Are you interested in a program that requires a professional license in your state?
Some professions (e.g., doctors, lawyers, counselors, accountants, geologists, nurses, etc.) require that you obtain licensure or certification beyond your degree in order to hold a position in that field. Professional Licensure regulations and requirements vary from field to field and from state to state. Each state and U.S. territory has an authority, be it public or private, responsible for overseeing the licensure requirements of the various professions in that state. Professional licensure here refers to the educational requirements for licenses needed to enter a profession rather than a category of license that may be assigned by a state.
Students outside Colorado who are enrolled in academic licensure programs where the program does not meet the initial state licensure requirements in that student’s home state must sign an attestation confirming their understanding of these requirements. By signing, the student agrees to seek licensure in a state where the program’s curriculum meets the necessary licensure requirements and acknowledges they can complete the program while residing in a state that does not meet the curricular requirements.
Adams State University is responsible for meeting the curricular requirements for licensure during the time of the student’s enrollment. It is not responsible for meeting licensure requirements that may change post-graduation.
For more information on the requirements for student attestation, please refer to the “Admission Eligibility for Non-resident Students in Licensure Programs” Policy.
Adams State offers three programs leading to licensure:
Nursing
Adams State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree meets all curricular requirements for students to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam. Passing the exam leads to licensure nationwide.
Check to see if your state meets Adams State curricular requirements for licensure in Nursing.
*If you are living in a state that does not meet ASU’s curricular requirements at the time of enrollment but you plan to seek licensure in a state that does, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs to discuss your options for enrolling in our licensure programs.
To determine how to apply for licensure, students should contact the relevant state licensing board for nursing.
Teacher Education
Adams State’s education programs are authorized by the Colorado Department of Education to lead to elementary, secondary, K-12, or principal licensure, as well as specialized endorsements in the State of Colorado. Adams State University has determined its programs meet the requirements for professional licensure in these states:
*If you are living in a state that does not meet ASU’s curricular requirements at the time of enrollment but you plan to seek licensure in a state that does, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs to discuss your options for enrolling in our licensure programs.
Adams State’s School of Teacher Education will work with individual students from outside Colorado to help them determine licensure requirements in their state. Students should check the particular requirements for their state with the relevant State Teacher Education licensing authorities.
Counselor Education
The M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Counselor Education are CACREP accredited. Adams State’s School of Counselor Education will work with individual students from outside Colorado to help them determine licensure requirements in their state.
*If you are living in a state that does not meet ASU’s curricular requirements at the time of enrollment but you plan to seek licensure in a state that does, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs to discuss your options for enrolling in our licensure programs.
Students should inquire with the relevant state licensing boards for:
Clinical mental Health Counseling
If you are completing one of these programs with the intention of becoming licensed in a state outside of Colorado, you should contact the applicable licensing board to determine any other requirements you may need to fulfill in order to obtain licensure in a particular state. Some licensing boards may require you to take additional coursework post-graduation examinations, acquire additional experience, pay application and/or licensing fees, undergo criminal background checks, submit fingerprints, or provide other information prior to obtaining licensure.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided by the respective state agency, contact your program at Adams State, and faculty and staff will do their best to connect you with the information you need. While we can provide initial guidance, including whether or not the education you receive at Adams State will prepare you for the applicable licensing exam, it is ultimately your responsibility to check with the state licensing board where you intend to seek licensure and practice to confirm all licensing requirements; make sure you understand and consider the implications of the additional requirements prior to enrolling in a program intended to lead to professional licensure.
If you have any questions, please contact the school director, program chair, or your academic advisor at Adams State.
Office of Academic Affairs
719-587-7622
School of Counselor Education
719-587-7626
School of Nursing
719-587-8171
800-824-6494
School of Teacher Education
719-587-7776
