The downtown Milwaukee campus holds a hidden gem for students, faculty and the community in the Main Building, Room M108.

The next generation of nail technicians and professional manicurists are taking part in an extensive 16-week program that covers manicuring theory including laws, rules, health, safety and sanitation.

Along with learning the foundation for the profession, students put their theories to the test during hands-on practical sessions in which fellow students, MATC employees and the community can benefit by obtaining salon-level services at a reduced price while the students gain valuable work experience. 

Linda Zizzo, MATC instructor for more than 20 years in the Nail Technician program said, “Manicuring is still a very strong industry. This is a very fun and rapidly changing industry, from the shapes of nail to new techniques. We make sure that the students are taught the latest styles and innovations and also strict sanitation practices.”

The Nail Technician program represents an opportunity for students looking for an educational program that gets them to work quickly.

Ashante Reed, past MATC graduate and current instructor for the Nail Technician program, originally attended college in pursuit of an engineering degree and enrolled in the Nail Technician program to fund her education and stumbled onto a career she calls “rewarding and fulfilling” for the past 14 years. Reed said, “I chose the MATC Nail Technician program because of the emphasis on safety and sanitation and the length of the program. Many programs are eight weeks, but MATC has a 16-week program that truly prepares students for the State Licensing exams and their careers.”

After graduating from the Nail Technician program with a technical college certificate, students must pass the State Board Licensing Exam, which includes theory and practical assessments.

Dara Somsanith, a current Nail Technician student says of the exam, “I am a bit nervous about the test, but I learned so much in the program. The instructors make sure that we are ready and we practice a lot.” Reed comments, “Upon completion of the program and after taking my state exam, I actually felt over prepared.”

The training salon offers spa manicures and pedicures along with luxury services including paraffin wax treatments and hot stone therapy.

Clients can also choose from an array of polish colors including longer-lasting gel options for standard manicures, pedicures, nail refills, and even nail repairs.

Prices are light on the wallet at $11 for a spa manicure, $16 for a spa pedicure, $16 for a full set, and $26 for a mani/pedi combination.

Patrons of the student salon can access services most Tuesdays through Thursdays by calling 414-297-6258 during open salon hours with all appointments beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Zizzo kindly asks everyone to allow around three hours for services, as the services are performed by students under the supervision of the instructor.