Online Nail Technician Schools and Certification Programs
Nail technicians are also referred to as manicurists or pedicurists. Although you might not be able to take all of your courses online, read on to learn what distance education options are available in this field. Also, find out how to select an online school and whether certification is available online.
What You Need to Know
It is important to consider a school that is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Certification is oftentimes voluntary and issued through nationally recognized certification or credentialing organizations to professionals who demonstrate their expertise.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>School Options</b> </td><td>Beauty schools and community colleges</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certifications and Licenses</b> </td><td>Certificate and diploma programs available, course hours may be used toward state licensure</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Online Programs</b> </td><td>Some general education and continuing education credits available via distance learning</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---CanIEarnCertificationOnline">Can I Earn Certification Online?</h3><p>Many beauty schools and community colleges offer cosmetology or nail technician certificate programs, rather than certifications. These 1-year programs prepare future nail technicians to meet mandatory coursework and exam prerequisites so they can become licensed by the state in which they wish to practice. An online diploma program in cosmetology might be an additional option.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoTheseProgramsWork">How Do These Programs Work?</h3><p>Most schools' nail technician certificate programs are offered in a traditional classroom setting and not online. However, you may be able to complete general education requirements or introductory cosmetology courses online. You can also earn continuing education (CE) credit through distance education. These courses may be required by your state board of cosmetology to renew your nail technician license.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOnlineClassesAreAvailableToMe">What Online Classes Are Available to Me?</h3><p>Some schools offer online courses that discuss nail anatomy and physiology. These classes may also discuss test preparation strategies for your state board of cosmetology's licensure exam. For online CE courses, you may study marketing and overall hygiene. You may also study the interviewing skills and goal-setting strategies needed to manage your career. These topics could also be explored:
</p><ul><li>Manicure and pedicure procedures
</li><li>Nail disorders
</li><li>Business skills
</li><li>Mathematics
</li><li>Pathogens
</li><li>Proper disposal of infected materials
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoISelectAnOnlineNailTechnicianSchool">How Do I Select an Online Nail Technician School?</h3><p>School accreditation by the NACCAS can help ensure that a school's curriculum meets quality standards set by the accreditation agency. You may also want to verify that a school is approved by your state's board of cosmetology, otherwise certificate or continuing education classes may not count towards licensure. Also, consider schools whose cosmetology and nail technician instructors are licensed professionals with experience in the field. These schools offer online nail technician courses, some of which are hybrid programs:
</p><ul><li>Saint Paul College
</li><li>Penrose Academy
</li><li>Moraine Park Technical College
</li><li>Century College
</li><li>Remington College
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCareerOptionsAreAvailable">What Career Options Are Available?</h3><p>In addition to nail salons and spas, you might find work at hotels, cruise lines, nursing homes, tanning salons or resorts. With experience, you can look into managing or owning a nail salon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for manicurists and pedicurists is expected to increase by 22% during the 2021-2031 decade (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). This increase is higher than the national average and due in part to potential growth in the number of nail salons and full-service spas.</p>