For Out of State Online Students (non-Virginia)
Blue Ridge Community College is a member of Virginia State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (VA SARA) and the National Council for State Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA) to accept out-of-state students in our online programs and courses.
Institutions that participate in reciprocity through SARA must be aware and comply with notification requirements directed by SARA Policy. The June 12, 2020 NC-SARA Announcement, regarding a revision to the language of Section 5.2 (Programs leading to Professional Licensure), states the following notification requirements that more closely align with Federal regulations:
SARA has no effect on State professional licensing requirements. Any Institution approved to participate in SARA that offers courses or programs designed to lead to Professional Licensure or certification or advertised as leading to Licensure must satisfy all federal requirements for disclosures regarding such Professional Licensure programs under 34 §C.F.R. 668.43. For SARA purposes, these requirements will also apply to non-Title IV institutions.
For SARA purposes, institutions that are unable, after all reasonable efforts, to determine whether a program will meet state professional licensure requirements shall provide the student or applicant with current contact information for any applicable licensing boards, and advise the student or applicant to determine whether the program meets requirements for Licensure in the State where the student or applicant is located.
A jurisdiction’s professional licensing boards often require applicants for licensure to meet multiple requirements, including specific educational requirements. An institution’s program might meet all of the educational requirements in one jurisdiction, but not another (for example, an applicant might need to complete an additional class).
Applicants are also encouraged to seek additional information for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek licensure by contacting the jurisdiction. Additional helpful licensing information can be found at: https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Plan/licensed-occupations.aspx.
Prospective students living outside Virginia interested in degree or certificate programs that require internships, clinicals, or licensure upon graduation should contact their appropriate state licensing board regarding any special limitations on allowable online courses. Currently, any clinical or internship requirement for BRCC online degrees and certificates must be completed at locations within Virginia. Some helpful licensing information can be found in the list below.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
All programs, regardless of modality, are required to provide general (public) and direct (individual) disclosures to students in programs that lead to licensure or certification. This rule applies to educational programs that are either:
Designed to meet education requirements for a specific professional license or certification that is required for employment in an occupation
OR
Advertised as meeting licensure or certification requirements
The following information is intended to publicly disclose any BRCC program, no matter the method of delivery, designed to meet educational requirements for specific licensure or certification that is required for employment or is marketed as such. The impacted programs are noted below.
The following programs prepare students for National Certification. Students from all U.S. states may enroll in these BRCC programs:
| Program | Licensure / Certification | Licensing / Certification / Credentialing Organization Website |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Analysis and Repair | Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | https://www.ase.com/about-ase The BRCC Automotive Analysis and Repair program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). No additional state requirements. |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology | Airframe and Powerplant Ratings | The BRCC Aviation Maintenance Technology program complies with Federal guidelines for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification. No additional state requirements. |
Several BRCC programs prepare students for Virginia state licensure. At this time, Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Emergency Medical Services are not available for students who reside outside the state of Virginia. At the time of application, out-of-state students who request enrollment in Veterinary Technology, Nursing, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Emergency Medical Services will receive an email notification that the program restricts enrollment of out-of-state students. Instructions will be provided on the appeal process. Out-of-state students will be unable to enroll in programs leading to Virginia state licensure unless a determination is made that the program will meet all licensure requirements of the state where the student intends to reside and work. Out-of-state students will be required to provide written attestation that they will seek licensure / employment in a state where the BRCC program meets the licensure requirements.
For further information or to appeal to participate in a program leading to Virginia state licensure, please contact Dave Urso, the Vice President of Academic Affairs at ursod@brcc.edu.
Programs Leading to Virginia State Licensure and Available only to Virginia State Residents:
| Program | Licensure / Certification | Licensing / Certification / Credentialing Organization Website |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Services | National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) | Further information regarding EMS certifications may be found at the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO): https://nasemso.org/ Information regarding Virginia requirement for EMS certification can be found at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-servi |
| Nursing | Registered Nurse | The Uniform Licensing Requirements (ULRs) are found at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCBSN). Please use the following link to see states currently in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): https://nursecompact.com/index.page#map. Further information regarding Nursing may also be found at: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant | BRCC’s career studies certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling is designed to meet the requirements for students to sit for the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) in Virginia. Virginia Department of Health Professions Certification Process Handbook for CSAC-A https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Forms/counseling/CSAC/CSAC_Licensure_Process_Handbook.pdf |
| Veterinary Technology | Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) | List of state veterinary medical associations: https://www.avma.org/about/state-vmas Information regarding Licensed Veterinary Technicians in Virginia can be found at: https://vvma.org/ |
Complaint Resolution
BRCC’s Written Complaint Procedure is described in the BRCC Catalog and Student Handbook. BRCC strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner. Nothing in the procedure prevents a student from discussing a complaint or grievance informally with any appropriate College employee, but students must follow the specific procedures and timelines in the Student Handbook to initiate a formal grievance.
In accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), the complaint procedures outlined in the BRCC Catalog and Student Handbook are subject to oversight by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) for complaints arising from students living outside Virginia who are enrolled in online course(s) through BRCC online. If an issue cannot be resolved by BRCC’s internal processes, students may file a formal complaint directly with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.