Nail Technician Co-Op
Study, create, and become a professional Nail Technician in Canada.
NIC’s Nail Technician Co-Op program is perfect for international students who want to study in Canada and gain professional work experience while building their career.
This program combines technical training, advanced nail art, and a co-op work period to ensure students graduate career-ready.
Program Overview
NIC’s Nail Technician Co-Op program blends creativity, technical expertise, and real-world work experience. Students master spa manicures and pedicures, acrylics, gels, 2D/3D nail art, and enhancement systems such as Polygel and Gel-X.
Hands-on practice is central to the program. Students apply techniques on real clients at NIC Spa and gain practical work experience through the Co-Op portion. Instructors guide students through each step, ensuring proper consultation, technique, safety, and sanitation.
The program also teaches essential business skills—students learn about salon operations, client management, and product knowledge—preparing them to work professionally in Canadian salons or to start their own nail business upon graduation.
Key Outcomes
Become a certified professional
Graduates leave NIC ready to work in Canadian or international salons, recognized for their skill, creativity, and professionalism.
From fundamentals to advanced techniques
Students build from nail care basics to advanced acrylics, gels, 2D and 3D nail art, and the latest enhancement techniques.
Hands-on practice with real clients
NIC Spa provide real clients and valuable experience, building confidence, creativity, and career readiness.
Business-ready graduates
Students gain knowledge of salon management, client consultation, and business essentials to succeed in the professional nail industry.
Program Information
Program Costs
Application Fee
International: $250.00
Tuition Fee
International: $8,950.00
Tuition includes the use of school-supplied consumables for in-class practice: paper towels, blue towels, cotton, cream, scrub, paraffin, gel polish, regular polish, gloves, face masks, nail art accessories, CS20, alcohol, acetone, orange sticks, buffers and files. Laundry service for school-supplied towels is also included.
The Nail Kit is not included in tuition fees. Students may purchase the Nail Kit from NIC Spa for $1,200 plus applicable taxes, or purchase the required items independently from other suppliers using the list provided by NIC Spa.
Students are required to bring their nail kit whenever they work in the nail rooms.
All products, kits, and supplies are subject to change without prior notice at the company’s discretion.
Program Hours & Length
Program Hours: 800 (400 hours of study + 400 hours of Co-Op Term)
Weeks: 40
Start Dates
February
March
May
June
August
September
November
Career Outcomes
• Nail technician at a Spa or Nail Salon
• Salon/Spa Owner
• Salon/Spa Manager
• Product Representative
• Product Educator
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or hold a High School diploma.
- Submit a completed Student Application Form and Admissions Questionnaire (available in paper or online formats).
Language Proficiency Requirements
Please check the Language Proficiency Requirements on our How to Apply Page
Curriculum
MANICURES • PEDICURES • ACRYLIC NAILS • GEL NAILS • NAIL ENHANCEMENTS • 2D NAIL ART • 3D NAIL ART • GEL-X • POLYGEL • HARD GEL • NAIL SHAPING • CUTICLE CARE • HAND & FOOT MASSAGE • CLIENT CONSULTATION • SANITATION • PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE • SALON BUSINESS • CO-OP WORK PORTION
NIC’s Nail Technician Co-Op program combines creative training, technical expertise, and practical Canadian work experience.
Students begin with foundational hand, foot, and nail care techniques, progressing to advanced acrylics, gels, and artistic nail designs.
Real-world practice at NIC Spa provides professional experience, reinforcing client consultation, safety, and sanitation protocols.
The program also teaches business and salon management skills, preparing graduates for a successful career in the nail industry both in Canada and internationally.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills.
Success Stories
Faculty
Start Your Application
Take your love of nail art to the next level. Develop technical skills, creative artistry, and business knowledge to succeed as a professional Nail Technician.
Apply now and start your journey at NIC.