Professional Licensure – Virginia

Licensing Agency

Virginia State Council of Higher Education

Georgia Southern University is authorized to operate in Virginia through mutual participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). 

Athletic Training (on-campus)

Virginia

Virginia Board of Medicine

National

Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer

Licensure Disclosure

Virginia requires graduation from an athletic training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training (CAATE) and passing the Board of Certification Exam (BOC). Completion of Georgia Southern’s MS in Athletic Training program meets the educational requirement for both the BOC exam and the Virginia exam leading to licensure as an athletic trainer.

Accounting (on-campus or distance education)

Virginia

Virginia State Board of Public Accountancy

National

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

Distance Education Program

Georgia Southern University is authorized to deliver the WebMAcc program in Virginia through mutual participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). 

Licensure Disclosures

Coupled with an undergraduate accounting degree or an appropriate number of accounting courses, completion of Georgia Southern’s Master of Accounting (WebMAcc/MAcc) program meets the educational requirements meets the educational requirements to sit for the uniform CPA exam which is the first step towards CPA licensure in Virginia. 

Virginia requires the AICPA ethics exam to obtain a CPA license. Georgia Southern University’s Master of Accounting program meets the educational requirements for ethics education that prepare students to sit for the appropriate ethics exams.

Communication Sciences and Disorders (on-campus)

National

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Virginia

Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Licensure Disclosure

Applicants for a license as a Speech Language Pathologist must hold a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited educational program and must hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Applicants for the Provisional Speech Pathology License provisional license must have a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited educational program. Virginia is a member state of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and prepares students to sit for the Praxis exam, thus the program meets educational requirements for the state of Virginia.

Education (on-campus or distance education)

Virginia Education Agency

Distance Education Disclosure

Georgia Southern is authorized to offer the following online programs in Georgia through mutual participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA): Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction – Accomplished Teaching, Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Master of Education in Instructional Technology, Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology, Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, Graduate Certificate in School Library Media

While authorized to deliver these programs by SARA, students residing in Virginia cannot enroll in Instructional Technology or Curriculum and Instruction programs if they do not sign an attestation indicating their plans to obtain licensure in GA or another authorized state. Students who reside in GA but wish to obtain licensure in these areas in Virginia after getting a GA license do not need an attestation to enroll but may need to complete additional requirements to obtain licensure in Virginia.

Licensure Disclosure

Generally, students must get their GA teacher certification before applying for a Virginia certification. Virginia is a member of the National Association Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) interstate agreement. Students need: official transcripts

(both bachelors and beyond), a completed Education Preparation Program Verification Form, PDE338A (PDF) as proof of completion of an educator preparation program approved for certification in the state in which the program was completed and test scores (reported to PDE directly from the test administrator).

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education MEETS educational requirements for an Elementary Education (PK-6) teaching certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education MEETS educational requirements for Health and Physical Education (PK-12) teaching certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education MEETS educational requirements for Middle Grades Education (6-8)  teaching certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education MEETS educational requirements for Secondary Education (6-12) teaching certification in Virginia

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education MEETS educational requirements for Special Education (K-12) teaching certification in Virginia.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Art Education MEETS educational requirements for certification in Virginia.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Music in Music Education MEETS the educational requirements for certification in Virginia.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Arts in Teaching MEETS educational requirements for initial teaching certification in Virginia

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Accomplished Teaching does NOT meet educational requirements for Curriculum and Instruction teaching certification in Virginia as the certification does not exist in VA.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership educational requirements for Administration and Supervision PK-12 certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership MEETS educational requirements for Administration and Supervision PK-12 certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Education in Instructional Technology MEETS educational requirements for Library Media (PK-12) teaching certification in Virginia, it does not meet requirements for Instructional Technology certification as that certification does not exist in VA.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology does NOT meet educational requirements for Instructional Technology PK-12 teaching certification in Virginia as that certification does not exist in VA.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Graduate Certificate in School Library Media MEETS educational requirements for Library Media (PK-12) certification in Virginia.

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Education in Counseling Education, Concentration in School Counseling MEETS requirements for School Counselor Pk-12 certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Master of Education in Counseling Education, with a Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MEETS requirements for Elementary and Secondary School Counselor PK-12 certification in Virginia. 

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Education Specialist in School Psychology MEETS educational requirements for School Psychologist (PK-12) certification in Virginia.

Geology

National

Association of State Boards of Geology

Virginia

The Board of Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists

Virginia certifies professional geoscientists.  You must pass the ASBOG PG exam and have 7 years of work experience (work experience can begin before graduation and can count for 2 years of experience).  

Virginia provides certification as a Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT). Graduates who pass the ASBOG FG exam may apply for this certification as Georgia Southern’s Geosciences Degree, Geology track, meets the educational requirement for the GIT and to sit for the ASBOG FG exam.

Engineering and Land Surveying (on-campus)

National

National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)

Virginia

Virginia Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

State licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is not required to work in the field of engineering. However, many employment opportunities require a PE license. 

Georgia Southern’s BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Computer Engineering, BS in Construction Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering, BS in Manufacturing Engineering, BS in Mechanical Engineering, and BS in Software Engineering programs are EAC-ABET-accredited. 

The minimum requirements for a PE license include completion of a BS degree in Engineering from an EAC-ABET accredited engineering program; successful completion of the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) Exam; successful completion of the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam; and 4-years of work experience as specified by the state’s licensing board

Licensure Disclosure

Completion of Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Science Programs in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Manufacturing Engineering meet the educational requirements to begin the licensure process in Virginia, by providing the coursework necessary to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Software Engineering does not have a specific PE examination. It is typically recommended that candidates sit for their FE exam toward the end of their senior year, or soon after graduation.

Surveying-Geomatics

Licensure Disclosure

To apply for a professional land surveyor license (PLS) in Virginia you must:

Have a degree from an accredited four-year surveying program or a board-approved equivalent, pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) exam, the Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) exam, and have four years of verifiable work experience under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor.

Georgia Southern’s embedded Surveying-Geomatics certificate meets the educational requirement to sit for the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) examination to become a land surveyor intern or land surveyor in training (SIT) which is the first step in becoming a PLS in Virginia.

Interior Architecture and Design (on-campus)

National

Council for Interior Design Qualification

Virginia

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Licensure Disclosure

Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design meets the educational requirements for a registered Interior Designer as it prepares you to take the  National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam and includes at least 60 hours of coursework.

Medical Laboratory Science (on-campus or distance education)

Medical Laboratory Science

Online Program Disclosure
Georgia Southern University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree program to students located in Virginia. Additionally, the Medical Laboratory Science program at Georgia Southern offers an online track consisting of a Post-Baccalaureate option and a Career Track option. The Post-Baccalaureate option is for students with a BS in biology, chemistry, or related science. The Career Track option is for a certified MLT wishing to pursue a BS in MLS degree in addition to the traditional track, Georgia Southern offers online degree completion options for students currently working in the medical laboratory science field.

The MLS program will qualify a graduate of this program to sit for the exam for MLS ASCP Certification in all 50 United States through Route 1 (BS degree from a NAACLS-accredited MLS program)

Licensure Disclosure

Licensure is not required to work in a medical laboratory in Virginia.

Nursing (on-campus or distance education)

Virginia Board of Nursing

Distance Education Disclosure

Georgia Southern is authorized to offer the following online programs in Virginia: RN-BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, BSN-DNP, and Post-MSN APRN Certificates. DNP and Post-MSN APRN Certificates are only authorized for the online didactic portion of the program in Virginia. All clinical work must occur in Georgia or South Carolina.

Licensure Disclosure

Completion of Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program does meet the educational requirements for Registered Nurse licensure in Virginia. Virginia is an eNLC state.

Completion of the DNP, BSN to DNP, or Post-MSN APRN Certificate (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) programs meets educational requirements to sit for national specialty certifications in the chosen advanced practice specialty track and to apply for an APRN license (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) in Virginia. Georgia and South Carolina residents with a valid VA RN license or an eNLC license can apply for APRN licensure in Virginia upon graduation.

Physical Therapy (on-campus)

Virginia

Virginia Board of Physical Therapy 

Licensure Disclosure

Virginia requires that applicants graduate from a doctoral program in physical therapy that is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).  Applicants must also pass the National Physical Therapist Examination (CAPTE). Georgia Southern’s doctoral program in physical therapy meets the educational requirement for licensure in Virginia as the program is accredited by CAPTE and prepares students to take the NPTE.

Psychology (on-campus)

National

Behavioral Analyst Certification Board

Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)

Virginia

Virginia Board of Medicine -BACB

Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Psychology

Licensure Disclosure

To apply for board certification as an applied behavioral analyst you must pass the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) BCBA Certification Exam. The MS – Psychology (Behavior Analysis Concentration) degree provides the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) verified coursework and thus meets the educational requirement leading to certification as an applied behavioral analyst. The BACB BCBA Certification Exam is taken after students complete the MS – Psychology (Behavior Analysis Concentration) degree. 

To apply for a license as a clinical psychologist, Virginia requires that you graduate from an accredited doctoral program in psychology, pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP, Parts 1 and 2). Georgia Southern’s APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology meets the educational requirement for licensure, however, many of the required clinical hours would occur after graduation.

Radiologic Science (on-campus or distance education)

Virginia

Virginia Board of Medicine (Radiologic Sciences)

National

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

Online Program Disclosure
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences: Bridge program offers a degree completion program for radiographers, radiation therapists, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. If you are certified by the ARRT, NMTCB, or RDMS, then you may qualify to complete this B.S. degree in Radiologic Sciences Bridge program.

Licensure Disclosure

Department of Health and Human Services Virginia Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)

In Virginia Radiologic Technologists and Limited Medical Radiologic Technologists must possess current certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). 

Nuclear Medicine Technologists must have current certification from AART or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).  

Virginia is a non-licensure state for sonographers. Sonographers should possess a current certification from ARRT, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), or CCI. 

Virginia is a non-licensure state for Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists.  Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists should have current certification from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). 

Georgia Southern’s BS in Radiologic Sciences program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) and prepares students to take any of the national certification exams (depending on the track), therefore, the program meets educational requirements.

Respiratory Therapy (on-campus)

Virginia

Virginia Department of Health Professions

National

National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)

Licensure Disclosure

Virginia requires proof of completion of an educational program as a practitioner of respiratory care that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or its successor organization or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care or certification and a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). Georgia Southern’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and prepares students for the CRT exam; therefore the program meets the licensure/certification requirements as a registered Respiratory Therapist in Virginia.