Nail Technician

Technical Diploma
scissors and trimmer

Why choose Nail Technician?

  • Local demand for certified nail technicians skilled in safety and sanitation is growing, as indicated by businesses within Mid-State’s district.
  • This program is a great fit for those who want to attain short-term training that makes them employable quickly.
  • The perfect career for those with a creative mind, artistic talent and interest, and a desire for making people feel good.
Being a nail technician is about more than just polishing nails. You’ll use your artistic skills to create a relaxing escape for your clients. If you’re looking for a career that presents new challenges daily and keeps you meeting new people, nail technician may be the choice for you.

Program Locations

Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

What You'll Learn

Mid-State’s Nail Technician program prepares students to shape fingernails and toenails, remove unwanted skin and blemishes, apply polish and cosmetics to nails, and function as licensed manicurists or nail technicians/specialists. You’ll learn manicuring theory; skin anatomy; nail growth, irregularities, and diseases; sterilization and sanitation; equipment and table maintenance; cuticle, blemish, and rough skin removal; nail filing, shaping, and polishing; cream application and extremity massage; nail sculpture and design art; product storage and use; customer service; laws and regulations; and business practices.

You’ll receive instruction and practice your new skills in our completely remodeled teaching/learning space and salon, which includes a room dedicated to nail technician students and nail services, with brand new manicure tables and pedicure thrones as well as equipment for acrylic and gel nail services.

Outcomes

  • Apply safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Adhere to the current Wisconsin administrative codes and statutes for cosmetology/manicurist licensing.
  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills for success.
  • Perform nail services.
  • Develop strategies to market products and services.

Employability Skills

  • Behave Responsibly:  Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $1,729.70
  • Books: $362.40 
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $649.97
  • Total Estimated Cost: $2,742.07

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is NOT eligible for Financial Aid. Explore other ways to help pay for college.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  31502337 Nail Technology 1
  30502331 Advanced Nail Technology 2
  30502322 Manicurist Client Service 4
  30502323 Manicurist Capstone 2
  30502332 Nail Salon Operations & Management 1
  Term Total   10 Credits
       
  Program Total   10 Credits

Instructors

STACY BROCK, BA

Stacy received a bachelor of arts degree in 2014 from Concordia University Wisconsin. She also received her technical diploma for Cosmetology in 1997. Stacy worked for a corporate salon in addition to owning her own salon before pursuing her teaching career. She is currently a full-time instructor and program director at Mid-State for the Cosmetology and Barber Technologist programs. She believes in hard work and is very dedicated to the cosmetology industry. She enjoys sharing her passion for the industry in the classroom.

“Work hard in silence and let your success make the noise.”

 

Careers

  • Nail Technician
  • Manicurist
  • Pedicurist

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

Licensure Information

Mid-State’s Nail Technician program prepares students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. The College does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure for other states.

 

"The instructors are great. They are encouraging and always want to see their students succeed—they’re proud when they see students achieving their goals."

JODILYNN FEIT
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Nail Technician Program Pathway