Distance Learning/Online & Licensure Reciprocity

Home / distance learning/online & licensure reciprocity

 

Contact Information
Technical Service Desk Assistance with Canvas 24/7 – Canvas Support  Helpful Links
(M-F) 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (M-F) 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  887-875-8359 Wastewater Program
  MECC Help Desk Email: Canvas Administrator  Chat with Canvas Support Wampler Library 

 

 

Mountain Empire Community College provides distance learning opportunities for its students who are unable to attend classes on the college campus or who prefer the online learning environment. The distance learning opportunities at MECC meet all quality standards set forth for traditional on-campus programs to carry out the mission of the College and to support the initiatives of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

Canvas is the cloud based learning management system used by MECC.  Mountain Empire Community College requires that all students either use a secure login or passcode to take online courses.

Distance education courses at Mountain Empire Community College can also require proctored assignments, including examinations. A proctored environment is provided on campus in the testing center located in the Office of Student Services. Students completing proctored assignments or exams in the testing center are required to verify their identity by presenting their college ID or another acceptable form of identification as stipulated in the MECC Testing Center Guidelines. Students who are unable to take proctored assignments on-campus can arrange for an alternate proctored environment through MECC’s Assistant Coordinator of Distance Education.  MECC does not charge any additional fees for the purpose of verifying student identity. If external identity verification services are required or if the student chooses to use such services, the student is responsible for any and all costs incurred.

 

Distance Learning privacy statement:

MECC protects the privacy of all students, including distance learning students, through the strict adherence to the rules of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended (FERPA). The official FERPA statement is available for student and public view through the MECC website and in the MECC College Catalog and Student Handbook.  All Mountain Empire Community College employees complete required annual training in FERPA rules.

 

Distance Learning privacy procedures:

Student identification number

MECC issues each student a student identification number (EMPLID) at the time of initial registration and each college employee upon date of employment. These student and employee IDs become the unique identifiers for all individuals throughout their academic and professional career at MECC. The user ID is required for both students and faculty to access MECC’s online class environment through the My MECC online portal.  The college utilizes the Canvas learning management system which is a secure environment for faculty members to post assignments and exams while ensuring the privacy of individual student’s assessments and grades.

Each course listed in the student information system for enrollment in a semester is assigned a course space in Canvas.  Faculty gain access to this course space when their employee ID is assigned to the course by the college.  Each student registered in a class will be connected to the course roster within the student information system and identified to both the instructor and the Canvas course space by their individual student ID.

Secure Login and Password:  Each distance learning faculty and student enters his/her ID into the My MECC portal.  This combination of user ID and password identifies faculty and students to the system on each subsequent course visit.

·         All parties accept responsibility for the security of their personal passwords.

·         The My MECC system requires passwords to be updated every ninety (90) days.

·         Student data within Canvas are inaccessible to other students and outside intruders.

·         Faculty data within Canvas are inaccessible to students and outside intruders.

 

Proctored Examinations

Distance education courses at MECC can require proctored assignments including examinations. A proctored environment is provided on campus in the testing center located in the student services office. The identities of students taking proctored assignments in the testing center are verified by requiring that students present their college photo ID (or another acceptable form of identification) before each assignment is administered. Information on testing requirements are outlined in the MECC Testing Center Policies and Procedures document, which is posted on the MECC Testing Center webpage. Students who are unable to take proctored assignments on campus can arrange for an alternate proctored environment through MECC’s Coordinator for Distance Education.

Confidential information including grades, private contact information, or personal information directly attributed to a student is transmitted through secure interaction.

 

Shared Services Distance Learning (SSDL)

MECC also offers Services Distance Learning (SSDL) courses through Northern Virginia Community College’s SSDL. Students have the opportunity to take unique online courses that offer a broader choice of career and educational content. These shared courses can also help those students with a few course requirements to complete degree requirements. Course descriptions are available on the VCCS website.

