Hi All
(Mandi, thanks for recommending my book. A new one come out this summer)
A good home learn course should provide you with a great deal of the theory and practical instruction to get used to using the 'system' and creating the perfect shape (all of which is essential). BUT..what you must bare in mind are all the aspects of working with real people and their nails.
For example: you need to understand the results of your preparation work on all nail types (and people types), you need to know what is comfortable for your client with respect to holding fingers, buffing etc., how to diagnose the cause of problems (technician or client cause), how to recognise the difference between the "it just fell off" and the real cause of picking it off! Plus many more.
You cannot beat the learning opportunity of the maintenance treatments especially if there is support and help from an experienced technician.
Practice, practice, practice on using the products and creating the perfect shape but do not think this can totally replace the practice on lots of real people and real nails.
Marian