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Program Details

Discover What it Means to Be a Professional Nail Technician

Our 600-hour Nail Care Program covers everything from manicures and pedicures to nail sculpting, acrylics, gels, and nail art, offered at both our Atlanta Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses. You’ll deepen your skills through classroom instruction, professional demonstrations, and hands-on practice in our student salon, working on real clients under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.

  • Meets Georgia State Board of Cosmetology requirements
  • Financial aid available to those who qualify
  • Proudly supports military-affiliated and international students
  • North American Podology certification available
  • Day & evening classes at both Buckhead and Dunwoody campuses

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The Curriculum

What You'll Master

01
Infection Control & Safety

Infection Control & Safety

Study sanitation, disinfection, EPA and OSHA standards, and blood spill procedures.
02
Nail & Skin Science

Nail & Skin Science

Learn nail composition, skin structure, and nail diseases and disorders.
03
Manicures

Manicures

Perform basic and spa manicures with hand and arm massage.
04
Pedicures

Pedicures

Offer basic and deluxe pedicures, plus paraffin treatments.
05
Nail Sculpting & Acrylics

Nail Sculpting & Acrylics

Build sculpted and acrylic nails, fill-ins, and nail repairs.
06
Gels, Tips & Wraps

Gels, Tips & Wraps

Apply gel polish, artificial tips with overlay, and silk and linen wraps.
07
Nail Art & Airbrush

Nail Art & Airbrush

Create nail art and airbrush designs, and compete in student competitions.
08
Electric File & Removal

Electric File & Removal

Use a professional drill for filing, soak-offs, and artificial nail removal.
09
Salon Business & Career Skills

Salon Business & Career Skills

Learn salon business, marketing, retailing, resume writing, and interview skills.
10
State Board Prep

State Board Prep

Prepare for the Georgia State Board written and practical exams.

Envision Yourself as a Professional

Open the Door to New Career Options

Learning how to be a nail technician at our Georgia beauty school could be the beginning of a beautiful and exciting career in nails. Nurture your creativity in our Nail Care Program while gaining the professional polish that you need to impress potential employers and clients. When it’s time to prepare a resume and start a job search, we can help you with those aspects of your education as well.

  • Nail technician in a salon
  • Nail art specialist
  • Artificial nail specialist
  • Nail shop owner or manager
  • Platform artist

Our Nail Care Program

Why Choose Elaine Sterling Institute?

Performance-Based Curriculum

Spend the majority of your hours on practical skills like fill-ins, nail art, airbrush techniques, and advanced enhancements.

Podology Certification

Earn a North American Podology certification through our partnership with The North American School of Podology.

Real Clients in Our Student Salon

Work on real clients in our student salon under the direct supervision of licensed instructors.

Hybrid + Traditional Schedules

Choose a full-time or part-time schedule, or complete theory online through CIMA by Milady.

Business & Career Support

Business and ethics training, Qnity financial literacy, and industry networking help you move into the workforce.

Financial Aid

Flexible financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships available for qualified students.

Awards & Accreditations

Proudly accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized as a CIDESCO School, Elaine Sterling Institute has spent 18 years shaping Atlanta’s beauty and wellness professionals, a proud recipient of the 2024 Golden School Award.

See What Our Students Have To Say

Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of tuition?

Tuition for the Nail Care Program is $10,200. The fee for the kit, books, and supplies is $1,624. Total cost is $11,824.

Tuition for the hybrid online Nail Care Program costs the same.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Start the financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Contact us if you have any questions concerning financial aid or alternative ways to pay for your beauty education.

Can I take classes during the evening?

Yes, we offer a part-time schedule that meets in the evenings and on Saturdays.

What days of the week would I need to be at school?

Students in the full-time program attend Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Students in the part-time evening program attend Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and every Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

How long does it take to complete the Nail Care Program?

Completion time depends on the schedule the student chooses and attends regularly. Based on a 27.5 hour per week schedule, the normal time frame of completion would be 6.5 months or 22 weeks. The other schedule is a 19.5 hour per week schedule so the normal time frame of completion would be 7 months or 31 weeks.

What is included in the student kit?

Nail care students receive the following items:

  • Apple iPad
  • Nail Care kit
  • Milady Standard textbook
  • State Board Exam Prep online course
  • CIMA access
  • Qnity Financial Literacy course
  • Beautista access
  • An ESI Jacket
  • Essential Manicure and Pedicure Tools
  • Cuticle Oil
  • Practice Hand
  • Electric Nail File
  • Apron

Student kits are subject to change.

Will I be ready to take my state board exam?

The ESI Nail Care program is designed to provide students with the necessary requirements needed to pass the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology examination as well as prepare them for an entry-level position in a salon or spa.

Get Started

How to Enroll in Our Nail Care Program

We would love to help you begin your enrollment process. First, examine our admissions requirements:

  • Age 17 or Older
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid government ID
  • Additional docs for VA, international, or M1 visa when applicable

Contact our Admissions team, and let us know that you are interested in enrolling in our Nail Care Program. We can guide you through the process and set up a personal tour of the campus of your choice.

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