While it’s true that online courses bring greater flexibility and convenience to taking college courses, online and hybrid courses are best suited for self-motivated students who are comfortable with independent learning. Before registering for any MECC Distance Learning course, you should make sure that you have certain technology-based skills. Prior to registering, it is recommended that students review this Skills Checklist to see if they are prepared to participate in distance learning courses:

Basic Skills

  1. Locate a file on hard drive, USB flash drive, and/or server
  2. Save a file to a specific drive and folder
  3. Change drives
  4. Connect to an ISP
  5. Navigate between two or more applications without closing and reopening (multi-tasking)

 

Web Browser Skills

  1. Go to a specific URL
  2. Print a page
  3. Follow a hyperlink
  4. Conduct a basic search using a search engine

 

Email Skills

  1. Use an Internet address
  2. Enter a message subject
  3. Reply to a message
  4. Send a message
  5. Open a message
  6. Forward a message
  7. Create a folder
  8. Save a message into a specific folder
  9. Delete a file
  10. Add a name to the address book
  11. Retrieve a name from the address book
  12. Paste text from a word processor
  13. Send an attachment
  14. Open and/or save an attachment

 

Word Processor Skills

  1. Open a new file
  2. Open an existing file
  3. Save a file
  4. Rename (Save As) a file
  5. Cut, copy, and paste text
  6. Format text
  7. Change line spacing
  8. Print a document
  • MECC Online Courses: Online courses may be taken anywhere there is access to the Internet. While classroom attendance is not required, your instructor may require synchronous weekly sessions.
  • Shared Services Distance Learning Courses (SSDL): SSDL courses are online courses available to MECC students through a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)’s Extended Learning Institute (ELI). Students register for, pay for, and take the class like any MECC class. There is an SSDL Liaison on campus to help students navigate through some of the different requirements of taking an SSDL course.
  • Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses combine classroom learning with online learning. In a hybrid course, a significant portion of the class learning activities are online, which reduces the amount of time spent in a traditional, face-to-face classroom. Students benefit from the quality instruction and flexibility of both the online and classroom learning environments.
  • Water/Wastewater MOOC:  Water/Wastewater courses are available on MECC’s Water/Wastewater Distance Learning website.  Classes taken through this program can be applied to an Associate in Applied Science Degree with a Water/ Wastewater Specialization. The information on the Water/Wastewater site is totally free; however, only those who are officially enrolled in the courses will receive credit and be allowed access to assignments and exams.

Good habits and regular participation are the foundation for success in distance learning. MECC has established some essential policies and practices to ensure your success.

  • Online Attendance - Distance Learning students need to establish a regular study schedule and must communicate with their instructors frequently.  Students must follow a schedule of assignments, testing, and other attendance criteria established by their instructors. This will involve at least one activity each week.
  • Placement Testing - Students may be required to take placement tests and complete all recommendations and prerequisites before enrolling in a distance learning course.
  • On Campus Meetings - Some courses may require some on-campus meetings such as labs and clinicals.  Some online programs have required synchronous online sessions that you will attend through a virtual classroom in Canvas. Any required campus or virtual meeting will be listed in section notes of the course schedule.
    Proctored Testing - For many courses, students will be required to take proctored tests/exams at MECC's Testing Center.

Computer Literacy

Distance Learning courses require students who have the computer knowledge and skills to:

  • send and receive emails with attachments
  • conduct Web searches
  • download information from the Web to your computer
  • recognize and use links
  • find, download, and install programs and plug-ins from safe sources
  • do basic word processing, such as formatting, cutting and pasting, and inserting graphics
  • navigate effectively between two or more applications
  • scan for and remove computer viruses
  • Successful completion of ITE 119 is strongly recommended

You may also MECC's computer labs. Failure of your computer is not justification for failure to complete your work. Make sure you have a back-up available. If you cannot come to one of our campus computer labs, you will need to find another alternate. Some courses may require additional software.

Hardware/Software Requirements

Basic Computer Specifications for Canvas

Canvas Supported Browsers

MECC offers several learning applications to facilitate access on mobile devices. These applications will help to keep you connected and allow your learning journey to continue across time and location.

VCCS Mobile is your gateway to college services and information. This app is available for Android and iOS (Apple) mobile devices. Download it from your app store and select your college. You can navigate between VCCS colleges if you attend more than one. VCCS Mobile will give you access to course listings, the student information system (SIS), academic and events calendars, library, campus directory, and a map to campus. It even provides quick access to emergency numbers for each campus. It is a mobile tool box that you can keep in your hand.

Canvas Student Mobile provides mobile access to your courses on our Canvas. Using Canvas Student Mobile, you can accomplish much of your classwork on the go while hanging out or in transit (not while driving). Download it from the app store for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and webOS mobile devices.

Special Note for Out of State Online Students (non-Virginia) State Authorization and Student Complaint Process

State Authorization is a legal issue dealing with an institution’s adherence to state requirements for colleges to secure authorization to offer instruction in that state.  Mountain Empire Community College has been approved by Virginia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of post-secondary distance education.

Mountain Empire Community College has entered into a regional reciprocity agreement through 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.

Enrolled students who change their address must update their information inside the Student Information System.

 

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 MECC program, no matter the method of delivery, designed to meet educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification that is required for employment or is marketed as such.   The impacted programs are noted below.

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 check with their individual states regarding any special limitations on allowable online courses.

Licensure Table
Program Licensure Meets state educational requirements for licensure Does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure MECC has not made a determination on licensure reciprocity  State Licensure Information  VA Licensure Information 

Other

Helpful

Websites  
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner(Computer Networking. Computer Software Specialist, Cybersecurity)   AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY         

VANational Certification
Certified Ethical Hacker(CEH) (Cybersecurity Program)  CEH  AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY        

National Certification  
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) (Medical Office Coding Procedures) CPC   AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY        

 National Certification
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialists (CEHRS)    (Administrative Support Technology – Medical Office Specialist and Medical Records Technician  CEHRS  AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY         

 

National Certification  
 Dental Assisting    Not yet determined  Not yet determined  Not yet determined  DANB Requirements

 

VA State Requirements

www.danb.org

Post-Secondary-Dental-Assisting-Programs
 Electrician Tradesmen     Not yet determined  Not yet determined  Not yet determined  National Assoc. of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification

Virginia Dept.

of Education

 		  www.dpor.virginia.gov/ 
 Emergency Medical Services  NREMT  AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO,  NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY  IL, MT   https://www.nremt.org/ 

Virginia Dept.

of Education

 		  DPHHS/PublicHealth
 Gas Fitters Recert Tradesmen              www.dpor.virginia.gov/
Health Information Management    Not yet determined; national certification Not yet determined; national certification  Not yet determined; national certification  cahiim.org   

 www.dpor.virginia.gov/Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) | AHIMA
HVAC    Not yet determined  Not yet determined  Not yet determined  faradaycareers.com  

 
Medical Office Coding and Procedures     Not yet determined Not yet determined   Not yet determined  Academy  

 
 Nursing Assistant   CNA  Not yet determined      Registries  

 

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) | NCSBN

Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT
 Nursing  RN  AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA,
ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME,
MD, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH,
NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, RI
SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT,
WA, WV, WI, WY		 Nevada
Oregon 

US Virgin Islands

Guam
Alaska
California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New York
Pennsylvania

 		 State Regulations and Map   

 

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT
Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate (Computer Software Specialist)   AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY         

 education.oracle.com
 Paralegal   CP  AK, AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY No state licensure requirements  No state licensure requirements   Paralegal Certification  

 nala.org
 Pharmacy Technician  PTCB CPhT        State Regulations and Map  

 

Boards of Pharmacy National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (nabp.pharmacy)

TechRegistration

Technician-program-accreditation

Technician
Phlebotomy             

 

Program Application

www.nationalphlebotomy.org
 Plumbers Tradesmen            

 www.dpor.virginia.gov
 Practical Nursing   LPN  AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA,
ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME,
MD, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH,
NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, RI
SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT,
WA, WV, WI, WY		 Nevada
Oregon 

US Virgin Islands

Guam
Alaska
California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Hawaii
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New York
Pennsylvania

 		 State Regulations and Map  VA Board Nursing 

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT

 
Real Estate Licensure   Real Estate Program    AL, CO, ME, MI, VAPartial ReciprocityGA, TN, WV  AK, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY

 

    

 
 Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)  (Health Information Management Program) RHIT   CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY  

 

    

 
 Respiratory Therapy   RRTCRT  AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY  

 

AK – Currently do not have a state licensure for RT

 The National Board for Respiratory Care (nbrc.org)  www.dhp.virginia.gov 

 ractitionerportal.nbrc.org
 Truck Driving CDL     Not yet determined  Not yet determined

 Not yet determined

  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. (FMCSA)  Virginia Dept of Motor Vehicles

 
 Waterworks/ Wastewater Works Facility Operator      

 

    

 www.dpor.virginia.gov/
 Waste Management Facility Operator      

 

    

 www.dpor.virginia.gov/
 Welding     Not yet determined  Not yet determined

 Not yet determined

  www.aws.org Virginia Dept. of Transportation 

 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

 

 

MECC recommends that any student enrolling in a program at MECC leading to external licensure or certification contact the state board, or agency of the program in the state which they wish to practice, for the most complete and up to date information regarding licensure, registration, and certification.  In addition to educational requirements, an agency or board may require additional criteria be met for licensure, certification, registration, etc.  Interested students can click the License Finder | CareerOneStop website for contact information of state licensing agency bodies, by program and/or by state.  Students can also investigate if the occupation requires a license on the License Finder link on the  Licensed Occupations | CareerOneStop website.

Sources cited:

The Uniform Licensing Requirements (ULRs) are found at: https://www.ncsbn.org/NLC_ULRs.pdf

States currently in the NLC are found at:  Home | NURSECOMPACT

A list of all state requirements is found at:  https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm

For further information regarding EMS certifications, visit nasemso.org.

Further information regarding RT state licensure requirements may be found at:  https://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-society-resources/state-licensure-contacts/

Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:

The National Assoc. of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) has ruled EMS provider licensure and certification to be synonymous and National Registry certification is recognized for reciprocity in 48 of our 50 states.

Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:

The Mountain Empire Community College ADN program meets all Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for pre-licensure nursing education programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  In addition, the Mountain Empire Community College ADN program meets all requirements for nationally recognized accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing.

The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with multiple (see table) other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. Information listed is current per NCSBN as of July 1, 2020.

Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:

The Mountain Empire Community College RT program meets all the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and remains in good standing with this national accrediting body. All students upon successful graduation from the program are eligible to sit for their national boards through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This program accreditation and national board credentialing will allow graduates to obtain licensure in 49 of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Alaska currently does not have a state licensure mandate for RT. But the graduate would still be able to obtain employment in Alaska upon completion of this program.

Licensure endorsement is available in 49 of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.

Mountain Empire Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

MECC’s Student Complaint Policy is described on the Student Complaints – Mountain Empire Community College (mecc.edu) and within the College Catalog. MECC 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. Students should follow carefully the steps outlined in the Student Complaint Policy to ensure proper and timely resolution of their complaint. Complaints must follow the college’s customary resolution procedure prior to being referred to SCHEV.

MECC's  Student Grievance Process is detailed at www.mecc.edu/students/catalog-and-student-handbook/.  MECC strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve your grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner.

In accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), the complaint procedures outlined in the Student Handbook are subject to oversight of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in complaints arising from students living outside Virginia who are enrolled in online course(s) through MECC.

SCHEV Student Complaint Process. Complaints must follow the college’s customary resolution procedure prior to being referred SCHEV under State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) procedures. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.

sara_seal_group_2024_participating.pngMountain Empire Community College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

 

MyMECC Visit Apply to MECC
#linkData($cta) ${linkLabel}