If you hold an esthetician or nail technician license in Minnesota, you may not realize that you’re only steps away from earning a second license. When you combine an esthetician license with a nail technician license, you can offer a full menu of spa services to your clientele!
In this article, we discuss the whys, hows, and considerations of doubling up on your MN licenses.
The Benefits of Holding Both
It’s common to see MN artists hold both an esthetician and a nail technician license. Why? It gives them the ability to offer more services while staying in a spa environment. Not to mention that the additional schooling may be quicker than you think.
A Broader Scope of Service
We all love what we do, but some days can feel a little repetitive. Whether you are a new talent in the industry or an old pro, adding additional services to your repertoire can freshen up your day-to-day!
Having more services to offer can also bring in new clients. Services ebb and flow during the year, and a season when manicure bookings dip could be when facials flourish. With both an esthetician and nail technician license, you can accommodate many types of clients all year round.
Maxxing on Relaxing
Both estheticians and nail technicians specialize in pampering and relaxation (though we know you hustle hard!).
Doubling up on these specific licenses allows you to stay on the spa side of salon care and work with clients on days they need to de-stress.
Head to Toe Service
Let’s not pretend that estheticians and nail technicians ONLY deal in mud masks and salt soaks. Sometimes you’re in charge of full body makeovers!
With both licenses, you can cater to clients preparing for big events or looking for a total transformation.
Wedding on the horizon? They may be interested in facials, waxing, nails, and even makeup for their big day.
First day of school? Perhaps an eyebrow wax and a set of acrylics to start off strong.
With both licenses, you can ensure all of your clients’ bases are covered.
Shorter Schooling
Did you know that Minnesota gives you credit for your current license if you go back to school? [Source]
Licensed estheticians can receive up to 100 hours toward a nail technician program, reducing the program to just 250 hours.
Licensed nail technicians can receive up to 200 hours toward an esthetician program, shortening the program to just 400 hours.
Licensed practitioners will also be excused from retaking the State Exam (i.e. the Laws & Rules portion) when applying for their next license.
All this to say, if returning to school has felt overwhelming in the past, it may actually be quicker and easier that you thought.
Things to Consider
There are many benefits to holding both an esthetician and a nail technician license. With that said, there are a couple of things to consider before you make the leap.
Dual License
Since Minnesota doesn’t have an official combo license for these fields, holding both would make you dual-licensed.
This means you are responsible for maintaining two licenses every 3 years.
Both licenses require 8 hours of continuing education every 3 years in order to renew. Luckily, you can use the same 8 hours of CE to apply for both renewals.
However, you will have to pay two renewal fees every 3 years to renew both licenses.
While this doesn’t add much additional work, make sure you have the brain space to keep both licenses up-to-date.
Salon Capability
With the rise of full-service salons and self-employed practitioners, there is flexibility to specialize in multiple areas.
However, you’ll want to make sure your place of business has the capacity to allow you to practice in both areas.
If you work on commission, make sure to ask your employer if you can offer services in both specialties and what this could look like. Sometimes in a multi-area salon or spa, special schedule considerations need to be made.
If you rent or are self-employed, double check that you have the appropriate set up to offer both types of services. Does your workspace have ample room for a spa bed and a pedicure chair? Do you have the ventilation required to take clients for acrylic services?
Crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s before you start will make for an easier transition.
Where to Get Started
When you’ve decided you’re ready to jump into your next license, the first step is to apply at a cosmetology school. Check out our Apply Now page for further guidance.
If you’re an Atelier Alum, you can skip the application and go straight to registration! Simply contact us with your previous graduation year and let us know you’re ready to begin.
At The Atelier, we see many students return for their second (or even third!) license. We’ve developed specialized tracks for these students to help them move through their shortened program with consideration that accommodates their current license(s).
We look forward to working with you as you advance your career and take on exciting new opportunities!
