Dorsey College

Manicuring

Madison Heights (Main Campus)
Madison Heights, MI
Diploma · Hybrid
Manicuring
Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Hybrid format — on-campus instruction combined with online coursework.
$4,800
600 clock hours (20 weeks)
No application fee is charged.
Federal Title IV aid (Pell, SEOG, Stafford loans, Work-Study), Michigan scholarships & grants, VA benefits, institutional scholarships, loans and job-training programs.

Manicuring is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Dorsey College in Madison Heights, MI. The program takes 20 weeks (~24 calendar weeks) to complete, with a total tuition of $4,800.

Program Overview

The hybrid manicuring certificate program includes training of 600 hours and provides students with the opportunity to obtain a basic understanding of manicuring techniques including plain manicure, nail art, oil manicure, nail repair, and artificial nail application treatments, during which a variety of manicuring skills are taught, as well as shop management, pedicuring, and sanitation. The manicuring program features a combination of classroom instruction and on-campus hands-on training. By the end of the program, each graduate will have had the opportunity to obtain the knowledge and experience required to prepare them to enter this exciting profession. Once licensed, a graduate may work as an entry-level manicurist under numerous job descriptions. Manicuring career opportunities in private, chain or department store salons include positions such as manicurist, platform manicurist, salon owner, nail technician director, and theatrical nail technician. Manicuring career opportunities in business and industry include positions such as manufacturer representative, beauty products supervisor, beauty influencer, school director, and beauty supply salesperson.

Available at the Madison Heights Campus.

What Sets This Program Apart

Licensure

Dorsey College has determined that its manicuring program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. Student is aware that good moral character is required for licensure, and therefore gainful employment, in the State of Michigan.

Student Level Definition

Dorsey College defines a senior student as a manicuring student who has completed 150 hours of MANI110 Manicuring I (with instruction in both theory and practical) and is then permitted to begin to practice on the public in the clinic.

Admission Requirements & Process

Admissions inquiries may be directed to a Dorsey College campus convenient to you, or you can call 888-422-1188 to arrange a convenient appointment with an admissions representative. A career planning session will be scheduled to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to training. Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of their fully executed enrollment agreement.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    High school diploma or its equivalent (for example, a General Education Development “GED” High School Equivalency Certificate), as evidenced by an attestation signed by the…
  • Career Planning Session
    A career planning session with a Dorsey College admissions representative, to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to…
  • Desire to Succeed
    The desire, interest, and motivation to succeed.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID
    Current government issued photo identification or passport is required when completing the enrollment agreement.
  • Foreign Diploma Evaluation
    Students enrolling with a foreign diploma or transcript must have it evaluated by an authorized and approved evaluator prior to enrollment, to prove it is equivalent to a United…
  • Reliable Internet Access
    Students enrolled in programs utilizing distance education or hybrid delivery are responsible to ensure reliable internet access is consistently available during designated…
  • Diploma Documentation Deadline
    Documentation of high school diploma or GED is due before the end of the Drop-Add period of 14 calendar days from the first day of attendance.
  • Minimum Age 17
    Students must be at least 17 years old.
  • Good Moral Character
    Good moral character is required for licensure by the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing. If an applicant has had a judgement of guilt in a criminal proceeding or a civil…
  • Felony Convictions
    Dorsey College reserves the right to deny acceptance to an applicant with any felony convictions to programs with licensure requirements.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Admissions inquiries may be directed to a Dorsey College campus convenient to you. Contact Dorsey College at 888-422-1188 to arrange a convenient appointment with an admissions representative.
  2. 2
    Career Planning Session
    A career planning session will be scheduled to review Dorsey College’s career programs and the applicant’s attitude, motivation, and commitment to training.
  3. 3
    Submit Required Documentation
    Documentation of high school diploma or its equivalent must be submitted to the campus, along with any additional documents your program requires.
  4. 4
    Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)
    For your customized financial aid offer, complete your FAFSA and include your preferred Dorsey College campus institution code.
    FAFSA Code for Madison Heights (Main Campus): 004692
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  5. 5
    Sign Your Enrollment Agreement
    Successful applicants will be provided with a copy of their fully executed enrollment agreement. Current government issued photo identification or passport is required when completing the enrollment agreement.
  6. 6
    Attend Orientation
    Dorsey College offers orientation to new students to acclimate them to the institution, including an informal introduction of key personnel, campus policies and procedures, and an opportunity to interact with peers.

