Manicurist/Esthetician is a Certificate program offered by Salon & Spa Institute in Brownsville, TX. The program takes 800 clock hours — full time 30 hrs/week or half time 20 hrs/week (day or night) to complete, with a total tuition of $12,800.
Program Overview
Going after this dual license in manicure and esthetics offers a great step into the beauty world. As a dual-licensed professional you will create a journey of success by your knowledge of skincare and nail care combined.
This 800-hour dual manicurist/esthetician program covers all you will need to know for the two skills you love most. A wide range of services starting from the intricate art of nail design to the deep dive into esthetic services. This course will give you a well-rounded education, making you a beauty expert for two professions in one stop. This course will enhance your career opportunities as well as help you to excel in many different beauty and wellness settings.
Course description. The manicurist/esthetician course consists of 800 hours of theory training in the art of manicuring, pedicuring, anatomy and physiology of skin disorders and diseases, skin types and conditions, and basic corrective facial treatments. Students will train in the basic manipulative skills, safety judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to obtain licensure and for competency in entry-level positions in a related career field.
Objectives. Upon completion of the course requirements, the determined graduate will be able to:
- Perform basic manipulative skills in the area of manicuring, pedicuring and nail extensions, hair removal and skin care, makeup, and spa facials.
- Apply learned theory, technical information, and related matter to assure sound judgments, decisions and procedures.
Course format. Students are taught through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual aids and student participation including workshops and clinic practice. Students demonstrate their knowledge of all subject matter in theory and application through the completion of required written and practical examinations.
What sets this Program apart
We aspire to inspire. At Salon & Spa Institute, we aspire to inspire. Whether you're interested in a career in cosmetology, esthetics, or manicuring, our educators strive to develop your natural abilities using innovative curriculum to blend professional techniques with entrepreneurial skills.
Salon-modeled training. Salon & Spa Institute offers students quality technical training and produces highly skilled graduates and professionals ready to enter the workplace in the beauty industry. Designed as a full service salon and spa, students receive extensive hands on training while using state of the art equipment in an elegant, upscale and premier environment while clients can enjoy being pampered by a multitude of services.
The facility. The Salon & Spa Institute is a standalone facility consisting of approximately 12,000 square feet. Our building is an open concept with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We feature 16 hairstyling stations, 6 luxurious pipe-less pedicure stations, and 4 manicure stations, all in a clean and relaxing environment. To ensure privacy, our Spa area has individual rooms for facials and skin care treatments. We also have 1 reception area, administrative offices, 5 classrooms, and restrooms with showers.
Pipe-less pedicure bowls. Salon & Spa Institute will carry the latest in the beauty industry, including Sanijet pipe-less pedicure bowls, which are the most sanitary pedicure equipment on the market.
Admission Requirements and Process
Salon & Spa Institute's Admissions Office adheres to the school's Mission. We offer equal opportunity for admissions regardless of race, age, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin. The school does not actively recruit students already enrolled in or attending another institution offering similar programs.
Requirements. To be admitted a student must be at least 17 years of age or older on the date of enrollment and have an official High School Diploma, official high school transcript (in a sealed envelope), a verifiable GED certificate, a State approved Home School Completion Certificate/Diploma, a foreign diploma translated and verified for U.S. High School Equivalency or higher by an outside, certified agency, or a verifiable original diploma or official transcript showing completion of an associate degree. The credential must be an original document. A high school graduate under the age of 18 can attend with written permission from a parent or guardian.
Diploma validity. If Salon & Spa Institute has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education, we will check with the high school to confirm the validity of the student's diploma, and confirm with the relevant department or agency in the state in which the secondary school is located that the secondary school is recognized as a provider of secondary school education.
Ability to benefit. Students without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent who were enrolled in an eligible program at a Title IV institution prior to July 1, 2012 are accepted under the previous ability-to-benefit (ATB) alternatives if the student can provide proof that an appropriate ATB process was followed, that the student withdrew after earning credits, and that the student received federal aid for those credits.
Three-step enrollment. Step 1: meet our requirements. You must be able to speak and write English or Spanish fluently, and have a high school diploma from an accredited school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Step 2: speak with one of our Admissions Representatives. Meeting with one of our representatives will provide you and your family the opportunity to sit down and review the catalog, ask questions relating to courses, get a campus tour and map out career goals.
Transfer students. We accept students wishing to transfer into Salon & Spa Institute; the same admission requirements apply. No more than 400 hours will be transferred for the Manicurist/Esthetician course. A document outlining the grades obtained at another institution must be provided to the Admission office, proof of hours completed at the previous institution is required, and the student will be charged at an hourly rate based on how many hours are needed. There is no transfer of hours between programs within the institute unless approved by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
Texas licensing notice. Eligibility for a TDLR license could be affected by the person's criminal history; TDLR is responsible for having in place guidelines regarding a license applicant's criminal history; there are other state or local restrictions that would affect the student's eligibility for an occupational license issued by TDLR; and students have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR.
Accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis. It is the responsibility of persons with disabilities to seek available assistance and make their needs known at the time of enrollment, with documentation to support the disability.
General Requirements
- At least 17 years oldBe at least 17 years of age or older on the date of enrollment.
- Proof of high school completionHave an official High School Diploma, official high school transcript (in a sealed envelope), or a verifiable General Educational Development (GED) certificate, a State approved…
- Or a completed associate degreeA verifiable original diploma document or official transcript indicating completion of an associate degree, from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US…
- Original documentsSalon & Spa Institute requires an original document to show the validity of a high school, GED, or Home School completion; foreign credentials must be evaluated for equivalency to…
- English or SpanishYou must be able to speak and write English or Spanish fluently. The Manicurist/Esthetician course is taught in English only.
- Under 18 with consentA high school graduate under the age of 18 can attend with written permission from a parent or guardian.
- Transfer hours cappedTransfer students meet the same admission requirements and provide proof of hours; no more than 400 hours will be transferred for the Manicurist/Esthetician course.
Application Process
- 1Meet the requirementsYou must be able to speak and write English or Spanish fluently, and have a high school diploma from an accredited school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
- 2Speak with an Admissions RepresentativeMeeting with an Admissions Representative gives you and your family the opportunity to review the catalog, ask questions relating to courses, get a campus tour and map out career goals.
- 3Pay the registration feeA $100 registration fee and a $25 TDLR state permit fee are part of the published course cost.
- 4Complete the FAFSAA current year FAFSA is required before eligibility for Title IV funds is determined, and again before each new award year. The Salon & Spa Institute school code is 041690.FAFSA Code for Brownsville: 041690
- 5Start any timeSalon & Spa Institute practices open enrollment.
Program Schedule
Open enrollment. We practice open enrollment.
Length. The Manicurist/Esthetician course is 800 clock hours. The definition of a full-time student is a student in attendance for 30 scheduled hours per week; the definition of a half time student is a student in attendance for 20 scheduled hours per week. The academic year for all courses is 900 hours.
Days. Full time: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 30-minute lunch break. Half time: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Nights. Half time: Monday through Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Progress checkpoints. Satisfactory academic progress is measured at 400 actual hours (13.3 weeks full time, 20 weeks part time). Students must attend 80% of the actual hours of attendance and must complete the program in no longer than 125% of its published length in clock hours.
Language. Manicure, Manicurist/Esthetician, and the Eyelash Extensions Specialist courses are taught in English only.
Make-up hours. Day students can make up hours (part time Tuesday to Friday 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.; full time Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and night students Mondays to Thursdays 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2026 holidays. New Year's Break 01/01-01/05; Charro Days 02/27; Spring Break 03/16-03/20; Easter Break 04/03 (04/06 nights); Memorial Day 05/25 (nights); Independence Day 07/03; Labor Day 09/07 (nights); Fall Break 10/9-10/13; Thanksgiving 11/24-11/27 (nights 11/23-11/27); Christmas 12/23-12/31.
Required Courses
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Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
This school: Salon & Spa Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences (NACCAS) and licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
NACCAS lists Manicure/Esthetician, 800 hours, among the school's programs.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Course costs. The catalog lists the cost of the Manicurist/Esthetician course as:
- Tuition: $12,800
- Registration Fee: $100
- TDLR State Permit: $25
- Uniform: $205
- Books & Kit: $2,320
- Total: $15,450
The uniform includes 2 smocks with school logo, 2 pants, t-shirt, 1 jacket all with school logo, student identification badge, and school locker. Salon & Spa Institute offers the uniform, books and kit at a competitive market rate; students have the option to purchase books, supplies and equipment on their own, provided they meet the school's criteria.
Federal aid. Financial Assistance is available to those who qualify through the Financial Aid Office (Salon & Spa Institute school code is 041690). The school currently participates in the Pell Grant, Stafford Direct Loan and Parent PLUS Direct Loan programs. The school does not coordinate but will certify veterans, state, local government and private funding sources. A current year FAFSA is required before eligibility for Title IV funds is determined. The school does not offer private education/institutional loans, nor does it have preferred lender arrangements.
Ways to pay. The school accepts checks, money orders, credit card payments, through non-federal agency or loan programs or financial aid to qualified students.
Discounts. We do not offer scholarships but may provide a Tuition Discount of $1,000.00 to family members and friends of owners, and family members of staff. Graduate students returning to take another course (with their license in the program graduated from) receive a $1,000 Tuition Discount, and family members enrolling at the same time each receive a $500 Tuition Discount. On occasion we run enrollment specials during which the registration fee is waived and/or tuition is discounted.
Other charges. If you have not completed your course hours by your contract expiration date, you will be charged $10.00 for each hour remaining; students who exceed the maximum time frame (125% of the program) may continue on a cash pay status at the current hourly rate. Other fees: a $150.00 withdrawal fee, a $250 re-enrollment fee, $10.00 for each additional identification or time clock badge, $25.00 for a transcript, and $50 for a change of schedule. Additional supplies and state board materials are at the cost of the student.
