Professional Licensure Disclosure
Lourdes University offers several programs leading to professional licensure within the State of Ohio. 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
Lourdes University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation body recognized by the US Department of Education. Many individual programs have additional specific accreditations. For more information, visit the Lourdes Accreditations, Memberships & Agreements page.
State Authorization
Lourdes University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), which allows us to provide distance learning programs and coursework to residents of states other than Ohio. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensure requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Ohio may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.
Relocation
Should a student relocate during the course of a program to another state, it may impact the student’s ability to 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 to discuss authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.
International Students
Prior to enrolling in any program at Lourdes 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 Lourdes University 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.
Professional Licensure Requirements
The curriculum for programs customarily leading to licensure at Lourdes University have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in Ohio as well as preparing students to apply for licensure exams in the State of Ohio. The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Students who intend to return or move to any state other than Ohio need to review the professional licensure disclosures pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board. The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure.
Lourdes University shall not be held liable if the student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction or cannot obtain a practicum/internship location since all situations are unique and requirements may change.
Currently, Lourdes University is researching whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure or certification outside the State of Ohio. See the list below of professional licensure programs offered at Lourdes University for specific information.
Accounting (BS with a major in Accounting)
Requirements for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license vary by state and involve more than successful degree completion. Candidates for licensure need to satisfy other requirements, including but not limited to completing an application, paying a fee, passing licensure exams, and gaining work experience.
The BS with a major in Accounting by itself does not meet all the educational requirements for any states, because all states require 150 credit hours.
Ohio: Candidates for CPA licensure in Ohio must meet, among other things, certain educational requirements. Those educational requirements include (a) 150 total college credit hours, (b) 30 credit hours of accounting courses, and (c) 24 credit hours of non-accounting business courses.
The BS with a Major in Accounting provides at least 120 total credit hours, 30 credit hours of accounting courses and 24 credit hours of non-accounting business courses. Candidates would need to earn up to 30 additional credit hours to satisfy requirement (a). The BS with a major in Accounting meets requirements (b) and (c) for Ohio.
Education (BS, BA, MEd)
Lourdes University teacher education programs are designed to prepare teacher candidates for licensure and endorsement requirements in Ohio as well as to prepare candidates for Ohio licensure exams.
The state of Ohio does not have licensure reciprocity with any other states. A Lourdes University Education Division student may apply for licensure in another state after they have received their Ohio license and with Lourdes University’s recommendation for program completion. Lourdes University does not guarantee any individual student will be eligible for license in any other state.
Requirements for teacher licensure vary by state and may involve more than successful degree completion. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as completing an application, paying a fee, taking additional coursework, and passing associated state licensure exams. The state licensure boards are responsible for establishing the licensure requirements of each state. State laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time.
Lourdes University Education Division students who intend to teach in a state other than Ohio are responsible for contacting the applicable licensure board to confirm the state licensure requirements outside of Ohio. For more information, see Education Division Licensures Disclosure by State.
Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP)
Licensure in the United States is regulated by individual regulatory bodies known as the State Boards of Nursing. These state boards join together in an independent organization known as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to act together on areas of common interest including the development of the nursing licensure examinations. Individual state boards of nursing determine requirements for those practicing nursing within their states. The components of the licensure process include verification of graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN program and verification of successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). States vary on required additional requirements, training, and documentation.
Graduates of the Lourdes University’s baccalaureate program in nursing meet the requirements to apply for the Registered Nurse license in the State of Ohio. Students who intend to practice nursing in another state are responsible for contacting the applicable licensure board to confirm the state licensure requirements outside of Ohio. For the Board of Nursing Professional Licensure Requirements by State, visit the NCSBN website.
Social Work (BA)
Graduates of the Lourdes University’s baccalaureate program in social work qualify to take the Ohio state licensure exam towards becoming a licensed social worker (LSW). Licensure requirements vary by state and most jurisdictions require you to establish eligibility before you register to take the test. For more information on state licensure requirements, visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website.