Manicurist
Prepare for a career in nail care and the beauty industry. Learn manicuring, pedicuring, sanitation, and the state regulations that govern the profession — and get ready for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure exam.
Why Study Manicuring at TSC
Our program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in manicuring and pedicuring, and to prepare you fully for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure examination.
Comprehensive Training
Manicure and pedicure procedures, use of manicuring implements and supplies, artificial nail application (acrylics, gels, and other enhancements), and nail and hand care.
Sanitation & Safety
Best practices for maintaining a clean, safe working environment, protecting the well-being of both you and your clients.
Legal & Regulatory Knowledge
Learn the laws, rules, and regulations governing the cosmetology industry in Colorado so you're prepared for compliance and professional conduct.
Licensure Preparation
Every part of the curriculum builds toward the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure examination, so you graduate ready to sit for it.
Experienced Instructors
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world salon experience and mentorship to the classroom.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Train in modern, fully equipped facilities that replicate real salon environments.
Program Cost
Where You Can Study
This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.
What We Offer
Certificate
Manicurist Certificate
Trinidad Campus & Valley Campus · Prepares you for the Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure exam
Master professional manicure and pedicure procedures, implement and supply use, artificial nail application, and nail and hand care, alongside the sanitation and legal knowledge licensed manicurists need in Colorado.
Related Cosmetology Family Certificates
Certificate Curriculum
Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.
Nail Technician Certificate
A two-semester program building nail care skills from foundational manicuring through advanced techniques and nail enhancements, paired with infection control and salon business essentials.
↑ Semester One (9 credits)
- COS 1050 – Laws, Rules, and Regulations (1 credit) (fall only)
- COS 1060 – Introduction to Infection Control and Prevention (2 credits) (fall only)
- COS 1061 – Intermediate I: Infection Control and Prevention (1 credit) (fall only)
- NAT 1010 – Introduction to Nail Care (3 credits)
- NAT 1011 – Intermediate I Nail Care (2 credits)
↑ Semester Two (9 credits)
- COS 2050 – Business Management /Personal Skills/Ethics (1 credit) (summer only)
- COS 2060 – Intermediate II: Infection Control and Prevention (2 credits) (spring only)
- COS 2061 – Advanced Infection Control and Prevention (1 credit) (fall only)
- NAT 2010 – Advanced Nail Care (2 credits) (fall only)
- NAT 2011 – Application of Nail Enhancements (5 credits) (spring only)
Where You'll Go
Real job market data for the careers our graduates pursue, powered by Lightcast.
Licensure Pass Rates
Colorado State Cosmetology Licensure Exam Manicurist 2019–2024
| Campus | Practical | Written |
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad | 50.00% | 100.00% |
| Valley (Alamosa) | 92.16% | 90.00% |
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Important Note for Prospective Students: If you are considering an academic program that leads to a professional license in the state where you plan on living and working after graduating, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in that state BEFORE beginning the academic program at Trinidad State College. In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Trinidad State College provides information pertaining to professional licensure and certification in correlation with programs offered at TSC that may lead to state licensure.
Read the full disclosure
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary courses. It is intended to make it easier for students to take courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
If you plan on taking Trinidad State College classes, please check the SARA Map to verify that your state has either authorized or exempted our college to offer classes or programs to you as a resident of your state.
Students are advised to review the following program licensure information BEFORE beginning a program at TSC that leads to professional licensure with the intent to be licensed outside of the state of Colorado.
Review the licensing information provided for the applicable program(s) below. While TSC endeavors to ensure this information is up to date, changes in licensure requirements of any state can change at any time. Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. states and territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements and confirm TSC's program meets those requirements, especially while progressing through any of these programs.
Not all of TSC's programs are formally approved for professional licensure. However, while a program may not be formally approved in states outside of Colorado, it may still meet all or a portion of the "educational" requirements for licensure in other states and territories. Therefore, it may be necessary for you to contact the licensing agency directly to find out if a TSC program will meet educational requirements in states other than Colorado.
Additionally, while progressing through any of these programs, TSC recommends that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.
To learn more, please review the licensure information provided for the program of interest:
For additional assistance pertaining to professional licensing compliance, please contact Dr. Lynette Bates, Vice President for Academic Affairs, lynette.bates@trinidadstate.edu.
Contact Us
Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.
- TitleFaculty
- DepartmentCosmetology
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado • Main
- Emailsarah.sandoval@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleFaculty
- DepartmentCosmetology
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado • 117 Main
- EmailMichelle.Presley@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleDean of Instruction
- DepartmentBUS, CIS, ECE
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado • 112 Main
- Emailemily.hammer@trinidadstate.edu