Registration is now under way for the new Manicurist certificate program that the Mancos/Cortez area Southwest Colorado Community College campus will begin offering this semester. Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 28 and will meet from 5 to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, plus two Saturdays a month.
The 20-credit program can be completed in one semester, with students finishing in May. Those completing the program will be eligible to take the state board examination.
Students will learn the latest nail enhancements with acrylic nails, wraps, gels and oil manicures as well as nail art, shellac and electric filing. Both manicure and pedicure techniques will be taught, along with sanitation and disinfection procedures. Students will receive practical hands-on experience and will be accepting appointments with clients from the community during their studies.
The college has two pedicure spa chairs and six stations for manicures. All instructors are certified, with many years of experience in the field.
The career of manicuring and pedicuring is lucrative and growing, with opportunities in every city. Manicurists can own their own business or work in a wide variety of settings including beauty salons, hotels, spas or malls.
For more information on registering and financial aid, call 564-6200 or visit the SCCC campus at 33057 Hwy. 160 east of Cortez, during regular weekday business hours. The registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 24. For more detailed information, contact Cosmetology Coordinator Brenda Maez at Brenda.Maez@pueblocc.edu.
SCCC, which is a branch of Pueblo Community College and part of the Colorado Community College system, offers a full range of other cosmetology classes. They provide training on providing haircuts, hair coloring and permanents, skin care and facials, waxing eyebrows, arms and legs. The full program can lead to a certificate or an associate's degree while preparing students for the Colorado state board exam for cosmetology.