Nail Technology is a Diploma program offered by North Florida Cosmetology Institute in Tallahassee, FL. The program takes 180 clock hours — 7 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week to complete, with a total tuition of $2,115.
Program Overview
Programs are divided into three segments: Theoretical Instruction, Practical Instruction, and Supervised Practical (Clinical). Theory consists of hours of instruction in which students learn theory related to cosmetology, skin care, and nails, as well as state laws. The eBook of Nail Technology by Milady is the primary source of Theory, and it is supplemented with other appropriate resource books, journals, and periodicals.
The Supervised Practical (Clinical) constitutes the applicable number of hours of instruction in nails. During supervised practice, the students are placed in a simulated beauty salon environment under the direct supervision of nail technology instructors. Students participate in group discussions, take notes, attend lectures, and follow their instructor's directions. When ready, students are assigned patrons and, at this point, learn to work with the public, performing the same services they will provide in the beauty salon upon graduation.
Program objective. This Program is designed to provide instruction in School, classroom/laboratory safety rules, and procedures. This course is designed to provide students with the experience needed to perform manicures and pedicures, apply artificial nails, and apply nail wraps confidently. This program includes a selection of supplies and equipment, sanitation procedures, and the performance of designated procedures.
What the program covers. Items that are included in the Nail Technology program are tips, cotton, lotion, sanitizers, manicure bowls, and acetone. Students will also be given Manicure, Pedicure, and acrylic supplies.
Length and award. 180 clock hours over 7 weeks full time, offered full time (Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) or part time (Tuesday - Thursday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). Students who meet the graduation requirements are awarded a Diploma.
What sets this Program apart
Trusted for over 30 years. North Florida Cosmetology Institute: "Trusted with your Education for over 30 Years." The North Florida Cosmetology Institute offers career training and education in this creative and rewarding field. Enjoy the freedom and independence to pursue whatever direction the profession takes you. From high fashion glamour to local entrepreneurship, North Florida Cosmetology Institute is the place to start your career in cosmetology.
Individual creativity. We specialize in preparing our students for rewarding careers in the cosmetology and barbering industries. At the North Florida Cosmetology Institute, we place a high value on individual creativity. Each program combines the dedication of our faculty with the enthusiasm, desire, and creativity of our students, creating an exciting learning environment.
A busy school with a working salon. There's always plenty of learning, fun and activity at North Florida Cosmetology Institute. You'll meet staff, students and clients in a unique atmosphere combining a busy school with a working salon. In order to better prepare our students for their careers in Cosmetology we offer many different services to the public at a great price; all work is performed under the supervision of an instructor.
The facility. North Florida Cosmetology Institute is conveniently located at 2424 Allen Rd, Tallahassee, FL, 32312, with ample parking. The facilities are 9,600 sq. ft. and are constructed and equipped in accordance with the State Department of Health Services guidelines. There are 3 classrooms, 5 professional offices, computers available to students as needed, and 6 bathrooms. The Cosmetology Salon has 20 stations; the Barber Salon has 9 stations; 3 Facial/Skin Care rooms with 6 stations; 1 Pedicure room with 8 stations; and 1 Manicure room with 8 stations. We offer the same quality and type of equipment currently used in salons, all kept in excellent working condition. The Campus Tour page adds two study rooms for students and a library with reference books and visual aids.
Licensing fee included. The initial State licensing fee is included in your tuition.
Program goals.
- The student will develop habits of excellent quality and orderly performance of the various tasks in a beauty salon or barbershop.
- The student will develop the technical skills required in the practice of beauty culture and all aspects of barbering and cosmetology.
- The student will learn to select wisely, care for, and correctly use commercial products that are related to the application of beauty and barbering treatments.
- The student will be encouraged to keep abreast of the new and unique developments in the practice of their elected course of study.
- The student will strive to establish methodical, effective habits of performance. Students are taught to cooperate with an employer, employees, and patrons.
- The student will prepare for state board examinations to obtain a license to practice barbering and cosmetology.
Admission Requirements and Process
Personal interview. For all our programs as regular students, we only admit those persons having completed a personal interview. He or she must present proof of a High School Diploma or Transcripts, GED equivalent, or State Certified Homeschooling Certificate. Also, you will need a Driver's license or picture ID and Social Security card. We do not accept ATB (Ability to Benefit) students.
