Out-of-State Students
Your location matters!
Bucks County Community College is:
- Located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
- Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
- Authorized as an institution of higher education by the state of Pennsylvania.
- A member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
- Bucks may offer online courses and internships to students in other SARA member states in accordance with the terms and provisions of SARA.
- Currently forty-nine states plus the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico participate in SARA.
- California does not participate in SARA.
The state a student resides in while completing an educational activity, such as an internship or an online course, is the state that has authority to regulate the activity.
As an out-of-state student, should you have a complaint, please follow the procedures found under Consumer Information. In the unlikely event Bucks is unable to resolve your complaint:
- Students in SARA member states may lodge an appeal with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Students in California may utilize the complaint process within their own state.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Academic programs at Bucks County Community College that lead to licensure or certification prepare students for professional licensure within the state of Pennsylvania and are designed to meet Pennsylvania state requirements. However, laws and regulations surrounding professional licensure vary from state to state. If you are a student in one of our licensure programs and intend to practice in another state, there may be a need to additional education requirements and/or special authorization from the professional licensing/certification in your state. Your academic department will notify you regarding out-of-state-licensure and work with you to research the requirements for your state.
While we strive to maintain current information on state licensure and certification as applicable to our programs, state laws continue to evolve related to licensure and other academic and non-academic requirements. It is important for students to be aware of these licensure requirements so that they may retain licensing eligibility.
Additional Licensure/Certification Information
Nursing, ASN
In Pennsylvania – Meets requirements
The Associate of Science in Nursing at Bucks County Community College is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Upon program fulfillment, students will complete the NCLEX and can apply for state licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in Pennsylvania.
Outside of Pennsylvania – Does not meet requirements
While the NCLEX exam is valid in all 50 states, license reciprocity is not automatically granted. Students who pass the NCLEX exam and intend to practice in another state can apply for licensure by contacting that state’s Board of Nursing. State licensing requirements and contact information can be found at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
International Students
International students can register for Bucks County Community College online courses only if you will be located within the United States while taking the course. However, Bucks is not authorized to teach students located outside of the U.S. Please do not register for an online course if you will not be located within the states while taking the course.
Students Traveling Abroad
Students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents traveling outside of the U.S. for studies or vacation may enroll in an online course. However, be aware that a number of Bucks' online courses require proctored testing. In-person proctored testing must occur in the U.S. If permitted by your instructor, students traveling abroad may use ProctorU testing services. Students will be responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate equipment and connections. We strongly recommend that you:
- Test your equipment prior to exam day
- Have a strong and reliable internet connection
- Select the correct time zone when you schedule your exam