State Licensure and Certifications

Professional Licensure Disclosures

Purdue Global offers a broad range of academic degree programs, some of which educationally prepare students for a professionally licensed occupation. The licensure requirements in these disciplines, including accounting, education, health sciences, legal studies, nursing, and psychology vary by state. Purdue Global has provided the licensing information below as guidance and makes every effort to provide current information. However, state regulations are frequently revised. Therefore, prior to beginning a program which educationally prepares students for professional licensure, Purdue Global strongly encourages you to contact the state licensing board where you intend to seek licensure to ensure the program will meet the state’s licensing requirements.

Completion of a Purdue Global degree program is not a guarantee of a graduate’s ability to obtain a state license. Eligibility may depend on work experience, completion of education or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, passing a background check, or meeting other certification requirements.

Students pursuing a professional licensure-track program who move to another state must update their address within the Purdue Global Campus Student Portal and contact a University representative within the first 30 days of moving to discuss their licensure eligibility. See Address Verification for more information.

Current as of November 8, 2023

Accounting Programs

Education Programs

  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration

    The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration program is intended for students who wish to advance their career by assuming a leadership or administrative role in an early childhood development setting. This program is not intended for individuals who are pursuing a license to teach early childhood education in a public or accredited private elementary school. This program will not certify graduates to become licensed teachers. Additionally, the program does not meet specific state Board of Education criteria for assisting with children and teachers in a public school setting and was not designed to meet any state-specific requirements for licensure or certification.

    Kentucky Students

    Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P–12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at: http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12

  • Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science in Education

    The Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Education programs are non-certification programs designed for professionals who want to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of teacher education. These programs do not include field experiences or student teaching and, therefore, will not lead to a teaching license.

    The Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Education were not designed to meet licensure requirements in any state. However, through Purdue Global's partnership with American Board, students may find an alternative pathway to certification in the following states:

    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Florida
    • Idaho
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • New Hampshire
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Tennessee (Putnam County Public Schools, Crockett County Public Schools, and Tullahoma City Public Schools only)
    • Utah
    • Wisconsin

    Kentucky Students

    Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at: http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12

  • Master of Science in Educational Psychology

    The Master of Science in Educational Psychology is not focused on the clinical practice of school psychologists and does not lead to licensure or certification. The goal of the program is to help you develop competencies to evaluate and recommend improvements in educational programs, student learning, and instruction. This program was not designed to meet any state-specific requirements for licensure or certification.

    Kentucky Students

    Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky.  For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at: http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12

  • Master of Science in Higher Education

    College teaching requirements vary by institution and program. The Master of Science in Higher Education program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements for licensure or certification.

    Alabama Students

    State authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P–12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama certificate. Applicants for an Alabama certificate based on reciprocity must meet Alabama's test requirements and submit a valid, renewable professional educator certificate/license issued by another state at the degree level, grade level, and in the teaching field or area of instructional support for which an Alabama certificate is sought and for which Alabama issues a certificate. Applicants for Alabama certification in an area of administration must also document at least 3 years of full-time employment as an administrator in a P–12 school system(s).

    Website: www.alabamaachieves.org/teacher-center/teacher-certification/

    Kentucky Students

    Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P–12 educators in Kentucky.  For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at: http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12

    Tennessee Students

    Specific education master's degrees are not recognized for initial licensure in Tennessee and cannot be used to add endorsement areas to a Tennessee license. Potential students are strongly encouraged to confirm salary rating and license renewal policies with their school district and/or state department, when applicable.

Health Sciences Programs

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

    The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program is designed to prepare you academically to pursue a variety of nutrition-oriented careers and advanced education. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) only when it is completed with the holistic nutrition concentration.

    Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program is not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and does not qualify an individual to sit for the examination to become a registered dietitian (RD).

    State Requirements

    In addition, some states will not permit individuals to become licensed/registered in nutrition and/or dietetics if they do not possess the RD credential. If you are interested in becoming licensed in your state, it is vital that you understand your state’s requirements for licensing prior to enrollment.

    States which do not regulate the practice of nutrition:

    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Indiana
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin


    Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition does not meet the state licensure requirements in the following states/commonwealth/territory:

    • Alabama
    • Delaware
    • District of Columbia
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Guam
    • Illinois
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Maryland
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Puerto Rico
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Wyoming

    In order to pursue examinations and/or preprofessional experiences, you may be required to present documentation of a health assessment/physical examination, immunization records, drug screening results, and/or a background check. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have met all requirements prior to beginning examinations and/or preprofessional coursework/externships.

