State Authorization

University of Colorado Denver, comprised of CU Anschutz and CU Denver, offers degree programs that lead to professional licensure with the State of Colorado and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Current and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state’s licensure entity where they intend to practice using the links provided to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by the state(s) of choice.

This information is provided per U.S. Department of Education - Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) and in compliance with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) Policy Manual. These disclosures are strictly limited to the university’s determination of whether the degree programs, if successfully completed, would be sufficient to meet the educational licensure or certification requirements in a state. States vary in which professions are required to be licensed and how licensure functions. The terms related to licensure and certification, among others, also vary by state as well. Some states require individuals to complete additional requirements that are unrelated to educational prerequisites. The University cannot provide verification of an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. 

These disclosures do not provide any guarantee that any particular state licensure or certification entity will approve or deny an application. Additionally, these disclosures do not account for changes in state law or regulation that may affect an application for licensure that occurs after these disclosures have been made. Students should check the Professional Licensure material before registering for classes each session for the most up-to-date information.

As a member of NC-SARA, the University is allowed to provide distance learning programs (both online and learning placements) and coursework to students located in states other than Colorado. Membership does not grant reciprocity or exemption from state professional licensing requirements. Licensing requirements in Colorado may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in other states.

The University shall not be held liable if a student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction.

School of Medicine – Anesthesiologist Assistant

The Master of Science in Anesthesiology Program takes great pride in offering students the highest caliber of training from our faculty and the clinical opportunities provided by a world class facility. Currently, not all states require a professional license to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment. 

School of Medicine – Doctor of Medicine

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) educational program is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The LCME is recognized by the Department of Education as the accrediting agency for medical education programs leading to the MD degree. For medical licensure, most State Medical Boards require that following completion of the MD degree, applicants for licensure take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) during post-graduate residency training. The School of Medicine has determined that with its LCME accreditation, its MD program curriculum meets the educational requirements to take the USMLE and to pursue medical licensure in all states and territories of the United States. Medical licensure requirements can change at any time, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are seeking employment.

School of Medicine – Physical Therapy 

Physical Therapy program is leading discovery and innovation to improve movement, participation, health, and wellness for individuals and society through excellence in education, research, clinical care, and service. Licensure requirements can change at any time, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

School of Medicine – Physician Assistant 

Founded in 1968, the Physician Assistant ("PA") Program is consistently ranked as one of the best PA programs in the country. The program is a master’s level, primary care PA program preparing graduates to provide comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. Licensure requirements can change at any time; therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

School of Dental Medicine

The only dental school located in the Rocky Mountain region, the School of Dental Medicine is a leader in innovation. Students learn in all dimensions from virtual reality to the real world. The school provides inter-professional experience, research activities and patient care. Patients can get quality care by our esteemed faculty, staff and students. Licensure requirements can change at any time, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

Graduate School – Genetic Counseling

The University offers a 21 month Genetic Counseling Master’s program. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) for the training of master's level genetic counselors. The comprehensive curriculum combines in-depth didactic coursework in the scientific, clinical, psychosocial and professional practice aspects of genetic counseling with extensive, hands-on clinical experience in pediatric, prenatal, adult and specialty genetics clinics. Currently, not all states require a professional license to practice as a genetic counselor, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

College of Nursing

At the College of Nursing, students learn in an environment that is steeped in history and driven by the future. CU Nursing baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral students learn with state-of-the art technology and advanced learning methods on the world-class Anschutz Medical Campus. The offerings include traditional, online and accelerated programs and continuing education. Licensure requirements can change at any time, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 

At the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, students from around the globe learn from award-winning faculty in a world-class medical setting. Hands-on training is dynamic, interprofessional and career-driven. From our entry-level PharmD program to flexible online degrees, our curriculum is innovative and agile, preparing students to be leaders in the emerging pharmacy careers of the future. Licensure requirements can change at any time, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the applicable licensing board in the state where they are hoping for employment.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that certain information be disclosed in a clear, prominent, user-friendly and easily understood manner to enable students to make an informed choice.

Looking for CU Denver Campus State Authorization information?