Your Nail Tech School Tour Checklist

Choosing the right nail tech school is the first step toward a successful career in the beauty industry. But with so many options, how do you know which school is the best fit for you? A campus tour is your chance to explore the facilities, meet instructors, and get a feel for the program before committing.

At Shear Excellence Academy, we believe that an informed decision leads to a rewarding educational experience. That’s why we’ve put together this nail tech school tour checklist to help you evaluate your options. From hands-on training opportunities to licensing preparation, this guide will ensure you know exactly what to look for when visiting a school.

Ready to take the first step toward your dream career? Let’s dive into the essential factors to consider during your nail tech school tour!

Why a School Tour is Essential

A school tour is one thing that all aspiring nail techs should do before committing. Tours offer firsthand insights into the program and environment, allowing prospective students to decide whether a school is right for them. 

Students can see the quality of the classrooms, tools, and equipment provided to students. It also gives prospective students an opportunity to meet instructors and staff, allowing them to gauge the instructors’ experience, learn their teaching styles, and see if they align with your learning needs.

Prospective students will also learn more about the curriculum, including nail techniques, sanitation practices, and any business skills that may be taught at the facility.

Tours also allow you to ask additional questions and assess if the school aligns with your goals.

Research and Preparation Before the Tour

There are a few things that prospective students should research when heading on a tour to decide if a school is right for them. 

What to Research

• School accreditation: Accreditation is a process that recognizes that a school meets certain educational requirements. Accreditation indicates the credibility of the nail tech’s degree and improves job prospects. 
• Program offerings: Not all schools are created equal. Prospective nail techs should ensure the schools they’re reviewing offer the programs they need to develop their skills and reach their career goals.
• Reviews: Reviews are one of the best ways to determine whether a school is the right fit. Previous student experiences will give you the most insight and allow you to decide with confidence. 

What to Bring

Tours can be quite extensive. Here are a few things to bring on your tour:

• Notebook: Having a notebook on hand is essential because it allows you to write down any valuable information that you can review later.
• Questions: Come prepared with questions written down to ask while you’re on tour. It can be easy to forget to ask some of the most relevant questions on the spot. Pre-thinking about things you want to know will ensure you leave with all the necessary information.
• Required documents: Bring any required documents to the tour, such as an I.D. Depending on the school, additional documents may be required. Ask the staff about any relevant documents you need to bring.

Importance of Scheduling Tour in Advance

Scheduling tours in advance is the best way to get the most out of your tour. Scheduled tours offer a more personalized experience because staff and instructors will be prepared for your arrival. 

This ensures you gain access to important information and allows you to fully experience the nail tech school. 

Checklist: What to Look for During the Tour

Once you’ve made it to the school, there are several things you want to look for throughout the tour. Here is a checklist of things to pay attention to:

Facilities and Equipment

One of the first things to check is whether the school is clean, modern, and well-maintained. This indicates their professionalism and care for their nail tech program.

You also want to see whether they use high-quality tools and nail technology equipment. Working with professional-grade equipment will prepare you for a seamless transition into the working world.

Curriculum and Training

It’s important to get a detailed breakdown of the nail tech program. Specifically, look for whether you’ll receive hands-on training, techniques taught, and advanced skills offered. Additionally, check for opportunities to practice on real clients in a salon setting.

Instructors and Staff

Take time to engage with instructors and staff. You want to ensure instructors are approachable, and provide a comfortable experience. You also want to ensure staff are willing to answer questions and offer guidance.

Student Support Services

Student support is essential to ensure all students can complete their program with proper resources. Check whether the school has financial aid options, career placement assistance, and mentorship opportunities.

Check for additional student support resources, such as licensure preparation and continuing education.

Questions to Ask During the Tour

Here are insightful questions to ask while on tour:

• What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
• What brands and products are used during training?
• Are there opportunities for advanced certifications or specialties?
• How does the school prepare students for the state licensing exam?
• What career services are available after graduation?

Assessing the School Environment 

It’s always essential to assess the school environment while you’re on tour. The environment highlights the overall climate and culture and helps you determine whether the school aligns with what you’re looking for in your education.

Here are a few areas to look at when making your assessment:

• Atmosphere: Does the school feel welcoming, inspiring, and professional?
• Class dynamics: Observe if students seem engaged and supported.
• Community involvement: Is the school active in local beauty or nail tech events?

After the Tour: Evaluating Your Options

Once you’ve conducted all of your school tours, organize all of your notes and impressions from multiple tours. This can be done by creating separate sections for each key area of the school. For instance, you may have a section for state-of-the-art equipment. This allows you to easily compare the equipment used in each school and decide which one is the best fit.

Additionally, you want to compare tuition costs, schedules, and program flexibility. This ensures you determine which schools fit your budget and your schedule.

Lastly, evaluate whether the school works for you based on your personal goals and overall fit. Be honest in your evaluations to ensure you make the best choice for your education.

Why Choose Shear Excellence Academy for Nail Tech Training

Shear Excellence Academy is here to propel your nail tech career. We offer a curriculum tailored to modern nail trends and techniques. Students also benefit from experienced instructors dedicated to student growth and success. 

While enrolled in our nail tech program, students will receive hands-on experience with high-quality tools in a professional setting. This ensures students can seamlessly transition into their careers with confidence.

Book Your Tour Today!

If you want to see what makes Shear Excellence Academy the best choice for your nail tech training, schedule a tour with us today. Our friendly staff will give you a personalized tour and be prepared to answer any questions you may have.

When selecting a school for nail tech training, a thorough tour is the best way to make the most informed decision. Be sure to look for things, such as experienced and friendly instructors, professional-grade equipment, programs that align with your goals, and a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Visit Shear Excellence Academy and take the first step toward a career as a nail technician.