    Students are strongly encouraged to refer to the sponsor organization for specific eligibility requirements as there may be additional requirements beyond the degree program itself. Requirements vary by state.

    For students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with the holistic nutrition concentration only, visit: Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® sponsored by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (https://www.nanp.org/).

  • Medical Assistant Certification

    The Medical Assistant Certificate program is designed to prepare you with clinical and administrative skills to provide outstanding patient care. The program is structured to provide appropriate academic preparation in pursuing national certification as a medical assistant. Prior to or upon graduation from the program, you may be eligible to take the following certifications examinations:

    • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination given by the American Association of Medical Assistants
    • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) examination given by the American Medical Technologists
    • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam given by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
    • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam given by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
    • Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) examination given by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).

    A choice of one of these national credentialing exams is included as part of your program and expected to be completed during MA295 Medical Assisting Externship and Evaluation.

    You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

    Washington Students

    The state of Washington requires all clinical medical assistants to be certified or registered. The laws applicable for requirements when working as a medical assistant can be accessed at the following link: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/medical-assistant/laws.

    For more information about practicing medical assisting in Washington, please visit https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/MedicalAssistant.

    Nebraska Medication Aide Registry for Medical Assistants

    Medical assistants in the state of Nebraska are required to be credentialed as a medication aide in order to administer medications in Nebraska facilities. Applications and additional information are accessible through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Medication-Aide-Requirements.aspx.

    North Dakota Medication Aide Registry for Medical Assistants

    Medical assistants in North Dakota must obtain the Medication Assistant III registration in order to administer medications via subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal routes.

    Unlicensed assistive persons may obtain initial Medication Assistant III registration by submitting a Medication Assistant III initial application with the appropriate fee and completing a criminal history record check. Along with the application, you must submit the following:

    Evidence of successful completion of a board-recognized medical assistant program and one of these four options:

    • Certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants
    • Certification from the National Health Career Association
    • Certification from the National Center for Competency Testing or its successor organization awarding the certified medical credential
    • Registration from the American Medical Technologists or its successor organization awarding the registered medical assistant credential

    South Dakota Students

    Medical assistants in South Dakota are under the joint regulatory control of the South Dakota Board of Medical Examiners and the South Dakota Board of Nursing. They must register with the South Dakota Board of Medical Examiners in order to practice.

    Requirements for registration include:

    1. Proof of graduation from a medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or one that holds other appropriate accreditation
    2. Proof of good moral character
    3. Proof the applicant has graduated from high school or passed a standard equivalency test
    4. Documentation showing the applicant is at least 18 years of age
    5. Proof of having passed a national certifying exam approved by the boards

    For more information, please visit https://www.nursinglicensure.org/south-dakota-medical-assistant/.

Nursing Programs

  • Associate of Science in Nursing

    Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing program may be academically eligible for registered nursing licensure in the following states:

    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvaia
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
    • Washington, DC
    • Guam
    • Puerto Rico

    Iowa

    The Associate of Science in Nursing program is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

    Iowa Board of Nursing
    400 SW 8th Street, Suite B
    Des Moines, IA 50303-4685
    Tel: 515-281-3255

    Upon successful completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing, graduates may be academically prepared to apply to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing program may be academically eligible for registered nursing licensure in Iowa.

    Maine

    The Associate of Science in Nursing program is granted initial approval by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

    Maine State Board of Nursing
    161 Capitol Street
    Augusta, ME 04330
    Tel: 207-287-1133

    Upon successful completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing, graduates may be academically prepared to apply to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing program may be academically eligible for registered nursing licensure in Maine.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN

    The Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN program emphasizes professional growth and lifelong learning by building upon a foundation of the arts, sciences, and humanities. Program outcomes promote leadership in a culturally diverse and global health care system that is rapidly changing. Graduates are prepared to provide direct and indirect care for individuals, families, communities, and populations. The RN-to-BSN program option provides registered nurses with the education to enhance their skills, better meet the complex demands of health care, and pursue employment in numerous nursing management and practice specialties. Finally, the program is designed as a foundation to support registered nurses interested in pursuing graduate nursing studies.

    State Requirements

    The Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN is not available to residents of the following states/territory:

    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Tennessee
    • Wisconsin
  • Master of Science in Nursing

    Graduates of the Master Science in Nursing program may be academically eligible for nursing licensure in the following states:

    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • District of Columbia
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

    The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal nursing degree. Driving safe, quality care through interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and complex technology, the DNP-prepared nurse catalyzes progressive change within systems and organizations. 

