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If you are a people person who loves doing nails, and you're not sure what career is right for you, you should find out more about how to become a nail technician. This could be the ideal career for you. As long as you are at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED, you could be ready to begin your journey to becoming a certified nail technologist. You can finish the training and certification in a short period of time, and be working in the beauty field before you know it.

How to Become a Nail Technician

The first step in becoming a nail technician is earning a nail technology certificate. There are various beauty schools, cosmetology schools and vocational institutes that offer these certificate programs. During your schooling, you will learn all of the techniques including acrylic nail application, gel nail application, nail tips, oil and water based manicures, pedicures (both basic and spa pedicures), silk wraps and others. Some schools may also teach students the basics of massage for the legs and arms, as many nail technicians offer this service during spa manicures and pedicures. Courses in health and safety are also required, and classes in business management and client relations may also be offered.

If you go to school full time, you should be able to finish one of these programs in 3-6 months. If you go part time, you still shouldn't be in school any longer than one year. Most nail technicians also complete an apprenticeship in a salon, nail shop or spa, either while they're in school or right after graduating. While this isn't necessarily required, it will increase your career potential greatly. You'll also need to pass a licensing exam to be legally qualified for this job. You can't sit for the exam until you've completed a program at an accredited cosmetology program.

Job Outlook

Once you have the education and professional license, you can begin working in a nail shop, salon or spa, or you may even decide to open up your own business. The job outlook for nail technicians is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 28 percent growth in this industry through 2016, and if you get a lot of clients, you can easily earn a great living. It all depends on how many clients you see and how good you are at what you do.