Professional Licensure
The U.S. Department of Education regulations and NC-SARA policies require that Mercer University disclose to students whether a program leading to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements in all US states and territories. There are two kinds of disclosures that an institution must provide: direct and public. Direct disclosures must be distributed to prospective and current students when a student is located in a state where Mercer does not meet (or has been unable to determine if it meets) the educational requirements for licensure. The University has a Student Location Policy and Professional Licensure Disclosure Policy that determines where and when a direct disclosure is distributed. Public disclosures must be available to all students, and this site serves as Mercer’s public disclosure repository. Current students also receive a notification every semester as part of the institution’s regular Higher Education Act disclosures.
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the state of Georgia. While program curricula often meet the requirements of states outside of Georgia, statutes and regulations about licensure vary widely. Many state regulatory bodies recognize only educational credentials from accredited institutions. Information on Mercer University’s accreditation can be found here.
Students should understand that educational requirements are just one part of licensure or certification in a profession. Applicants are often required to demonstrate passage of national exams, have applicable work or clinical experience, complete background checks, and pay required fees, etc. Each state board, department, or agency has the ultimate authority and discretion to determine whether professional licensure or certification will be issued.
Direct Disclosures
According to Mercer’s Student Location Policy, the location of a student who intends to enroll in face-to-face program is the program location, Georgia. Because Mercer’s programs meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in Georgia, those students do not receive direct disclosures. For students who intend to enroll in a distance learning program that leads to licensure, the address provided on an application for admission is the student location. Prospective distance learning students located in states or territories where Mercer does not meet (or has been unable to determine if it meets) the educational requirements for licensure cannot enroll in the University unless they attest an intention to seek licensure in Georgia or another state where Mercer meets requirements. Student are provided an opportunity to complete an attestation during their initial enrollment period.
Current students receive direct disclosures when they sign their Student Rights and Responsibilities Statement every semester and indicate a new location in a jurisdiction where Mercer does not meet (or is unable to determine if it meets) the educational requirements for licensure or certification.
Public Disclosures
The program disclosures below contain links to pertinent agencies and boards. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with educational requirements prior to enrolling in any program that leads to licensure.
College of Health Professions
- Athletic Training (MAT)
- Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
- Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Physician Assistant (MMSc)
College of Pharmacy
College of Professional Advancement
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (MS)
- School Counseling (MS)
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
School of Engineering
School of Law
School of Medicine
Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
Tift College of Education
- Initial Teaching Certification Programs (BSEd, BME, MAT)
- MEd – The Advanced Teacher Programs
- EdS – The Accomplished Teacher Programs
- EdS in Teacher Leadership
- PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
- MEd in Educational Leadership (P-12 Tier I)
- EdS in Educational Leadership (P-12 Tier II)
Annual Review of Disclosures
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness conducts an annual audit in July to ensure that the disclosures are up-to-date. Students are advised that regulations may change however, and Mercer programs may no longer meet educational requirements as a result.