When to come in. The admissions office is open Tuesday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. If a weekday appointment is not possible, Saturday or evening interviews may be arranged by appointment through the admissions staff.
GED programs. The School does not offer GED programs; however, GED programs are taught in the community.
High school diploma validation. If a transcript is provided, the school ensures that "standard high school diploma" is stated. If a GED is supplied, it must be issued from the state where it was taken; military-issued GEDs are acceptable. Online diplomas or "diploma test only" diplomas are not acceptable. Home-educated students who apply for admission as having graduated from a home education program must present a valid home school affidavit according to Florida Statutes or a Self-Certification signed and notarized. Foreign transcripts and/or diplomas are verified by a third-party agency that is qualified to translate documents into English and confirm the academic equivalence to a U.S. High School Diploma.
Transfer students. North Florida Cosmetology Institute will accept a transfer student providing the following conditions are satisfied: a prospective student must attend a personal interview and have a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and Social Security Card; if the student was terminated from the previous institution due to drugs, alcohol, and/or unacceptable behavior, acceptance might not be permitted; credit will be given for the number of hours that the student earned at the previous institution and tuition will be adjusted accordingly, once an official affidavit of hours is received from the student's previous school. The catalog requires transfer students to complete 25% of their hours at North Florida Cosmetology Institute; the Admissions page says transfer students must complete a minimum of 300 hours there. We do not recruit students already attending or admitted to another school offering a similar program of study.
Before you register. What potential students should have completed before coming to register:
- Social Security Number/Card
- Drivers License or State issued ID card
- High School Diploma or GED
Non-discrimination. North Florida Cosmetology Institute does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, veterans' status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected group status. The facility is accessible, but the institution does not offer specialized services to people with disabilities.
General Requirements
- A personal interviewComplete a personal interview before admission; North Florida Cosmetology Institute only admits regular students who have completed one.
- Proof of high school completionPresent proof of a High School Diploma or Transcripts, GED equivalent, or State Certified Homeschooling Certificate; online or "diploma test only" diplomas are not acceptable.
- Photo identificationBring a Driver's license or picture ID; copies are made from the originals if you do not have copies on hand.
- Social Security cardBring your Social Security card (or number) when you come in to register.
- No Ability to Benefit admissionsThe school requires a High School Diploma or GED and does not accept ATB (Ability to Benefit) students.
- Transfer students: an affidavit of hoursTransfer students need an official affidavit of hours from their previous school, and credit is given for the hours earned there.
Application Process
- 1Schedule your personal interviewNorth Florida Cosmetology Institute requires all prospective students to complete a personal interview before admission; Saturday or evening interviews may be arranged by appointment.
- 2Gather your documentsBring your Social Security card, a driver's license or state-issued ID card, and your high school diploma or GED to register.
- 3Pay the registration feeA $150 registration fee is due at the time of the initial interview; it is non-refundable unless you cancel in writing within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement.
- 4Start on the first Tuesday of the monthNorth Florida Cosmetology Institute operates on a year-round basis, and classes begin on the first Tuesday of each month.
Program Schedule
Start dates. North Florida Cosmetology operates on a year-round basis. Classes begin on the first Tuesday of each month.
Length. Nail Technology: 180 hours – 7 weeks. The maximum time allowed (which does not exceed 150% of the course length) for a full-time student is 270 scheduled hours, or 11 weeks of instruction.
Full time or part time. North Florida Cosmetology Institute offers full-time and part-time schedules. Full-time: 30 hours per week, Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with Saturday as an optional makeup day. Part-time: 15 hours per week, Tuesday – Thursday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
A full-time day. 9:00 – 10:30 theory; 10:30 – 10:45 break; 10:45 – 12:00 theory; 12:00 – 1:00 lunch (off the clock); 1:00 – 3:00 practical/clinical; 3:00 – 3:15 break; 3:15 – 4:30 practical/clinical; 4:30 – 5:00 sanitation/clean up.
Part-time evenings and Saturdays. Tuesday evenings are theory (5:30 – 7:00 and 7:15 – 9:00); Wednesday and Thursday evenings are practical/clinical (5:30 – 7:00 and 7:15 – 9:00); Saturdays are practical/clinical from 9:00 to 5:00 with lunch off the clock. *Schedule is subject to change.
Holidays. The School will be closed on the following holidays: Saturday before Memorial Day, Saturday before Labor Day, Saturday before Easter Sunday, the week of Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the two days after Christmas Eve Day through the Tuesday after New Year's Day. Holidays are subject to change depending on the year.
