ESTHETICIAN &
NAIL TECH
Walk out prepared to become a Pennsylvania-licensed esthetician AND nail technologist, two credentials, one diploma program. Start working at spas, salons, and nail bars across Pennsylvania.
What you will do:
The Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program gives you the skin care expertise of an esthetician and the technique of a professional nail tech, so you can serve clients across the full beauty and wellness spectrum.
Students train on real clients in our Monessen Student Clinic across both disciplines (facials, skin analysis, waxing, and nail services) under licensed instructor supervision. You will earn certificates of attendance in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ear candling, spray tanning, and waxing, plus certificates of education for nail-specific products. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
What the numbers say:
Combined Program Certifications
DEC adds product education certifications in Tammy Taylor (Prizma Acrylic Powders), Young Nails Gel Products, and Cuccio Manicure and Pedicure Products. Plus certificates of attendance in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, ear candling, spray tanning, and waxing classes.
Tammy Taylor (Prizma Acrylic Powders) · Young Nails · Acrylic & Gel Products · Cuccio Manicure & Pedicure
The program is approximately 750 hours, covering both the esthetics and nail technologist license programs. Most students complete the program attending full-time days, Monday through Friday. Contact admissions at 724-684-3684 to confirm the current schedule and next start date.
Esthetics.
Skin, facial, body: clinical and spa-grade modalities embedded in the curriculum.
Nail Tech.
Acrylic, gel, mani + pedi: industry-brand DEC certificates of education
Tammy Taylor
Young Nails
Cuccio
Skills you’ll walk out with:
Ten things you will be able to do across skin care AND nails.
Deliver Full Nail Services: Manicures & Pedicures
The program includes product training certifications in Tammy Taylor (Prizma Acrylic Powders), Young Nails Acrylic and Gel Products, and Cuccio Manicure and Pedicure Products.
Education in Multiple Nail Enhancement Techniques
Students will learn how to properly complete dip nails, soft and hard gel extensions, acrylic extensions and nail art.
Prepare to sit for both the Pennsylvania esthetics exam and the nail technologist exam.
Graduates are eligible to sit for two separate Pennsylvania State Board examinations, giving you maximum flexibility when applying to spas, salons, and nail studios.
Perform a full facial: analysis, cleanse, exfoliation, and mask, to PA esthetics licensure standards.
Facial technique is practiced on real clients in the Monessen Student Clinic under licensed instructor supervision. 450 hours of skin science, facial techniques, and clinical practice (150 more than the PA minimum).
Apply professional make-up artistry techniques for client services and events.
From bridal looks to corrective work, make-up artistry is a core module.
Deliver microdermabrasion and chemical peel services safely and confidently.
Use DMK product knowledge to build skin care regimens for real clients.
DMK product knowledge certification requires additional DMK training and fees after graduation.
Perform waxing, spray tanning, and ear candling for a full spa service menu.
Create an atmosphere where your clients can relax and leave feeling satisfied.
Students who train to become estheticians also learn about beautifying the skin through a variety of services.
Walk into a spa or med spa interview with hands-on hours.
Real spa client hours make a difference.
Deliver Full Nail Services: Manicures & Pedicures
The program includes product training certifications in Tammy Taylor (Prizma Acrylic Powders), Young Nails Acrylic and Gel Products, and Cuccio Manicure and Pedicure Products.
Education in Multiple Nail Enhancement Techniques
Students will learn how to properly complete dip nails, soft and hard gel extensions, acrylic extensions and nail art.
Prepare to take both the Pennsylvania esthetics exam AND nail technologist exam .
Perform a full facial: analysis, cleanse, exfoliation, and mask, to PA esthetics licensure standards.
Perform waxing, spray tanning, and ear candling as part of a full esthetics service menu.
Use DMK product knowledge and microdermabrasion technique to build advanced skin care protocols.
DMK Product Knowledge training included. Full DMK certification requires additional fees.
750 hours,broken down.
Build confidence through hands-on experience in the Monessen Student Clinic. You’ll work with real clients under the guidance of licensed instructors while developing your skills in nail technology and esthetics services.
NAIL TREATMENTS & PEDICURING
Acrylic Application (Tammy Taylor / Prizma) · Gel Nails (Young Nails) · Nail Art · Fills · Repairs
AI.can't do nails.
But YOU can have a career. Gain hands-on experience performing esthetics and nail services on real clients in our Monessen Student Clinic before you graduate.
Get the full guide.
Tuition. Financial aid. Sample schedule. What to expect on day one. PDF, no spam, straight to your inbox.
Real numbers, real schedule, no sales pitch. Know exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit. Straight to your inbox.
Where the career goes.
With training in both esthetics and nail technology, you’ll enter the beauty industry with more skills and more career options. Here’s where those two paths can take you.
Working at:
DEC Esthetician and Nail Technologist graduates work at spas, and salons across multiple counties including, but not limited to Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Allegheny Counties.
Plus dozens more — and the studios our graduates have opened themselves.
Alumni spotlight.
