Nail Technician Certificate

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/nail-technician-certificate/

Program Number: 97-502-1
Certificate
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is not eligible for financial aid

After just 16 weeks, start a rewarding career as a nail artist with the Nail Technician Certificate at Moraine Park Technical College.

About the Program

Begin a successful career in the growing nail service industry! A career as a nail technician, also called a nail artist or manicurist, is a perfect fit for those who enjoy working with people, have an artistic eye for detail and appreciate the importance of proper hand and foot care.

What You'll Learn

Nail Technician students are trained with all necessary skills to provide high quality nail services in today’s salon. Students learn the latest techniques in manicuring, pedicuring and nail enhancements. Laws and regulations related to the field, business management and ethics are also part of this program. Learning from industry artists, Nail Technician Certificate students develop skills in the classroom, then advance their skills by working with real clients in Techniques Salon & Spa on the Fond du Lac Campus: a full-service salon and spa.

Students are prepared to take the Wisconsin NIC Manicurist Licensing Exam and upon graduation begin working as a nail technician.

Classes are held four evenings per week in the fall.

Note: 502-361 Nail Technician 1 is a prerequisite to 502-362 Nail Technician 2. 502-362 Nail Technician 2 is a prerequisite to 502-363 Nail Technician 3. Students must be accepted into the certificate to be eligible to enroll in the courses. Fees must be paid prior to program start. Class size is limited to a maximum of 16. No students will be accepted after the second class session.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

State Licensure Disclosure: Moraine Park’s Nail Technician Certificate prepares students to obtain the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. No determination has been made if the curriculum matches the educational requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states. Visit the Accreditation page for more details about accreditation.  

Licensing Organization: Department of Safety and Professional Services

Note: Students must purchase a nail kit, smocks and books for this program.

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Course Requirements 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
502-361 Nail Technician 1 3
502-362 Nail Technician 2 4
502-363 Nail Technician 3 2
 Credits9
 Total Credits9

Program Opportunities

Graduates are encouraged to continue their formal training; Moraine Park offers a 12–month Cosmetology technical diploma. Some certificate credits transfer into the technical diploma.

Pathways

Earn a certificate and technical diploma along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Manicurist
  • Pedicurist
  • Nail Technician
  • Consultant
  • Sales