Program Schedule

The manicuring program length is 20 weeks of contact time, which is scheduled over approximately 24 calendar weeks.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • November 16th, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 22nd, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 17th, 2027
  • June 28th, 2027
  • August 16th, 2027
  • October 04th, 2027
  • November 15th, 2027

Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $4,800
Total Program Cost
≈ $5,400
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Tuition includes e-textbooks, textbook(s), an electronic device, and a manicuring kit. One complimentary “scrub set” uniform will be provided to students enrolled in the manicuring program.

Types of Financial Aid

After completing the FAFSA and establishing eligibility, students at Dorsey College receive a financial aid offer that may include one or more types of assistance.

Scholarships — Typically awarded on the basis of academic achievement or other qualifying criteria. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Examples include the Fostering Futures Scholarship, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS), Mi Gear Up Scholarship, Dorsey Great Start Scholarships, and several memorial scholarships.

Grants — Need-based awards that may be funded by the federal government, the State of Michigan, Dorsey College, or private organizations. Grants do not require repayment. Examples include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG), Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG), Ruth Dorsey Grant, Pat Fischer Culinary Arts Grant, and Dorsey Veterans Grant.

Loans — Low-interest student loans are available and must be repaid when a student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment. Options include the Federal Stafford Loan Program, Direct PLUS Loan (for parents), Dorsey Institutional Loan, and private educational loans.

Federal Work-Study — Provides part-time employment opportunities, enabling students to earn wages that can be applied toward educational expenses.

Other Benefits and Job Training Opportunities — Students may also qualify for state-sponsored programs, veterans’ benefits, or other workforce development and job training initiatives, including the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Phase I, EMS Career Programs Advance Payment Incentive, Tuition Reimbursement, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Michigan Merit Award, Veterans Education Benefits, Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and UAW Tuition Assistance Plan.

The Dorsey College financial aid department provides students with both entrance and exit loan counseling.

Total program tuition is $5,400 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).

Curriculum

Course — clock hours:

An asterisk (*) next to the course name indicates that part of the course content is delivered online utilizing distance education delivery.

The required courses below are from Dorsey College's published catalog.

Required Courses

Subject #Name
MANI110Manicuring I
MANI112Manicuring II
MAN114Manicuring III
Totals

Career Outcomes

Career Services

Career services coordinators assist program completers in establishing and accomplishing personal employment goals, polishing resumes, and providing job search and interview techniques, in support of Dorsey College’s objective to “assist students to secure training-related employment.” The Dorsey College career services coordinators can be reached at each campus or online at www.dorsey.edu.

Dorsey College maintains an impressive graduate employment (“placement”) rate, serving as its hallmark. Dorsey College calculates its placement rate according to the requirements of its institutional accreditor. Thousands of graduates from Dorsey College have launched new, exciting, and rewarding careers with many of Michigan’s leading employers. These graduates fulfill Dorsey College’s objective to educate students who are well prepared to enter the workplace, and assume the tasks and challenges associated with their new careers and satisfy the performance requirements of employers. Licensure must be obtained from the State of Michigan to work as a practical nurse, registered nurse, massage therapist, emergency medical technician, paramedic, cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician, EMT instructor/coordinator or as a pharmacy technician.

Dorsey College does not guarantee job placement or starting salary. Dorsey College has developed and continues to develop long-term relationships with employers to enhance employment opportunities for completers.

What to Expect as a Student at Dorsey College

A Message From the President

At Dorsey College we take great pride in providing our students with a positive learning environment that includes smaller classes taught by credentialed instructors with real-world experience. Training at Dorsey College is hands-on and performance based, using simulated work environments to ensure you are equipped with the practical skills needed to meet the demands of your chosen career field. Most of our programs are taught in a hybrid learning model that includes online and on-ground courses to provide flexibility and convenience. Classroom and laboratory training is combined with clinical training or an externship in most programs, where students go on-site to an employer in their field to gain real life industry experience.

Established in downtown Detroit in 1934, Dorsey College continues the heritage of its founder, Ruth Dorsey, as a trusted name for comprehensive, quality career training. Now in operation for over ninety years, Dorsey College has continued to be a mark of educational distinction with tens of thousands of graduates enjoying successful careers throughout the country. Institutional facilities consist of seven campus locations with well-equipped classrooms and laboratories, including medical labs, dental labs, HVAC and electrical labs, culinary kitchens, cosmetology clinics and massage therapy clinics furnished with program-appropriate equipment to simulate the work environment for which the student is training.

