If recent praise for Nebraska is on point, then this beautiful Midwestern state is certainly a fantastic locale in which to establish your nail technician career! In 2014 alone, CNBC named Nebraska among America’s Top States for Business, while Forbes named the Greater Omaha area on its list of America’s Best Cities for Young Professionals.
In other words, there’s no time like the present to fulfill your dreams of working in the nail salon industry!
The Nebraska Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology and Body Art regulates and licenses nail technicians through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You must complete the following steps to earn your nail technician license in Nebraska:
Step 1. Successfully Complete a Nail Technology Program
As a candidate for nail technician licensure in Nebraska, you must first complete an approved nail technology program, which may be found through a dedicated nail technology school or a general cosmetology school. The program must be at least 300 hours in duration, and it must include at least 16 hours of instruction on operating a nail drill.
You can expect training and education in the following areas:
- Fitting, shaping, attaching, adjusting or applying artificial nails using fabric, gel, acrylic, or resin application systems
- Buffing, cutting, filing, trimming, coloring, polishing, cleansing, or reshaping nails
- Cleansing, manipulating, stimulating, and exercising the hands or feet when done in conjunction with pedicuring or manicuring
- Sanitizing the nail bed by brushing on or spraying material in preparation for attaching, fitting, shaping, or adjusting artificial nails
Nail technicians in Nebraska are also trained to detect fungus, infection, or nail disorders that result from the application of artificial nails.
Step 2. Complete and Submit a Nail Technician Application by Examination
After the successful completion of a nail technology program, you must complete a Nail Technician Application by Examination and return it to the Board, along with a current photograph (measuring about 2”x3”). The photograph will be used for examination identification purposes only.
In addition to completing a nail technology program in Nebraska, the Board requires all applicants for licensure to be at least 17 years old (on or before the date of the examination) and have completed a high school education.
You must therefore provide the Board with a photocopy of your birth certificate or baptismal certificate that shows proof of your age and a photocopy of your high school diploma or GED certificate showing that you have completed a high school education. Further, you must provide proof to the Board that you have successfully completed a basic first aid course, which was likely completed through your nail technology program.
After receiving and reviewing your application, the Board will notify you of your examination eligibility.
Step 3. Take and Pass the Nebraska Nail Technology Licensure Examination
Candidates for nail technology licenses in Nebraska are required to take and pass (with a minimum score of 75 percent) a written examination for licensure. The examination is designed to satisfy both the written and practical examination requirements for licensure as a Nebraska nail technician.
The written test, a computer-based examination is completed through LaserGrade. When the Board determines that your application is acceptable, you will receive an authorization letter that will provide you with the registration instructions and LaserGrade contact information so you can schedule your test date. You must contact LaserGrade within the authorization period marked on your letter to schedule a test date and location.
To take the examination in a computer-based format, you must complete a request form and pay the license fee of $95. Upon taking the examination, you will receive same-day results. LaserGrade will also send your official score report to the Department. If you do not pass the examination, you will receive a new authorization letter, detailing when you can reapply.
Step 4. Take and Pass the Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination
After taking and passing the written examination, you must take and pass the online Nebraska Cosmetology Jurisprudence Examination. Once you have completed the examination, you must print it and mail it to:
Licensure Unit
State of Nebraska
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
The jurisprudence examination is an open book examination that was developed by the Board. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover:
- Uniform Credentialing Act
- Rules and Regulations relating to Cosmetology and Establishments
- Statutes Relating to Cosmetology
You must score at least 75 percent to pass this examination.
Any questions regarding the licensing process for nail technicians in Nebraska can be directed to the DHHS Licensure Unit at 402-471-2399.
You can expect to receive your Nebraska nail technician license upon completing all requirements for licensure.
Step 5. Maintain your License as a Nail Technician in Nebraska
All nail technician licenses in Nebraska must be renewed on December 31 of odd-numbered years for a fee of $118. You must successfully complete at least 8 hours of continuing education during this licensure period to maintain your nail technician license.
The Board recognizes that continuing education competency may be met through the completion of a number of activities, such as:
- Home study
- CPR/First Aid
- Equipment Use
- Product Knowledge
- Marketing
- Academic Credit (college, university, or technical school)
- Licensure examination
- Safety/sanitation
You may also choose to complete courses in business, management, and marketing if you have plans to manage a salon or open up a salon of your own. Because so many nail technicians work as independent contractors and rent salon or booth space, it is often beneficial to seek training in business management.
Jobs may be found in salons located throughout Nebraska, including:
- Gloss Salon and Day Spa, Omaha
- American Nails & Spa, Omaha
- Mohegan Nail Salon, Omaha
- Pink Nails and Spa, Lincoln
- Top Q Nails and Spa, Papillion
- Visible Changes Salon and Spa, Norfolk