Douglas Education Center

Esthetician and Nail Technologist

Monessen
Monessen, PA
Diploma · On Campus
Esthetician and Nail Technologist
Accredited by ACCSC; licensed by the PA State Board of Private Licensed Schools and the PA State Board of Cosmetology.
This program is taught on campus at DEC's Cosmetology Academy in Monessen, PA, with clinic practice on real clients.
Tuition is $3,975 per semester ($7,950 total); with books, supplies, exams and fees the 2-semester program total is $12,450.
This program takes about 8 months (2 semesters, 30 weeks) to complete. It is 750 clock hours, 250 over the PA minimum.
A one-time $50 application fee and a one-time $100 registration fee are required.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including federal Title IV aid, for the Esthetician and Nail Technologist program; DEC's FAFSA school code is 013957.

Esthetician and Nail Technologist is a Diploma program offered by Douglas Education Center in Monessen, PA. The program takes 8 months to complete, with a total tuition of $7,950.

Program Overview

The Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program gives you the skin care expertise of an esthetician and the technique of a professional nail tech, so you can serve clients across the full beauty and wellness spectrum.

Objective. This eight-month program provides the student with the opportunity to obtain two limited licenses, Esthetics and Nail Technology. Upon completion of the Esthetician curriculum, students will be eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board examination in the area of Esthetics; upon completion of the Nail Technologist curriculum, students will be eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board examination in the area of Nail Technology.

750 hours, broken down.

  • 180 hrs Professional Practices & Science: Skin Structure · Cell Biology & Disorders · Ethics · State Board Prep for Both Programs & More
  • 75 hrs Make-Up: Make-Up Artistry · Corrective Techniques
  • 195 hrs Facial Treatments & Hair Removal: Cleansing · Steaming · Extractions · Masks · Serums · Pore Treatment
  • 150 hrs Nail Science: Nail Anatomy · Bacteriology · Sanitation · Disinfection
  • 150 hrs Nail Treatments & Pedicuring: Acrylic Application (Tammy Taylor / Prizma) · Gel Nails (Young Nails) · Nail Art · Fills · Repairs

What sets this Program apart

750 hours, 250 over the PA minimum.

Combined program certifications. DEC adds product education certifications in Tammy Taylor (Prizma Acrylic Powders), Young Nails Gel Products, and Cuccio Manicure and Pedicure Products, plus certificates of attendance in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ear candling, spray tanning, and waxing classes.

Students train on real clients in our Monessen Student Clinic across both disciplines (facials, skin analysis, waxing, and nail services) under licensed instructor supervision.

Admission Requirements and Process

A prospective student seeking admission to DEC must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate. All programs require successful completion of the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17. DEC admits, trains and refers students without regard to race, religion, age, national origin, sex or handicap. DEC is not authorized to enroll international students.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
    You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate; high school seniors may submit a partial…
  • Application and fees
    Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00); both are fully refundable if the applicant is denied acceptance.
  • Official transcript
    Request that an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department; GED holders must submit official evidence of satisfactory performance.
  • Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
    Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17; a maximum of 3 attempts will be granted.
  • Admissions interview
    The Admissions Department will contact all applicants via telephone, postal mail, and/or email to schedule an interview.
  • Enrollment Agreement
    Sign an Enrollment Agreement, the contractual agreement between the student and the school; those accepted receive a formal letter of acceptance.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Complete the online application
    Apply online and pay the $50 application fee; a $100 registration fee is also required. You can pay online, over the phone, or in person.
  2. 2
    Admissions reaches out
    The Admissions Department will contact you to confirm your application status and next steps.
  3. 3
    Send your high school transcript
    Submit an official high school transcript directly to the Admissions Department; applicants with a GED must provide official evidence of satisfactory performance. Transfer-of-credit requests also need official post-secondary transcripts and course descriptions.
  4. 4
    Admissions interview and Wonderlic exam
    The Admissions Department will schedule your interview and the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination; a minimum score of 17 is required.
  5. 5
    Sign your Enrollment Agreement
    This is the contractual agreement between you and the school. Accepted applicants receive a formal letter of acceptance.
  6. 6
    Complete your FAFSA
    File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using DEC’s Federal School Code 013957, then complete the steps in the Financial Aid Student Portal to receive your Financial Aid Award Notification.
    FAFSA Code for Monessen: 013957

Program Schedule

All Cosmetology programs’ (Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Esthetician and Nail Technologist) courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. In general, students attend four days per week; 7.5 hours per day for a total of 30 hours per week. Students do not attend class more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week. Nail Technology classes are scheduled for 20 hours per week.

Classes typically held Monday-Friday; 2-3 classes each semester (on-ground).

Classes start three times a year: February, June and October. Upcoming semester starts are February 9, 2027, June 9, 2027 and October 6, 2027.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • February 09th, 2027
  • June 09th, 2027
  • October 06th, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

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
≈ $7,950
Total Program Cost
≈ $12,450
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Cost and fees (Catalog Vol. 69). Tuition is $3,975 per semester ($7,950 for 2 semesters). Program totals: application fee $50, registration fee $100, graduation fee $215, books $1,035, supplies $1,450, lab fee $400, technology fee $300, student support services fee $650 and exam/certification $300, for a program total of $12,450.

Per credit. $295/credit when a student attends less than 12 or more than 17 credits per term.

Scholarships. The STAR Cosmetology Scholarship is worth $1,987.50 (25% of tuition) for new Esthetician and Nail Technologist students.

Federal student aid. DEC is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for federal student financial assistance programs including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Work Study and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized, Unsubsidized and Parent PLUS). Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using DEC’s Federal School Code 013957.

