Professional Licensure

Professional Licensure Disclosure

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Columbia College provides information pertaining to professional licensure and certification.

The following is recommended BEFORE beginning a program if considering Columbia College program that leads to professional licensure with the intent to be licensed outside of Virginia:

Review the licensing information provided for the applicable program(s) below.

Contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. states and territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements and confirm how Columbia College program facilitates those requirements.

While a program may not be formally approved, it may still meet all or a portion of the “educational” requirements for licensure in other states and territories. Therefore, it may be necessary for you to contact the licensing agency directly to find out if Columbia College program will meet educational requirements.

Additionally, while progressing through any of these programs, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements on a regular basis to monitor whether they have changed and would have an impact on your licensure plans.

License Disclosures – Massage Therapy & Cosmetology

Each state has different professional licensure and certification requirements. Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in their state are strongly encouraged to check their state’s information below and contact the appropriate licensing agency to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their state.

Massage Therapy

Maryland requires a minimum of 750 hours for Massage Therapy from a program approved by the Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners. Students must take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), as well as fill out the application and complete other requirements to receive their license. More information can be found on the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board website and the Maryland Department of Health Board of Massage Therapy Examiners website.

Virginia requires a minimum of 500 hours for Massage Therapy. Students interested in a Massage Therapy license must complete a background check, review the laws and regulations governing the Licensure of Massage Therapists under the Virginia Department of Health Professions, take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and complete other requirements. More information can be found on the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing website.

Cosmetology

Virginia requires a minimum of 1,000 hours for Cosmetology. Students interested in a Cosmetology license submit an application to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), complete other requirements, and pass the NIC practical and written exam. More information can be found on the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website.

Contact Columbia College for more information.