“Two years in, I'm the senior color stylist at my chair. DEC's clinic hours got me booked solid before I'd even taken state board.”
MAYA S.
Who's teaching you.
BONNIE PITZARELLA
- Instructor
A.S.T. Cosmetology Management · Pittsburgh Beauty Academy · Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
Since joining DEC in 2004, Bonnie has become a trusted leader in esthetics education, drawing on her personal industry knowledge and practical salon insight to guide students and build strong connections throughout the beauty community.
KAREN NELSON
- COSMETOLOGY SUPERVISOR
Diploma General Cosmetology · Pittsburgh Beauty Academy · Licensed Cosmetology Teacher
Since 2003, Karen has helped shape the next generation of beauty professionals through her leadership of DEC’s Cosmetology Academy, mentoring students and sharing her passion for cosmetology and nail technology.
You asked.We answered.
What are the admission requirements for this program?
A prospective student seeking admission to the Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program must:
- Be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) Diploma or recognized equivalency certificate.
- Complete an application form and pay a one-time application fee ($50.00) and one-time registration fee ($100.00).
- Request an official high school transcript be sent directly to the Admissions Department.
- Successfully complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Examination with a minimum score of 17.
- Sign an Enrollment Agreement.
How long is the program and what is the schedule?
- Length: 8 months/2 semesters
- Classes typically held Monday-Friday; 2-3 classes each semester (on-ground)
- All Cosmetology programs’ (Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Esthetician and Nail Technologist) courses are scheduled Monday through Friday. In general, students attend four days per week; 7.5 hours per day for a total of 30 hours per week. Students do not attend class more than 8 hours per day or more than 40 hours per week. Nail Technology classes are scheduled for 20 hours per week.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Funding options may include federal Title IV aid (such as Pell Grants and Direct Student Loans), Veterans’ Education Benefits, agency-sponsored funding (e.g., Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), institutional and external scholarships, and private financing options.
What will I be able to do after I graduate?
Combining skincare and nail care expertise, this program equips students with a versatile skill set for multiple areas of the beauty industry. Career opportunities include:
- Licensed Esthetician
- Licensed Nail Technician
- Spa Esthetician
- Medical Spa Esthetician
- Skincare Specialist
- Facial Specialist
- Nail Artist
- Manicurist
- Pedicurist
- Brow and Lash Specialist
- Makeup Artist
- Salon or Spa Professional
- Resort Spa Specialist
- Skincare or Nail Product Educator
What does a typical class day look like?
Class days vary by course and topic. Some days focus on theory-based classroom learning, while others emphasize hands-on practice and clinic experiences to build real-world skills.
What certifications or licenses does this program prepare me for?
- Preparation to sit for the Pennsylvania State Board examination for Esthetics and the Pennsylvania State Board examination for Nail Technology
- Certificate of Education using Cuccio Professional, Tammy Taylor, and Young Nails Products
- Certificate for specialized training in Eyelash Extension, Ear Candling, Spray Tanning, Specialized Waxing, and Microdermabrasion
- Certificate of training using TCA Peel
- Certificate of training in DMK Fundamentals
What is the difference between this program and the standalone Esthetics Program?
At Douglas Education Center, we offer both a standalone Esthetics Program and a combined Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program. The main difference is that our Esthetics program focuses exclusively on skincare and makeup artistry, while the Esthetician and Nail Technologist (ESNT) program combines that identical curriculum with comprehensive nail technology training.
Here is a straightforward look at how the two options compare:
- The standalone Esthetics Program: This program is completely dedicated to skincare, facials, hair removal, and makeup artistry. It is designed for students who want to focus entirely on a career as an esthetician. Upon completion of the program the student will be able to sit for the PA State Board Exam for Esthetics.
- The Esthetician and Nail Technologist Program (ESNT): This program includes the full Esthetics curriculum plus dedicated training in manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. Because it covers both fields, upon completion of the program the student would be eligible to sit for two separate PA state licenses (Esthetics and Nail Technology).
Will I practice on real clients during the program?
Yes, once you master your foundational skills in the classroom, you will transition to working with real clients in our on-campus student clinic. This hands-on environment operates just like a real spa and salon, giving you the face-to-face experience you need to feel confident after graduation.
Here is how the student clinic prepares you for the real world:
- Real Clinic Experience: Under the direct supervision of our licensed instructors, you will perform skin analyses, customized facials, makeup applications, manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements on actual clients.
- Mastering Techniques: You won’t just practice basic steps. The clinic gives you hands-on experience performing spa and nail treatments, working with professional skincare and nail products, and practicing the services that clients ask for every day.
- Building Business Skills: Beyond the hands-on services, you will learn how to greet guests, consult with clients about their skin and nail goals, and recommend professional retail products. These are the exact customer service skills that spa and salon owners love to see.
While you’re here:
Other Beauty & Wellness paths that share faculty and complement the esthetics profession:
ADV. COSMETIC
TECHNIQUES.
Cosmetology Program
* Requires an Esthetics or Cosmetology license.
What schedule does the program follow?
YOUR STATION IS
waiting.
