What is State Authorization?

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to have permission from other states to offer education in those states, whether in person or online. This is called state authorization and each state has its own rules for this. Helena College University of Montana follows these rules by being a part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Our voluntary participation in NC-SARA lets us offer our courses and programs to students in all 48 SARA member states, District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, without seeking individual approval in each state.

Complaints

SARA State Complaint Process

If you have a complaint about Helena College and live in a state that is part of the SARA network, you need to follow the Helena College complaint process.

If you are not happy with the outcome, and the complaint is related to dishonesty or fraud, you can bring the complaint to the Montana SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where you are located will be notified the complaint was received and may assist as needed. Resolution of the complaint by the Montana SARA portal entity is final.

Examples of types of student complaints that may be brought to a SARA portal entity include, but are not limited to, complaints regarding accuracy of job placement data, tuition and fee information, accreditation, whether a program meets professional licensing requirements, or course transfer information. See SARA Student Complaints for more information.

Grade appeals and student conduct appeals should be addressed following the Student Complaint Procedures in the Student Handbook.

Non-SARA State Complaints

Students participating in a course that takes place in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education or may file a complaint in the state where the student is located.

Physical Location of Student

For the purpose of Professional Licensure and Certification disclosures, a student’s location is the state listed in the student’s local address section in Banner when the student is accepted into a program that customarily leads to licensure/certification. If the program has a separate application process, the student’s location is the state listed in the student’s local address section in Banner at the time the student is formally accepted into the program. For those programs without a separate application process, the student’s location is the state listed in the local address section in Banner at the time the student declares a major in a program listed on the Professional Licensure and Certification page. If no local address is listed, the student’s location will be the state listed in the permanent address section in Banner. Location designations shall remain in effect unless and until a student notifies the Registrar in writing of a change in location to a different state.

Professional Licensure

Some of Helena College’s programs are designed to meet requirements for licensure or certification in the state Montana. Each state has different rules, and they can change. If you plan to get a license or certificate in another state, it is important to contact the licensing agency there before starting your program. The state licensing boards decide if you are eligible based on their rules at the time you apply. They may also require exams, background checks, or experience working in the field. NC-SARA maintains the SARA Professional Licensure Directory, which has contact information for popular programs that lead to professional license, such as nursing. This directory has general contact information and does not contain specific regulations or requirements. It is updated twice a year.

Program-Specific Licensure Information

Helena College offers the following degree programs with curriculum that has been designed to meet licensure and/or certification requirements in Montana. All of these programs require face-to-face, on-campus, in person attendance for the entirety of the program and are not offered online.

Helena College has not determined whether our online classes or programs meet educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Montana. Students intending to work outside of the state of Montana should check with the state’s licensing board to confirm licensure requirements.

Aviation Maintenance Technology

Satisfactory completion of the program prepares and qualifies students for the Federal Aviation Administration tests to obtain an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license. Completion of the program will also give the student the necessary job skills to gain employment in the aircraft industry. The Aviation Maintenance Technology program is approved and licensed by the FAA and requires five semesters of study to complete the course.

Cosmetology

The Cosmetology program will prepare students in both theory and practical application to obtain the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists Cosmetology Licensure Examination upon completion of the program. In addition, students who successfully complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Cosmetology degree. The program is designed to prepare students for employment in all areas of the Cosmetology field, including hair cutting, hair coloring, hair styling, makeup application, nails, and esthetics. Students intending to seek employment outside of Montana are encouraged to check with the appropriate state licensing board.

Registered Nursing & Licensed Practical Nursing

Montana is a member of the NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact), allowing all MT unencumbered licensees with a primary residence of MT to be eligible for a multi-state license. MT licensees with a primary state of residence in a compact state can use their compact license to practice in MT. Please see the Montana Board of Nursing-Nursing Licensure Compact and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for information on other states where the multistate nursing licensee can practice.