Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures

General Disclosure

Notice to students pursuing programs that may lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

The following programs may lead to a professional license or certification that is required for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation, 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. The administrative departments that offer the programs have made the following determination regarding their curriculum.

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education

The University of Akron's LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education offers undergraduate, graduate, and endorsement programs in a wide range of fields that lead to becoming a fully licensed educator in the state of Ohio.

The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Akron’s undergraduate, graduate, and endorsement educator preparation programs are also approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Students who successfully complete the programs and pass all associated state licensure exams are eligible to be recommended for either a 4 Year Ohio Resident Educator License, 5 Year Professional License (for Educational Administration, Speech & Language Pathology and School Counseling students), or Endorsements (Reading, Early Childhood Generalist & Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).

Requirements for teacher licensure vary by state.  Individuals interested in licensure in another state should consult that state’s department of education to learn what is required to become licensed or certified. Other requirements, such as completing an application, paying a fee, additional coursework, and passing associated state licensure exams may need to be satisfied.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

OH
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

College of Business Administration

Accountancy

The School of Accountancy's undergraduate accounting degree prepares students to pursue certification as a certified public accountant in Ohio (after completing the state-mandated 150 semester hours of college credits). The Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Accounting degree is a seamless path toward obtaining the 150 semester credit hours needed to sit for the certified public accountant examination.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

LA, NY, OK

Financial Planning

Curriculum in the B.B.A. in Financial Planning and the Certificate in Financial Planning is aligned with the CFP Board (Certified Financial Planner Board) standards and approved by the organization. Students completing the Capstone with a satisfactory grade are allowed to sit for the CFP® exam. Additional information is provided on the CFP website.

Human Resource Management

The B.B.A. in Human Resource Management meets the educational requirements to sit for Society for Human Resource Management SHRM-CP exam. SHRM requires work experience as well. Additional information is provided on the SHRM website.

Risk Management and Insurance

The B.B.A. in Risk Management and Insurance meets the educational requirements for students to sit for the State of Ohio property/casualty and/or life/health insurance license exams. Students must earn a minimum of a 'C' in 6400:414 Enterprise Risk, Property and Casualty Insurance and 6400:415 Life and Health Insurance. In addition, students completing these classes with a minimum of a 'C' grade can earn credit (one by examination) for 2 of the 5 exams that make up the CIC (certified insurance counselor) designation, known as the UACIC (University Associate Certified Insurance Counselor). More information on the Ohio licensure exams can be found on the Ohio Department of Insurance website.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

OH

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO,MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology

Graduates of the AASMET degree can take a test and pay a fee to become a Certified Engineering Technician through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).  For more information see:  www.nicet.org

Bachelor of Science in Surveying and Mapping

The BS Surveying and Mapping degree is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET.  The degree meets the requirements specified by the Ohio State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. Graduates may become a licensed Professional Surveyor (PS) in Ohio after they have completed four years of verifiable surveying experience and passed the Fundamentals of Surveying and Principles and Practice of Surveying through NCEES, and the Ohio PS administered by the State Board.  In addition, students in the AAS Land Surveying degree program are required to complete the Certified Surveying Technician (CST) Level I exam, which is administered by the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

OH

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

College of Health Professions

Athletic Training Program

The University of Akron’s Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and is on probationary status as of February 1, 2019. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Akron are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification Exam to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC).  Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia regulate the practice of athletic training. Individuals must be legally recognized by the appropriate state regulatory agency prior to practicing athletic training. The BOC exam is recognized by all Athletic Trainer state regulatory agencies to meet their exam requirement.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA*, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

* No state regulations.

Bachelor of Allied Health Care Administration

The Bachelor of Allied Health Care Administration (BAHA) degree allows new and current students and those holding an Associate of Applied Science degree to earn a bachelor's degree.  Allied Health Care Administration managers work closely with clinical and administrative staff as they process, analyze and report information vital to the delivery of health care. after successfully completing the UA Bachelor of Allied Health Administration program, graduates will be eligible to take two (2) national board certifications:

  • AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PROFESSIONAL CODERS (AAPC)
    Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) national certification exam
  • AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (AHIMA)
    Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P®) national certification examination

Students completing the Health Care Services Coding and Reimbursement certificate are also eligible to sit for CPC and CCS-P exams.

Bachelor of Science in Dietetics - Coordinated Program

The Coordinated program for a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at University of Akron enables students to complete their required supervised practice, along with the core knowledge and competencies for the Registered Dietitian at the undergraduate level. Students are placed in a variety of settings, including medical centers, long-term care facilities, school nutrition programs, health departments, wellness centers and many other locations. Students in the Coordinated Program are eligible to take the national Registration Examination immediately following graduation.

The majority of states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics. Should you plan to practice dietetics in these states it is important that you contact a state regulatory agency prior to practicing dietetics. More information is provided at the Accreditation Council for Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Please refer to the licensure by state data table for additional information.

Beginning on January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

OH

AL, AK, AZ*, AR, CA*, CO*, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ*, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA*, WA, WV, WI, WY

* No state regulations.

Bachelor of Social Work

The University of Akron School of Social Work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), offers a B.A. and B.A.T. in social work. Completion of these degrees meets the educational requirements to apply for a bachelor-prepared social worker license in several states and the District of Columbia. 

Meets Does not meet* A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, DE, DC, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY

CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, NH, NY, PA, RI,  VT, WA

* These states do not license social workers at the bachelor's level.

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Licensed Professional Counselor

The University of Akron’s CMHC Program is accredited by the Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and has been approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as meeting the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential.

