Nail Technician Course Information

Nail Technician course description

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5092.00
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 12.0410

The curriculum involves 600 hours to satisfy Tennessee 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 for 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: 600 clock hours

The course is divided into pre-clinical classroom instruction, clinic classroom and distance education learning experiences.

1. Pre-clinical Classroom Instruction:  The first 120 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. 
2. Clinic 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Nashville meets or exceeds these requirements:

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 600-hour course:

1. Weekly theory exams: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher on each weekly theory exam.
2. 210-hour written and practical skills evaluation tests: Students must receive a grade of 80% or higher.
3. Final exam 1: This test covers an overview of all related cosmetology subjects (e.g., anatomy, chemistry, etc.). Students must receive a grade of 85% or higher on all final exams.
4. Final exam 2: The written exam covers an overview of all theory instruction, Tennessee state law, and other items covered on the state cosmetology exam. Students must receive a grade of 85% or higher on all final exams.
5. Monthly clinic practical worksheets: Students must complete monthly clinic practical worksheets.

The following grading scale is used for theory progress:

A = 90 – 100%      B = 85 – 89%      C = 80 – 84%      Failing = Below 80%

NAIL TECHNICIAN INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

The Nail Technician 600 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.