Foundations of Nail Care
- In-depth study of nail anatomy, structure and common disorders
- Understanding natural nail health and how to maintain and protect it
- Client consultation techniques to assess needs and recommend services
Knoxville's only exclusive manicure academy
The Next Generationof Nail Professionals
Take the first step toward a creative, fulfilling and successful future in the nail industry. High-quality education in a supportive, inspiring environment, located in the heart of Knoxville.
- 600-hour Manicure Program
- Day & evening classes
- $100/week, 0% interest
- High School Early Enrollment
600 hrsHands-on training toward your Tennessee license
The Short Answer
The Academy of Nail Artistry (TANA), at 4700 Western Ave in Knoxville, Tennessee, is Knoxville's only exclusive manicure academy. Its 600-hour Manicure Program ($6,600 including kit, with interest-free payments of $100 a week) prepares students for Tennessee State Board licensing, with day and evening classes, an Instructor Program, an Advanced Nail Course for licensed cosmetologists, and High School Early Enrollment for juniors and seniors.
- Program
- Manicure · 600 hrs
- Total cost
- $6,600 with kit
- Schedules
- Day & evening
- Day finish
- About 6 months
What will you learn?
Artistry & Expertise
Our Nail Technology program equips you with both the artistry and the expertise to thrive in today's beauty industry: hands-on training, in-depth theory, and the professional knowledge to meet and exceed the licensing standards of the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Manicure & Pedicure Techniques
- Classic and spa manicures and pedicures
- Proper nail shaping, cuticle care, exfoliation and massage
- Application of polish, gel polish and advanced finishing techniques
Advanced Nail Enhancements
- Acrylic application and sculpting
- Gel systems, builder gel overlays and soft gel extensions
- Dip powder systems: application, shaping and removal
- Troubleshooting lifting, cracking and maintenance issues
Artistry & Design Trends
- Nail art fundamentals
- Current trends and nail shapes
- Using embellishments
- Designing Instagram-worthy sets to grow your portfolio and brand
Sanitation, Disinfection & Safety
- Tennessee Board-approved sanitation and disinfection procedures
- Infectious disease control, including proper use of EPA-registered disinfectants
- Daily client safety protocols and a clean, compliant workspace
- State Board practical exam preparation focused on health and public safety
Professionalism & Career Prep
- Building strong client relationships through communication and trust
- Service pricing, time management and upselling strategies
- Social media basics for building a brand and marketing yourself
- Business fundamentals for booth rental, salon employment or entrepreneurship
Now offering
High School Early Enrollment
High school juniors and seniors can get a head start on their career before graduation. High school cosmetology students can transfer up to 150 general hours toward the Manicure Program for a discounted rate.
Interested in nails?
See Your Potential Earnings
Nail artistry is a creative career with real earning power, and demand is growing.
$120
Typical ticket for a full set plus a basic pedicure
$17.19/hr
U.S. median wage for nail technicians (BLS, May 2025)
$50K+
Yearly pay of the top 10% of employed nail techs ($24.10+/hr)
9%
Projected job growth, 2025–35: “much faster than average”
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wage figures are national; individual results vary.
Programs
Find Your Program
Manicure Program
600 hours · $6,600 total
Our core licensing program for new nail technicians, with day and evening schedules.
Tuition detailsInstructor Program
300 hours · $5,750 total
Turn your expertise into a teaching career and mentor the next generation.
Tuition detailsAdvanced Nail Course
2 weeks · $3,150 total
For licensed cosmetologists ready to master advanced nail services.
Tuition detailsStudent work
Designed to Be Noticed
Experienced instructors
Learn From the Best
Owned and operated by trusted educators with years of hands-on experience and a proven record of building successful careers in the beauty and barber industries.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is nail school in Tennessee?
Our Manicure Program is 600 hours, which prepares you for the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners licensing exams. Day students (Tuesday–Friday, 9:00am–4:30pm) finish in an estimated 6 months, and evening students in an estimated 7.5 months.
How much does the Manicure Program cost?
The Manicure Program is $6,600 total: $5,750 tuition plus an $850 kit. A $1,250 down payment is due on contract signing day, and we offer interest-free payments of $100 a week. See tuition & kit.
Can high school students enroll?
Yes. TANA offers High School Early Enrollment for high school juniors and seniors. High school cosmetology students can transfer up to 150 general hours toward the Manicure Program for a discounted rate.
Do you offer evening nail classes?
Yes. Evening classes run 5:30pm–9:00pm Tuesday–Friday (Saturdays off), designed for working professionals and anyone with daytime commitments.
I'm a licensed cosmetologist. Do you offer advanced training?
Yes. The Advanced Nail Course is a 2-week course for licensed cosmetologists only: $3,150 total ($2,500 tuition + $650 kit), due in full. We also offer a 300-hour Instructor Program.
How much do nail technicians make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for manicurists and pedicurists was $17.19 an hour (about $35,760 a year) in May 2025, and the top 10% earned more than $24.10 an hour. Techs who build their own clientele often earn more: a full set and basic pedicure is a ticket of about $120. Calculate your earnings potential.
Can I book a manicure or pedicure with students?
Yes. Students perform services under instructor supervision, with manicures from $10 and pedicures from $20. See the service menu or book online (opens in a new tab).
Start Your Nail Career
Talk with admissions about the next class, schedules and interest-free payments.
(865) 229-8262