Manicure Schools And Programs – How To Become A Manicurist?
The word manicure comes from the Latin words manus (hand) and cura (care). A manicurist (or more generally, a nail technician) provides nail beautifying services to customers. Manicurists are in great demand these days as looking good is now considered essential for social and professional success. If you have a good sense of aesthetics, have a talent for design and like working with people, this is a career option worth considering.
Career prospects
As per available data, there were 76,000 nail technicians working as manicurists and pedicurists in 2008. The demand for nail technicians is expected to grow at over 19% per year up to 2018 which is higher than the average job growth. Besides, a large number of job openings will be created by the need to replace workers who transfer to other vocations, retire or leave the profession for other reasons. This indicates that job prospects for entry level manicurists will be excellent for the next few years.
How to become a manicurist?
To become a manicurist (or nail technician) you have to either do a specialized program in nail technology or, in some states, a cosmetology program with specialization in nail technology. While many states allow students to attend a pure nail technician programs, a few require that they specialize in nail technology within the context of a cosmetology program. Most states require manicurists to obtain a license before they start working. The licensing exam typically has written and practical tests.
Manicured hand
Nail technician course
Course work in nail schools (or nail tech programs in cosmetology schools) extend beyond just manicuring; typically it covers a broad range of subjects. Pivot Point International which has affiliated schools across the United States, has a syllabus for nail technician training that includes bacteriology, sanitation and aseptic control procedures; nail diseases and disorders; nail, hand and feet anatomy; nail styling and artificial nail fixing techniques; manicures and pedicures; aromatherapy; reflexology; state laws; advertising and sales management; people skills. Students also work on live models so that they get hands-on experience in each service they study. The course length can be anything from 100 hours to 500 hours depending on the licensing requirements of the state concerned – cosmetology programs take longer than pure nail technician programs. Tuition costs too vary on the basis of the length of the course and topics covered.
Requirements
While a few states require no license to operate as a manicurist or nail technician the majority do. Among the ones that require a license, the requirements vary. While many of these states stipulate that nail technicians should be high school graduates, a few require only an eighth or tenth-grade pass. Among these there are those allow students to do a pure nail technician program while the others require them to do a cosmetology program with specialization in nail technology.
So if you are an aspiring nail technician you should find out in detail about the licensing requirements of your state.
Should you join a nail technician program?
As the foregoing discussions show, licensing requirements for nail technician programs vary between states. While a few require no license for nail technicians, the majority do. Among these there are states that allow students to do a pure nail technician program while the others stipulate that the students should do a longer cosmetology program with specialization in nail technology. Basic education requirements among the states requiring license too vary. While many require a high school degree, some require only an eighth or tenth grade.
So in a great majority of cases, you need to enroll for an appropriate nail technician program to get into the profession. Only in the few states that do not require a license can you become one without formal education. However, even if you are from one of those states, it is advised that you join a good nail technology program and equip yourself with all the knowledge and skills to be a successful nail technician. This will also give you the flexibility to work in other states that require a license, should your future situation demand a relocation.
