Nail Technology
Overview
Learn the latest in advanced hand, foot, and nail treatments including tips, overlays, sculptured, gel, and acrylics in VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
| Tuition | $5,982 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 4 months |
| Hours | Part- or Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Demonstrate nails applications in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nails, hands, feet and skin.
- Perform nail treatments based on client consultation.
- Apply the principles of colour and design to specialized nail techniques.
- Create artificial nail structures, tips, overlays, sculptured, gel and acrylics.
- Perform in an ethical and professional manner appropriate to a spa environment.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Nail Technology Certificate completion pathways are as follows:
- Full time program is 4 months in length
- Part time program program is 8 months in length
Maximum time for completion is 2 years.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Knowledge of English demonstrated by one of the following:
- English Language Proficiency at a Grade 10 level, or equivalent, or
- Academic IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0) or TOEFL iBT 68
- Applicants may be given credit for ESTH 1501 Nail Foundations and inserted directly into ESTH 1502 Artificial Nails provided:
- They have successfully completed VCC’s Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate or an equivalent Esthetics certificate from an accredited institution; and
- They provide a proof of graduation within the last five (5) years to the department in order to grant permission to register. Proof can be the certificate or a transcript.
- Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department leader or representative.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
To be successful in the Nail Technology Certificate it is recommended students possess the following characteristics:
- Interest in the spa industry and all aspects of hand, feet, artificial nails and nail art
- Genuine interest in administering personal services
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to be creative
- Ability to plan and work independently
- Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form
- Manual dexterity
Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that the following health concerns may affect this career:
- Asthma/ Respiratory conditions
- Eczema/ Dermatitis
- Chronic Back conditions
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program Start Date | Jan 2027 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | February 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1501 | Nail Foundations | 9 |
| ESTH 1502 | Artificial Nails | 9 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,982 |
Year 1 - $2,991 Year 2 - $2,991 |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $55 | |
| Campus resource | $120 | |
| U-Pass | $188 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $6,569 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Technical requirement
How to Apply
Are you interested in this program? Apply on EducationPlanner BC.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?