Nail care or nail technician education programs can be found in many local cosmetology schools, as well as some junior colleges and technical schools. For those interested in pursuing a career in the nail care field, a high school diploma or GED is required for admittance to a program. According to the Education Portal website, most nail technician programs can be completed in six months of full-time study and lead to certification in the field.
Among the different classes nail technician students will take are general cosmetology science, introduction to nail technology, basic nail care, pedicures and manicures, application of artificial nails and, in some programs, salon management. Students will learn the basics behind clipping and filing nails. They will also learn the art of performing these services by practicing on mannequins and fellow students, according to Education Portal. In cosmetology schools, nail technician students often perform services on actual customers that visit the school for discounted nail services.
Once a student has successfully completed all of the courses and logged the required number of cosmetology hours, she will receive a certification from the designated school. In addition, prior to obtaining employment, nail technicians must be licensed through the state in which they are working. According to Education Portal, licensing requirements may vary from one state to another, but generally include a written test and hands-on work such as performing a manicure, pedicure or applying acrylic or gel nails.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, professional manicurists and nail technicians can expect to earn (as of 2011) a median wage of $9.48 an hour or $19,710 a year, if working full time. In some cases, that salary could be higher, particularly when working in a higher end salon where prices for these services are more expensive. The job outlook for these workers is expected to be good, with the need for these services to grow by 19 percent between the years 2008 and 2018.