Learn the latest in advanced hand, foot, and nail treatments including tips, overlays, sculptured, gel, and acrylics in VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate nails applications in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nails, hands, feet and skin.
- Perform nail treatments based on client consultation.
- Apply the principles of colour and design to specialized nail techniques.
- Create artificial nail structures, tips, overlays, sculptured, gel and acrylics.
- Perform in an ethical and professional manner appropriate to a spa environment.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Nail Technology Certificate completion pathways are as follows:
- Full time program is 4 months in length
- Part time program program is 8 months in length
Maximum time for completion is 2 years.
Practical training is conducted in a fully equipped public and training spa where treatments are offered to paying clients, providing an authentic industry experience.
Related theoretical content is delivered though lectures, demonstrations and various teaching strategies in the classroom and is continuously integrated into the practical work. Course may be offered face to face, online or a blended format.
Strategies include:
- Guest speakers such as product experts and spa owners
- Field trips, in-person or virtual, such as trade shows, supply companies, vendors and skills competitions
- Case studies
- Group work
Participation is an integral part to the development of practical skills in the program; therefore students assume the role of client, therapist and nail technician.
Practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.
Practical training is conducted in a fully equipped facility.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
- English Language Proficiency at a Grade 10 level, or equivalent, or
- Academic IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0) or TOEFL iBT 68
- Applicants may be given credit for ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations and inserted directly into ESTH 1502 Artificial Nails provided:
- They have successfully completed VCC's Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate or an equivalent Esthetics certificate from an accredited institution; and
- They provide a proof of graduation within the last five (5) years to the department in order to grant permission to register. Proof can be the certificate or a transcript.
- Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department leader or representative.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
To be successful in the Nail Technology Certificate it is recommended students possess the following characteristics:
- Interest in the spa industry and all aspects of hand, feet, artificial nails and nail art
- Genuine interest in administering personal services
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to be creative
- Ability to plan and work independently
- Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form
- Manual dexterity
Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that the following health concerns may affect this career:
- Asthma/ Respiratory conditions
- Eczema/ Dermatitis
- Chronic Back conditions
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for the following course:
- ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations
Students may complete up to 9 credits through PLAR. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.
Methods for assessing prior learning may include a challenge exam and/or a portfolio. Contact the Department for details.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1501 | Nail Foundations | 9 |
| ESTH 1502 | Artificial Nails | 9 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 5637 | |
| Student union | 128 | |
| College initiative | 52 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 113 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 0 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 177 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Are you interested in this program?
Applications are open online!
January start: Full time (4 months)
May start: Part time (8 months)
September start: Full time (4 months)
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