Online Nail Technician Schools, Courses & Licensing

Students considering nail technician school online must make their decision based on several key factors. Nail technicians and other beauty and cosmetology professionals are responsible for clients’ personal appearance. Normally, cosmetology programs and courses for nail technicians are not available in online form because of the hands-on nature of the professional skills involved. However, students can take some of the prerequisite courses through distance learning programs at various colleges. Students must also weigh the requirements for licensing in their particular state.

Program Availability and Type

Online-only nail technician schools are not available, but some non-professional programs could be available from select institutions. Normally nail technician education programs must be completed at a traditional educational institution, whether it be a college with a cosmetology program or a beauty school with a program specifically for nail technicians. Students can complete some prerequisite classes in anatomy and physiology online, and some personal enrichment courses in nail care and cosmetology are available from some institutions.

Students may at times be able to find cosmetology programs that allow them to take other prerequisite courses online. Some programs also allow students to transfer those prerequisite credits in from an institution that does have online classes.

Licensing Requirements

Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but commonly nail technicians must complete a state-approved cosmetology program and register with the state to complete their cosmetology license. Because of the hands-on nature of the profession, states do not normally approve nail technician programs that do not present the bulk of their material in a traditional learning environment. Students should ensure that a program meets their state’s licensing requirements before enrolling.