Location

Madison Heights (Main Campus)
31739 John R Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071

Accreditation & Approvals

Institutional Accreditation — Council on Occupational Education

Dorsey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education granted accreditation to Dorsey College effective February 19, 2018. The formal action of the Commission included the main campus, located in Madison Heights, as well as its affiliate campus locations in Roseville, Woodhaven, Wayne, Dearborn, Saginaw and Grand Rapids. Contact: Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org.

Dorsey College Holdings d/b/a Dorsey College is a Michigan entity recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is currently approved by the U.S. Department of Education as a private non-profit institution of higher education.

Programmatic Accreditation

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at the campuses located in Madison Heights, Saginaw, and Wayne, and the Practical Nurse program at the campuses located in Madison Heights, Roseville, Wayne, Woodhaven and Saginaw, are accredited by ACEN, 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for these programs is initial accreditation.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP): The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA). The paramedic program is accredited by CAAHEP upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF): The culinary arts program offered at the Dorsey College Roseville campus is programmatically accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, 180 Center Place Way, St. Augustine, FL 32095, (800) 624-9458.

Licenses and Approvals

Dorsey College is approved in the State of Michigan by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development. It is approved to offer EMS training programs by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Bureau of EMS, Trauma, & Preparedness. The Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse programs are approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, and the Massage Therapy program is an approved education program by the Michigan Board of Massage Therapy. Dorsey College is approved for the training of veterans and other eligible persons for VA Educational Programs at the Madison Heights, Roseville, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Wayne, Woodhaven and Saginaw campuses, and is approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the Madison Heights (Main Campus) Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution
Women68.7%(442)
Men31.3%(201)
Race/Ethnicity Distribution
Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
63.6% · 409 students
Black/African American63.6% · 409
White22.9% · 147
International Students5.3% · 34
Two or More Races4.7% · 30
Asian1.9% · 12
American Indian/Alaska Native0.9% · 6
Hispanic/Latino0.8% · 5
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0% · 0

