MD Nail Technician study plan

Distinguish cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, and match each level of decontamination to the correct category of tool or surface.

Sequence the full implement-handling cycle from use through pre-cleaning, disinfection, rinsing, drying, and covered storage.

Identify the bacteria, viruses, and fungi of concern in nail services and the infection each is capable of causing.

Apply blood-exposure and accidental-injury protocol steps in the correct order, including glove removal and surface decontamination.

Audit a practice setup by naming ten safety and sanitation violations in a written scenario and stating the correction for each.

Label the layers of the epidermis, the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle, and eponychium on a self-drawn diagram from memory.

Explain the growth cycle of the nail and correlate matrix shape and length with plate shape, thickness, and visible free edge.

Describe the chemistry of the products you will handle most (monomer, polymer, hydrogen peroxide, acetone) in terms of pH, volatility, and safe handling.

Relate skin and nail structure to service decisions, explaining why cuticle living tissue is not cut and why the nail plate is not over-filed.

Order the steps of a basic manicure, from client seating and hand assessment through massage, polish, and cleanup.

Select the correct file grit, buffer, and implement for natural nail shaping and explain the effect of each on the plate.

Demonstrate massage movements and identify the contraindications that would stop a service before it begins.

Assemble the full pedicure procedure including foot soak, exfoliation, nail shaping, cuticle care, massage, and polish application.

Screen for pedicure contraindications such as diabetes, circulatory problems, and skin infection, and state the correct response for each.

Differentiate the tools, soaking solutions, and disinfection requirements used in pedicuring versus manicuring.

Practice the complete manicure and pedicure sequences on a model or practice hand within a timed 60-minute window.

Compare nail tips and nail wraps by material, adhesion method, removal method, and typical service life.

Execute the tip application sequence including sizing, blending the seam, and shaping without damage to the natural plate.

Apply a wrap or overlay with correct resin or adhesive handling and finish it to a smooth, sealed surface.

Identify the causes of lifting, cracking, and green discoloration on enhancements and state the preventive step for each.

Explain the chemistry of acrylic monomer and polymer, including the correct liquid-to-powder ratio and the effect of a wet or dry bead.

Build a set of acrylic nails with proper zone placement, structure, and apex, then file and finish the surface.

Describe gel product types, curing requirements, and lamp safety, and differentiate gel from acrylic in application and removal.

Perform safe removal of acrylic and gel enhancements without gouging or over-thinning the natural nail.

Distinguish nail repair and specialty services such as nail mending, sculpting, and art techniques, and state when each is appropriate.

Select art methods and materials that suit the client's nail length, lifestyle, and requested wear time.

Recite the Maryland licensing, sanitation, and scope-of-practice requirements that govern nail technicians, including which services may and may not be performed.

State the standards for salon cleanliness, implement storage, record keeping, and client protection as set by the state board.

Script a client consultation that covers health history, lifestyle, desired outcome, contraindications, and informed consent.

Handle three difficult client scenarios in role-play, including a service refusal and a complaint about lifting.

Outline the business basics a technician must know: pricing for time and product, retail versus service income, and basic record keeping.

Complete a full-length timed practice exam across all eight domains and review every missed item against a source.