Manicurist

If you love to work with people and enjoy an environment where you can be creative, the Manicurist program might be for you! You will be exposed to all areas of Manicuring, including: manicuring and pedicuring techniques, nail enhancement techniques, UV/gel applications, hybrid polishes and much more!

One of the greatest benefits of studying Manicurist at the Wilson Talent Center is that upon completion of the program, you are ready to take the State of Michigan Board of Cosmetology Manicurist Licensing exam. After passing, you will be a licensed manicurist in the state of Michigan, without spending $7,000+ to do this after high school. Numerous employment opportunities will be available, such as a professional nail technician, nail salon owner or sales representative.

This one-year program is open to both juniors and seniors. It is offered in the PM session Monday through Friday.

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

Course 

Manicurist - Cosmetology CIP 12.0400

National Career Cluster

Human Services Pathway

Michigan Career Pathway

Human Services

Instructor(s)

Kasey Smith
State of Michigan licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
tandard Teaching Certificate - CTE 12.0400 Cosmetology
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Studies from Siena Heights University
American Board Certified Hair Colorist
Over 25 years experience in Cosmetology, including 15 years as an instructor, 10 years as a salon owner
517.244.1402
kasey,smith@inghamisd.org

Jamie Collins
State of Michigan licensed Cosmetologist & Instructor
Standard Teaching Certificate - CTE 12.0400 Cosmetology
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University
20 yeas of experience in Cosmetology, and various roles in juvenile educational positions
517.244.1321
jamie.collins@inghamisd.org

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
Kirkland Community College
Mott Community College
Washtenaw Community College

Special Requirements/Recommendations for Success 

  • 9th grade (minimum) reading and math levels - textbooks and state board exam written at a 9th grade reading level
  • 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

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 the many fields of the beauty industry, including: manicurist, sales representative, platform artist or salon owner. Students are exposed to all areas of manicuring, including: sanitation & patron protection, nail anatomy & disorders, manicures, pedicures, artificial nail enhancements, UV/gel applications, chemical/occupational safety, salon business and all related theory subjects.

As they advance through the program, students will have the opportunity to work on the public in the clinic salon. All work is supervised by licensed Cosmetology instructors.

Students are treated as 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 depend on 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 toward others.

Upon successful completion of the course which includes 600 hours of theory and practical applications and passing a pre-state examination with  75% or higher, the student will be ready to take the State of Michigan Manicurist examination and seek employment. This certification may also provide a means of assisting with the cost of further education through articulation agreements.

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's learning 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 to align with licensure requirements. However, accommodation will be provided as stated in the IEP or 504 plan for circumstances where it is applicable/appropriate.

Specific concerns related to an individual's plan can be discussed at any time with the instructor. Monitoring of student success through accommodation will be provided and documented.

Course Content

Curriculum

The following topics will be covered in the curriculum provided through Milady Standard

Nail Technology - 8th Edition and Milady Standard Foundation texts:

  • Sanitation & Patron Protection
  • Infection control
  • Anatomy, Disorders & Diseases
  • Chemical/Occupational Safety
  • Manicurist Practical Application Processes
  • Chemistry
  • Electricity
  • History of Cosmetology & Nail Technology
  • Career Paths
  • Life Skills
  • Career Management 
  • Professional Image & Ethics
  • Communicating for Success


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 diiscipline 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.

Student Leadership/CTSO Opportunities

  • SkillsUSA membership: Nail Care

Work Based Learning

  • Advanced Hands-on Training Classes by Industry Representatives Student
  • Industry Field Trips to local businesses
  • Mock Job Fair
  • Mock Interviews

Safety Training and Industry Certifications

  • Milady Infection Control Certification
  • Barbicide Certification
  • Barbicide Be-Healthy Certification
  • Milady Human Trafficking Awareness
  • Milady Domestic Abuse Awareness
  • Shear Haven Domestic Abuse Awareness

Industry Credentials

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be qualified to sit for the state of Michigan licensure exams for Manicurist to become fully licensed.

  • Michigan Manicurist License

Exit Outcomes

  • Develop professional employability skills needed to obtain and keep a job
  • Explore the many careers available in the beauty industry
  • Develop an understanding of basic human needs and human behavior
  • Develop effective communication skills -both speaking and listening
  • Learn Basic Manicurist skills
  • Develop necessary skills to analyze clients for conditions that prevent 
  • 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 the days scheduled in order 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 your training are not exceeded.

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements to return for Semester 2:

  • Completion of 185.00 hours in the Semester I
  • Meets or exceeds ECA goals for Semester I
  • Meets entry-level standards for practice on the public in the Cosmetology salon.

Student hours will be evaluated monthly. Any student that has missed more than half of the allowable hours missed will be placed on probation, resulting in placement on an attendance agreement for continuous monitoring by WTC support staff. Once a student is placed on an attendance agreement, it will be enforced throughout the remainder of the program in an effort to increase attendance and probability of success.

If advance notice of an absence is possible, notify the instructor by email. For unforeseen circumstances, please notify the school by calling 517.244.1306 (WTC Attendance Line). A message can be left to notify and excuse a student’s absence.

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 instructor.

Uniform Policy

In order to receive hours in the Manicurist program, it is state-mandated that students are in complete uniform prior to clocking in each day. 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. Hours are deducted in 15-minute increments.

Each student is provided the following uniform to be worn daily:

  • Provided uniform pants
  • T-shirt/sweatshirt
  • Apron and name badge

Each student must provide a pair of solid black, closed-toe shoes in addition to the uniform at their own expense.

Personal Appearance

Hair must be clean and neat before coming to school

Makeup, if worn, must be professional in nature and applied before coming to school

Nails must be clean and neat

Practice of good personal hygiene - bathing, using deodorant, brushing teeth and care of breath

No headgear or hats unless of religious affiliation with instructor approval

Grading Policy

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

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

Marking Periods 1-2 ECA’s

  • Employability
  • Practical Application
  • Theory 

Marking Periods 3-6 ECA’s

  • Employability
  • Theory
  • Productivity

GRADING GUIDE*

A : meeting and/or exceeding the goal for all ECA's

B : not meeting the goal calendar in 1 ECA.

C : not meeting the goal calendar in 2 ECAs.

D : not meeting the goal calendar in 3 ECAs.

F : NE on any ECA.

* Grades are influenced by the trend of scores.


For example, if a student trends downward, his/her grade will be impacted negatively. If a student trends upward, his/her grade will likely be impacted positively.

Evidence of performance in each ECA will be gathered multiple times throughout the marking period using provided rubrics. Students will be encouraged to continue to have their performance evaluated regularly in order to gather evidence towards their professional development within the curriculum. Students will track their progress independently with regular feedback on plans for improvement in order to successfully complete licensure requirements and obtain valuable credentials.

Manicuring  Student Testimonials