State Authorization

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Kentucky is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The University of Pikeville is an approved SARA institution. SARA allows institutions to offer distance education courses and programs to other SARA participating institutions and ensures adherence to national standards for postsecondary distance education. The University works through SARA processes and with states to ensure that when authorization or licensure of online programs is necessary, required approvals are secured. 

It is the student’s responsibility to understand the current status or special requirements related to the authorization of distance education in their state of residence.  For more information about SARA, please visit https://nc-sara.org/. 

To determine if the online program is available in a specific state, please refer to the NCSARA Licensure document. 

Requirements and restrictions change frequently, so check back often for the status of offerings in specific states. 

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NOTICE FOR PROGRAMS LEADING TO LICENSURE

While the University of Pikeville (UPIKE) strives to be in compliance with state licensure requirements where University programs are offered, UPIKE cannot confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in a student’s state of residence. Licensure requirements are established by each state’s respective board(s) and must be met to be licensed. The student is advised to contact their applicable licensing board(s) to determine if the program meets requirements for licensure in the student’s state of residence.  Although a program may be available in a specific state, there may be additional obligations required by the institution. University Pikeville has the right to determine if the program will be available in each state.  

Though SARA authorizes the University to offer its programs in member states, there is the possibility that other state requirements not covered by SARA (such as requirements from state licensing boards) could necessitate the restriction of certain programs in certain states. Please note that should a student choose to enroll in a restricted program in a particular state, there may be restrictions that could affect the student.  

Examples could include: 

• inability to sit for local licensing in that state 
• ineligible for consumer protection that state 
• A student may not be able to complete field placements (practicum, internship, clerkship, etc.). This could affect licensure or recognition of the degree to meet particular requirements. 

Additionally, if a student moves during the course of his/her studies to a state where his/her program is restricted, please be aware that the student is  taking a risk and may not be able to complete that program or use any of the credit earned towards licensing in that field of study in the new state of residence. Please note that the risks listed above are not exhaustive. Please verify with an individual state’s professional licensing board to ensure plans are not impacted by these risks.

A full list of all applicable state board contact information can be found at: https://www.nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory. 

To report a complaint regarding NC-SARA and the University of Pikeville, please contact: