Professional licensure is defined as a process of State or other governmental entities that establishes standards of practice and gives legal permission to practice a profession by providing licenses or certifications to individuals who meet those standards (SARA Policy Manual, pg. 12). Federal regulations require educational programs designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification necessary for employment in an occupation to publicly disclose information about whether program completion would meet those requirements in a state. These public disclosure requirements apply to all programs, regardless of their modality (i.e., in-person, online, and hybrid programs). Students who successfully complete a licensure preparation program (eg. the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program) at CSU will be prepared to pursue licensure in Colorado. Until CSU has completed a Directory of Professional Licensure Disclosures to meet new federal compliances, students seeking licensure in other U.S. states or territories beyond Colorado are strongly encouraged to work with the academic department and the applicable professional licensure board in the state in which they intend to pursue licensing prior to enrollment at CSU to ensure all licensure requirements are satisfactorily met. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a list of Veterinary State Board websites for guidance on professional licensure. Learn more via the CSU-wide State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement statements.
Individuals enrolled or considering enrollment at the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine Biomedical Science (CVMBS) Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program must complete two steps for general licensure:
- Individuals must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited program
- Individuals must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
After meeting both these requirements, individuals should apply for licensure in the state(s) for which they wish to be licensed.
Professional licensure/certification authorities reserve the right to approve a candidate’s application for licensure/certification. Other requirements for professional licensure/certification may exist. This disclosure does not guarantee that other requirements for state professional licensure/certification have been determined to have been met by the CSU program or that any necessary approvals for clinical or other experiential learning placements are secured by virtue of a student’s enrollment at CSU.
State professional licensure/certification requirements are subject to change at any time.
For licensing board contact information and approval status, please see the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.