Cancellation. A full refund of money paid is made if the student cancels the enrollment agreement not later than midnight of the third day after it is signed (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). After that, refunds of unused tuition follow the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation refund policy printed in the catalog.
Curriculum
How the 800 hours are taught. Students are taught through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual aids and student participation including workshops and clinic practice. Your instruction will be supplemented with online education, visual aids, student exercises, student presentations and other instructional techniques. The catalog divides the course into the units of instruction in the table below.
Practical skills. Students are evaluated as per unit of instruction learned. These services must be performed on a client before completing the program: 10 manicure services, 10 pedicure services, 5 nail polish services, 5 nail art services, 5 nail tips and forms services, 5 electric filing services, 10 gel applications, 3 makeup services, 10 facial services, 10 removal services, 25 waxing services, 5 lash lift services, 5 lamination services and 5 tinting services.
Grading. Students are graded in theory and practical areas and must pass with an average of 70% or it must be retaken: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, Failing = 0-69%.
Textbook. Milady's Esthetics and Nails (ISBN 9780357483954).
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Licensure. The course trains students in the skills and attitudes necessary to obtain licensure and for competency in entry-level positions. Our vision is for our educators to provide the theoretical education, practical training, attitude, modeling and counseling necessary to inspire and enable each student to satisfactorily complete his or her course of study, pass the required state examination and secure employment in a cosmetology related field.
Career opportunities. Once a student completes the course and receives a license, he/she will have several career opportunities available. Examples the catalog lists for the Manicurist/Esthetician Field: Manicurist, School Owner, Salon Manager, Salon Owner, State Board Member, Product Knowledge Educator, Facial Specialist, Platform Artist, Retail Specialist, Lash Extension Specialist, Make-up Artist.
Outcomes. The catalog publishes no Manicure/Esthetician rates for 2024, as the program did not begin until mid-May 2024. Overall Outcome Rates for all Programs (2024): Completion 86%, Placement 70%, Licensure 100%.
Help finding work. Although we cannot guarantee employment, upon completion, we will assist you in any way possible to seek and obtain employment. We assist you in job placement prior to graduation through résumé writing, interviewing techniques through role-playing and salon visits. Salon owners and managers also come to the school to conduct mock interviews. We go on field trips, job fairs and hair shows, and post job opportunities in the classrooms and in the break area.
Wages and demand. Skincare Specialists (2024): United States median $19.98 an hour ($41,560 a year); Texas median $20.64 an hour ($42,940 a year). Nail Technicians & Manicurists (2024): United States median $16.66 an hour ($34,660 a year); Texas median $17.74 an hour ($36,900 a year). (Bureau of Labor Statistics and Texas wage information, as printed in the catalog.)
What to expect as a Salon & Spa Institute student
Dress code. Salon & Spa Institute students are required to have their hair styled and make-up applied, and to wear the Salon & Spa Institute uniform, ID badge, and closed toe shoes while attending class. Leggings, caps or hats are not part of the school uniform; clogs, uggs, birkenstocks and crocs, smart glasses, earbuds and earphones are not allowed. Friday's attire is the uniform or fashion trend jeans with minimal holes and the black Salon & Spa Institute shirt.
Standards of conduct. Attend classes as scheduled. All work must be supervised and checked by an Instructor. All students must complete their assigned duties before leaving the school. Students must conduct themselves with respect to other students, staff members, and clients at all times. Being unprepared for class or to provide client services is grounds for immediate dismissal for the day.
The client is the boss. In a true salon spa environment you will be encountering different work scenarios. We encourage students to begin practicing their retail skills, client retention and professional ethics at all times. Refusal of a client is grounds for immediate dismissal for the day.
Daily sanitation duty. Every day you will be assigned a cleaning duty as part of your sanitation daily grade: laundry, classrooms, pedicure area, manicure area, break room, clinic floor stations, mirrors, hooded dryers, shampoo bowls, dispensary, guest services or restrooms.
Time clock and phones. Each student must personally clock in and out, and must clock out for lunch or any time they leave the facility. Cell phones are not allowed to be out in the classroom or on the salon floor and treatment rooms, except with the instructor's approval to take before and after pictures of the student's work.
Graduation. To be awarded a certificate of completion, students must complete all hourly requirements, written and practical exams with an overall average of 70% or better, the practical skills performed on clients, and their financial obligations.
Other Programs at Brownsville
Salon & Spa Institute in Brownsville, TX also offers these 4 programs at 2695 North Coria Street, Brownsville, TX 78520.
- CosmetologyCertificate · 1,000 clock hours — full time 30 hrs/week or half time 20 hrs/week (day or night)
- EstheticsCertificate · 750 clock hours — full time 30 hrs/week or half time 20 hrs/week (day or night)
- Eyelash Extension SpecialistCertificate · 320 clock hours — full time 30 hrs/week or half time 20 hrs/week (day or night)
- ManicureCertificate · 600 clock hours — full time 30 hrs/week or half time 20 hrs/week (day or night)