As a trusted source of professional licensing for everything skincare beauty and wellness related, The New Age Spa Institute receives a lot of questions regarding accreditation.
However, the question of “Are you an accredited school?” may not mean what you think it means. When you understand what accreditation actually means, you may find that it’s not a deciding factor in your choice of esthetician school, massage school, or nail tech school.
The first thing to comprehend is that esthetics licensing, massage licensing, cosmetologist licensing, hair stylist licensing, nail tech licensing regulations vary by state.
Each state has its own requirements for training programs and licensing exams, so it’s important to check with the specific state board of esthetics, cosmetology, massage therapy, and nail technology for detailed regulations and any updates.
The following is a summary of the training hour requirements for all 50 states in the United States for Esthetics:
For additional information, check out this resource: https://www.estheticianedu.org/
What is NACCAS?
The National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body that accredits cosmetology and beauty schools across the United States. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, NACCAS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national agency responsible for the institutional accreditation of post-secondary schools and departments specializing in cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized institutions. NACCAS operates as a Delaware nonprofit corporation.
NACCAS accreditation is not required for licensing from the state board; however, it’s mainly utilized to facilitate financial aid.
What Is An Accredited School?
An accredited school meets the educational performance standards set by a neutral, non-governmental organization. While attending an accredited school is not a requirement for esthetician licensure in Illinois, it can ensure a certain level of education quality.
The absence of FAFSA acceptance shouldn’t be a red flag for anyone.
Accreditation is not necessary, and many schools choose not to pursue federal aid via Title IV sources. Federal aid for beauty schools is dependent on national accreditation; however, national accreditation may not be a valued subject in a few years, as there’s a high possibility that beauty schools may no longer receive federal funding. As of July 1, 2023, recent developments in new federal financial aid rules are set to shake up the beauty industry with even bigger change coming in 2024. Stay tuned!
Accreditation has nothing to do with the state board licensing.
Being approved by the state board is entirely different from being accredited. The only purpose of accreditation is to allow a school to accept and use federal funding, such as FAFSA, Pell Grants, and subsidized/unsubsidized loans. It takes about two years for a new school to become accredited, if they choose to apply.
Many schools opt not to pay the associated fees or go through the extensive process, while others are simply too new to qualify, as it can take years. What truly matters is that the school is registered with the state and in good standing. Schools are held to standards by their state board, and accreditations reinforce these state laws.
Accreditations at New Age Spa Institute
At New Age Spa Institute, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of excellence in beauty and wellness education. Our numerous accreditations reflect our commitment to Educate, Elevate, and Empower! The New Age Spa Institute is consistently hailed as the premier esthetics school in Illinois, located in Des Plaines. Our esthetician program stands out by far exceeding the Illinois esthetician licensing requirements, and offering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
- Illinois State License*
- IDFPR Continuing Education Sponsor License*
- Better Business Bureau Accredited
- International CIDESCO Accredited
- Illinois Board of Higher Education Approved
- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Assigned School
- PBA Pro Beauty Association School Membership
- ASCP Associated Skin Care Professionals School Membership
- AMTA American Massage Therapy Association School Membership
- BONUS! Business Educations is included in all licensure and certification programs!
What do these accreditations mean?
Let’s take a closer look at each of our accreditations and why they are important for our students and the industry.
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that advances marketplace trust and promotes ethical business practices. Small businesses are encouraged to be transparent and trustworthy. BBB provides a space for customers to see which businesses are supporting best practices and can file a complaint should the need arise. Our A+ rating from the BBB signifies our dedication to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. The BBB rating is a testament to our transparency, reliability, and commitment to resolving any concerns promptly. For prospective students, this rating assures that they are enrolling in a reputable institution that values their educational experience.
International CIDESCO Accredited
CIDESCO stands for Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie. It is the world’s most prestigious international beauty therapy association, established in 1946 in Brussels, Belgium.
CIDESCO is renowned for setting high standards in beauty and spa therapy education, ensuring that professionals are equipped with top-notch skills and knowledge.
Being the only CIDESCO accredited school in Illinois sets us apart as a premier institution for beauty and wellness education. Being CIDESCO certified connects professionals to a global network of peers and industry leaders, opening opportunities for career advancement and international job prospects. This accreditation ensures that our curriculum meets the highest global standards, providing our students with top-tier training and a diploma recognized worldwide!
