NAIL TECHNICIAN COURSE DESCRIPTION
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5092.00
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0410 MyCAA Course Code NAI101
The curriculum involves 300 hours to satisfy Utah state requirements. The course includes instruction and practical experience in acrylic nails, gel nails, manicures, pedicures, massage, customer service, personal appearance & hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing.
*Graduates are prepared to be an entry level nail technician.
This course is taught in English. Textbooks and course materials are only offered in the English language.
NAIL TECHNICIAN COURSE OVERVIEW
Course Hours: 300 clock hours
The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction and clinic classroom learning experiences.
- Pre-Clinical Classroom Instruction: The first 60 hours are devoted to pre-clinical classroom instruction where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction, and guided practice. Instruction emphasizes design principles, technical procedures, safety and sanitation, professional conduct, and readiness for supervised services.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: Future Professionals apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services. With coaching and guidance from Learning Leaders, they refine technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience, product recommendations, and professional work habits. Learning continues through mini-classes, feedback, and structured practice.
NAIL TECHNICIAN COURSE OUTLINE
- Core Curriculum: The Core Curriculum introduces the foundational principles and skills of the program through theory instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Future Professionals build essential technical knowledge, safety and sanitation practices, client care, and professional habits. Learning Leaders monitor progress, and learning is evaluated through written, oral, and practical methods, as applicable. Completing Core successfully prepares students for the next phase of their education, including supervised clinic classroom experiences.
- Clinic Classroom Learning Experience: In the clinic classroom, Future Professionals provide services to guests under Learning Leader supervision. They keep learning and reinforce classroom instruction through coaching, mini-classes, practical worksheets, and progress evaluations. They practice consultations, service planning, technical proficiency, guest communication, sanitation and safety, and professional service habits.
- Classroom Learning Experience: Instruction combines theory, demonstrations, and practical application. Additional learning opportunities may address retailing and product knowledge, communication, professional development, motivation, and career readiness, facilitated by appropriate school team members or guest artists.
NAIL TECHNICIAN COURSE SUBJECTS
The instructional program of Paul Mitchell The School Provo meets or exceeds the state requirements.
| Subject | Required Objectives Include | Objective Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Overview of Curriculum | 0.5 | |
| History of nail technology | 0.5 | |
| Implements, tools, and equipment for nail technology including electrical equipment based on technology and industry advancements | 5.5 | |
| Anatomy and physiology of nails and skin | 10 | |
| Diseases and disorders of the nails or skin prevention | Bacteriology; sanitation; sterilization; decontamination; and infection control | 20 |
| Personal, client, and shop safety | First aid; disinfection methods and procedures; sterilization methods and procedures; aseptic techniques; sanitary procedures; blood exposure procedures; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations; safety data sheet; and department of Health and Human Services regulations including Section 26B-7-402 and Rule R392-702; | 15 |
| Chemistry for nail technology | 15 | |
| Theory of basic manicures and basic pedicures | 5 | |
| Artificial nail techniques | Wraps; nail tips; gel nails; and other acrylic nails | 15 |
| Sculptured nails | Hard gel; poly gel; acrylic nail | 15 |
| Law and rule | 2 | |
| Business and shop management | Developing a clientele; professional image; professional ethics; professional associations; public relations; and advertising | 25 |
| Legal issues | Malpractice liability; regulatory agencies; and tax laws | 5 |
| Elective topics | 10 |
Minimum Service Counts for the Nail Technician License
| Service Count Category | Minimum Service Count | Service Count Clock Hour | Total Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural manicure including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Natural pedicure including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Sculptured nails including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 2 | 120 |
| Artificial nails including the use of manual tools or e-file | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Removal of artificial or sculptured nails including the use of manual or e-file | 5 | 0.5 | 2.5 |
| Smooth, shave or remove dead skin from the feet using blades, including corn or callus planer, or rasp | 7 | 0.25 | 1.75 |
| Massage the hands, feet, lower arms, or lower legs by manual means | shall complete with each service count | time included in each service count | time included in each service count |
| Client consultation | shall complete with each service count | 0.25 | 13 |
| Sanitation, sterilization, decontamination, and infection control | shall complete with each service count | 0.25 | 13 |
| Electives based on technology and industry advancements |
|
| 60.75 |
| Nail Technology practical exam review | 1 | 4 | 4 |
*The time included in each service count cannot be accurately determined until the service has been fully completed.
The institution offers employment assistance to help graduates’ efforts to secure education-related employment that includes, but is not limited to training in professionalism, resume’ development, job interview preparation and job search skills.
NAIL TECHNICIAN PROGRAM TESTING AND GRADING PROCEDURE
The following tests and grading procedures are used to assess student learning and mastery of course content in the 300-hour course, which includes the hybrid distance education program:
- Academic theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 70 or higher on each assigned theory exam.
- Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Utah State law and other covered nail technology exams. Students must receive a grade of 70% or higher on all final exams.
- Clinic Practical Skill Assessments: Future Professionals progress in practical skill assessments and theory hours will be digitally monitored on a weekly basis by the Future Professional Advisor using the Edular app. All assigned practical skill assessments must be completed in order to complete the program.
NAIL TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS
The Nail Technician 300 clock hour course is provided through a sequential set of learning steps which address specific tasks necessary for State Board preparation, graduation and job entry level skills. Clinic equipment, implements and products are comparable to those used in the industry. Each student will receive instruction that relates to the performance of useful, creative and productive career oriented activities. The course is presented through well-developed lesson plans that reflect the latest educational methods. Subjects are presented by means of lecture, demonstration, and student participation. Audio-visual aids, guest speakers, field trips, and other related learning methods are used in the course.