Payment. DEC accepts financial aid, agency funding (Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, job retraining benefits), cash, check, credit card and online payment at www.dec.edu/pay. Payment schedules are interest-free and do not extend beyond the semester or instructional period.

Veterans. DEC is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the training of veterans; eligible students may use the GI Bill® at DEC.

Curriculum

Diploma Program / 2 semesters / 30 weeks: 270 didactic and 480 supervised lab hours, 27 credits.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
CE101Professional Practices/Science7
CE102Make-up2
CE103Facial Treatments/Temporary Hair Removal/Body Treatments7
CN101Nail Science6
CN102Nail Treatments/Pedicuring5

Career Outcomes

Combining skincare and nail care expertise, this program equips students with a versatile skill set for multiple areas of the beauty industry.

Working at. DEC Esthetician and Nail Technologist graduates work at spas and salons across southwestern Pennsylvania, including European Wax Center, Hand & Stone, Massage Envy, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Ulta, Jade & Rory Med Spa, Innovative Wellness Center Medical Spa and Spa Harmony and PAINT Nail Bar.

Student outcomes. As reported to ACCSC in its 2025 Annual Report (reporting date July 1, 2025; cohort 4/23–3/24): graduation rate 86%, employment rate 77%, licensure rate 83%.

What to expect as a Douglas Education Center student

Cosmetology Academy. The Cosmetology Academy, home to the cosmetology programs, is located on the corner of Fourth Street and Schoonmaker Avenue. The building contains various pieces of equipment such as shampoo basins, hair dryers, manicure tables and chairs, pedicure chairs, facial steamers, dry and wet sterilizers, facial chairs, and mannequins. It houses offices, specialized classrooms, a library, and a student clinic which houses the latest in salon equipment.

Career Services for life. DEC graduates have access to Career Services for life at no cost. The team works with students from the time they begin their program through graduation and after, helping with resumes, portfolios, mock interviews and job search strategies.

Campus Address

Monessen
130 Seventh Street
Monessen, PA 15062

Why Accreditation Is Important

Douglas Education Center is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. DEC is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools. The Cosmetology Academy at DEC is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Images

DEC cosmetology student styling a client's hair in the student clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for this program?
A prospective student seeking admission to the Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program must: • Be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate. • Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00). • Request an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department. • Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17. • Sign an Enrollment Agreement.
How long is the program and what is the schedule?
• Length: 8 months/2 semesters • Classes typically held Monday-Friday; 2-3 classes each semester (on-ground) • All Cosmetology programs’ (Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Esthetician and Nail Technologist) courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. In general, students attend four days per week; 7.5 hours per day for a total of 30 hours per week. Students do not attend class more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week. Nail Technology classes are scheduled for 20 hours per week.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Funding options may include federal Title IV aid (such as Pell Grants and Direct Student Loans), Veterans’ Education Benefits, agency-sponsored funding (e.g., Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), institutional and external scholarships, and private financing options.
What will I be able to do after I graduate?
Combining skincare and nail care expertise, this program equips students with a versatile skill set for multiple areas of the beauty industry. Career opportunities include: • Licensed Esthetician • Licensed Nail Technician • Spa Esthetician • Medical Spa Esthetician • Skincare Specialist • Facial Specialist • Nail Artist • Manicurist • Pedicurist • Brow and Lash Specialist • Makeup Artist • Salon or Spa Professional • Resort Spa Specialist • Skincare or Nail Product Educator
What does a typical class day look like?
Class days vary by course and topic. Some days focus on theory-based classroom learning, while others emphasize hands-on practice and clinic experiences to build real-world skills.
What certifications or licenses does this program prepare me for?
• Preparation to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board examination for Esthetics and the Pennsylvania State Board examination for Nail Technology • Certificate of Education using Cuccio Professional, Tammy Taylor, and Young Nails Products • Certificate for specialized training in Eyelash Extension, Ear Candling, Spray Tanning, Specialized Waxing, and Microdermabrasion • Certificate of training using TCA Peel • Certificate of training in DMK Fundamentals
What is the difference between this program and the standalone Esthetics Program?
At Douglas Education Center, we offer both a standalone Esthetics Program and a combined Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program. The main difference is that our Esthetics program focuses exclusively on skincare and makeup artistry, while the Esthetician and Nail Technologist (ESNT) program combines that identical curriculum with comprehensive nail technology training. Here is a straightforward look at how the two options compare: • The standalone Esthetics Program: This program is completely dedicated to skincare, facials, hair removal, and makeup artistry. It is designed for students who want to focus entirely on a career as an esthetician. Upon completion of the program the student will be able to sit for the PA State Board Exam for Esthetics. • The Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program (ESNT): This program includes the full Esthetics curriculum plus dedicated training in manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Because it covers both fields, upon completion of the program the student would be eligible to sit for two separate PA state licenses (Esthetics and Nail Technology).
Will I practice on real clients during the program?
Yes, once you master your foundational skills in the classroom, you will transition to working with real clients in our on-campus student clinic. This hands-on environment operates just like a real spa and salon, giving you the face-to-face experience you need to feel confident after graduation. Here is how the student clinic prepares you for the real world: • Real Clinic Experience: Under the direct supervision of our licensed instructors, you will perform skin analyses, customized facials, makeup applications, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements on actual clients. • Mastering Techniques: You won’t just practice basic steps. The clinic gives you hands-on experience performing spa and nail treatments, working with professional skincare and nail products, and practicing the services that clients ask for every day. • Building Business Skills: Beyond the hands-on services, you will learn how to greet guests, consult with clients about their skin and nail goals, and recommend professional retail products. These are the exact customer service skills that spa and salon owners love to see.
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Esthetician and Nail Technologist