What a Manicurist / Nail Technician Does
What type of work does a Manicurist / Nail Technician do?
Manicurists, Pedicurists, and Nail Technicians clean, shape, polish and decorate the fingernails and toenails of clients. In addition, they can also schedule client appointments, operate cash registers to accept payment from clients, update and maintain client information, and keep their workstation and tools clean and sanitized.
Where do Manicurists / Nail Technicians work?
Manicurists, Pedicurists, and Nail Technicians traditionally work in nail salons but some may also work in a spa or a hair salon.
Will I be able to find a job?
It’s important to note that no school can guarantee employment. Here at Dorsey College, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Manicuring program, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
How much can I expect to make as a Manicurist?
Here are some helpful websites that will allow you to view information on Wages & Employment trends:
- Michigan Occupational Wage Information (The SOC for Manicurists is 39-5092)
- O*NET Online (Scroll down to Wages & Employment Trends to view helpful info on National/State trends)
Are there other jobs I may be able to obtain as a Manicurist?
Manicurists, once licensed, may work under other various titles such as Manicurist, Pedicurist, and Nail Technician. When looking at any position, it’s important to evaluate the duties of the position along with the required skills and knowledge to determine if a candidate may meet the requirements set forth by the employer.
How is a Manicurist different from other professionals in the Beauty industry?
Manicurists perform services specifically for clients nails. Some beauty professionals may be more generalized in the work they perform and may perform a broader range of services (such as hair, make-up, and skin services).
Are there other career opportunities for Manicurists?
Some may choose to use a career as a Manicurist as an entryway into the beauty field. It would not be uncommon for a Manicurist to work in the field to gain experience to grow their skills and/or responsibilities. Some may also choose to go back to school to further their education and/or strengthen their credentials.
Becoming a Manicurist / Nail Technician
How might I determine if this is a good career choice for me?
In choosing any career, it’s important that someone look at a variety of factors, some of which include:
- Can I see myself doing the work that this position/occupation performs and am I going to be happy performing those tasks in that type of work setting?
- Do I have the skills/traits/characteristics that one may need to be successful in a position like this?
- How is the employment outlook/trends for this position?
I have no background or experience in the beauty field – can I really do this?
You can! Many manicurists have little to no experience prior to beginning their training. That’s why it’s very important for someone interested in becoming a manicurist to evaluate their school and training options closely.
What type of training is needed?
Manicurists typically attend a post-secondary school or institution to obtain training. Many of these programs lead to a certificate or a diploma. Most states require candidates to complete their training at a state approved school in order to pursue licensure so it’s important for candidates to understand the licensure guidelines/procedures for their specific state as well as ensure their training school meets those requirements. It’s also important to note that since Manicurists work very closely with the public and the services they provide are very “hands-on,” it can be advantageous to a student to choose a program that has strong instructional and practical components so they can “learn by doing.”
How long do I have to go to school?
Many manicuring programs can be completed in less than a year. The Dorsey College Manicuring program is a 400 hour program and is designed to be completed in less than one year.
What are important characteristics for Manicurists to have?
While this isn’t a full list of important characteristics, Manicurists should have good customer service skills, business skills, creativity, and dexterity. If you’re lacking in one or more of these areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be a good Manicurist, and it may be an area you wish to focus on as part of your training.
Is Certification/Licensure required to obtain employment as a Manicurist?
Yes, almost all states require Manicurists to be licensed in order to obtain gainful employment in the field. Requirements may vary state to state, so it’s important to know the requirements in the state in which you desire to pursue employment. States usually require candidates to complete their training at a State approved/licensed school. Upon graduating from a state approved school, candidates are usually required to take a licensing exam. Licensure is required to obtain gainful employment in Michigan as a Manicurist. Dorsey College has determined that its Manicuring program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
The Dorsey College Manicuring program
What will be covered in the program?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program offers instruction in both a classroom setting as well as a hands-on environment by way of the student salon. Students enrolled in the Manicuring program will be exposed to a variety of topics including (but not limited to):
- History of the Nail Profession
- Life Skills and Professional Communication
- Infection Control
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Skin and Nails
- Nail Diseases and Disorders
- Electric Filing Nail Tips and Wraps
- Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements and UV Gels
- Nail Repair
- Nail Art
- Shop Management
- And more…!
Is your program hands-on?
Yes! Manicuring students at Dorsey College will have opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in both the classroom setting as well as in the student salon (while supervised) at Dorsey College.
What’s the student salon and why is that important?
Dorsey College operates a fully functioning salon where Senior Students in the Manicuring program (while supervised) can practice and apply the skills they have learned throughout their program on members of the public, who may be charged for the services rendered by students. This hands-on experience affords students the opportunity to continue to enhance their skills while gaining exposure to real-world occupational settings that Manicurists may be exposed to once licensed and working in the field.
How long is the program?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program is a 400 hour program that is designed to be completed in less than one year. Actual completion time may vary student to student.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are caring individuals that possess experience and expertise in their respective field. Our instructors meet or exceed State of Michigan and accreditation criteria, guidelines, and qualifications. It’s not uncommon for students of Dorsey College to see their instructors as their coach and mentor throughout their studies.
Which Dorsey College campus offer the Manicuring program?
The Manicuring program is offered at the following Dorsey College campus location:
- Madison Heights, MI (Main campus)
Dorsey School of Beauty, located in Taylor, MI, is a sister school of Dorsey College. Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). To learn more about Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI you can click here.
How do I enroll?
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Manicuring program at Dorsey College, the first step you should take is meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives. Request information online and a member of our team will be back in touch with you shortly. You can read more about our Admissions process and program-specific admissions information on our Admissions information page.
Does your program include licensure?
While actual licensure is not included in the curriculum of the Dorsey College Manicuring program, graduates may go on to challenge the licensure exam. Students also focus on preparation for the State exam, as part of the Manicuring program curriculum. In order to assist our graduates, Dorsey College will pay the cost one time for graduates of the Manicuring program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey College’s exam preparation requirements. Dorsey College has determined that its Manicuring program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
Will your program prepare me for licensure?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program is designed to prepare students to go on to challenge a licensure exam.
Is your school accredited?
Yes! You can read more by visiting our Accreditation page.
What is the tuition and fees for the program?
Tuition and fees for a student to complete the Manicuring program can be found by visiting our Student Consumer Information page. To calculate the total cost of education, including indirect costs of room and board, personal expenses, transportation costs and loan fees associated with the cost of attendance, go to the Dorsey College Cost of Attendance page.
What is included in my tuition?
In addition to program instruction, tuition includes necessary textbooks along with a Manicuring Student Kit. The student kit includes items such as nail polish, acrylic supplies, and other manicuring instruments. Dorsey College will furnish all necessary materials and supplies to senior students who perform work on patrons. All equipment, materials, and supplies not included in the student kit are the property of Dorsey College.
Can you help me find a job after graduation?
Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all eligible program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
Additional Information
For your reference, we’ve included the links below of several very helpful websites where you can learn more about Manicurists, info pertaining to Jobs as a Manicurist, the work Manicurists do, etc.:
Michigan Occupational Wage Information: http://milmi.org/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=124
O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5092.00
