Professional Licensure Information

Professional designations such as "licensed," "registered," and "certified" are a type of formal acknowledgment of competence in a given occupation or profession and may or may not be required for employment in a given field. These designations are typically conveyed to a person by a regulatory body or professional association, and individuals must complete various requirements to become eligible to receive and maintain the designation. Eligibility for professional designations varies by occupation and location and often involves more than successful degree completion (such as submitting an application, passing an examination, paying an entrance/application fee, or providing evidence of work experience). Some professional designations do not require degree completion to obtain. 

Licensure Programs

American Sign Language - English Interpreting, AAS

EICC's Associate of Applied Science in American Sign Language - English Interpreting is designed to prepare students for a career as a licensed Sign Language Interpreter.

The ASL-EI program prepares students to sit for the following nationally recognized certification exams:

  • Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA)
  • The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
  • Board of Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) certification

Requirements for licensure for Sign Language Interpreters vary from state to state and often involve more than successful degree completion. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as passing one of the national certification examinations to obtain certification from a national agency, completing an application, or paying a fee. Some states offer multiple pathways to achieve licensure.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Students who will be seeking licensure as a Sign Language Interpreter are strongly encouraged to review the licensure requirements at the associated website, linked below where available, for the state in which they intend to practice.

States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure:

States where program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure: 

States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure has not yet been made: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

View list of states that are undetermined as to whether the program meets state requirements.

Associate Degree Nursing, AAS

EICC's Associate of Applied Science in Associate Degree Nursing academically prepares students for a career as a licensed Registered Nurse.

The Associate Degree Nursing, AAS program prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students must have graduated from an approved program of academic study prior to sitting for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Requirements for licensure for Registered Nurses may vary from state to state and may involve more than successful degree completion and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as completing an application, or paying a fee. Some states offer multiple pathways to achieve licensure.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Students who will be seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse are strongly encouraged to review the licensure requirements at the associated website, linked below where available, for the state in which they intend to practice. 

States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure

States where program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure: 

States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure has not yet been made: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Cancer Information Management, Advanced Certificate, Diploma, AAS

EICC’s Cancer Information Management Program is designed to prepare students to earn professional credentialing as an Oncology Data Specialist (ODS).

The Cancer Information Management program is accredited by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and prepares students to sit for the following nationally recognized exam:

  • Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) Exam – National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA)

Completion of the accredited degree satisfies the national educational eligibility criteria to take the ODS exam. Practice as an ODS is governed by national credentialing standards through the NCRA rather than individual state licensing boards. For more information regarding national exam eligibility, visit the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).

Dental Assisting, Diploma

EICC's Diploma in Dental Assisting is designed to academically prepare students for a career as a Registered Dental Assistant.

The Dental Assisting program prepares students to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination and the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners Radiography, Infection Control, and Jurisprudence State Board examinations.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certificate

EICC’s Emergency Medical Technician training prepares students for entry-level EMS certification and practice.

The EMT program prepares students to sit for the national certification exam required for state-level licensure/certification:

  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams

Passing the NREMT exam satisfies the educational testing requirement for state certification through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services) and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Requirements for EMS certification vary from state to state and may involve additional steps beyond exam passage, such as criminal background checks, state application fees, or state-specific jurisprudence requirements. EICC makes every effort to ensure information is accurate and up to date, but requirements change frequently. Students are encouraged to review state-specific requirements prior to practicing.

  • States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    Iowa (Iowa Department of Health and Human Services), Illinois (Illinois Department of Public Health)
  • States where programs do not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    None identified
  • States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure/certification has not yet been made:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Health Information Management, AAS

EICC’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management is designed to prepare students for professional certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

The Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates are eligible to sit for the following nationally recognized credentialing exam:

  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Exam – American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Completion of EICC's CAHIIM-accredited program satisfies the national educational requirement to sit for the RHIT examination. Practice as an RHIT is recognized nationally under AHIMA guidelines rather than state-specific professional licensure boards. For more information regarding certification requirements, visit the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Medical Assistant, Diploma

EICC's Diploma in Medical Assistant is designed to prepare students for a career as a Certified Medical Assistant.

The Medical Assistant program prepares students to sit for National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Medical Assistant Certification Exam. Student taking an extra, optional course are also eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam. The Medical Assistant program meets the educational prerequisite to sitting for the exams. 

Medical assisting is not typically a state licensed or registered profession. This means that while most employers require or prefer a recognized certification, medical assistants may not need specific credentials to practice in the field.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. 

Paramedic, Diploma

EICC’s Paramedic program is designed to prepare students for advanced emergency medical services practice and professional Paramedic certification.

The Paramedic program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Graduates are eligible to sit for national registry examinations:

  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic Certification Exam

Successful completion of the program and the NREMT exam meet the educational requirements for Paramedic certification in Iowa through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and in Illinois through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Requirements for Paramedic licensure vary by state and often involve additional criteria, including background checks, state medical director affiliation, applications, and licensing fees. Students are strongly encouraged to verify requirements with the EMS regulatory agency in the state where they intend to practice.

  • States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    Iowa (Iowa Department of Health and Human Services), Illinois (Illinois Department of Public Health)
  • States where programs do not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    None identified
  • States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure/certification has not yet been made:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Practical Nursing, Diploma

EICC's Diploma in Practical Nursing is designed to academically prepare students for a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. 

The Practical Nursing diploma program prepares students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Students must have graduated from an approved program of academic study prior to sitting for the NCLEX-PN examination.

Requirements for licensure for Practical Nurses may vary from state to state and may involve more than successful degree completion and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as completing an application, or paying a fee. Some states offer multiple pathways to achieve licensure.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Students who will be seeking licensure as a Practical Nurse are strongly encouraged to review the licensure requirements at the associated website, linked below where available, for the state in which they intend to practice. 

States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure

States where program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure: .

States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure has not yet been made: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Find other states at ncsbn.org.

Radiologic Technology, AAS

EICC's Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology is designed to prepare students for a career as a licensed Radiologic Technologist.

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) Radiography Examination. Students must have earned an associate degree or higher and have completed an AART-approved educational program prior to sitting for the exam.

Requirements for licensure for Radiologic Technologists may vary from state to state and may involve more than successful degree completion and passing the national certification exam. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as completing an application, or paying a fee. Some states offer multiple pathways to achieve licensure.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Students who will be seeking licensure as a Radiologic Technologist are strongly encouraged to review the licensure requirements at the associated website, linked below where available, for the state in which they intend to practice.

States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure

States where program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure: .

States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure has not yet been made: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Sonography - Diagnostic Cardiac, AAS

EICC’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography prepares students for specialized clinical practice in echocardiography.

The program prepares students to sit for national credentialing examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography:

  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) – American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

While sonography certification is national, state-specific medical imaging licensure requirements vary. Certain states require formal state licensures to operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment, which may involve submitting proof of ARDMS credentialing, passing background checks, and paying state fees.

EICC makes every effort to verify licensure information; however, requirements are subject to change. Students are encouraged to check the specific medical imaging board guidelines for the state in which they plan to practice.

  • States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    Iowa, Illinois
  • States where programs do not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    None identified
  • States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure/certification has not yet been made:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Sonography - Diagnostic Medical, AAS

EICC’s Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography prepares students for clinical practice in general abdominal, obstetrical, and gynecological ultrasound.

The program prepares graduates to take national credentialing examinations through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography:

  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) – American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Requirements for state licensure or practitioner registration in medical sonography vary across jurisdictions. In states that mandate sonographer licensure, holding active ARDMS credentials typically satisfies the primary educational requirement, though states may require an additional application, background check, or fee.

Students are strongly encouraged to review the specific licensing or registration mandates with the state regulatory agency where they intend to seek employment.

  • States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    Iowa, Illinois
  • States where programs do not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification:

    None identified
  • States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure/certification has not yet been made:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Surgical Technology, AAS

EICC's Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology is designed to prepare students for a career as a certified or licensed Surgical Technologist.

The Surgical Technology program prepares students to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Examination. Students must have completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approved educational program prior to sitting for the exam.

State licensure is not required for Surgical Technologists in all states and requirements may vary from state to state. Requirements may involve more than successful degree completion and passing the national certification exam. Graduates who apply for licensure may need to satisfy other requirements, such as completing an application, or paying a fee. Some states offer multiple pathways to achieve licensure.

EICC makes every effort to verify the information provided on requirements for licensure is accurate and up-to-date, however, these requirements are subject to change at any time. Students who will be seeking licensure as a Surgical Technologist are strongly encouraged to review the licensure requirements at the associated website, linked below where available, for the state in which they intend to practice. 

States where program meets the educational requirements for licensure

States where program does not meet the educational requirements for licensure: .

States where a determination regarding the educational requirements for licensure has not yet been made: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Educator Preparation Programs

EICC's transfer majors in Early Childhood Teacher Licensure, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education are intended to prepare students to transfer into teacher licensure baccalaureate programs at partnering institutions. The EICC transfer major does not lead to licensure or certification at the associate degree level.

EICC's Paraeducator Certificate program is intended to prepare students for the Paraeducator Generalist Certification through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.