    The DNP degree:

    • Prepares nurses to be culturally competent leaders in the transformation of global health care with an emphasis on advanced clinical practice, leadership, health care policy, information systems, and health care delivery systems

    • Prepares nurses to practice at the highest level of nursing; analyze data and scientific research to improve nursing practice; provide organizational and system leadership to continuously improve quality of health care and foster interprofessional collaboration; and evaluate ethical, legal, and social factors in shaping and developing health policies

    The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is not available to residents of the following states/commonwealth/territory:

    • Hawaii
    • Louisiana
    • New York
    • Oregon
    • Tennessee
    • Utah
    • Washington
    • Guam
  • Nurse Practitioner Certificates

    Acute Care Certifications

    Upon completion of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate, the Master of Science in Nursing’s adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner population focus area, or the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path's adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner population focus area, graduates who are eligible may sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification. These are acute care certifications. After earning either certification, graduates may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.

    Primary Care Certifications

    Upon completion of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate, the Master of Science in Nursing’s adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner population focus area, or the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path’s adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner population focus area, eligible graduates may sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners’ Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification. These are primary care certifications. After earning either certification, graduates may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.

    Upon completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Postgraduate Certificate, the Master of Science in Nursing’s family nurse practitioner, primary care population focus area, or the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path’s family nurse practitioner, primary care population focus area, eligible graduates may sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners’ Family Nurse Practitioner certification. These are primary care certifications. After earning either certification, graduates may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.

    Upon completion of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate or the Master of Science in Nursing’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner population focus area, eligible graduates may sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. This certification is for population across the lifespan. After earning the certification, graduates may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse.

    State Requirements

    Graduates of the Purdue Global nurse practitioner certificate programs may be academically eligible to pursue licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse in the following states:

    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • District of Columbia
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming

Psychology Programs

Purdue Global Law School

  • Juris Doctor Program

    Purdue Global Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program that focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to be a responsible and effective member of the legal profession. Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify you to take the bar examination or satisfy the requirements for admission to practice in jurisdictions other than California. A student intending to seek admission to practice law in a jurisdiction other than California must review the below state-specific licensure requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to confirm the legal education requirements in the jurisdiction for which they will be practicing,  as state requirements are frequently updated.

    State Bar Exam Eligibility

    As a graduate of the JD program, you are academically eligible to sit for the California State Bar exam.

    You may be eligible to sit for the State Bar exam in the following states upon receipt of your California law license:

    • North Carolina
    • Wisconsin


    As a graduate of the JD program, you may be eligible to sit for the State Bar exam in the following states, provided you possess a California license and meet additional requirements that include, but may not be limited to, the following:

    • Alaska: 5–7 years of practice
    • Arizona: 3–5 years of practice
    • Connecticut: 5–7 years of practice and a CA license for 10 years
    • Colorado: 3–5 years of practice
    • District of Columbia: 5 years of practice or 26 credits from an ABA-accredited law school
    • Florida: evaluation by the board of work product and either (a) 5 years of practice or (b) 2 years of practice plus a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from an ABA-accredited law school
    • Hawaii: 5–6 years of practice
    • Maine: 3 years of practice
    • Massachusetts: 5–7 years of practice
    • Minnesota: 5–7 years of practice
    • Missouri: 3–5 years of practice or 24 credits from an ABA-accredited law school
    • Nevada: 10–12 years of practice
    • New Mexico: 4–6 years of practice
    • Oregon: 3–5 years of practice
    • Rhode Island: 5–10 years of practice
    • Utah: 10–11 years of practice
    • Virginia: LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
    • Washington: 3–5 years of practice or an LLM


    As a graduate of the JD program, you are not currently eligible to sit for the State Bar exam in the following states/commonwealth/territory:

    • Alabama
    • Arkansas
    • Delaware
    • Georgia¹
    • Guam
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa²
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky 
    • Louisiana
    • Maryland³
    • Michigan4
    • Mississippi
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Pennsylvania
    • Puerto Rico
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Vermont
    • West Virginia
    • Wyoming

    1 Georgia residents are not eligible to sit for the State Bar exam; however, they may file a petition for a waiver.
    2 Iowa residents who are licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction and have practiced for at least five of the past seven years may qualify for admission without examination.
    3 Maryland residents are not eligible to sit for the State Bar exam; however, the board may waive educational requirements for applicants licensed in another state and qualified by education or experience.
    4 Michigan residents are not eligible to sit for the State Bar exam; however, they may file a petition for a waiver.

Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of the program. Students are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Eligibility may depend on work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.