Illinois State Licensed
Our Illinois State License guarantees that we meet the rigorous standards set by the state for educational institutions. This licensure ensures that our programs are comprehensive, up-to-date, and effective in preparing students for successful car
eers in the beauty and wellness industry.
IDFPR Continuing Education Sponsor Licensed
As an licensed sponsor by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), we offer continuing education classes that meet the requirements for license renewal for estheticians and massage therapists. This license underscores our commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth for our graduates. It also requires us to maintain copies of records for our students for years to come. This allows us to support our graduates and CE students should they need copies of any documentation.
Illinois Board of Higher Education Approved
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is a state agency responsible for planning and coordinating Illinois’ system of higher education. It was established to ensure the quality and accessibility of higher education in the state. The IBHE plays a pivotal role in policy development, funding allocation, and oversight of public and private institutions of higher learning. Approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) affirms that our institution meets the high standards set by the state for postsecondary education. This approval ensures that our programs are credible and our degrees are valued in the professional world.
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Assigned School
The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to certifying massage therapists and bodyworkers in the United States. Established in 1992, the NCBTMB aims to enhance the credibility, safety, and professionalism of the massage therapy and bodywork industry through rigorous standards and continuing education. Our designation as a school assigned by the NCBTMB ensures that our massage therapy program meets the stringent requirements for national certification. This accreditation enhances the credibility of our program and provides our students with a competitive edge in the job market.
PBA Pro Beauty Association School Membership
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is a leading organization representing the beauty industry, including salons, spas, manufacturers, distributors, and schools. The PBA provides its members with resources, education, and advocacy to promote growth and professionalism within the industry. A PBA Pro Beauty Association School Membership signifies that an educational institution is committed to providing high-quality beauty education and adhering to industry standards. This affiliation allows us to stay updated with industry trends and standards, ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant and forward-thinking.
ASCP Associated Skin Care Professionals School Membership
As a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), we align ourselves with the leading organization for skin care professionals. This membership provides our students with access to valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and industry insights.
AMTA American Massage Therapy Association School Membership
Our membership with the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reflects our commitment to the highest standards in massage therapy education. AMTA provides support, resources, and advocacy for massage therapists, and our affiliation with them ensures that our students are well-prepared for successful careers.
BONUS! Business Education Included in All Licensure and Certification Programs
At New Age Spa Institute, we understand the importance of not only technical skills but also business education in the beauty and wellness industry. That’s why we include business education in all our licensure and certification programs including massage therapy, professional makeup artistry, and advanced clinical and master clinical aesthetics. Our students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as both practitioners and entrepreneurs. Did you know that majority of our students end up working for themselves? Learning to be your own boss has its perks!
Licenses, Accreditations, Memberships: Why are they important?
All offer different value to beauty schools, but it’s most important to value licensure overall. Accreditations and memberships play a crucial role in ensuring that New Age Spa Institute provides exceptional education and training. They validate the quality and integrity of our programs, giving our students and their future employers confidence in the education they receive. They also connect us to a network of industry professionals and resources, keeping our curriculum current and comprehensive.
By choosing New Age Spa Institute, students are assured that they are investing in a reputable, accredited institution that prioritizes their professional success and development. Our commitment to maintaining these high standards is unwavering, and we continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of our educational offerings.
Why NASI Stands Out
100% passing rate for our graduates taking the state board exam on their first attempt.
Our commitment to continuous education, global engagement, and innovation is what sets The New Age Spa Institute apart. As a leading esthetician, manicure, pedicure, and waxing education institute in Des Plaines, Illinois, NASI provides an education that’s not just about obtaining a license but about forging a successful, fulfilling career. Our CIDESCO accredited programs and specialized training certifications are designed for basic licensing, advanced esthetics, and master classes for seasoned professionals. Additionally, our curriculum emphasizes business education and building a professional network, preparing students to excel in the dynamic beauty industry.
Stay tuned for more NASI Insights and follow us on social media to keep up with the latest in beauty and wellness education.
New Age Spa Institute
See Full Bio
-
