Professional licensure disclosure
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE DISCLOSURE BY PROGRAM
Freed-Hardeman is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide distance learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Tennessee. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Tennessee may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) and 34 CFR 668.43(c) require disclosures by institutions regarding educational requirements for programs leading to professional licensure or certification regardless of modality. 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) requires an institution to make readily available to enrolled and prospective students information about whether programs leading to professional licensure or certification meet educational requirements.
Freed-Hardeman University offers several programs that could potentially lead to professional licensure within the State of Tennessee. States vary in what professions they require to be licensed and how licensure functions. As such, the licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Curriculum for programs at FHU that customarily lead to a professional licensure or certification are designed to meet the licensure requirements for the State of Tennessee. Some states require an individual to graduate from an approved program, while other state licensing boards may require additional requirements beyond education. Additional requirement may include (but are not limited to): certification requirements of a national organization, additional post-graduation examinations or experience, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, reference checks, fingerprint submissions, etc. A specific amount of training can also be required as well as passage of an exam based on a state requisite exam score. Often, licensed professionals must also complete continuing education on an annual basis.
Freed-Hardeman periodically reviews individual state requirements in an attempt to assist students by providing an initial assessment and guidance. However, state licensing requirements are always subject to change at the discretion of the state licensing board without notice and can impact the program’s ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. State professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure. Freed-Hardeman 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.
Students who intend to return or move to any state other than Tennessee should review the specific academic requirements for the program in which they are enrolling, and consult with the state professional licensing board to obtain further information for the applicable licensing requirement in the respective state. Please click the program of study below to view individual state contact information an as well as obtain FHU’s initial assessment. The State Licensing Requirements will indicate if the program curriculum Meets the individual state’s requirements, Does NOT Meet the state’s requirement, or will state Undetermined if Freed-Hardeman has not yet determined if the curriculum requirements are met. It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements.
If you have questions regarding one of these programs or a program not listed on the Professional Licensure page, please contact your Academic Advisor or the Program Director.
Accounting (B.B.A. & M.B.A.)
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Tennessee, candidates must obtain a baccalaureate degree including 150 semester hours from an accredited college or university. This must include 30 semester hours in accounting (24 of which are upper-division) and 24 semester hours in business courses (12 of which are upper-division). The candidate must then pass the Uniform CPA Examination, an Ethics Examination, and complete one year of experience in Accounting acceptable to the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy. All states now require 150 semester hours, but some states require specific accounting courses, such as accounting theory or governmental and non-profit accounting.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. Tom DeBerry or Dr. Brandon Lanciloti. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last Updated: May 26, 2023
The College of Business recommends all students sit for the Tennessee exam and/or use Acadeum to cover any gaps in the curriculum to meet the home state requirements.
*Arkansas – Requires Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Course & Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting (GNP) Course.
*California – Requires 10 Hours of Accounting Ethics/Professional Responsibilities (AEPR)
*Delaware – Requires Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Course
*Kansas – Requires Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Course & Business Law (BZL) Course
*Mississippi – Requires Governmental & Nonprofit Accounting (GNP) Course
*New York – Requires Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Course
*Texas – Requires Accounting/Tax Research (ATR) Course and Texas-specific Accounting Ethics/Professional Responsibilities (AEPR) course
Behavior Health with clinical counseling - licensure track (D.B.H.)
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Board of Counselors or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. Mike Cravens or Dr. James Dalton. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last updated: January 2, 2023
clinical mental health counseling (M.S.)
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Board of Counselors or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. James Dalton. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last updated: January 2, 2023
Communication sciences and disorder (B.S.)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association does not accredit undergraduate programs. To become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Tennessee, candidates must obtain 60 college-level semester hours sent directly to the Board from an accredited college or university, and complete 100 hours of fieldwork post-graduation under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist with their certificate of clinical competence. Please note: The student is responsible for seeking post-graduation fieldwork opportunities.
To practice as a Speech-Language Pathology – Assistant [SLP-A] requires a professional license, registration or certification in most states and US territories. Each state/territory has its own standards for practice and regulates SLP “support personnel” differently.
