Closer2MyDreams
Member
Hello,
I have dreams of opening a nail bar. I have been enrolled in a nail tech course at a local (30 miles from my home) cosmetology school for two months.
Prior to enrolling, I checked their website and found that they offered the course. Well, upon enrolling, I learned that I was the only nail tech student at the school at a particular location. I was also told that the state of Louisiana doesn't have certification for "Nail Tech Instructors," so all of my coursework would be taught by cosmetologists. I found that a bit strange, but I went with the flow.
For the first 4 weeks I was in class (theory) with the other cosmetologist students because we were covering similar topics--disinfection, etc. Afterwards, I was pulled because my book would cover more nail information and their books were venturing into hair care, etc. I have a "student" instructor who sits with me for "class" and she reads to me from the book, sometimes I read. There was even a time when she was showing me the eponychium on her finger but was actually pointing to the hyponychium (I knew this from reading ahead). It wasn't until she read a bit further that she re-adjusted and correctly pointed to the eponychium.
I purchased the OPI student kit from the school for an additional $225 because their basic kit really didn't have much. The head instructor has sat with me twice to demonstrate a procedure--manicure and applying tips and acrylic. The "student" instructor demonstrated pedicures to me and the cosmetology students. The school only offers manicures and pedicures to the public.
Although I received acrylic, I am not allowed to practice on the public. Additionally, my instructor informed me that the acrylic the school uses is cheap so even if I did practice on a student, it would probably lift. The students have so much to complete before they can receive a service from another student--5 doll heads, 5 hours on Sat and they must help clean each day for a week before a service can be rendered. Because of that restriction, I usually practice on my "nail trainer." They do not have technology for gel, shellac, etc.
Another "student" teacher purchased the system for CND shellac and I used it for the first time on her yesterday. It's her personal system so continuous practice isn't feasible. I also purchased my own nail art brushes and have been watching youtube at school to learn designs or other procedures.
The cosmetology students receive much more one on one or guidance and I guess that's due to the teachers' comfort level. I just feel a bit frustrated
and have come to the conclusion that this course (6-months in length but 4.5 since I'm doing extended hours) is a means to get the hours to take my boards.
Is this normal training? What else can I do? I would have surely gone to another school, but this school has a monopoly--there is not another that offers nail tech within a 60 miles radius.:Scared:
Thank you for your assistance.
I have dreams of opening a nail bar. I have been enrolled in a nail tech course at a local (30 miles from my home) cosmetology school for two months.
Prior to enrolling, I checked their website and found that they offered the course. Well, upon enrolling, I learned that I was the only nail tech student at the school at a particular location. I was also told that the state of Louisiana doesn't have certification for "Nail Tech Instructors," so all of my coursework would be taught by cosmetologists. I found that a bit strange, but I went with the flow.
For the first 4 weeks I was in class (theory) with the other cosmetologist students because we were covering similar topics--disinfection, etc. Afterwards, I was pulled because my book would cover more nail information and their books were venturing into hair care, etc. I have a "student" instructor who sits with me for "class" and she reads to me from the book, sometimes I read. There was even a time when she was showing me the eponychium on her finger but was actually pointing to the hyponychium (I knew this from reading ahead). It wasn't until she read a bit further that she re-adjusted and correctly pointed to the eponychium.
I purchased the OPI student kit from the school for an additional $225 because their basic kit really didn't have much. The head instructor has sat with me twice to demonstrate a procedure--manicure and applying tips and acrylic. The "student" instructor demonstrated pedicures to me and the cosmetology students. The school only offers manicures and pedicures to the public.
Although I received acrylic, I am not allowed to practice on the public. Additionally, my instructor informed me that the acrylic the school uses is cheap so even if I did practice on a student, it would probably lift. The students have so much to complete before they can receive a service from another student--5 doll heads, 5 hours on Sat and they must help clean each day for a week before a service can be rendered. Because of that restriction, I usually practice on my "nail trainer." They do not have technology for gel, shellac, etc.
Another "student" teacher purchased the system for CND shellac and I used it for the first time on her yesterday. It's her personal system so continuous practice isn't feasible. I also purchased my own nail art brushes and have been watching youtube at school to learn designs or other procedures.
The cosmetology students receive much more one on one or guidance and I guess that's due to the teachers' comfort level. I just feel a bit frustrated
and have come to the conclusion that this course (6-months in length but 4.5 since I'm doing extended hours) is a means to get the hours to take my boards. Is this normal training? What else can I do? I would have surely gone to another school, but this school has a monopoly--there is not another that offers nail tech within a 60 miles radius.:Scared:
Thank you for your assistance.
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