Nail Technology Certificate

Purpose

The Nail Technology Certificate is for those intending to work in the spa and nail industry. This program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to perform an extensive array of hand, foot and nail treatments and to apply artificial nails. These services are obtainable in any commercial or professional spa, providing our graduates with a competitive edge leading to excellent employment opportunities.

Students receive an authentic industry training experience which incorporates the most advanced treatment and technology. Students will conduct their studies in our state-of-the-art spa where all services are offered to the public.

Upon completion, graduates of the program are eligible to seek employment in: salons, spas, education centres, commercial/retail environments, hotels, resorts and cruise ships.

Duration

The Nail Technology Certificate completion pathways are as follows:

Full time program is 4 months in length
Part time program program is 8 months in length

Maximum time for completion is 2 years.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate nails applications in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.

2. Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nails, hands, feet and skin.

3. Perform nail treatments based on client consultation.

4. Apply the principles of colour and design to specialized nail techniques.

5. Create artificial nail structures, tips, overlays, sculptured, gel and acrylics.

6. Perform in an ethical and professional manner appropriate to a spa environment.

7. Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.

Admission Requirements

Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
- English Language Proficiency at a Grade 10 level, or equivalent, or
- Academic IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0) or TOEFL iBT 68

Applicants may be given credit for ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations and inserted directly into ESTH 1502 Artificial Nails provided:
- They have successfully completed VCC's Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate or an equivalent Esthetics certificate from an accredited institution; and
- They provide a proof of graduation within the last five (5) years to the department in order to grant permission to register. Proof can be the certificate or a transcript.
Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department leader or representative.

Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ESTH 1501	Nail Foundations	9
ESTH 1502	Artificial Nails	9
Total Credits		18

Evaluation of Student Learning

Students are evaluated through competency-based evaluations and their participation in theoretical and practical learning activities.

Students are required to achieve a minimum of 70% in all theory and practical assessments in ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations to progress to ESTH 1502 Artificial Nails.

Important note: Theory and practical assessment scores are not combined for final course grades. Students not achieving 70% in either the theory or practical component of each course will receive a grade of 'F' on their transcript.

A maximum of 2 re-write theory exams are offered in each level.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.

PLAR is available for the following course:

ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations

Students may complete up to 9 credits through PLAR. Tuition and fees may still apply to PLAR candidates.

Methods for assessing prior learning may include a challenge exam and/or a portfolio. Contact the Department for details.

See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of semesters.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement
Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	96-100		4.33
A	91-95		4.00
A-	86-90		3.67
B+	81-85		3.33
B	76-80		3.00
B-	70-75		2.67
F	0-69	Failing Grade	0.00
S	70 or greater	Satisfactory – student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory – student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credits	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit	N/A

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.
The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.
Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.

Academic Calendar