OR Nail Technician study plan
OR Nail Technician · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Infection Control, Sanitation and Safety
Define the classes of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and give one salon-relevant example of each
Diagram and explain each link in the chain of infection and name a break point for every link
Differentiate cleaning, sanitizing, disinfection and sterilization, and state which level applies to implements, linens, and surfaces
Identify where to locate and how to interpret Safety Data Sheets and product label directions for salon chemicals
Your checkpoint
One-page hand-drawn chain-of-infection diagram with break points, plus a 40-item self-quiz scored at 90% or higher
Infection Control, Sanitation and Safety & Anatomy, Physiology and Nail Disorders
Sequence the steps of a complete implement disinfection cycle, from use to storage
Distinguish single-use from reusable items and state the disposal rule for each
Label the structures of the natural nail unit and describe the function of each
List the bones and muscles of the lower arm, wrist and hand that affect nail service safety
Your checkpoint
A mock salon inspection checklist applied to your own workstation, corrected to 100% compliance, plus a fully labeled nail-unit and hand/arm anatomy diagram
Anatomy, Physiology and Nail Disorders
Differentiate nail disorders from nail diseases and identify which require medical referral
Compare the signs of fungal, bacterial and viral nail infections
Describe common skin conditions of the hands and feet and state the service response to each
Explain how systemic conditions and medications can alter nail growth and appearance
Your checkpoint
A 30-condition reference table listing distinguishing features, contagious status, and whether to serve or refer, with zero referral errors
Nail Care Services and Procedures
Write out the full step-by-step procedure for a basic manicure and a basic pedicure, including sanitation checkpoints
Describe the correct application, fill and removal process for acrylics and wraps
Outline hand and foot massage movements in the correct sequence and identify contraindicated areas
Match each service to its appropriate supplies, implements and time allotment
Your checkpoint
Timed written procedure sheets for three services with sanitation checkpoints embedded, verified against a self-graded rubric
Nail Care Services and Procedures & Oregon Laws, Rules and Salon Business Practices
Conduct a client consultation script that screens for contraindications before service begins
Cross-reference each step of your manicure and pedicure procedures against the state sanitation rules
Describe the correct response to a client with a suspected infection or an open wound
Explain informed consent and client recordkeeping in the context of services performed
Your checkpoint
A one-page crosswalk mapping every service step to the specific rule it satisfies, with gaps flagged and fixed
Oregon Laws, Rules and Salon Business Practices
Summarize licensing requirements, license renewal and continuing education obligations
State the scope of practice for a nail technician and identify tasks that must be referred out
Explain salon sanitation, inspection and recordkeeping requirements
Describe basic business practices relevant to a booth renter or salon owner, including record retention and tax obligations
Your checkpoint
A 60-question practice exam on laws and rules, scored at 85% or higher, with every missed item rewritten as a rule statement
Infection Control, Sanitation and Safety & Nail Care Services and Procedures
Re-drill the sanitation and service topics missed on prior quizzes until each is answered correctly twice
Rehearse the full disinfection-to-service workflow from memory without notes
Compare the two most commonly confused disinfection levels and two commonly confused nail disorders
Build and answer flashcards for every term flagged as unfamiliar in weeks 1 through 6
Your checkpoint
A written error log of at least 25 previously missed items, each with the correct answer and reason, plus a retake of the week 1 and week 6 quizzes at 95% or higher
Infection Control, Sanitation and Safety & Nail Care Services and Procedures & Anatomy, Physiology and Nail Disorders & Oregon Laws, Rules and Salon Business Practices
Complete two full-length timed practice exams covering all four domains
Review every missed item and classify it by domain to confirm no domain falls below 80%
Recite the key Oregon rule numbers and licensing facts from memory
Finalize a one-page summary sheet for each domain to review the morning of the exam
Your checkpoint
Two timed 100-question exams each scored at 85% or higher, plus four completed one-page domain summary sheets
Milestones
Week 2: Score 90% or higher on the infection-control quiz and pass the self-applied mock inspection checklist with zero sanitation violations
Week 4: Score 85% or higher on a 30-item anatomy and nail-disorder quiz, with all contagious conditions correctly routed to referral
Week 6: Score 85% or higher on the 60-question laws and rules exam
Week 8: Score 85% or higher on both full-length practice exams with no single domain below 80%