Makeup days. Students are given two days each month to make up tests or assignments. Makeup days are scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month; test times are 11 am and 1 pm, but are subject to change at any time.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name |
|---|---|
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
This school: North Florida Cosmetology Institute's Nail Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). NACCAS lists the school as "Accreditation on Probation", effective August 12, 2025. NACCAS withdrew its accreditation effective January 14, 2026 and reversed that withdrawal on appeal effective September 3, 2026. The school is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License 926).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees. The catalog lists the cost of the Nail Technology program as:
- Tuition: $2,115
- Registration Fee: $150
- eBooks (Milady/MindTap): $330
- Facility Usage & Supplies: $370
- Total Cost of Program: $2,965
*The initial State licensing fee is included in your tuition.
Registration fee. A $150 registration fee is due at the time of the initial interview - this fee is non-refundable. The fee is applied in full against the student's total cost. This is a non-refundable fee unless the student notifies the School in writing within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement that they wish to cancel their enrollment.
Ways to pay. Payments may be made by cash, check, money order, credit card or through a federal & non-federal agency or loan programs:
- Cash, check, money order or credit card
- In-house payments without interest if the loan is paid during the minimal time frame required for the student's program; weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payment plans are available, depending on the deposit at the time of enrollment and the payment schedule the student selects
- Vocational rehabilitation assistance to those who qualify
- Florida Pre Paid and 529 Plans
- VA assistance for those who qualify
- Private Loans
Tuition is to be paid on the first of the month unless other arrangements have been made.
Financial aid. The school's note on its 600-hour Full Specialist program: "We offer Full Specialist 600 (an increase of 200 hours from the Florida requirement) to allow students to apply and receive Financial Aid, to those who qualify."
Additional expenses. Additional expenses students may incur:
- Notebook and paper
- Transportation
- Replacement of any required equipment
- Nail Technician fee to the DBPR
- The fee to a Board-certified provider for an HIV/AIDS course, grading, and certificate
- Additional tuition fees will be applied after the student's contracted ending date per the enrollment agreement
The cost to the student for extra items, such as instructional supplies or equipment, is non-refundable. The DBPR establishes fees that are subject to change without notice. There is a $25.00 fee for transcripts, and a returned-check fee under Florida Statute 832.07.
Cancellation and refunds. All monies will be refunded if the School does not accept the applicant or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after signing the enrollment agreement and making an initial payment. Cancellation after the third (3rd) Business Day, but before the first class, results in a refund of all monies paid, except for the registration fee (not to exceed $150.00). After attendance has begun, the share of the payment period's tuition owed to the Institute is pro rata through 20% of the scheduled hours of the payment period, 45% from 20.01% to 24.99%, 70% from 25% to 49.99%, and 100% from 50%. Refunds will be made within 30 days of the student's enrollment termination or receipt of a Cancellation Notice. The cost of the eBooks and supplies are not included in tuition adjustment computations; these items become the property of the student.
Veterans. For students using Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veterans Readiness & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment is pending from the VA the School will not prevent the student's enrollment, assess a late penalty fee, require the student to secure alternative or additional funding, or deny the student access to resources available to other students, within 90 days of certifying the student's tuition and fees; students provide a VA Certificate of Eligibility or a chapter 31 approval letter.
Curriculum
How the 180 hours are taught. All programs are divided into three segments, Theoretical Instruction, Practical Instruction, and Clinical instruction. Theory segments constitute instruction in which students learn the theory related to hairdressing, cosmetology, skin care, and nails in accordance with state laws and regulations. During practical instruction, students are placed in a simulated beauty salon environment under direct supervision of instructors and apply their classroom knowledge to mannequins. In the clinical segment, students, under the supervision of an instructor, apply their experience on patrons, performing salon services as they would after passing their state board examination.
The program breakdown. The catalog's Nail Technology Program Breakdown lists 9 courses totalling 180 clock hours and 90 services, shown in the table below. The course numbers are made up of numbers and letters that represent the name of the program and the sequence of the courses.
