Written by Mackenzie Bollinger, Cosmetology Class of 2025

Edited by Owen Davis, Computer and Office Technology Class of 2025

Rory Hudson, a cosmetology senior, recently passed her test to earn her Pennsylvania Nail Technician License. Now that Rory has her license, she plans to work as a nail technician through college as she focuses her studies on a degree in athletic training and sports medicine with a specialty in hockey or pro rodeo.

With her license, Rory can charge for her work, display her creativity, enjoy a flexible work schedule, and form relationships with clients. According to Indeed, nail technicians make roughly $11-$37 an hour. Nail Technicians are extremely in demand, especially during holidays and other special events.

This decision was cultivated during Rory’s sophomore year when she became a Cosmetology student at the LCCTC; one of the units included manicures and applying acrylics. Since then, her theory turned from practice into a hands-on skill. She is now able to do a full set of nails in roughly an hour.

Any one of her clinical clients can attest, Rory's nail art and designs are undoubtedly exquisite – exactly as requested. There is little doubt that with a lot of hard work and practice, she can be a competition-winning nail technician if she chooses.

Rory’s favorite part about being a nail technician is detail work while her least favorite is shaping the nail. She was inspired to become a licensed nail technician after realizing it was her favorite part of cosmetology.

“Rory always does exceptional work on time,” shares her cosmetology instructor, Mrs. Jones. “She tests well, so I wasn’t surprised at all with her passing score.”

Rory also shared some advice for her classmates and anyone who needs to hear it: “Do what you want to do to put yourself a step ahead of where you were yesterday. If someone tells you your idea is ‘stupid’, that may be a sign to tell you it's not.”