State Authorization Regulations

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts.

•  Expands access to educational offerings.
•  Should lead to better resolution of complaints from students in SARA states.
•  Reduces a rapidly growing institutional cost that is in one way or another passed along to students.
•  Should enhance overall quality of distance education

Out-of-state students interested in a professional licensure program at Washington State College of Ohio should first contact their home state licensing agency or the professional association (see list below). Ohio licensing requirements may not apply in other states. SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state’s licensure requirements in order for a graduate to be eligible for a license.

•  Nursing Professional Licensure: National Council of State Boards of Nursing
•  Massage Therapy Professional Licensure: Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
•  Medical Laboratory Technology Professional Licensure: American Society for Clinical Pathology 
•  Radiologic Technology Professional Licensure: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
•  Respiratory Therapy Professional Licensure: National Board for Respiratory Care 

Student Complaints: Students who are enrolled in a Washington State College of Ohio course who have a complaint about a course or experience should complete the WSCO Complaint Form. If necessary, students may also contact WSCO state licensing agency - Ohio Department of Higher Education, 25 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-466-6000, or the college's accreditor - Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, 800-621-7440.

Students residing outside Ohio who are taking course work at a distance and desire to resolve a grievance, will be directed to the appropriate college person(s). If an issue cannot be resolved internally, students may file a complaint with their state of residence. State Entity contact information can be found at State Portal Entity Contacts.