Course Description: The nail technician program consists of 600 clock hours of theory and practical skill development for licensure. Full-time students should be able to complete the program within 75 days. Part-time students should be able to complete the program within 150 days. Courses in this program involve safety and sanitation, proper work habits, preparation to pass the Colorado State Board practical and written exams and competency to function effectively in entry-level positions as a manicurist/nail technician or a related occupation. Classes are taught in English. Tutoring sessions are available in English-Vietnamese and English-Spanish to help students gain a better understanding of the course material.
Method of Instruction: The school uses a variety of instructional methods to teach classes including the use of audio and visual equipment, lectures, hands-on demonstrations and guest speakers.
Course Objective & Goals: Upon completion of the course requirements, graduates will be able to:
Texts: Milady Standard Nail Technology, ISBN: 9781285080475 or 1285080475
Required Equipment & Supplies: See Nail Technician Program Kit List
Grading Procedure: Academic progress will be measured by theory work (test grades, homework, etc.) and practical work. Theory and practical work will be graded according to the following scale:
90% - 100% A Excellent
80% - 89% B Above average
70% - 79% C Satisfactory
69% or below D Unsatisfactory (student will be notified and placed on probation)
Students must maintain at least a 70% grade average in order to be considered making satisfactory progress.
Course Subjects:
Manicuring & Pedicuring (210 clock hours) - (52.5 hrs Theory & 157.5 hrs Lab)
Week 1-6
Nail care tools, the manicuring table, client consultation, basic and other types of manicures, pedicures,
safety rules in manicuring and pedicuring, electric filing, massage manipulations.
Application of Artificial Nails (150 clock hours) - (37.5 hrs Theory & 112.5 hrs Lab)
Week 7-10
Nail product chemistry, anatomy and physiology, the nail and its disorders, the skin and its disorders, nail
tips, nail wraps, acrylic nails, gels, nail art, safety precautions, nail art.
Law, Rules & Regulations (30 clock hours) - (7.5 hrs Theory & 22.5 hrs Lab)
Week 1-15
Colorado state law, rules & regulations, licensing requirement and regulations.
Management, Ethics, Interpersonal Skills & Salesmanship (30 clock hours) - (7.5 hrs Theory & 22.5 hrs Lab)
Week 1-15
Career opportunities in cosmetology, business management, life skills, professional ethics, your
professional image, salon/spa business, selling products and services, customer services, communicating
for success and human relations, career planning.
Disinfection, Sanitation & Safe Work Practices (180 clock hours) - (45 hrs Theory & 135 hrs Lab)
Week 1-15
Bacteria and other infectious agents, the treatment room, salon environment, principles and practice in
infection control, sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, and safe work practices, standards and regulations.
Total Theory & Practical Clock Hours: 600