It’s Important to Understand Licensing

Healthcare professionals are required to have a state license in order to practice within a state. Although requirements vary by role, there are state licensing bodies who set minimum standards of competency for healthcare professionals through educational requirements, assessing character and other attributes, and testing through licensure exams.

Note: Licensing requirements vary state by state.

Licensing Will be an Important Component of Your Journey

Licensing boards occasionally interact with healthcare professionals after initial licensure by requiring relicensure or even imposing discipline on poor performers. Because the majority of U.S. healthcare professionals are licensed, boards may have a large impact on the ongoing development of healthcare.¹

Certifications are an Important Credential

Healthcare organizations frequently administer or set up independent certifying bodies that grant a certification or credential recognizing that individuals have successfully demonstrated knowledge of or competency in a particular specialty. Though the process is usually voluntary, some states mandate certification as part of the licensure process for certain disciplines.¹

Note: Certification requirements vary state by state.