Nail Schools in Colorado
Colorado is well-known for its natural parks, ski resorts, and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can learn about Colorado’s first Native American residents at Mesa Verde National Park, drive down the “Scenic Highway of Legends”, or visit one of the state’s many railroad or history museums. Colorado is a state rich in history and culture. However, for those looking to make their home and career in Colorado, the “Centennial State” is also a bustling center of industry, and an optimal place to attend school to become a licensed nail technician.
Do you want to start your career in an exciting metropolitan atmosphere? Colorado’s capitol city, Denver, has the 10th largest downtown area in America, boasts the highest percentage of high school and college graduates in the country, and is graced with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year . With a population of over 600,000 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Denver is only one of many Colorado cities where one can go to a nail school and pursue a fulfilling career as a nail technician.
- Career Prospects
Professional nail technicians have the opportunity to pursue a variety of work environments, ranging from full-service salons to medical institutions, and may also be successfully self-employed. Career prospects for nail technicians are promising. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 17% increase in jobs for manicurists and pedicurists from 2010 to 2020—3% above the average predicted increase for all occupations. As of May 2010, the median salary for nail technicians in the United States was $9.45 per hour, though some earned as much as $14.71 per hour.
If this career sounds appealing, then Colorado is a great place to be. The state is home to a plethora of cosmetology schools, located everywhere from scenic Colorado Springs to historic Aurora to other bustling metropolitan areas like Boulder and Denver. In addition to general cosmetology programs, many Colorado schools offer specialized programs in nail technician and manicurist training. These educational institutions provide both theoretical learning and hands-on training from professional nail technicians.
- Colorado Nail Technician Licensing Requirements
Attending a top-notch school is essential: in order to qualify for a manicuring license in Colorado, you need to attend a manicuring program at a certified vocational or beauty school. You must also pass a qualifying examination, which covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Applicants should view testing requirements and schedule their licensing examinations through Pearson VUE.
When selecting a nailschool, keep in mind that the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure requires a minimum of twenty credit hours of instruction in a manicuring program in order to obtain a license. These twenty hours should include: 7 hours in manicuring and pedicuring; 5 hours in artificial nail application; 1 hour in management, ethics, salesmanship and interpersonal skills; 1 hour in law, rules and regulations; and an additional 6 hours in disinfection and safe work practices. At least 75% of these hours should be obtained through clinical instruction, though the remainder may consist of theoretical or nail trend classes. Consult page 19 of the Rules and Regulations for specific guidelines.
Choosing which school to attend can be one of the most important decisions in a person’s life. A good education in a certified manicurist program can be the first step toward a fulfilling career as a nail technician. Fortunately, the cosmetology schools of Colorado have a lot to offer.
