Manicurist is a Certificate program offered by Paul Mitchell The School Houston in Webster, TX. The program takes 600 clock hours: full time at 28 hours a week or part time (night) at 16 hours a week to complete, with a total tuition of $6,000.
Program Overview
Manicurist, 600 clock hours. The curriculum involves 600 hours to satisfy Texas state requirements. The course includes instruction and practical experience in manicuring, pedicures, massage, customer service, personal appearance and hygiene, personal motivation and development, retail skills, client record keeping, business ethics, state laws and regulations, salon-type administration, and job interviewing. Graduates are prepared for an entry level manicurist.
About the program. Students in the nails program learn about manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements, fills, gels, tips, and creative designs, as well as the business skills needed in the nail industry.
How the course is divided. The first 70-77 hours are pre-clinical classroom instruction, where Future Professionals develop foundational knowledge and practical skills through classroom workshops, demonstrations, theory instruction and guided practice. In the clinic classroom they then apply classroom learning through supervised practical instruction and guest services, refining technical skills, consultation and communication, guest experience and professional work habits. This course is taught in English.
What sets this Program apart
Nail artistry and business. Successful nail artists are creative people with a strong sense of design and masterful technical abilities. They also need to be savvy business people who keep up with industry trends, treat their clients to the best possible service, and understand how to market and manage their business. From creativity to product knowledge to nail enhancement, the program gives you the skill set to begin a career in the nail industry.
Technical areas covered. Art, design and trends for manicures and pedicures; basic, French and American manicures; conditioning oil manicures; moisturizing wax treatments; arm massages; pedicures and foot massages; nail designs; nail gels, tips and wraps; acrylic nails; safety, sterilization and sanitation; and massage techniques for hands, arms and feet.
Student kit. Professional manicure and pedicure tools, nail enhancement tools, and much more.
Admission Requirements and Process
High school education or equivalent. To qualify for admission, a prospective student must provide verifiable documentation of a high school diploma (a foreign diploma equivalent to a U.S. diploma qualifies), a recognized equivalent such as a GED or HiSET certificate, completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, or at least 60 semester or 72 quarter credit hours acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree. The school does not accept ability to benefit (ATB) students.
Admission procedures. All new and transfer students complete an application for admission and pay the $10.00 application fee (an application cannot be processed until the fee is received), complete an interview with an admissions advisor, provide a current, original government-issued photo ID in the name used on the application, and provide high school or equivalency verification documents. A student's self-certification is not sufficient.
Visas and licensure. Federal financial aid is not available to an applicant with a non-immigrant visa, an individual must be authorized to work in the United States to take the state licensure exam, and the school is not eligible to enroll international students on an I-20 student visa. The state may refuse a license for certain criminal convictions; students may request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR.
Moving between campuses. A student may request a one-time transfer between the Houston and Clear Lake campuses by completing a transfer of campus location form, with the approval of the school management team, while meeting academic and attendance standards.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentProvide verifiable documentation of a high school diploma, a GED or HiSET certificate, completed homeschooling, or 60 semester credit hours toward a bachelor's degree.
- No ability to benefitThe school does not accept ability to benefit (ATB) students, and a self-certification of high school completion is not sufficient.
- Application and feeComplete an application for admission and pay the $10.00 non-refundable application fee before you are admitted.
- Admissions interviewAll applicants must complete an interview with an admissions advisor.
- Photo identificationPresent a current, original government-issued photo ID that matches the name used on your application.
- Authorization to workYou must be authorized to work in the United States to take the Texas state licensure exam after graduating.
Application Process
- 1Request informationAsk about the Manicurist program, class start dates and schedules.
- 2Admissions interviewEvery applicant completes an interview with an admissions advisor.
- 3Application for admission and feeThe application for admission is processed once the $10.00 application fee is received.
- 4Identity and education documentsProvide a current government-issued photo ID and your high school or equivalency verification documents.
- 5Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using Federal School Code 016749.FAFSA Code for Clear Lake: 016749FAFSA at studentaid.gov
Program Schedule
Length. Manicurist is 600 clock hours.
| Option | Days | Time | Hours per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | Monday - Thursday | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM | 28 |
| Part-Time | Monday - Thursday | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM | 16 |
Class start dates. 2026 day school: January 12, April 27, August 17, October 13; night school: June 15. 2027 day school: February 22, April 26, August 16, October 25; night school: February 22, June 21, September 13.
Holidays and closures (2026). New Year's, January 1; Martin Luther King Day, January 19; Presidents Day, February 16; Memorial Day, May 25; Juneteenth, June 19; summer break, June 29 to July 4; Labor Day, September 7; Columbus Day, October 12; Thanksgiving break, November 26-27; Christmas break, December 24-25; and staff training days.
Required Courses
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Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Paul Mitchell The School Clear Lake is an additional campus of Paul Mitchell The School Houston; both are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) and licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Accreditation status. The school was notified on February 18, 2026 that it was placed on Financial Reporting Requirements with NACCAS, which is considered probation status.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Manicurist (600 clock hours) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,000.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | $10.00 |
| Registration Fee | $90.00 |
| Technology Fee (nonrefundable) | $50.00 |
| TDLR Fee (nonrefundable) | $25.00 |
| Technical Kit | $1,649.82 |
| Textbook (nonrefundable) | $180.00 |
| Digital Kit (nonrefundable) | $418.00 |
| Sales Tax (nonrefundable) | $185.45 |
| Total costs | $8,608.27 |
Transfer and re-entry students are assessed a per clock hour rate of $10.00 for the remainder of their program, and transfer students purchase the Manicurist Education Kit for $200.00 (it is included in tuition for students who pay for the full program). Textbook: Tammy Taylor Digital Textbook: $180.00 plus sales tax.