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of work does a Manicurist / Nail Technician do?
Manicurists, Pedicurists, and Nail Technicians clean, shape, polish and decorate the fingernails and toenails of clients. In addition, they can also schedule client appointments, operate cash registers to accept payment from clients, update and maintain client information, and keep their workstation and tools clean and sanitized.
Where do Manicurists / Nail Technicians work?
Manicurists, Pedicurists, and Nail Technicians traditionally work in nail salons but some may also work in a spa or a hair salon.
Will I be able to find a job?
It’s important to note that no school can guarantee employment. Here at Dorsey College, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Manicuring program, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
How much can I expect to make as a Manicurist?
Here are some helpful websites that will allow you to view information on Wages & Employment trends: • Michigan Occupational Wage Information (The SOC for Manicurists is 39-5092) • O*NET Online (Scroll down to Wages & Employment Trends to view helpful info on National/State trends)
Are there other jobs I may be able to obtain as a Manicurist?
Manicurists, once licensed, may work under other various titles such as Manicurist, Pedicurist, and Nail Technician. When looking at any position, it’s important to evaluate the duties of the position along with the required skills and knowledge to determine if a candidate may meet the requirements set forth by the employer.
How is a Manicurist different from other professionals in the Beauty industry?
Manicurists perform services specifically for clients nails. Some beauty professionals may be more generalized in the work they perform and may perform a broader range of services (such as hair, make-up, and skin services).
Are there other career opportunities for Manicurists?
Some may choose to use a career as a Manicurist as an entryway into the beauty field. It would not be uncommon for a Manicurist to work in the field to gain experience to grow their skills and/or responsibilities. Some may also choose to go back to school to further their education and/or strengthen their credentials.
How might I determine if this is a good career choice for me?
In choosing any career, it’s important that someone look at a variety of factors, some of which include: • Can I see myself doing the work that this position/occupation performs and am I going to be happy performing those tasks in that type of work setting? • Do I have the skills/traits/characteristics that one may need to be successful in a position like this? • How is the employment outlook/trends for this position?
I have no background or experience in the beauty field – can I really do this?
You can! Many manicurists have little to no experience prior to beginning their training. That’s why it’s very important for someone interested in becoming a manicurist to evaluate their school and training options closely.
What type of training is needed?
Manicurists typically attend a post-secondary school or institution to obtain training. Many of these programs lead to a certificate or a diploma. Most states require candidates to complete their training at a state approved school in order to pursue licensure so it’s important for candidates to understand the licensure guidelines/procedures for their specific state as well as ensure their training school meets those requirements. It’s also important to note that since Manicurists work very closely with the public and the services they provide are very “hands-on,” it can be advantageous to a student to choose a program that has strong instructional and practical components so they can “learn by doing.”
How long do I have to go to school?
Many manicuring programs can be completed in less than a year. The Dorsey College Manicuring program is designed to be completed in less than one year.
What are important characteristics for Manicurists to have?
While this isn’t a full list of important characteristics, Manicurists should have good customer service skills, business skills, creativity, and dexterity. If you’re lacking in one or more of these areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be a good Manicurist, and it may be an area you wish to focus on as part of your training.
Is Certification/Licensure required to obtain employment as a Manicurist?
Yes, almost all states require Manicurists to be licensed in order to obtain gainful employment in the field. Requirements may vary state to state, so it’s important to know the requirements in the state in which you desire to pursue employment. States usually require candidates to complete their training at a State approved/licensed school. Upon graduating from a state approved school, candidates are usually required to take a licensing exam. Licensure is required to obtain gainful employment in Michigan as a Manicurist. Dorsey College has determined that its Manicuring program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
What will be covered in the program?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program offers instruction in both a classroom setting as well as a hands-on environment by way of the student salon. Students enrolled in the Manicuring program will be exposed to a variety of topics including (but not limited to): • History of the Nail Profession • Life Skills and Professional Communication • Infection Control • Anatomy & Physiology of the Skin and Nails • Nail Diseases and Disorders • Electric Filing Nail Tips and Wraps • Monomer Liquid and Polymer Powder Nail Enhancements and UV Gels • Nail Repair • Nail Art • Shop Management • And more…!
Is your program hands-on?
Yes! Manicuring students at Dorsey College will have opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in both the classroom setting as well as in the student salon (while supervised) at Dorsey College.
What’s the student salon and why is that important?
Dorsey College operates a fully functioning salon where Senior Students in the Manicuring program (while supervised) can practice and apply the skills they have learned throughout their program on members of the public, who may be charged for the services rendered by students. This hands-on experience affords students the opportunity to continue to enhance their skills while gaining exposure to real-world occupational settings that Manicurists may be exposed to once licensed and working in the field.
How long is the program?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program is designed to be completed in less than one year. Actual completion time may vary student to student.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are caring individuals that possess experience and expertise in their respective field. Our instructors meet or exceed State of Michigan and accreditation criteria, guidelines, and qualifications. It’s not uncommon for students of Dorsey College to see their instructors as their coach and mentor throughout their studies.
Which Dorsey College campus offer the Manicuring program?
The Manicuring program is offered at the following Dorsey College campus location: • Madison Heights, MI (Main campus) Dorsey School of Beauty, located in Taylor, MI, is a sister school of Dorsey College. Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). To learn more about Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI you can click here.
How do I enroll?
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Manicuring program at Dorsey College, the first step you should take is meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives. Request information online and a member of our team will be back in touch with you shortly. You can read more about our Admissions process and program-specific admissions information on our Admissions information page.
Does your program include licensure?
While actual licensure is not included in the curriculum of the Dorsey College Manicuring program, graduates may go on to challenge the licensure exam. Students also focus on preparation for the State exam, as part of the Manicuring program curriculum. In order to assist our graduates, Dorsey College will pay the cost one time for graduates of the Manicuring program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey College’s exam preparation requirements. Dorsey College has determined that its Manicuring program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.
Will your program prepare me for licensure?
The Dorsey College Manicuring program is designed to prepare students to go on to challenge a licensure exam.
Is your school accredited?
Yes! You can read more by visiting our Accreditation page.
What is the tuition and fees for the program?
Tuition and fees for a student to complete the Manicuring program can be found by visiting our Student Consumer Information page. To calculate the total cost of education, including indirect costs of room and board, personal expenses, transportation costs and loan fees associated with the cost of attendance, go to the Dorsey College Cost of Attendance page.
What is included in my tuition?
In addition to program instruction, tuition includes necessary textbooks along with a Manicuring Student Kit. The student kit includes items such as nail polish, acrylic supplies, and other manicuring instruments. Dorsey College will furnish all necessary materials and supplies to senior students who perform work on patrons. All equipment, materials, and supplies not included in the student kit are the property of Dorsey College.
Can you help me find a job after graduation?
Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all eligible program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Manicuring at Madison Heights (Main Campus).
Manicuring