the basics. There are three main phases students study within, and upon completing the program, they must enroll and pass their licensing exam before they can finally become a licensed nail technicians. Being a nail technician is a noble profession in the beauty industry.

What you’ll learn at beauty school in the nail technician program

Evergreen Beauty College offers a nail program specializing in nail care and nail technology. The introductory course immerses students into learning safety first and first aid, advancing to nail chemistry and anatomy, infection control, nail and skin physiology, and professional ethics.

The preliminary coursework acts as a good launchpad for students navigating safety procedures and maintaining a safe and clean workplace space. Once students grasp the basics, they’ll advance to nail enhancements, applying artificial nails, nail tip application, acrylic nails, handling nail repairs, and getting hands-on training with their peers and real clients.

At that point, the creative juices can start flowing. Students will learn how to create fine details and designs on their small-scale canvases, first applying a neat coat of polish and then their creation. Each Evergreen campus has a student-operated nail salon where they’ll have access to real clients.

During this period, students will begin developing their portfolios and updating their resumes with newly developed skills learned in nail technician training.

What your future career as a nail tech can look like

Most nail technicians require a license to work in a nail salon. After graduating and passing the license exam, you can opt to do an apprenticeship or begin applying for positions as a manicurist.

Working in a salon will help you build clients and solidify your business skills. Like any new professional working in a beauty salon or spa, it will take time to build clients and retain them. If you have a special command over nails and are professional and personable, you will likely be able to retain more clients.

Being successful as a nail technician at a salon or spa can lead to other ventures, such as starting a mobile business. All business owners require a business license. An average nail technician’s salary in Washington state is $23 per hour, with a high of $40 per hour, plus tips, as reported by Indeed in July 2023. If your mobile business is successful, you can earn substantially more.

How long does it take to complete a nail technician program?

Nail technician programs should take no more than 12 months to complete. At Evergreen Beauty College, our nail tech courses include a business training program to aid career advancement.

In Washington state, nail technicians need 600 credit hours to fulfill their program. Each state has different requirements, and the hours needed may vary.

About Evergreen Beauty College

What distinguishes Evergreen Beauty College from other cosmetology schools is that Evergreen is family-owned and staffed by professionals who encourage students to learn, make mistakes, and connect with clients at the on-campus salon. Evergreen offers esthetics, nail technician, and barbering programs for students looking to specialize.

The founder, Thi Trieu, came from humble origins and attained lofty achievements. The Trieu family believes that students can achieve greatness if they harness the hunger to succeed. At Evergreen, the founders and faculty foster an encouraging and nurturing environment so that students are primed to want to learn and feel confident that they can become beauty professionals in a salon or spa.

Students can pursue a nail technician career anywhere after studying at Evergreen Beauty College. Our staff will prepare you for written and practical exams and guide you through the curriculum every step of the way.

Financial aid

Financial assistance is available for qualifying students. There are different types of financial aid.

Loans are financial assistance you need to pay back with interest. For instance, if you borrow money on a loan for $15,000 and the interest rate is 5%, you will owe $15,750 to the lender you borrowed from.

Subsidized loans don’t accrue interest while you are in school. Unsubsidized loans do accrue interest. If you are applying for a loan, we recommend maxing out on subsidized loans before using unsubsidized loans. Unsubsidized loans can be considerably more costly, and it’s wiser to only apply for subsidized loans if you are going this route. Subsidized loans have better terms.

Pell grants and scholarships are awarded to qualifying students and don’t have to be paid back. The money you receive is all yours to apply to your education. This is the ideal option!

We also offer monthly payment options for students attending school and working to pay the cost of their education. This is an excellent option for students, too.

FAQ: What You Can Learn in a Nail Technician School?

What do you need to know about being a nail tech?

Nail technicians must have the training to work in a salon. There are procedures each student will learn to keep themselves and their clients safe. Students will learn the trade of manicuring and explore various creative techniques.

How long does it take to learn how to do nails?

At nail tech school, many students just starting out already have some knowledge of how to paint nails. In a program, students will learn to excel at their craft in less than 12 months.

What special skills are required to be a nail technician?

Students will learn the discipline of practicing safe and clean manicuring. Nail techs sit most of the day, so you must be able to sit for long hours. Students should learn different techniques, including gel and acrylic nail application, designs, polish removal, shaping, and massage techniques, among other nail services.