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US Licensure Organizations
Seeking Professional US Licensure
Getting a professional license in the US usually requires meeting standards set by a Licensing Organization. Entering a profession may require more schooling at US graduate schools; however, neither graduation nor a specific degree automatically qualifies a student to work in certain professions in the US. To get a professional license in some professions will require passing certain exams.
Getting a License in the US
To work in some professions in the US, an individual must obtain a license. Licensure grants that individual the authority to practice the profession. Many professions require a license from the government. US licensure usually takes place at the state level and is intended to ensure the public that the professional is competent to practice in the particular area of interest.
Generally, professionals become licensed through training or by passing an exam. In many fields, the person seeking US licensure must obtain an advanced degree before becoming eligible for the license.
Not every profession requires a license, but those that do have a set of standards that need to be met before getting licensed. People holding foreign degrees will need to pass all the requirements for getting a license in the US.
Professions That Need US Licensure
The following professions require US licensure before someone is legally allowed to practice it in the US: law, medicine, architecture, education and accounting. The chosen professions are not the only professions that require US licensure. However, they are well-known and sought-after professions.
Each licensed profession has an organization that monitors and represents the interests of the profession. While it is not mandatory for licensed professionals to join the national organizations, most will need to join the state organizations where they wish to practice.
It is important for foreign professionals to contact US licensure organizations to determine what they will need to do to become licensed in the US.
The American Bar Association
In the field of law, the most popular US licensure organization is the American Bar Association (ABA). This organization has more than 400,000 members and provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public. US lawyers are not required to join the ABA, but they are required to join the various licensing organizations in the jurisdictions where they desire to practice.
The American Medical Association
The field of medicine offers a variety of US licensure organizations to its professionals, depending on the practiced profession.
For instance, the American Medical Association (AMA) is an organization that assists licensed doctors on issues such as health care advocacy, community involvement, continuing education, and professional resources and standards. In all areas of medicine, a government license must be issued to a practicing health professional in order for them to practice in the state or territory where they desire to work.
The National Education Association
The National Education Association (NEA) represents the interests of educators across the US. The NEA’s primary focus is maintaining success and achievement in US schools, while holding members of Congress accountable regarding public education. Being a member of the NEA does not qualify an individual to teach. An individual wishing to teach usually must obtain a teaching certificate in the state where they wish to teach. This state certificate is equivalent to a teaching license.
It is a good idea for foreign professionals to check out some of the US licensure organizations before pursuing a certain profession right away. These organizations provide an interested individual with a good idea of what to expect from the profession. They also provide you with a wealth of contact information and other services. Plus, those that are enthusiastic about a certain field will certainly find that same enthusiasm in one of the organizations.
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