Paying. The school accepts cash, credit card, and personal check payments. The total charges for a period of attendance are equivalent to the cost of the entire program, due to the length of the program. Financial aid recipients understand that monies received on their behalf are applied first to tuition costs. A Tuition Installment Plan lets students and families pay the out-of-pocket amount for the academic year in equal monthly payments, with 10% of the out-of-pocket amount paid as a down payment before school starts; the plans carry a $10 application fee, may carry an interest charge and may require a credit check ($25).
Federal financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. The school participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct PLUS Loan programs. A FAFSA must be completed at studentaid.gov to apply for all federal aid, using Federal School Code 016749. Federal financial aid is not available to an applicant with a non-immigrant visa.
Scholarships. Only one scholarship is awarded per qualified applicant, each a one-time maximum of $1,000 credited in two $500 scholarship credits at the end of each applicable payment period while the student maintains satisfactory academic progress: the Academic Achievement Scholarship (3.0 high school GPA or higher), the Core Value Scholarship (30+ hours of community volunteering in the year before starting), the Opportunity Scholarship (first-generation students), the Military Member Surviving Dependents Scholarship, and a tuition credit for children or surviving spouses of police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Veterans. Per VA regulation, only mandatory fees may be billed to the VA; the kit and iPad are not mandatory fees, so students using VA benefits arrange other payment for them. The school will not penalize a student using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits while their VA payment is pending.
Net price and living costs. Prospective students are encouraged to use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate. The Paul Mitchell The School Clear Lake Cost of Attendance page lists indirect costs (housing and food, transportation and personal expenses) of $2,020 for a student living with a parent and $3,015 for one living away from parents, based on monthly averages that may be prorated.
Cancellation. A student who cancels the enrollment agreement not later than midnight of the third day after signing it (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) receives a full refund of money paid; after that, unused tuition, fees and other charges are refunded under the institutional refund policy in the catalog.
Curriculum
Course subjects. The instructional program meets or exceeds the state requirements. Students must score 75% or higher on each theory exam and on the final exams, and complete all assigned practical skill assessments or worksheets.
Required Courses
| Name | Total |
|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, Hair Stylist, Color Stylist, Makeup Artist, Nail Technician, Educator, Barber, Salon Owner or Manager, Product Trainer, Platform Artist, Esthetician, and many more. The school has placed students in the beauty industry as Hair Stylists, Color Stylists, Makeup Artists, Manicurists, Estheticians, Educators, Salon Owners and Salon Managers.
Placement assistance. Although the school does not guarantee employment upon graduation, it maintains an aggressive job placement program and informs students of job openings and opportunities. It coordinates placement programs with local and national salons by sending out surveys and inviting salon owners and guest artists to teach and speak, and offers employment assistance including training in professionalism, resume development, job interview preparation and job search skills.
Outcomes. Performance statistics for calendar year 2024, as reported to NACCAS: the Houston and Clear Lake locations combined, graduation 79.12%, placement 72.12%, licensure 94.29%; Paul Mitchell The School Clear Lake: graduation 82.08%, placement 60.32%, licensure 98.44%.
Licensure. When a student has met all graduation requirements, hours are released to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) within 10 days; to be eligible to take the state exam, students must have completed all required hours and paid the school in full. A Certificate of Completion is issued once a student has met all academic graduation requirements and settled all financial obligations.
What to expect as a Paul Mitchell The School Houston student
The campus. Located in Webster, midway between Houston and Galveston, the school is part of the Bay Area Boulevard shopping complex, with ample parking, and surrounded by South Houston, Texas City, League City, Pasadena, Pearland and Sugar Land; NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Kemah Boardwalk are close by. The 10,000 square-foot facility includes a student lounge and lockers, client reception and work areas, private classrooms, workstations and equipment, and is wheelchair accessible. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Each Future Professional receives hands-on training and an individual styling station.
Future Professionals and Learning Leaders. Students are called Future Professionals and are guided by Learning Leaders. Guided and supervised by licensed stylists, Future Professionals deliver a premium service experience to guests while they complete their education.
Digital support. Students have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, the Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps and the Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum.
Giving back and clubs. Future Professionals donate their time, talent and energy to various charities through cut-a-thons, fashion shows and other fundraising events. The student-run Green Team teaches the school and local communities how to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Student services. The school keeps a file of information about housing in the surrounding area (it does not offer housing), and provides academic advising and advice on licensure and reciprocity, resume and job search assistance, continuing education and the financial aid process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Other Programs at Clear Lake
Paul Mitchell The School Houston in Webster, TX also offers these 5 programs at 20807 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598.
- CosmetologyCertificate · 1,000 clock hours: full time at 28 or 20 hours a week, or night school at 16 hours a week
- Cosmetology - Hybrid Distance EducationCertificate · 1,000 clock hours: 32, 24 or 20 hours a week including 4 hours of distance education
- EstheticianCertificate · 750 clock hours: full time at 28 hours a week or part time at 16 hours a week
- Esthetician - Hybrid Distance EducationCertificate · 750 clock hours: full time at 28 hours a week or part time at 16 hours a week
- Manicurist - Hybrid Distance EducationCertificate · 600 clock hours: full time at 28 hours a week or part time (night) at 16 hours a week