Professional licensure and certification disclosure

As part of our compliance with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Wayne State University College of Nursing provides the following information regarding the educational requirements for licensure or certification for both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Undergraduate nursing programs licensure disclosure

The Wayne State University College of Nursing’s undergraduate programs are designed to prepare students for professional nursing licensure in Michigan. Our curriculum aligns with the standards set by the Michigan Board of Nursing. However, licensure requirements vary by state, and current and prospective students must understand these differences.

Disclosure information:

  1. Educational Requirements: Our undergraduate nursing program tracks are tailored to meet Michigan's educational requirements for nursing licensure. We strive to keep our information current, but state and national requirements may change at any time. Students planning to seek licensure outside of Michigan should review the specific educational requirements of the respective state's nursing board.
  2. Non-educational requirements: In addition to educational qualifications, licensure boards may require additional criteria such as professional examinations (e.g., NCLEX-RN), background checks, work experience, residency requirements, jurisprudence exams, and specific training. Verifying these requirements with the appropriate licensing entities in the state where licensure is sought is essential.
  3. State-specific guidance: Students pursuing professional licensure in states other than Michigan are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant state licensing boards to obtain accurate information and guidance on licensure requirements before starting any academic program at WSU.
  4. Reciprocity agreements: The State of Michigan has reciprocity agreements with all 50 U.S. states and additional territories for initial nursing licensure. However, additional state-specific requirements may exist beyond these agreements. WSU recommends that candidates completing a nursing program in Michigan achieve certification from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before seeking licensure in other states or territories.
  5. Continuous updates: WSU will continually update the disclosure information for the undergraduate nursing program to reflect changes in state requirements for professional licensure and certification. These updates will be made available on our website and through direct communication with students.
  6. Contact information: Students are encouraged to contact the College of Nursing’s Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Services in the Office of Student Affairs for questions or clarifications regarding certification requirements. Additionally, it is highly recommended that they contact professional licensure boards in their respective states for detailed information on non-educational requirements.

Graduate nursing programs (APRN certification) disclosure

The Wayne State University College of Nursing’s graduate programs are designed to prepare students for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification in Michigan. Our curriculum is developed in accordance with the standards set by the Michigan Board of Nursing. However, certification requirements for APRNs vary by state. Current and prospective students need to be informed about these variations.

Disclosure information:

  1. Educational requirements: Our graduate nursing program tracks leading to certification as a nurse practitioners (NP) align with the academic standards required for APRN certification in Michigan. We ensure that our program meets the comprehensive educational requirements. However, state and national requirements may change. Students planning to seek certification outside of Michigan should consult the specific educational requirements of the respective state's nursing board.
  2. Non-educational requirements: In addition to educational qualifications, certification boards may require other criteria such as national certification exams (e.g., AANP, ANCC, NCC, and PNCB), background checks, clinical practice hours, residency requirements, jurisprudence exams, and specific training. Verifying these additional requirements with the appropriate licensing entities in the state where certification is sought is crucial.
  3. State-specific guidance: Students intending to pursue APRN certification in states other than Michigan are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant state licensing boards to obtain accurate information and guidance on certification requirements. This should be done before starting any academic program at WSU.
  4. Reciprocity agreements: The State of Michigan maintains reciprocity agreements with various U.S. states for APRN certifications. However, additional state-specific requirements may exist beyond these agreements. WSU recommends that candidates completing an APRN program in Michigan achieve certification from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) before seeking certification in other states or territories.
  5. Continuous updates: WSU will continually update the disclosure information for each APRN program to reflect changes in state requirements for professional licensure and/or certification. These updates will be made available on our website and through direct communication with students.
  6. Contact information: Students are encouraged to contact the College of Nursing's Assistant Dean for Enrollment and Student Services in the Office of Student Affairs for questions or clarifications regarding certification requirements. Additionally, it is highly recommended that they contact professional licensure boards in their respective states for detailed information on non-educational requirements.

Important links and resources

For detailed information about nursing licensure and certification requirements and state-specific criteria, please visit the following resources:

Contact us

WSU is dedicated to supporting our students' professional goals and ensuring compliance with licensure requirements across the United States. Students are encouraged tpo reach out for guidance and support throughout their academic and professional journey.

For further assistance or inquiries about our various nursing program licensure and certifications, contact the College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs and the assistant dean for enrollment and student services: