Licensure & Professional Certification Disclosures

Each state and territory has different professional licensure and certification requirements. Below, we disclose only whether our programs meet the educational components of licensure or certification requirements, except as otherwise noted. Other licensure or certification requirements may include professional examinations, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc.; our determinations do not address that, except as otherwise noted. Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure or certification in their state or territory are strongly encouraged to check their state’s information and contact the appropriate agency or board to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their state.

Licensure and certification information is reviewed and updated in March of each year. Students who plan to pursue licensure or certification should be aware that state and territory licensure and certification requirements are subject to changes. While a program may originally meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification, changes in requirements could impact the program’s ability to meet any new educational requirements. Students should always check with their state agency or board to confirm licensure and certification requirements.

Student Location Policy and Relocation During Program

JWU defines location for all students as their permanent home address. Students are required to verify their permanent address every 120 days and are responsible for updating their permanent home address so that the information is correct and current at all times of enrollment. Students can update their permanent address any time via jwuLink. For students who fail to update their permanent address, the university will use the last address on file for such students to determine location.

Prospective and current students should keep in mind that licensing and certification requirements vary by state and that relocating during the course of a program to another state could impact whether that student can meet the eligibility requirements of that state. If students are considering relocating, they should contact their program director/department chair or the Office of the Provost to check for licensure and certification eligibility requirements.

The information below demonstrate the university’s determinations as of February 20, 2024, for programs that may lead to licensure or certification.

NOTE: The programs identified herein are designed to prepare students for licensure, certification or employment only in the home state from which they are offered (Rhode Island or North Carolina, as the case may be, or Massachusetts, in the case of the B.S. in Equine Business Management/Riding; B.S. Equine Studies*). That notwithstanding, JWU has made the determinations required by the U.S. Department of Education regarding compliance with the educational requirements of other states and territories, as listed here.

Licensure by College

John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences

1. B.S. Equine Business Management/Riding; B.S. Equine Studies* - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
MA* All states and territories (with the exception of MA*)

2. M.A.T. Master of Arts in Teaching** - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
RI** All states and territories (with the exception of RI)**

3. M.S. Addiction Counseling - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, MP, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, VI, WA, WV, WI, WY AZ, AR, CA, FL, GU, ID, KY, NC, OH, UT AS, MH, PW FM

4. M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AL, AK, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, ND, MP, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, VI, WA, WV, WI, WY AZ, AR, CA, FL, GU, ID, KY, NC, OH, UT AS, MH, PW FM

 * B.S. Equine Business Management/Riding program prepares students to take the Massachusetts Riding Instructor’s License Exam. JWU is no longer accepting applications to the B.S. Equine Business Management/Riding program as of the Fall 2023 semester start. Beginning Fall 2023, the degree program offering this licensure certification will be B.S. Equine Studies.

** JWU’s M.A.T. program is accredited as an Educator Preparation Program by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Rhode Island is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). Candidates who complete Rhode Island Approved Educator Preparation Programs are eligible for certification in Rhode Island and are eligible for certification in other states through reciprocity based upon agreements in the Interstate Certification Agreement with NASDTEC. Individual states retain the right to have additional requirements, usually in the form of a state-specific teacher exam. Students should check with a state's Department of Education to determine specific certification requirements prior to applying.

College of Health & Wellness

1.  M.S. Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, GU, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY AS, MH, PW, VI, PR AZ, CA, CO, FM, MI, MP, NJ, VA

2.  Accelerated B.S. Nursing (ABSN) - Providence and Charlotte Campuses 

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AR, AZ, CT, DE, FM, GA, GU, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, MP, NE, NJ, NM, NC, ND, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY AL, AK, CA, CO, DC, FL, IL, LA, MH, MD, MA, MS, NH, NV, UT, VI, WV AS, PW, PR

3.  M.S.P.A.S. Physician Assistant Studies (Accredited by ARC-PA) - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, GU, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MP, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, VI, WA, WV, WI, WY AS, MH, PW, PR FM

4.  OTD Occupational Therapy Doctorate (Accredited by ACOTE) - Providence Campus

Program Meets Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements Program Does Not Meet Educational Components of Licensure or Certification Requirements No Determination Has Been Made Not Applicable (Professional Licensure or Certification Not Required at this Time)
AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, GU, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MP, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY AS, MH, PW, VI FM

Key Conditions or Additional Requirements for Licensure and Professional Certifications

We have attempted to summarize, as of February 20, 2024, the key “conditions or additional requirements, including training, experience, or examinations required to obtain the license, certification, or approval for which the program of education is designed to provide preparation.” Further, the requirements may be complex and evolving. Our disclosure is accurate as of the date noted but may no longer be accurate as conditions and additional requirements change. We make our updates annually, every March, as a general matter. Therefore, we urge you to go directly to the links we are providing and confirm all conditions or additional requirements with the applicable authorities.

State of Rhode Island 

Occupational Therapy License

Title 5 - Businesses and Professions - Chapter 40.1 - Occupational Therapy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40.1-8)

Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants (216-RICR-40-05-12)

State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Occupational Therapy

  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

  • Be of good moral character.

  • Have successfully completed the academic requirements of an education program in occupational therapy accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education or other therapy accrediting agency that may be approved by the board;

  • Have successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience arranged by the recognized educational institution where he or she met the academic requirements:

    • For an occupational therapist, a minimum of twenty-four (24) weeks of supervised fieldwork experience shall be required;

    • For an occupational therapy assistant, a minimum of twelve (12) weeks shall be required;

  • Have successfully passed the National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapists, Registered, or National Certification Examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants, of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) or other occupational therapy certification examination as approved by the board.

  • For U.S. citizens: submit a certified copy of birth record or naturalization papers.

  • For non-U.S. citizens: submit documented evidence of alien status, such as immigration papers or resident alien card or any other verifying papers acceptable to the administrator.

  • Submit an application for licensure with a non-refundable application fee.

Physician Assistant License

Title 5 - Businesses and Professions - Chapter 54 - Physician Assistants (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-54-9)

Licensure of Physician Assistants (216-RICR-40-05-24)

State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Physician Assistant

  • Graduate from a physician assistant training program certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) or its successor.

  • Have passed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, or any other national certifying exam approved by the Board.

  • Be of good character and reputation.

  • Submit a completed application together with the required fee.

Dietician/Nutritionist License

Title 5 - Businesses and Professions - Chapter 64 - Dietitian/Nutritionist Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-64-6)

Dietitians/Nutritionists (216-RICR-40-05-30)

State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Nutrition

  • Provide evidence of completion of a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).*

  • Provide evidence of completion of a Board approved, planned, continuous experience in dietetics practice of not less than nine hundred (900) hours under the supervision of a registered dietitian or dietitian/nutritionist licensed in the state of Rhode Island; or evidence of completion of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) approved internship of not less than nine hundred (900) hours.

  • Provide evidence of having successfully passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

  • Submit a completed application together with the required fee.

*Effective January 1, 2024, graduates of DPD programs must also complete a graduate degree to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and pass a national exam. Requirements to become a licensed dietitian nutritionist in most states are generally similar to those required to become a RDN; some states may interpret their statutes differently. More information about state licensure and certification is available at this link: State Licensure

Mental Health Counselor License

Title 5 - Businesses and Professions - Chapter 63.2 - Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-63.2-9)

Licensing Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists (216-RICR-40-05-11)

State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Marriage, Family and Mental Health Therapy

An applicant for licensure shall submit to the Board written evidence on forms furnished by the Department that said applicant has followed an approved pathway for licensure:

  • A license as a "clinical mental health counselor associate" shall be issued to an applicant who meets the following qualifications:

    • Has completed the following degree requirements:

      • Has received a master’s or higher level degree from a program accredited by CACREP; or an equivalent accrediting agency approved by both the board and by the cognizable national or regional certifying authority OR

      • Has received a master’s degree or certificate in advanced graduate studies or a doctoral degree in mental health counseling from a recognized educational institution, or a graduate degree in an allied field from a recognized educational institution and a graduate level course work that is equivalent to a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Coursework must include the required components of the Core Curriculum as indicated in § 11.5.1 of this Part AND

      • Has completed sixty (60) semester credit hours or ninety (90) quarter hours within their graduate counseling/therapy program or post graduate program. The sixty (60) semester credit hours or ninety (90) quarter hours must be received prior to beginning post graduate experience and supervised case work hours.

    • Has completed the following educational practicum and internship requirements:

      • Completed requisite CACREP expectations for internship and practicum; OR

      • Twelve (12) semester credit hours or eighteen (18) quarter hours of supervised practicum and a minimum of one (1) calendar year of supervised internship consisting of twenty (20) hours per week deemed equivalent by the Board but in no case less than six hundred (600) hours.

  • A license as a "clinical mental health counselor" shall be issued to an applicant who has met the qualifications of a clinical mental health counselor associate as above and also meets the following qualifications:

    • Is of good character;

    • Has completed a minimum of two (2) years of relevant postgraduate experience, including at least two thousand (2,000) hours of direct client contact offering clinical or counseling or therapy services with emphasis in mental health counseling subsequent to being awarded a master's degree, certificate of advanced graduate study, or doctorate;

    • Has a minimum of one hundred (100) hours of post-degree supervised case work spread over a two-year (2) period; provided, that the supervision was provided by a person who, at the time of rendering the supervision, was recognized by the board as an approved supervisor;

    • Successfully completes the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or other examination approved by the Board to determine the applicant's qualification for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor or is applying for licensure under the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-63.2-15.

  • An approved supervisor has completed post graduate experience and supervised case work hours as required in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-63.2-9 by a person who at the time of rendering the supervision is recognized by the Board as an approved supervisor under the following requirements:

    • Must be a licensed clinical mental health counselor, a licensed psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, or a licensed independent clinical social worker, who has been licensed in good standing for at least five (5) years and has at least five (5) years of clinical experience as a licensee AND:

    • Has successfully completed one graduate course in supervision in counseling, taken at an institution of higher learning OR

    • Is approved by the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) as a certified supervisor; OR

    • Has at least two (2) years’ experience supervising clinical staff in a mental health setting

  • Application for license to practice as a clinical mental health counselor or a marriage and family therapist shall be made on forms provided by the Department, which shall be completed and submitted to the Board thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled date of the Board meeting at which they are to be reviewed.

  • Such application shall be accompanied by the following:

  • A non-refundable application fee as set forth in the rules and regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health (216-RICR-10-05-2). In no case shall said fee be returned. Applicants requiring reexamination shall submit a fee as set forth in 216-RICR-10-05-2 for each reexamination.

Nursing License

Title 5 – Businesses and Professions – Chapter 34 – Nurses (R.I. Gen. Laws §5-34-10 - §5-34-12)

Licensing of Nurses and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing Education Programs (216-RICR-40-05-3)

State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Nursing

An applicant seeking initial licensure to practice professional nursing in the State of Rhode Island must:

  • Be of good moral character;

  • Have completed at least an approved high school course of study or the equivalent supported by diploma or certificate thereof as determined by the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education; and

  • Have successfully completed the prescribed curriculum in a Board-approved basic professional nursing education program and holds a diploma from the program

The applicant is required to pass a written or computerized adaptive testing examination determined by the board of nurse registration and nursing education. Upon successful completion of that examination, the applicant shall receive a license to practice nursing as a professional nurse.

Each person seeking a license to practice under the Act, or who is previously licensed and authorized to practice under the Act and is seeking employment, shall apply to the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) for a national criminal records check that shall include fingerprints submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This background check shall be processed prior to receiving a license to practice or to enter into employment. All applicable fees associated with the national criminal records check shall be paid by the applicant/licensee.

Application for licensure to practice in the State of Rhode Island as a professional nurse, or practical nurse, shall be made on forms provided by the Department, which shall be completed, notarized and submitted to the Department. An applicant shall schedule their own examination date. Such application shall be accompanied by the following documents:

  • Official transcripts of education credentials sent directly to the Department and the Board from the school of nursing.

  • One (1) photograph of the applicant (head and shoulder view) approximately 2 X 3 inches in size, which is mounted on the application, and

  • The application fee (non-refundable) as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health

  • Documentation of compliance with the Criminal Records Review:

    • Submitting a copy of the written notification from the BCI indicating that no disqualification information has been found; or

    • Requesting the BCI to provide the Department with a copy of the criminal background report.

Educator Certification

Title 16 – Education - Chapter 11 - Certification of Teachers [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-1)

Regulations Governing the Certification of Educators in Rhode Island (200-RICR-20-20-1) 

Rhode Island Department of Education website – Certification – Current & Future Educators

JWU’s M.A.T. program is accredited as an Educator Preparation Program by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The JWU M.A.T. program is designed to prepare students for an Initial Educator Certificate for the State of Rhode Island, in the certification areas listed below. Applicants eligible for certification through completion of a Rhode Island Approved Certification Program receive an Educator Certificate upon submittal of:

  • Application on an official form or through electronic means provided by Rhode Island Department of Education;

  • Application fee as established by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education;

  • Official transcripts from an approved institution, as required, of all credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the institution;

  • A statement made by an approved institution or an alternate route to certification program approved by the Commissioner of Education that the candidate has completed an approved planned program of preparation within the last ten (10) years for service in the area of certification and the grade level for which certification is sought and has demonstrated competence with respect to professional standards;

  • Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required Rhode Island assessments;

  • An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history; and

  • Additional documentation as appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.

Requirements for Elementary Education Teacher, Grades 1-6 Certificate:

  • Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

  • Has completed a minimum of one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following residency;

  • Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

  • Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national professional associations;

  • Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessment; and

  • Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.

Requirements for Elementary Special Education Teacher, Grades 1-6 Certificate:

  • Holds certification in Elementary Education or has passed the approved content assessment for elementary education;

  • Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

  • Has completed a minimum of one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following residency;

  • Has completed coursework in English Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science content and methods.

  • Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

  • Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national professional associations;

  • Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessment; and

  • Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.

Requirements for Secondary Grades Business Education Teacher, Grades 7-12 Certificate:

  • Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

  • Has completed a major or the equivalent in Business Education or a closely related field;

  • Has completed a minimum of one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following residency;

  • Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

  • Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national professional association, the National Business Education Association (NBEA);

  • Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessment; and

  • Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.

Requirements for Secondary Grades Career and Technical Education Teacher, Grades 7-12 Certificate:

  • Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

  • If applicable, holds a valid occupational license/certification in the career and technical area issued by the appropriate Rhode Island governing body;

  • Holds the appropriate level of post-secondary education for the CTE area sought as identified by RIDE;

  • Has completed a minimum of one (1) year of residency in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following residency. Individuals who have successfully completed three (3) years of teaching in Rhode Island while holding a CTE Preliminary Certificate are not required to complete a residency;

  • Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

  • Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate association for the specific career and technical area, when available;

  • Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

  • Has five (5) years of work experience in the specific career and technical area if holds a high school diploma. The applicant has three (3) years of work experience in the career and technical area if the applicant holds an associate's or bachelor's degree in the career and technical area; and

  • Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.

  • Individuals who hold advanced state issued licenses or advanced industry certificates are not required to complete subject matter testing requirements.

  • Any work experience or degree completed more than ten (10) years prior to the date of application must meet subject matter testing requirements regardless of other licenses held.

Requirements for Secondary Grades Special Education Teacher, Grades 7-12 Certificate:

  • Holds certification in Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology, Business Education, Career and Technical Education, Chemistry, English, General Science, Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies or has passed an approved content assessment;

  • Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

  • Has completed a minimum of one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following residency;

  • Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

  • Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations;

  • Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in designing and implementing standards-based instruction and assessment; and

  • Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.

State of Massachusetts 

Massachusetts Riding Instructor’s License

MA General Laws – Part I – Title XIX – Chapter 128 – Section 2A

330 CMR: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES - 330 CMR 16.00: HORSES (16.02: Licensing of Horse Riding Instructors) 

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources – Riding Instructors Licensing

The Department may license any applicant who meets the following minimum requirements:

  • The applicant must be 18 years of age or older as of the date of application.

  • The applicant must have completed a six-month apprenticeship with a licensed riding instructor, including at least 60 hours of directly supervised instruction to mounted students or must be licensed as a horse riding instructor by another governmental entity.

  • The applicant must have received a satisfactory score on a written exam administered by the Department.