Support personnel includes technicians, aides, paraprofessionals, as well as SLP-Assistants. This site provides you a list of states/territories where this institution has made the determination that its communication disorders curriculum either meets the educational requirements for licensure or does not meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathology – Assistant.
Also, you must understand that in the states/territories where the institution has made the determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure, this does not mean that this is the only requirement to be licensed in that state/territory. You will still be required to complete the mandatory fieldwork after graduation.
While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements. To assist you in making your decision whether to apply to FHU’s CSD program, we have provided you a list of states and territories and the respective contact information for the state board of examiners in speech-language pathology, where available. We encourage you to contact the licensing/governing body in the state or territory in which you desire to become licensed or intend to work to seek additional information. If questions remain after reviewing the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) webpage and the information provided below, please contact Dr. Meagan Spencer.
*Fieldwork must be completed in a school setting.
**Utah does not recognize or utilize SLPAs through paraprofessional or other means.
Last updated: July 17, 2023
Nursing (B.S.N.)
The Bachelor of Science In Nursing (BSN) program at Freed-Hardeman University is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Council of State Board of Nursing or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. Chris White. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last updated: July 17, 2023
*State approval of a program to offer Alabama licensed nurses opportunities for advanced degrees does not automatically indicate eligibility for approval to practice as an advanced practice nurse in Alabama. Applicants for approval in Alabama are required to meet the Alabama requirements for national certification, graduation from a specific-type program for the advanced practice approval, and completion of the appropriate application. Any program offering a pre-licensure track to Alabama students shall meet the requirements of the Alabama regulations or pre-licensure programs or the graduates may not be eligible to take the national licensure examination required by the Alabama Board of Nursing to enter the practice.
**Pending NLC Legislation
Physical Therapist Assistant
Effective July 19, 2022, Freed-Hardeman University has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Dr. Ashley Prentice, Program Director, at 731-989-6097 or email aprentice@fhu.edu.
Candidate for Accreditation is an accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program may matriculate students in technical/professional courses. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status does not assure that the program will be granted Initial Accreditation.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. Ashley Prentice. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last updated: August 25, 2022
Psychology (B.S.)
The American Psychological Association (APA) does not accredit undergraduate programs in psychology (although they do provide a list of standard guidelines for undergraduate programs to use should they desire). While there are many careers that may be pursued with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, simply holding a Bachelor’s degree in psychology will not lead to professional licensure in any of the 50 states.
Professional licensure is generally obtained, at a minimum, at the Master’s level. Those who wish to use their training in psychology to pursue a career in counseling generally must earn a Master’s degree from a CACREP accredited program, earn qualifying scores on licensing exams, and gain supervised experience. A Bachelor’s degree in psychology will generally aid in being admitted to these Master’s programs but will not suffice on its own.
Further, to be licensed as a professional psychologist, most states require a Doctoral degree from an APA accredited program (APA does accredit graduate programs in psychology) with a post-doctoral internship, qualifying scores on licensing exams, and supervised experience. Again, a Bachelor’s degree in psychology would likely be an early step in obtaining this goal, but it would not suffice on its own for professional licensure.
For further information regarding how to become a licensed psychologist, carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided above, contact Dr. Chris Creecy.
School Counseling
The state of Tennessee participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Under these guidelines, completion of an educator preparation program from out-of-state colleges and universities, such as Freed-Hardeman University, is accepted from other member states. State reciprocity related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not automatically indicate certification/licensure eligibility in a state outside of Tennessee. Applicants must meet the home state test requirements, jurisdiction specific requirements, and submit a valid educator certificate/licensure issued by Tennessee at the degree level, grade level, and in the teaching field or area of instructional support for which the certificate is sought. The state of Tennessee has a reciprocity agreement with Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, The Teach Certification Reciprocity, U.S. Department of Education, or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
FHU initial assessment and comments may be reviewed by clicking here. If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Mrs. Jill Jackson. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
*State requires two year teaching experience.
**State requires two year teaching experience AND minimum of 3.25 GPA
***Licensure in SC can be obtain through licensure reciprocity agreement. (9/24/22)
Last updated: January 2, 2023
Social Work (B.S.W.)
Founded in 1952, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include over 800 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education. Through its many initiatives, activities, and centers, CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development, so that social workers play a central role in achieving the profession’s goals of social and economic justice. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.
Freed-Hardeman University’s Social Work program is accredited by CSWE. Click here to review a list of accredited programs.
Simply being accredited by CSWE does not necessarily mean that a student will to become licensed in a state. As such, each student should carefully review the educational prerequisites for his/her intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the Association of Social Work Boards, NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database, or Social Work License Map.
If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Dr. Nadine McNeal. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
Last updated: November 30, 2023
Teacher Education (B.A., B.S., M.ED., M.A.T., ED.S. & ED.D.)
The state of Tennessee participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Under these guidelines, completion of an educator preparation program from out-of-state colleges and universities, such as Freed-Hardeman University, is accepted from other member states. State reciprocity related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not automatically indicate certification/licensure eligibility in a state outside of Tennessee. Applicants must meet the home state test requirements, jurisdiction specific requirements, and submit a valid educator certificate/licensure issued by Tennessee at the degree level, grade level, and in the teaching field or area of instructional support for which the certificate is sought. The state of Tennessee has a reciprocity agreement with Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Carefully review the educational prerequisites for your intended state/territory of licensure and whether our program meets those requirements for licensure. Use the agency contact information provided below to clarify or confirm any requirements. Additional information may be obtained by visiting the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, The Teach Certification Reciprocity, U.S. Department of Education, or NC-SARA Individual State Contact Information database.
FHU initial assessment and comments may be reviewed by clicking here. If questions remain after reviewing the information provided below, contact Mrs. Jill Jackson. While the University can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately your responsibility to continually check with the state/territory where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing/certification requirements.
| State | Name and URL of State Licensing Board or Department | General Education | Special Education | Administration & Supervision |
| Alabama | Alabama State Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Does Not Meet |
| Arizona | Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Meets |
| California | California Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Commonwealth Northern Marina Islands | Undetermined | Undetermined | Undetermined | |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
| Connecticut | Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Standards | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Education | Meets | Does Not Meet | Meets |
| District of Columbia | District of Columbia Public Schools | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Florida | Florida Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Georgia | Georgia Professional Standards Commission | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Undetermined |
| Guam | Undetermined | Undetermined | Undetermined | |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Teacher Standards Board | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Idaho | Idaho State Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Education Office of Educator Licensing | Meets | Does Not Meet | Meets |
| Iowa | Iowa Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Kansas | Kansas State Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Kentucky* | Kentucky Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Undetermined |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Maine | Certification Office, Maine Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Maryland | Maryland State Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Montana | Montana Office of Public Instruction | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Nevada | State of Nevada Board of Education, Office of Educator Licensure | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| New Hampshire | Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, Bureau of Credentialing | Meets | Meets | Undetermined |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Higher Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Public Education Department | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| New York | Office of Teaching Initiatives | Does Not Meet | Meets | Meets |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Public Instruction | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board | Meets | Does Not Meet | Undetermined |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma State Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Oregon | Teacher Standards and Practices Commission | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Meets |
| Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico State Department of Education | Undetermined | Undetermined | Undetermined |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Does Not Meet |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Undetermined |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Texas | Texas State Board of Education | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Utah | Utah State Board of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Meets |
| Vermont | Vermont Agency of Education, Licensing Office | Meets | Meets | Undetermined |
| Virgin Islands | Virgin Islands Department of Education | Undetermined | Undetermined | Undetermined |
| Virginia | Virginia Department of Education | Meets | Meets | Undetermined |
| Washington | Professional Educator Standards Board | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Department of Education | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction | Meets | Meets | Meets |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet | Does Not Meet |
Last updated: May 15, 2023
*Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) Division of Certification or Division of Educator Preparation cannot “pre-approve” the use of an out-of-state online program for use by Kentucky’s educators. This includes Freed-Hardeman University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, and Education Specialist degrees that lead to licensure. Please note that FHU does offer many online programs that lead to non-licensure.