In Oregon you can acquire nail tech training at either:
Privately Owned Academies – these nail technician academies include a total of 350 hours of educational training in addition to another 250 hours of career enrichment, personal safety, tool use, and training on how to properly handle infectious materials. This option — attending nail tech schools in Oregon — is the most commonly employed though obviously costs more than aptitude programs.
or…
Aptitude Programs – If you have prior work experience as a nail technician then you will be able to select an aptitude program which challenges your previous knowledge of manicurist courses and gives you the option to skip sections of the curriculum after you have successfully passed the others.

Passing The Necessary Exams

After graduating from your manicurist academy, they will send the official transcripts straight to the Oregon Health Licensing Office (otherwise known as the OHL). This is an ideal time to also send in your application for licensure to the OHL.

The Practical Nail Technician Exam

If your nail technician program did not include the practical exam then it is vital that you go to an institution which has been approved and do so. The academy along with the Oregon Licensing Office will give you more information about this when the time is nearing your initial graduation.

It takes a total of ninety minutes and you are going to have to show your competency in handling different nail tech skills.

The Academic Exam

You can walk in to the Health Licensing Office during their regular business hours to take your written exam. They do not require you to have an appointment prior to going.

Acquiring Your License

Once you’ve passed the examination, you will have the ability to get your license on the same day that you take the written exam right there at the Health Licensing Office. After acquiring your manicurist license you will be able to apply for nail technician job positions in your area.

Applicants Who Are From Out-of-State

If you have a manicurist license in a different state, you may qualify for licensure in Oregon by providing the said information to the Health Licensing Office:

  • A certified license from your home state
  • Application of the Practical and Written Exam

Upon reviewing your application, HLO is going to send you out the last application paperwork which needs to be filled out by you in order to be deemed ready for a nail technician license.

Renewing Your Oregon Nail Tech License

Every two years you are required to renew your license before the last day of the month in which you were born in. Prior to it expiring you will have the option to renew it via online or by filling out the HLO renewal form that they send you.

Some Oregon Nail Technician Schools

NameAddressCostOther Programs
Phagans' School of Hair Design11860 Southeast 82nd Avenue, Happy Valley 97086$7,200 for tuition and fees
$1,000 for books and supplies
Hair Design, Esthetics, Barbering
The Aesthetics Institute 2245 Southeast Powell Boulevard, Portland 97202Tuition: $8,000
Kit Cost: $1,850
Advanced and Masters Aesthetics, Continuing Education & many more
Beau Monde Beauty School2032 Lloyd Center
Portland 97232
Tuition & Fees: $7,200
Books & Supplies: $330
Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, Hair Design
Bella Institute School of Cosmetology11565 Southwest Hall Boulevard, Tigard 97223Tuition & Fees: $4,400
Books & Supplies: $60

Hair Design, Esthetics & Skincare, Barbering
College of Hair Design Careers1684 Clay Street Northeast, Salem 97301$5,550 for tuition and fees
$950 for books and supplies
Hair Design, Esthetics
Imani Institute of Cosmetology2425 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland 97520Tuition: $6,200
Kit Cost: $800
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Design

Oregon Institute of Cosmetology – Medford

Pendleton College of Hair Design – Pendleton

Image Designers College of Cosmetology – Portland / Eastside

Academy of Hair Design – Salem

Dalles Academy of Hair Design – The Dalles

Northwest College – Beaverton, Clackamas, Eugene, Hillsboro, Medford, Tualatin

Portland, OR skyline - there are many nail schools here
phagans.com – Clackamas

aestheticsinstitute.net – Portland

beaumondecollege.com – Portland

bellainstitute.com, formerly IBS Portland

collegeofhairdesigncareers.com Salem

imaniinstituteofcosmetology.com Ashland

portlandbeautyschool.com Portland

Any schools for nail techs in OR missing? Please use our contact form to let us know.