If you live in a city or region that requires manicurists and pedicurists to be licensed, you will likely be required to graduate from a nail technician school. Choosing the best school depends on several factors, including where you plan to become licensed, whether the school is approved by a governing board, as well as the school's reputation, financial stability, and tuition rates. You may also want to consider whether the nail technician school offers other educational opportunities that might benefit you in the future.
Before deciding on a nail technician school, decide where you intend to work as a manicurist. In the United States, nail technicians are licensed by state agencies or commissions, and a license in one state does not automatically qualify a nail technician to work in another state. Ask the relevant licensing agency for a list of approved schools, and only select a school from that list.
Be sure to investigate a school's reputation and stability. Keep in mind that if a school goes out of business before you complete your course you may be forced to either completely abandon your studies or repeat them entirely at another school. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how the school handles complaints, and ask how long the school has been in business. You can also ask the nail technician licensing board whether the school has ever been subjected to any disciplinary procedures by the board.
While there may be stand-alone nail technician schools in your area, many programs are affiliated with a cosmetology school, comprehensive trade school, or even a community college. Attending a nail technician school that is part of a larger educational institution can have its advantages.
If it is part of a cosmetology school, you may be able to apply your course hours to another program. By having training and licensing in more than one area of beauty culture, you may be more employable. If your nail technician school is part of a trade school or community college, you may be able to take additional courses in subjects like business management. These courses can help you build your business and may even count as credit toward a university degree.
Finally, make yourself familiar with the average tuition for nail technician schools in your area. Don't assume that a more expensive school offers better education, and familiarize yourself with the training and programs offered by each school. On the other hand, if a more expensive school offers training in advanced technologies, has more convenient class schedules, or has a successful job placement program, it may be worth it to pay the extra money.