Professional Licensure

Some professions require individuals to obtain licensure or certification beyond a degree in order to hold a position in that field. Professional licensure regulations and requirements vary by field and by state. Each state and U.S. territory has an authority—either public or private—that oversees the licensure requirements for professions within that state.

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education regulations 668.43(a)(5)(v) and 668.43(c), Iowa Lakes Community College provides information indicating whether its academic programs meet or do not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in each state. These disclosures are intended to inform students, regardless of delivery method, when a program is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment or is marketed as meeting such requirements. Each profession or discipline that leads to certification or licensure may have specific requirements unique to each state and may be governed by a state regulatory authority.

These designations are typically conveyed to a person by a regulatory body or professional association, and individuals must complete various requirements to become eligible to receive and maintain the designation. Eligibility for professional designations varies by occupation and location, and often involves more than successful degree completion (such as submitting an application, passing an examination, paying an entrance/application fee, or providing evidence of work experience). The US Department of Education maintains a list of several licensed professions by state.

The following Iowa Lakes programs lead to licensure or certification and require disclosure:

Iowa Lakes Community College provides written, individualized disclosures to current and prospective students when a program leading to professional licensure or certification does not meet educational requirements in the state where a student is located. These disclosures include the current contact information for the appropriate licensing board and advise students to determine whether the program meets the licensure requirements in their state.

Interested students can click the License Finder | CareerOneStop website to find contact information for state licensing agencies by program or state. Students can also investigate if the occupation requires a license on the License Finder link on the Licensed Occupations | CareerOneStop website.