Grading. Theoretical and practical grading: 100 – 90 Excellent; 89 – 80 Very Good; 79 – 70 Fair; 69 – Below, Below Standards - Unsatisfactory.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Total |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
What graduates can do. This course is designed to provide students with the experience needed to perform manicures and pedicures, apply artificial nails, and apply nail wraps confidently. Once all graduation requirements and financial obligations are met, students are awarded a Diploma at their exit interview, together with the appropriate application they present to the Board either for immediate licensure or to sit for the state examination for licensure.
Where graduates work. The cosmetology and barbering industries are two of the more diverse career fields licensed practitioners enter. Students are advised on job opportunities available in a wide range of venues, from single-chair salons or shops to multi-million-dollar, full-service, exclusive spas. Most newly licensed graduates are encouraged to continue developing their skills through employment in shops and salons where they gain experience by servicing clients and observing their more experienced peers. Students are also encouraged to explore opportunities in stand-alone shops and beauty salons, hotels, resorts, and shops located in shopping centers, department stores, discount supercenters, nursing homes, and on cruise ships. They are also advised of potential opportunities in doctors' (dermatology and plastic surgery) offices, hospitals, and clinics.
Placement and advising. Guidance and advising for placement will be provided from when students begin classes until graduation or termination. Placement is the final step of a student's educational training: the process begins with an interview to discuss future employment goals, followed, when possible, by interviews with salons interested in employing graduates. Tips on job interviewing techniques and a follow-up analysis of each interview are part of placement advising. North Florida Cosmetology Institute does not guarantee employment to its students; it strives to maintain up-to-date Job Boards and, when possible, publish employment opportunities on Social Media for students and graduates.
Reported outcomes. In the NACCAS Annual Report data the school publishes on its Financial Aid page (report year 2024, generated 10/13/2026), the Nail Technology program shows a graduation rate of 100% and an employment rate of 73%; no licensure-exam figures are reported for it. The report states NACCAS's minimums as 50% for graduation, 60% for employment and 70% for licensure.
Occupation. The catalog classifies the program under CIP 12.0410 and SOC 39-5092.
What to expect as a North Florida Cosmetology Institute student
Dress and appearance. All students are required to wear black medical scrubs and a name tag that identifies their program of study. Clothes are to be neat and clean. Hair is to be well-groomed – no hats allowed.
Working on clients. All training must be under the supervision of a licensed instructor. All students enrolled in North Florida Cosmetology Institute must be taught Theory and principles before they are permitted to practice on clients. Students are always to conduct themselves in a professional manner; students may not refuse customers.
Rules and regulations. Students must be on time, and must notify the Administration by phone if they are going to be late or absent. Students must always have their equipment with them. Another student may not punch timecards. Students as per assignment must perform daily sanitation, and must sanitize workstations and remove hair immediately after every service. Eating or drinking at stations, on the clinic floor, or in classrooms is not permitted. Students are required to study at home as well as at School as appropriate. Students are not allowed to bring their children with them to School.
Progress and grades. Students must maintain a written grade average of 70% and pass a FINAL written and practical exam before graduation, and at least two comprehensive practical skills evaluations will be conducted during the program. Students must attend a minimum of 67% of the hours possible based on the applicable attendance schedule. Nail Technology students are evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Progress at 90 actual hours & 3 weeks.
The first month. All students are enrolled for a one-month probationary period. Should the student's progress be unsatisfactory at the end of the probationary period, the student will be counseled to ascertain if he/she has a sincere desire to continue the program in which they are enrolled.
Attendance. If the student does not attend within 14 days from the last day of attendance, they will be considered withdrawn. Tardiness is a late arrival of 15 minutes or more from the start of class, and a pattern of tardiness (two or more per week) will be counseled.
Graduation. To graduate, students must successfully complete all work assignments, services, pass the final written exam with a satisfactory average, complete the required hours of their program, satisfy all financial obligations to the School, and schedule and attend an exit interview before the last day of class.
Lockers. Lockers for storage of supplies, texts, and personal items are available to all students at no additional charge. Students must supply their own locks.
Other Programs at Tallahassee
North Florida Cosmetology Institute in Tallahassee, FL also offers these 5 programs at 2424 Allen Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312.
- BarberDiploma · 900 clock hours — 32 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week
- CosmetologyDiploma · 1,200 clock hours — 43 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week
- Facial/Skin Care SpecialistDiploma · 220 clock hours — 8 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week
- Full SpecialistDiploma · 600 clock hours — 21 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week
- Restricted BarberDiploma · 600 clock hours — 21 weeks full time (30 hrs/week); part time 15 hrs/week