NAILS
400 HOURS + ELECTIVES
OFFERED EVENINGS
Our Nails program is your gateway to a career where creativity and precision meet. You’ll learn everything from classic manicures and pedicures to advanced nail enhancements, intricate nail art, and the latest in gel and acrylic techniques. Alongside artistry, you’ll develop strong client care and business-building skills that ensure lasting success in salons, spas, or your own nail studio.
In addition to mastering nails, you’ll select six electives from our Hair, Esthetics, or Makeup programs. This allows you to expand your artistry, diversify your service offerings, and compete at a higher level in the beauty industry. Whether your goal is to become a sought-after nail artist, a well-rounded beauty professional, or an entrepreneur, this program will equip you with the skills and creativity to achieve it.
SCHEDULE
Monday - Thursday from 5:00p - 9:00p
WNTR SESSION 1: November 2026 - May 2027
FALL SESSION 2 : August 2027 - February 2028
SMMR SESSION 3 : May 2028 - November 2028
SPRNG SESSION 4: February 2029 - August 2029
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
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PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE ****
COURSES
** INDICATES ELECTIVES
ACRYLIC TECHNIQUES
BACTERIOLOGY & SANITATION
48 HOURS
BASIC MANICURING & PERDICURING
48 HOURS
16 HOURS
BUSINESS ETIQUETTE & PROFESSIONALISM
16 HOURS
CHEMICAL CONCEPTS & SERVICES
16 HOURS
INFECTION CONTROL & BLOOD EXPOSURE
16 HOURS
GEL TECHNIQUES
16 HOURS
CONTRACT & POLICY WRITING
48 HOURS
MD STATE LAWS & REGULATIONS
16 HOURS
NAIL ANATOMY
16 HOURS
NAIL DISEASES & DISORDERS
32 HOURS
NAIL TECH PRACTICAL LAB & PORTFOLIO
48 HOURS
SALON MANAGEMENT
16 HOURS
THE ART OF NAIL DESIGN
32 HOURS
TREATMENT SERVICES
16 HOURS
PRICING & PLANS
Your beauty training should be as multi-dimensional as the world around you.
MOCK IMAGE OF EXACT CLASSROOM AT OWINGS MILLS LOCATION
NAILS - 400 HOURS
NATIONAL AVERAGE
$6,000
SIX ELECTIVES
$3,600
LICENSE EXAM FEE
$80
PRO KIT, BOOKS, SUPPLIES (For Students to Keep)
$1,500
HEADSHOTS & PORTFOLIO (For Students to Keep)
$500
TUITION COST (All-Inclusive)
$11,680
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
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PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE ****
Like most professional schools and universities, tuition is billed in full and repaid monthly through private lenders, local credit unions, or split payments (Klarna, Affirm, etc.).
Federal Aid will become available in 2029.
Paying via a personal payment plan ensures your place in the program is secured and your learning experience is uninterrupted. This fee is due one time, and covers the entire duration of your student experience.
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All required instructional hours for your chosen program
Six elective courses from the remaining 3 Programs
Hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment
Access to our Academy’s student resources and learning facilities
Learning materials & fully stocked Professional Kit for you to keep
Professional photoshoot and developed portfolio upon graduation
Academic advising, career preparation, and mentorship
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Personal Career Loans: Lenders like SoFi, Upstart, LightStream, or Avant send funds directly to your bank account within 24-48 hours so you can cover tuition in full, then pay it back over 3 to 6 years with fixed monthly payments.
Credit Union & Co-Signer Loans: Partnering with a trusted co-signer through a local credit union (like SECU Maryland) is a great way to lock in lower interest rates.
Mix & Match: Combine savings or 0% APR credit cards with Buy Now, Pay Later tools (like Affirm or Klarna) to cover tuition on your own terms.
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CocoTea Beauty Academy is licensed by the State of Maryland. Under current Maryland law, the State Board of Cosmetologists requires 250 hours of training in nail technology (or 8 months of apprenticeship) in order to qualify for the Nail Technician License.
CocoTea Beauty Academy offers a comprehensive 400-hour nail technician program. While the state requirement remains 250 hours, our expanded curriculum provides additional training to ensure graduates are highly skilled, confident, and prepared to excel in today’s competitive beauty industry.
Graduates of our program will be fully qualified to apply for the Maryland Limited Nail Technician License, meeting all state requirements for licensure.
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Advanced Skill Development: Extra hours allow for more in-depth instruction and hands-on practice, covering advanced nail techniques beyond the state minimum.
Workforce Readiness: Graduates enter the workforce with greater confidence, efficiency, and professionalism.
Client Satisfaction: More practice hours mean graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality services to clients safely and effectively.
Professional Advantage: Completing a program with more hours than the minimum requirement demonstrates dedication and expertise to potential employers and clients.
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Maryland nail technician licenses are not automatically transferable to other states. Each state has unique requirements for training hours, exams, and license verification. Some states may accept Maryland’s hours under a reciprocity or endorsement agreement, while others may require additional training or testing.
To transfer your Maryland nail technician license, you should:
Contact the state board where you plan to practice for specific transfer requirements.
Request a license verification from the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists.
Provide proof of education and training hours.
Complete any additional steps required by the new state, such as a written or practical exam, or supplemental coursework if Maryland’s hour total is less.
Because requirements vary widely, it’s important to confirm the details directly with your destination state’s board before beginning work.
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Official Certificate of Completion & Verified State Board Hours
State Board Exam Mock Prep & Application Assistance
Professional-Grade Nail Kit & Branded Portfolio
Professional Headshot & Business Contract Starter Templates
PRO Discount Application Support with major brands (DND, Aprés, and more!)
Discounted Continuing Education courses
Lifetime Access to Alumni Network