One of Sampson Community College’s newest programs, created under the Workforce Development and Continuing Education umbrella, already appears to be a success. After a local demand for the Nail Technician program, it was developed to provide portable skills attained within a single semester and is designed to prepare students to enhance educational opportunities and job retention.

“We are teaching acrylic nails, manicures, pedicures, you name it,” says Brenda Edwards, Nail Technician instructor. “This is a very creative discipline and though we have many nail technicians in the area, there is a need for more. This is something you can do that can be financially rewarding but also provide intangible rewards as well. You get to meet people from all walks of life. You can do weddings, parties, open a business or become self-employed.”

White applies her finishing touches in the new program.

The program also creates opportunities for students who are seeking additional part-time employment. The short-term, credentialed program creates opportunities to learn techniques and skills in manicure and pedicure, demonstrate management skills, and maintain a safe environment. Once training is complete, students are prepared and ready for the state exam.

Student Veronica White came into the program with a plan. “Jobs in this field can be very lucrative,” she points out. “I am learning new skills here. When I am finished with the program and pass the state exam, it should enable me to enter the workforce quickly. Once I can began making money, I plan to put myself through college and who knows, perhaps one day open my own business.”

The program focuses on treatment for the fingernails and hands, typically performed in a nail salon. It consists of filing and shaping, pushing and clipping the nails. Students use treatments with various liquids, massage of the hand, and the application of fingernail polish. The services the students provide are open to the public just as they are at a regular salon. For more information about this program, contact Katie Brown, Director at kbrown@sampsoncc.edu or 910-900-4055 or Loreta Jones, Cosmetology Department Chair at ljones@sampsoncc.edu or 910-900-4009.