Virginia Law

A. An esthetics school must:

1. Hold a school license for each and every location. Any suites or classrooms that are located in a different building or are further than 500 feet from the main office are considered a separate location and require the school hold an additional license.

2. Hold a spa license if the school receives compensation for services provided in its clinic.

3. Employ and ensure all training is conducted under the direct supervision of licensed and certified esthetics instructors or master esthetics instructors, respectively. A list of all certified instructors must be provided with the application for licensure.

a. Licensed and certified esthetics instructors and master esthetics instructors may also instruct a waxing program.

b. Licensed and certified master esthetics instructors may also instruct an esthetics program.

c. Any change in instructors must be reported to the board within 30 days of the change.

4. Develop individuals for entry-level competency in esthetics and master esthetics.

5. Submit curricula for board approval. All changes to curricula must be resubmitted and approved by the board.

a. Esthetician curricula must be based on a minimum of 600 clock or equivalent credit hours and must include performances in accordance with 18VAC41-70-200 A.

b. Master esthetician curricula must be based on a minimum of 600 clock or equivalent credit hours and must include performances in accordance with 18VAC41-70-200 B.

6. Inform the public that all services are performed by students if the school receives compensation for services provided in its clinic by posting a notice in the reception area of the spa in plain view of the public.

7. Conduct classroom instruction in an area separate from the clinic area where practical instruction is conducted and services are provided. A sketch of the school floor plan must be included in the application for licensure.

B. The theory portions of the curriculum may be offered online. Practical instruction must be obtained in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom setting. Theory and practical training must be conducted in the same building, unless the school has board approval to offer the theory training online. Schools must utilize technologies and practices that are effective in verifying the identity of distance-learning students who participate in class or coursework (e.g., a secure login and passcode) while protecting student privacy. Educational technologies must be capable of monitoring a student's time and activities. The school must utilize a measure of competency (e.g., an examination) of the information the student is taught online, which must be completed in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom.