Looking to become a nail technician in Phoenix, AZ? The cosmetology major in Arizona came in fifth among the majors we evaluate each year. In actuality, the state received 2,595 awards in 2019-2020.Â
When trying to choose the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az for you, you have a lot of choices today. You can attend one of the many respectable best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az in addition to traditional schools that demand on-campus attendance.Â
Even a hybrid experience is offered by certain programs. Alternatively, you might decide on a trade school that will provide you with the skills you need to enter the workforce.Â
One of the numerous resources we have created to assist you in making your educational selection is the list of the Best Nail Tech Schools in Phoenix, Az.
Our analysis looked at the best 10 nail tech schools in Phoenix Az to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for students.
Read More: Top 10 Nail Tech Schools in Las Vegas| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
What are the Nail Technician Schools and License Requirements in Phoenix Az?
If you want to become one of the 8,000 nail technicians working in the nearly 1,000 nail salons throughout Arizona, you must earn licensure through the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology, which requires completing the following steps:
1. Complete a Nail Technician Program
Nail technicians in Arizona are licensed to perform the following:
Cutting, polishing, tinting, trimming, cleansing, and treating nails
Applying artificial nails
Massaging and cleaning the hands, legs, feet, and arms
To be eligible for licensure, you must first complete a nail technician/manicuring program that consists of at least 500 hours of nail tech training, and that is approved by the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology. You can view approved nail schools here.
A nail technology program, whether offered through a dedicated nail technology school or a beauty school that offers a variety of cosmetology programs, can usually be completed in about 4 to 6 months.
In addition to educating you on the above areas of nail technology, a nail technician program also includes study in the history of nail care, nail structure, and safety and sanitation.
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2. Apply for Licensure as a Nail Technician
Upon the successful completion of an approved nail technician program, you apply for licensure with the Board by completing the Application for Examination and submitting it to the Board, along with a $40 first license fee, two passport photos, and proof of the completion of an approved nail technician program.
3. Apply to Take the Required Examinations
Once you have submitted your application for examination, you may apply to take the required examinations for licensure through Professional Credentials Services (PCS).
Arizona utilizes the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) examinations. The cost of taking the theory and practical examinations is $177.
You can apply online through PCS once you have created a PCS account. After you have completed your online registration, PCS will notify the Board, who will then review your file and notify PCS that you are eligible to take the examination. At that point, PCS will assign you the first available practical examination. You must be available to take the first practical examination date.
You can then expect to receive an email from PCS that includes an authorization to test (ATT) letter. Once you have received your ATT letter, contact PSI at www.psiexams.com or 1-800-733-9267 to schedule your theory examination.
You can read more about the Arizona theory examination here. You may take the examination at any of the PSI testing centers located in Arizona, including:
- Flagstaff
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Tucson
- Yuma
After you take the nail technician theory examination, you will receive a pass or fail notice from PSI. Once you have passed both the practical and theory exams, PCS will electronically notify the Board of your status for your license can be issued.
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4. Explore your Career Options and Keep your Nail Technician License Current
You must renew your nail technician license every year on your birthday. You must complete a renewal application and pay the renewal fee of $30. There are no continuing education requirements to maintain your nail technician license in Arizona.
However, taking classes in the latest nail techniques is popular among nail technicians who want to ensure they are providing their clients with the best nail services and offering them the latest trends in nail art, manicures, and the like.
If you want to consider pursuing salon management or even salon ownership, you may also benefit from taking business, marketing, and even advertising courses.
You may begin your career as a nail technician by working as an employee in a nail salon, spa, or full salon, or you may be better suited to working as an independent contractor, renting space in a salon. Just a few of the popular nails salons throughout Arizona include:
- Red Door Spa, Tucson
- Phoenix Day Spa, Phoenix
- Angelic Nails and Spa, Gilbert
- Angel Touch Nails, Phoenix
- Polished Nail Spa, Scottsdale
- Beautiful Skin and Nails, Phoenix
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What are the Best Nail Tech Schools in Phoenix Az?
Check out our review of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix AZ:
1. Avalon School of Cosmetology
- Tuition: $16,050
- Kit Cost: $1,540
- Program Length: 14 months
Avalon has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1972 and has been churning out students well-prepared for success in the cosmetology business ever since with their innovative business and financial teaching. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix, Az.
They have a 70 percent on-time completion rate, and 80 percent of students find jobs after graduation. The school sponsors events such as the SportsClips competition and donates styling services to student-athletes.
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2. Carsten Institute of Cosmetology
- Tuition: $16,500
- Kit Cost: $2,500
- Program Length: 12 months
The Carsten Institute’s major claim to fame is their exclusive French Cutting Technique.
Developed in Paris by Bruno Battini, the system stresses logic and simplicity, making styling faster and less fatiguing while continuing to unlock the unique beauty in every head of hair.
It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix, Az.
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3. Kor Beauty Academy
- Tuition: $12,350
- Kit Cost: $2,500
- Program Length: 12 months
The Kor Beauty Academy is the lowest-priced program on our list, earning the school recognition for the value it offers. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
But value doesn’t mean cheap at Kor; the Academy also teaches a unique cutting system over and above the state-required minimums and provides advanced business training.
Scholarships are given out to some students, making the program even more affordable!
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4. Paul Mitchell School
- Tuition: $16,600
- Kit Cost: $2,800
- Program Length: 12 months
As with all Paul Mitchell schools, the Phoenix location teaches their unique and trendy cutting system, giving graduates an edge in their styling skills on graduation. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
They accept VA benefits and offer scholarships. Additionally, their salon and teaching facilities are top-notch.
Students are encouraged to participate in the school’s cancer awareness program, Pink Out Loud.
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5. Penrose Academy
- Tuition: $16,600
- Kit Cost: $3,000
- Program Length: 12 months
The Penrose Academy has the best job placement rate in the state, with 96 percent of graduates going to cosmetology jobs.
The school prides itself on community involvement, sponsoring events such as local musical theater awards. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Scholarships are available and frequently awarded to needy students. VA benefits are also accepted.
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6. The Studio Academy of Beauty
- Tuition: $17,805
- Kit Cost: $885
- Program Length: 16 months
Like most other Arizona Schools, the Studio Academy of Beauty accepts VA benefits and offers scholarships to prospective students. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
A strong hair-cutting system focused on teaching the latest trends and extensive business skills training complement the usual systems.Â
But the Academy stands out with the almost 90 percent on-time graduation rate and the 80 percent job placement rate graduates enjoy.Â
A commitment to the local community also trains students in social responsibility as they put their new skills to the test in charitable events like HopeKids and Chicanos Por La Casa.
7. Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy
- Tuition: $16,000
- Kit Cost: $2,750
- Program Length: 11 months
Toni and Guy is a regional cosmetology powerhouse with schools in Arizona, California, and New Mexico, as well as around the country. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Their Scottsdale program gets a spot on our list partly because of their strong cutting system, job placement program, and excellent campus facilities.Â
The Guy Mascolo Scholarship program offers financial support to first-time students who qualify. VA benefits are also accepted at all locations.
8. Tucson College of Beauty
- Tuition: $15,347
- Kit Cost: $2,000
- Program Length: 12 months
The Tucson College of Beauty is locally owned and operated, but we were wowed by the fact that they operate in partnership with Paul Mitchell. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Certified Paul Mitchell educators provide exclusive training to TCOB students on Paul Mitchell products and techniques in addition to the normal coursework at the school.
Despite the extra training, TCOB also graduates 87 percent of students on time. VA benefits are accepted.
9. GateWay Community College
GateWay Community College is a public institution located in Phoenix, Arizona. The school’s location is great for students who enjoy the amenities of city life. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Almost 66% of college students who graduated with the class of 2018 took out student loans, but that percentage varies from school to school.
At GateWay Community College, approximately 24% of students took out student loans averaging $3,058 a year. That adds up to $12,232 over four years for those students.
The student loan default rate at GateWay Community College is 13.9%. This is higher than the national default rate of 10.1%, so you should proceed cautiously when taking out student loans.
10. Pure Aesthetics
Pure Aesthetics is a private, for-profit institution located in Tucson, Arizona. The school’s location is great for students who enjoy the amenities of city life. It is one of the best nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Almost 66% of college students who graduated with the class of 2018 took out student loans, but that percentage varies from school to school.
At Pure Aesthetics, approximately 56% of students took out student loans averaging $6,066 a year. That adds up to $24,264 over four years for those students.
The student loan default rate at Pure Aesthetics is 7.9%. Although this is lower than the national default rate of 10.1%, you’ll still want to keep this in mind when taking out student loans.
Conclusion
Beating the heat is hard with many popular hairstyles, and the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on healthy hair in the great state of Arizona; it would also require that one ensure an all-around beauty with utmost care to the nails.
But Arizona nail technicians are up to the challenge of finding styles that both look cool and stay cool in the summer heat, thanks to the great training they find at local nail tech schools in Phoenix Az.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Become a Nail Tech?
For many people, a career as a nail tech starts with nail school. Attending a Cosmetology school or a general beauty school program will provide some manicuring training. However, the Nail Technology Program at the Tricoci University of Beauty Culture provides in-depth professional training that includes hands-on practice and experience working with clients in the on-campus nail salon.
Can You Work in a Nail Salon Without a License?
In all states, you need a license to become a nail technician. States have a wide range of requirements for nail tech licensing. While some states require training and a practical exam, others require a written test. The only licensing requirement for nail techs in Illinois is a training program. In Indiana, nail tech licenses require training and passing a state licensing exam. Up until recently, Connecticut was an exception that had no license requirements. However, a recent law will require licenses after October 1, 2020.
What Types of Courses Do You Take in Nail School?
When you attend nail school, you’ll get in-depth training in nail techniques: manicuring, pedicuring, nail tips, anatomy, art, and sculpture. The Nail Technology program at Tricoci University also includes business basics, so you’ll learn the salesmanship skills that can help you succeed. Nail School also includes in-depth training on sanitation processes,, including how to comply with local and state laws and comply with OSHA standards.
How Should You Prepare for Nail School?
It’s easy to start training to become a nail technologist. First, determine which nail technician program will provide you with the quality training to help you meet your career goals. Next, review the admissions process. At Tricoci University, the requirements are easy. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and all students must be 16 years old by the first day of class.
References
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