(a) A career school or college may not maintain, advertise, solicit for, or conduct any program of instruction in this state until the career school or college receives a certificate of approval from the commission.
(b) Any contract entered into with any person for a program of instruction by or on behalf of any person operating any career school or college to which a certificate of approval has not been issued pursuant to this chapter is unenforceable in any action brought thereon. Any note, other instrument of indebtedness, or contract relating to payment for educational services obtained from a career school or college that does not hold a certificate of approval issued under this chapter is unenforceable in any action brought on the note, instrument, or contract.