The International School for Nailcare in Atlanta, Georgia, has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges, the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions, announced Sissy McQuinn, owner and director of the school.

This is the first accredited freestanding nail care school (exclusive of full-service cosmetology schools) in Georgia, the United States, the world, and certainly for the Southern Association of Colleges, according to Dr. Kenneth Tidwell, executive director of the association.

Sam Russell, executive director of the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology states that the International School of Nailcare was the first free-standing school in Georgia. It opened in February 1985, which made it the second of its kind in the United States. This school is approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and requires 320 credit hours before standing for examination of licensing as a manicurist.

In order for a school to be accredited by the Southern Association, it must undergo an extensive review and evaluation process and must meet 12 standards of education.

“It was a lot of hard work,” stated Sissy. “The process took from October 1986 to June 1987. Out of all the standards that had to be met, the Educational System and Community Relations received no recommendations or suggestions for changes or additions. This made us extremely proud,” she said.

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