Northern Illinois University
School of Nursing
College of Health and Human Sciences

State Authorization

NIU is approved to offer online programs under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) in all states except for California, Massachusetts and Maryland (current SARA approved states). Illinois is a member of National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and NIU is an approved SARA institution.

It is your responsibility to know any special requirements in your state of residence.

Professional Licensure

Important notice for prospective students: If you plan to enroll in a program that would lead to professional licensure in the state in which you reside, it is highly recommended you first check with the appropriate licensing agency in your state of residence. Do this before beginning an academic program located outside your state of residence.

It is your responsibility to contact appropriate state licensing boards in your home state to confirm whether an NIU program will meet requirements for licensure there. See Contact information for state nursing boards.