This accreditation means that upon graduation students have met the current standards in the profession of counseling and are eligible to take the licensure exam in the state of Ohio during the final semester in the program. This state licensure, and the educational training encompassed therein, is the standard for clinical practice as a professional counselor. Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements.

Meets (as of September 2, 2020) Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AZ, AR, CT, DE, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MI, MS, MO, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY

CA, CO, DC, FL, ID, KY, ME, MN, MT, NE, NH, NM, PA, MD, NV, RI, SD, TX, VT, WA

Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE, Version 12) and has been approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as meeting the educational requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure.

Only a select few universities in the nation offer this type of accreditation. This accreditation means that upon graduation students have met the current standards in the field of marriage and family therapy. Upon graduation, students can elect to take the National Licensing Exam, which is transferrable to all states except California, and become licensed in the state of Ohio for the Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) License.
Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements.

Meets (as of September 2020) Does not meet (as of September 2020) A determination has not been made 

AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

AK, CA, NM, OK, SC

Master of Arts/Science in Education (School Counseling) - Licensed School Counselor

The Master’s degree in School Counseling program at The University of Akron is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The program meets the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s (ODHE) approved curriculum for school counseling licensure/endorsement.

After the successful completion of coursework candidates may take the Ohio Assessments for Educators: School Counselor (#40). Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

OH

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Master of Social Work

The University of Akron School of Social Work, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), offers MSW programs on four campuses. Completion of the MSW meets the educational requirements to apply for a masters-prepared social worker license in all states and the District of Columbia.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Master of Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Akron’s Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology degree is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) and meets the educational requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Most states require ASHA certification and a state license to become a certified/licensed audiologist.  Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements. 

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL*, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA*, WV, WI, WY

* Florida and Washington require additional training in HIV/AIDS for licensure.

Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium - Doctor of Audiology (partnership with Kent State University and the Cleveland Clinic)

The Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium (NOAC) Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree, offered through the University of Akron, is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). NOAC educational requirements fulfill certification specifications by the American Board of Audiology (ABA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). All states and the District of Columbia require licensure or registration to practice audiology. Expedited licensure may be obtained in some states when the applicant has been certified through the American Board of Audiology and/or the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements. 

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

Nursing

Completion of The University of Akron’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which has CCNE accreditation and The Ohio Board of Nursing approval, meets the educational requirements for graduates to apply for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) Exam.

Each state’s governing board has criteria listed for licensure. Listed below is the School of Nursing’s determination of whether or not the School of Nursing’s curricula meets pre-licensure criteria for each state.

For pre-licensure:

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ*, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY

MS, WA

* Arizona requires 80% NCLEX passing rate.

Completion of the Master of Nursing degree, which has CCNE accreditation, also meets educational requirements to apply for certification exams as follow:

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track meets educational requirements to apply for ANCC PMHNP-BC certification.
  • Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Track meets educational requirements to apply for ANCC AGPCNP-BC certification and AANP
    AGNP-C
  • Child and Adolescent Primary Care Track meets educational requirements to apply for PNCB-CPNP- P certification
  • Child and Adolescent Acute Care Track meets educational requirements to apply for PNCB CPNP-AC certification
  • Nurse Anesthesia Track meets educational requirements from the Council of Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), to sit for the NBCRNA (National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists)

Each state's governing board has criteria listed for licensure. Listed below is the School of Nursing's determination of whether or not the School of Nursing's curricula meets the criteria for each state.

For APRN:

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI

KS, WY

For NBRCRNA:

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS,  KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Respiratory Therapy

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at The University of Akron is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Completion of the program meets the educational requirements to take the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam to qualify for the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Candidates who score high enough on the TMC exam may apply to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), which is required for the NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

All states except Alaska require a license to practice respiratory care. Students who wish to pursue licensure outside of Ohio should carefully review each state’s requirements.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK*, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

* No state regulations.

School of Law

Juris Doctor

The University of Akron School of Law J.D. program is an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited, 88 credit Juris Doctor degree earned in either a full-time or part-time course of study. The successful completion of the J.D. educational requirements entitles graduates to apply to sit for all 50 state bar exams subject to individual state requirements for character and fitness, state specific requirements, and distance education limitations.

The University of Akron's MS.L and LL.M. degrees do not lead to licensure.

Meets Does not meet A determination has not been made 

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Professional Programs

Firefighter I & II Certification

The University of Akron fire academy meets current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standard Professional Firefighter Qualifications and includes 16 Hours of Driver's Training. The course is 244 hours of instruction and practical skills. Students receive 11 credit hours toward their Fire Protection Associate degree upon completion of this course and passing the State Examination.

Peace Officer Training Certification

The University of Akron/Summit County Sheriff's Office OPOTA Certified Training Academy is a unique collaboration in law enforcement training. The instructors will consist of both experienced law enforcement officers and well-respected University of Akron faculty members.

This academy provides thorough and comprehensive training to develop policing skills, enhance leadership abilities, and promote a solid ethical foundation to all cadets. The program provides over 711 hours of basic training and prepares each cadet to pass the Ohio State Peace Officer's Certification Exam. Cadets must pass all of the following psychomotor skills to be eligible to sit for the state exam:

  • Driving
  • Handgun
  • Shotgun
  • First Aid/CPR/AED/NARCAN
  • NHTSA speed measuring device training
  • Subject control
  • Impact weapons
  • Patrol techniques
  • Building searches
  • Stops & approaches
  • NHTSA standardized field sobriety testing
  • Hazmat & WMD awareness
  • Incident command system
  • National incident management system
  • Subject-control techniques
  • Classroom training
  • Physical training
  • Scenario-based training

The program does not directly lead to certification in any other state.