Manicurist

Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course 

Manicurist

National Career Cluster

Human Services Pathway

Michigan Career Pathway

Human Services

Instructor(s)

Kasey Smith
State of Michigan licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
CTE Standard Teaching Certificate
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Studies from Siena Heights University
22 years experience in Cosmetology, including 13 years as an instructor, 10 years as a salon owner
American Board Certified Hair Colorist
517.244.1402

Jamie Collins
State of Michigan Licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University
20 yeas of experience in Cosmetology, including various roles in juvenile educational positions
517.244.1321

Types of Credit

•  One full Fourth year math credit - seniors only
•  ½ Science credit per year
•  ½ English credit per year
• Michigan Merit Curriculum:  Visual Performing and Applied Arts (VPAA), one full credit

Recommended by WTC; awarded by sending school

Articulation Agreements 

Davenport University
Ferris State University
Jackson College

Special Requirements/Recommendations for Success 

• 9th grade (minimum) reading and math levels
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical information
• Basic keyboarding and word processing skills (Windows environment)
• Good attendance and attitude
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work well in teams and individually
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work in a noisy environment
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to lift and move equipment
• Visit Salary.com for local salary ranges for potential careers
• Own transportation required due to extended class time
• Textbook and state board exam written at a 9th grade reading level

Program Description

The focus of the Manicurist program is the development of professional attitudes, employability skills, communication skills, and technical skills essential to obtaining Manicurist licensure and employment in one of many fields of the beauty industry, including: becoming a nail technician in a traditional salon or spa, instructor, sales representative, platform artist, film/editorial nail technician or salon owner. Students are exposed to all areas of manicuring, including: sanitation and patron protection, nail anatomy and disorders, manicures, pedicures, artificial nail enhancements, UV/gel applications, chemical/occupational safety, salon business and all theory related subjects.

As they advance through the program, Manicurist students will have the opportunity to work on the public in the student salon supervised by instructors.

Students are treated as young adults and will be expected to assume responsibility for their own actions and progress. High standards of performance are expected since the well-being and safety of patrons in the student salon depends on the accuracy in practical applications backed by theoretical knowledge. Students must be dependable, able to read and understand directions, have emotional stability, physical dexterity and empathy towards others.

Upon successful completion of the course which includes 600 hours of training while performing the required MPA's (Minimum Practical Applications) and passing a pre-state exam with a 75% or higher, the student will be ready to take the State Board Exam and seek employment. This employment may also provide a means of assisting with the cost of further education.

Universal Accommodations

The Manicurist Program is committed to universal learning and supporting all students' needs. Our classroom space, routines, resources, and interactions will be as inclusive as possible. Treating each other with respect, listening to each other, having an open mind and a willingness to help each other learn is crucial to universal learning.
Strategies to provide optimal learning for all student in this course include, but not limited to:

● Extended time for testing if necessary
● Secluded area for testing if requested ahead of time
● Auditory text for text or test available with provided earbuds
● Large print text available
● Printed notes from overhead presentations available when requested
● Board/Projected presentations are verbalized
● Extended time for assignments if requested in advance

If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan in place for their homeschool, please notify the instructor of its existence at the beginning of the program or when it is put in place.

As the Manicurist Program content is state mandated for licensure, modifications to the curriculum may not be allowable and still align with licensure requirements. However, accommodation will be provided as stated in an IEP or 504 plan for circumstances where it is applicable/appropriate and when it is expressly agreeable in writing that doing so will not meet licensure requirements.

Specific concerns related to an individual's plan can be discussed at any time with instructors. Monitoring of student success will be provided and documented to assist with helping each students reach personal goals.

Course Topics

• Life Skills/Professional Image/Communication Skills
• Infection Control
• General Anatomy & Physiology
• Skin Structure, Growth & Nutrition
• Nail Structure & Growth
• Nail Disorders & Diseases
• Nail Product Chemistry
• Manicuring
• Pedicuring
• Electric Filing
• Acrylic Nail Enhancements
• UV & LED Gels
• Creative Enhancements
• Basics of Electricity
• Basics of Chemistry
• Salon Business
• Employability Skills
• Preparing for Licensure & Employment

Work Habits

The following areas will be explored and reflected upon each week as the student progresses through the program:

• Attendance
• Safety of Work Area & Personal Safety
• Care/Maintenance of Equipment/Work Area
• Professional/Personal Judgement
• Effort
• Cooperation
• Self-Discipline and Responsibility
• Quality of Work
• Quantity of Work
• Acceptable Dress, Grooming & Appearance

Distance Learning Theory Hours

A portion of the required theory hours of training are obtained through Distance Learning Theory Hours. The distance learning theory hours allocated throughout the program must be carefully documented and substantiated in order to be valid.

It is imperative that assignments are satisfactorily completed in order to complete Distance Learning Theory Hours. If assignments are not satisfactorily completed, the ability to complete the required hours for licensure may be affected and continuation in the program may be impacted.

These hours may not be reciprocated in other states towards licensure.

Exit Outcomes

• Professional Employability Skills needed to obtain and keep a job
• Explore the many careers available in the beauty industry
• Understanding of basic human needs and human behavior
• Effective communication skills -both speaking and listening
• Basic Manicurist skills, including analysis of clients for conditions that prevent services to be received in the salon
• Meet all State Board of Cosmetology requirements for licensure, including the required hours of theory and practical application training and minimum practical applications

Attendance Policy

Due to a tight schedule, attendance is required on all days scheduled to complete the required hours for licensure eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the allowable hours that may be missed during their training are not exceeded.

All students will receive a Schedule of Hours at the beginning of each year that gives an approximate number of hours that are available for the school year. It lays out the allowable bank of missed hours that is available for absences. This bank cannot be exceeded of the ability to complete the program with enough hours to meet licensure requirements will be at risk.

It is the student's responsibility to access any missed theory work and they must arrange a time in which they can be shown any procedures that were introduced and demonstrated during their absence with the instructors.

Uniform Policy

In order to receive hours in the Manicurist program, students must be in complete uniform prior to clocking in each day. Students will receive school-issued uniform items that must not be altered to wear while in attendance each day. It is the student's responsibility to keep their uniform items in clean and sanitary condition at all times. In addition to the school-issued uniform items, students will need to provide solid black, closed-toed shoes. Students must be in complete uniform, clocked in, and in their assigned area ready for instruction prior to the start of class to be on-time and not considered tardy.

Personal Appearance

• Hair must be clean and neat
• Makeup, if worn, must be professional in nature
• Nails must be clean and neat
• Practice of personal hygiene - regular bathing, using deodorant, brushing teeth and care of breath are a must
• No headgear or hats, unless religious affiliation without instructor approval

Grading Policy

Grading is based upon meeting and/or exceeding goals for each Essential Competency Area within the Manicurist program.

The following Essential Competency Areas (ECA's) are sets of related knowledge, skills and behaviors that together allow an individual to perform effectively within the program. Successful progression through the curriculum and training towards licensure aligns students with the skills needed to compete in the workforce.

Grades will be based on the following criteria:

A (95%): meeting and/or exceeding the goal for all ECA's
B (85%): not meeting goal calendar in 1 ECA
C (75%): not meeting goal calendar in 2 ECAs
D (65%): not meeting goal calendar in 3 ECAs
F (59%): not meeting goal calendar on any ECAs

Evidence performance in each ECA will be gathered multiple times throughout the marking period. Students will be encouraged to continue to have their performance evaluated regularly in order to gather evidence towards their professional development within the curriculum. Goal calendars will be distributed and displayed each marking period. Students will track their progress independently with regular feedback on plans for improvement.