Nail Tech School & Nail Technology / Manicuring Program at Tricoci University

  • Tricoci University is accredited by NACCAS and licensed in the states where it operates, preparing you for the Indiana Manicurist license.
  • 600 hours of hands-on manicuring training: manicures, pedicures, gels, sculpting, and nail art on real clients.
  • Graduate job-ready in under 7 months part time at our Highland, Indianapolis, or Lafayette campus.
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600
Training Hours (IN Requires 450)
4
Months Full Time
6-7
Months Part Time
3
Indiana Campuses
6
Weeks Between Class Starts

Hands-On Manicuring Training in a Real Clinic Salon

Hands-on manicuring practice is the core of the Nail Technology / Manicuring program: you’ll train on real clients in Tricoci University’s on-campus, student-run clinic salon before you graduate. Services you’ll perform include:

  • Manicures and spa pedicures
  • Light-cured gel polish
  • Acrylic sculpting and nail wraps
  • Electric file techniques
  • Nail art and design
  • Hand and foot massage
Student working on a client's nails

Tricoci Campus Locations

Highland, IN

Day and evening schedules available

Duration
Full Time: 4 months Part Time: 7 months
Location Details

Indianapolis NE (Fishers), IN

Day and evening schedules available

Duration
Part Time: 7 months
Location Details

Lafayette, IN

Day schedule available

Duration
Part Time: 6 months
Location Details

How to Get Your Nail Tech License in Indiana

1

Enroll in Tricoci University’s Nail Technology / Manicuring program

Tricoci University is accredited by NACCAS and licensed in the states where it operates; minimum age 17½, 8th grade education

2

Complete 600 hours of training

Exceeding Indiana’s 450-hour requirement

3

Pass the Indiana written licensure exam

Administered by PSI

4

Apply for your Manicurist license

Through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

What You'll Learn in the Nail Technology / Manicuring Program

Nail Technology Fundamentals
Science of nails, history of nail care, professional ethics, sterilization and disinfection
Nail Practices & Procedures
Manicures, pedicures, wraps, sculpting, light-cured gels, electric file techniques, massage
Health & Safety
OSHA standards, public health protocols, bacteriology
Business Skills
Salon management, marketing, Indiana regulations, paths to booth rental and ownership
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Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition for the Nail Technology / Manicuring program is $9,480, which includes classroom instruction, clinic salon training, and your student kit.

Most students qualify for one or more of the following:

  • Federal financial aid through FAFSA (Tricoci University is accredited by NACCAS and Title IV eligible)
  • Scholarships through select programs and partnerships
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Career Outcomes

A Tricoci University manicuring education prepares you for licensed work across the nail industry:

  • Nail salons
  • Day spas and resort spas
  • Nail studios and suites
  • Booth rental and salon ownership
  • Mobile and freelance nail artistry
  • Bridal and editorial work

What Does Nail Technology Have to Offer?

The short answer? A lot. The long answer? Explore our detailed guides on all things nail technology below.

Student practicing nail polish application at Tricoci

What Will I Learn in Nail Tech School?

Want to dive deep on the classes you’ll take and what the nail tech school experience is really like? Read these articles for the inside scoop.

Nail Technology Curriculum

Essential Skills You’ll Learn in Nail School

Nail tech student applying acrylic nails

What Can I Do After Nail Technology School?

Life after nail tech school can be pretty great. Wondering what it might look like for you? Explore our guides on career opportunities for nail techs.

Beauty Career: Nail Tech/Manicurist

Do You Need a Nail Tech Program for a Career?

Nail Tech Career Specialties

Hear the Journey of Our Students

I had an amazing experience during my time as a student at Tricoci. The staff is caring, supportive, knowledgeable, and very helpful. I know they all genuinely care about what happens to us when we graduate. I loved all the events I was able to participate in, the competitions, and classes. So many opportunities to grow at Tricoci, with amazing mentors I know will always be here to support me and anyone else who wants to grow.

-Lindsay Farberg
Tricoci University Student

This school has definitely changed my life and long time goals. They gave me purpose and a calling I’ve never knew I had. The time I have spent here has been great in so many ways! People come and go but experiences can never be replaced. Cosmetology is for sure not for the weak, you need dedication and patience to devour your fears of messing up or even giving a service that the client might not potentially like. I thank all the students and teachers for their support

– Hi’i Lani Steimel
Tricoci University Student

This school is very enthusiastic and I love the educators here! Especially Ms. Donna🩷 she’s just amazing all around, supportive, helpful, funny, real and all around beautiful! Thank you Ms. Donna, and thank you TUBC for helping me build my career!

– Dezjah Jeffries
Tricoci University Student

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FAQs

Here are a few common questions we receive about what nail tech training really looks like and what to expect as an incoming student.

How long is nail school?green arrow
Tricoci University's Nail Technology / Manicuring program is 600 hours, which exceeds Indiana's 450-hour requirement for the Manicurist license. Full-time students can finish in as little as 4 months; part-time day and evening schedules take 6 to 7 months depending on campus. New classes start every 6 weeks.
How much does nail technology school cost?green arrow
Tuition for Tricoci University's Nail Technology / Manicuring program is $9,480, which includes instruction, clinic salon training, and your student kit. Most students reduce their out-of-pocket cost through federal financial aid (FAFSA), scholarships, or Tricoci University's zero-interest monthly payment plan. A financial aid advisor can build a personalized estimate for your campus and start date.
What is nail tech school?green arrow
Nail Technology or Manicuring school is a form of trade school where you learn in-depth knowledge about nail services, bodily anatomy, how to care for the sensitive skin of the hands and feet, how to care for your clients' nail health, as well as hands-on training with the most modern techniques, skills, and application styles available. In short, you learn everything you need to help you become a successful nail artist or manicurist after completing your program!
What do you learn in nail technology school?green arrow
Depending on your chosen specialty, you will learn a wide variety of skills and techniques pertaining to the career path you wish to pursue after completing your program. Nail technology focuses on nails and the surrounding areas (hands and feet, primarily). Nail technology students learn about biology, chemistry, and the creative aspects of this unique craft. Nail technology students go on to open their own nail salons, work in nail salons, spas, and more.
How do I become a Manicurist in Indiana?green arrow
To become a licensed Manicurist in Indiana: (1) enroll in a state-approved program like Tricoci University's Nail Technology / Manicuring program (Tricoci University is accredited by NACCAS and licensed in the states where it operates), (2) complete the required training hours (Indiana requires 450; Tricoci University's program is 600), (3) pass the state written exam, and (4) apply for your Manicurist license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. At Tricoci University, the full path can take as little as 4 months full time.
Can you go to nail tech school online?green arrow
Indiana requires manicuring training hours to be completed in person at a state-approved school, so fully online programs don't qualify you for the Indiana Manicurist license. Tricoci University's program is built around supervised, hands-on practice in a real clinic salon, which is what state boards (and employers) require.

Read what people have to say about our nail technology school

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