Professional Licensure Disclosures
Union University offers several programs leading to professional licensure within the State of Tennessee. States vary in what professions they require to be licensed and how licensure is acquired. Some states require an individual to graduate from an accredited program. Others require individuals to obtain additional coursework, additional fieldwork, background checks, passage of additional state licensing exams, additional fees, or other requirements.
Accreditation
Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, visit Union University accreditation website.
State Authorization
State Authorization refers to federal, state, and professional licensing board regulations that impact online education offered across state lines. Compliance with these regulations ensures that a degree from Union University will be recognized. However, the requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Union is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide distance learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Tennessee. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Tennessee may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.
Professional Licensure/Certification
Under SARA regulations, certain disclosures are required for academic programs leading to professional licensure regardless of the modality they are offered. At Union, these professional academic programs are designed to, and may only, fulfill the educational prerequisites for licensure only in Tennessee. This means that, when a student graduates from a licensure program at Union, he or she has the minimum educational qualifications to apply for Tennessee licensure. For other U.S. states and territories, this may or may not be the case, as educational requirements vary from state to state.
Relocation
Relocating while in the course of a program to another state may impact if the student can remain in the program, meet the state licensure requirements and/or continue to receive financial aid funding. Prior to considering relocation, please contact your program advisor to discuss authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.
International Students
Prior to enrolling in any program at Union University, prospective students living and/or working outside of the United States should confirm with the appropriate certifying agency whether successful completion of any degree program at Union will meet the credentialing requirements of the country in which they intend to seek employment, as to certain types of employment or for advanced/specialized educational programs.
Student Attestations
Many professions and certifications are governed by state and professional regulations. These regulations often dictate specific educational requirements for professional licensure or certification. For this reason, some of Union University's programs that lead to professional licensure and certification may not meet the educational requirements of all states and territories. Union University is committed to transparency to ensure that students are informed about which programs align with educational standards and requirements of each state so students can make an informed decision.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Policy
In accordance with federal requirements, and as a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement participating institution, Union University will provide public and direct Professional Licensure Disclosure Statements as set forth in this policy.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statements are defined as announcements/notifications by the University that provide information publicly or, when indicated, by directly notifying students whether a specific academic program aligns with professional licensure education requirements for the state in which a prospective student resides or a currently enrolled student is located (see Student Location).
Policy: If a student is registered for a program in a licensure field, the student will receive notification prior to the first day of courses if the program does not lead to licensure in their location. Additionally, the student will receive notification prior to the first day of courses if the institution has not made a determination whether the program leads to licensure in their location. If registration occurs after the first day of the term, the student will receive notification within 14 days. Furthermore, prospective students who have indicated interest in a licensure field will be notified prior to enrollment if the University's program does not lead to licensure in their state of residence or location, or if no determination has been made.
Academic Program Director/Coordinator Responsibilities
- Academic program directors in areas that offer programs leading to professional licensure or certification are responsible for determining whether their programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in states where their students are located. Program Directors are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of their programs' licensure information publicized on the University's Student Right-to-Know website.
- Students will be notified directly if the academic program director determines that the University's program does not meet professional education requirements where the student is located, or if it cannot be determined whether the University's program meets professional licensure education requirements where the student is located.
- Each academic program director is responsible for ensuring that the University transmits the required direct Professional Licensure Disclosure Statements in a timely manner. This disclosure statement can be communicated via email.
Student Location
For purposes of this policy, student location is determined to be the state in which the student is located while engaged in Union University educational program. It is the student's responsibility to inform the program director if the student's location changes during enrollment in the program to ensure authorization and licensure eligibility requirements are met.Definitions
- Current Students: Students who are currently enrolled in a Union University educational program.
- Prospective Students: Students who have applied for admission to a Union University educational program but who have not yet enrolled.
- Professional Licensure Program: A degree program that can lead to professional licensure or certification and ensures that a professional meets certain industry requirements in terms of knowledge and experience. The professional license/certification is a way to acknowledge the expertise of professionals and recognize their abilities in a particular field.
- Residence: The state in which the student has legal residence.
- Location: The state in which the student is located while participating in a Union University educational program.
- Time of Enrollment: The student's enrollment into any Union University program and not the time of the student's initial application to the institution.
- Relocation During the Course of a Program: Licensing and authorization requirements can vary by state, therefore any relocation by prospective and current students can impact their ability to continue the course, meet the licensure eligibility requirements of that state, and/or receive financial aid funding. It is the student's responsibility to inform the University and the program director if the student's location changes during enrollment in the program to ensure authorization and licensure eligibility requirements are met.
Union University Programs Customarily Leading to Licensure or Certification
Accounting Athletic Training Education Engineering Nursing Pharmacy Social Work