← All programs Licensed program · Windsor, CO

Nail Technician Program

A focused, creative license you can finish in 600 hours: manicures, pedicures, enhancements, and nail art, ready for the salon or your own table.

600Hours
20Credits
In-personHands-on training
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Program overview

Turn Your Passion for Nails Into a Creative Career

If you love creativity, beauty, and helping people feel confident, Elevate Academy's Nail Technician Program can help you turn that passion into a rewarding career. Our hands-on program is designed to teach the technical skills, artistic techniques, and professional habits needed to succeed in today's growing nail industry.

Students receive comprehensive training in manicures, pedicures, nail health, sanitation and safety, artificial nails, gel enhancements, builder gel applications, nail shaping, polishing techniques, and client consultations. In addition to mastering the fundamentals, students have opportunities to develop their artistic skills through nail art classes, learning popular designs, trends, and techniques that help set them apart in the industry.

Through our partnership with Crea8tion and other industry professionals, students gain exposure to professional products, advanced nail services, and current trends used in salons today. Students also benefit from guest educators, salon owners, and beauty industry professionals who visit Elevate Academy to provide demonstrations, education, networking opportunities, and career guidance.

At Elevate Academy, we believe success goes beyond technical skills. That's why students also learn client communication, retailing, social media marketing, professionalism, and business-building strategies that help create long-term success behind the nail table. Whether your dream is to work in a salon, rent a suite, specialize in nail art, or start your own business, we'll help prepare you for the next step.

With small class sizes, personalized instruction, hands-on experience working with real guests, and a state-of-the-art learning environment, our Nail Technician Program provides the support, education, and confidence needed to launch a successful career in the beauty industry.

From classic manicures to trending nail art, builder gel enhancements, and advanced nail techniques, Elevate Academy will help you build the skills, creativity, and confidence to turn your passion into a profession. Your future starts at your fingertips.

What you'll learn

  • Manicures & pedicures
  • Acrylic & gel enhancements
  • Nail art & design
  • Nail health & sanitation
The goal of the Manicure Program is to help students develop the practical skills necessary for manicuring and related services while gaining a foundational understanding of the theory behind nail care and treatments. Students will learn and apply proper procedures and techniques, with a strong emphasis on sanitation, safety, and professional ethics. The program also includes instruction on essential business procedures and customer service practices to prepare students for real-world success. In addition, students will be thoroughly prepared for the State Board Examinations. A key focus of the program is to foster professional attitudes, habits, and workplace readiness to support long-term success in the beauty industry.
Curriculum

Inside the nail technician curriculum

Competency-based and hours-tracked toward Colorado (DORA) licensure. Here's how the 600 hours break down.

MANICURING & PEDICURING

210 Hours

Nail Structure, Growth & Anatomy, Diseases & Disorders of the Nail, Theory of Massage, Massage Manipulations, Manicure Procedures & Techniques, Pedicure Procedures & Techniques.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL NAILS

150 Hours

Chemistry & Safety for Artificial Nail Enhancements, Sculptured Nail Applications, Nail Tip Application & Overlays, Nail Wrap Application & Techniques.

LAW, RULES & REGULATIONS

30 Hours

Local, State & Federal Laws and Statutes, School Rules, Regulations & Policies.

MANAGEMENT, ETHICS, INTERPERSONAL SKILLS & SALESMANSHIP

30 Hours

Interpersonal Skills, Communication & Human Relations, Professionalism, Management & Ethics, Salesmanship Skills & Traits.

DISINFECTION, SANITATION, & SAFE WORK PRACTICES

180 Hours

Bacteriology & Infection Control, Sanitation Practices in the Workplace, Patron Protection, Draping, Material Safety Data Sheets, OSHA in the workplace, Standards & Regulations, Public Sanitation Methods, Chemical Agents, Types, Classifications, Safe Use & Handling.

Total 20 CREDITS/600 HOURS
Program details

Program details & state requirements

The primary purpose of the Manicure program is to train students in basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, and the professional attitudes necessary for entry-level employment as a Nail Technician or a related field.

This 20-credit hour program includes both theoretical instruction and practical skill development required for licensure through the Office of Barber and Cosmetologist Licensing. Students must complete and demonstrate competence in both theory and practical skills before participating in laboratory activities.

All education at our school is conducted in English, including classroom instruction, clinic floor education, and all state board examination preparation. Exams administered by the licensing office/designated agency are also conducted in English.

After you graduate

Where a nail technician license can take you

Your license is portable and in demand. Graduates go on to roles like these, in established salons and spas, or building a book of their own.

  • Nail technician
  • Nail artist
  • Salon or mobile pro
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Start your career

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