PODCAST · education
Journey To Licensure ®️
by Journey To Licensure ®️
SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING &; PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION.Journey To Licensure provides licensure exam prep, professional mentoring and wellness consultation to social workers. Individual & Holistic Wellness Coaching to social workers taking the master level and clinical examinations. This services includes a self-care assessment and plan that incorporates mindfulness stress reduction techniques and coping skills to manage daily stressors while maintaining focus on licensing exam preparation. Group Coaching to social workers in a group setting, peer support.
Episodes
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Season 3, Ep. 3: Three Setbacks, One Breakthrough: Marvin, LCSW
Three unsuccessful attempts. One breakthrough! 🎓 In Season 3, Episode 3 of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, welcomes Marvin McMiller, LCSW, a graduate of the Eight-Week Licensing Exam Mastery™ Group. Marvin shares how he moved beyond memorization, strengthened his clinical...
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Season 3, Ep. 2: Bet on Yourself: Jewel's LCSW Comeback
What happens when you stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting what you know? In Season 3, Episode 2 of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, sits down with Jewel Bowlding, LCSW-C, for an inspiring conversation about testing anxiety, clinical reasoning, perseverance, and...
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Season 3, Ep. 1: Kevin Murphy | Starting Over at 52
Starting Over at 52: It's Never Too Late to Pursue Your Purpose. In the Season 3 premiere of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, sits down with Kevin Murphy to discuss his powerful journey from nursing to clinical licensure. From navigating ageism and career setbacks to passing...
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Season_2 - 175 - Your Test Is Your Testimony: Tiara Johnson’s LCSW Victory
After three years of setbacks, test anxiety, and self-doubt, Tiara Johnson finally saw the word PASS on her LCSW exam screen. In this powerful conversation with exam coach Shara Ruffin, Tiara shares her journey from tears of failure to triumph, how she learned to manage anxiety, and the mindset...
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Season_2 - 174 - Sayida’s Next Chapter: From Licensed to Liberated” - (Part 2):
In Part 2 of Sayida Farmer’s journey, we catch up after she passed her LCSW exam — to explore what life looks like after the win. Sayida opens up about the emotional shifts, renewed confidence, and what it really feels like to move from surviving to thriving. She shares the inner healing that...
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Season_2 - 173 - Sayida’s LCSW Comeback: Passed After 20 Years - Part 1
In this powerful episode, Sayida Farmer opens up about her 20-year journey to finally passing her LCSW exam. After failing the exam three times in the past by just five points total, Sayida faced major hurdles: severe test anxiety, sensory sensitivities, possible undiagnosed ADHD, and deep-rooted...
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Season_2 - 172 - Christal Journey, LMSW: Passing After 6 Attempts
After five failed tries, Christal Dewberry, LMSW refused to quit. On her sixth attempt, she finally passed her exam—just one point over the cutoff. In this episode, Christal shares how she overcame setbacks, trusted her instincts, and leaned on community support to reach her goal.Her story is a...
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Season_2 - 171 - Trust the Process: Kimberly’s Path to Becoming an LCSW
After three failed attempts, Kimberly Simmonds finally passed her LCSW exam—and her story is pure inspiration. With coaching, strategy cheat sheets, and mindset shifts, she overcame self-doubt, test anxiety, and perfectionism to achieve her dream. If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks…
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Season_2 - 170 - Tears of Joy: Kimberly Simmonds Passes Her LCSW Exam on the 4th Try
On her 4th try, Kimberly Simmonds called her coach in tears of joy — she finally passed her LCSW exam. In this emotional conversation, Kimberly shares how faith, strategy cheat sheets, and trusting the process helped her push past anxiety and self-doubt to reach her dream. Her journey is proof…
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Season_2 - 169 - From 2 Points Short to LMSW and Career Breakthrough
After missing the LMSW exam by just two points, Jabari Douglas faced family caregiving, health challenges, and a demanding career. With coaching, he not only passed the exam but also rebuilt his professional brand—attracting recruiters before test day. His story shows how resilience and strategy...
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Season_2 - 168 - Faith’s First-Time Win: From TikTok Follower to Licensed Social Worker
In this episode, Shara Ruffin sits down with Faith Loyal, a new graduate who discovered Journey To Licensure on TikTok after following Shara on YouTube in 2024. Faith joined the April 2025 Mastery Group and, without even taking a practice exam, passed her LMSW on the first attempt. Faith shares…
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Season_2 - 167 - Afro-Latina Social Worker’s LCSW Triumph
After two near misses, Edith — an Afro-Latina social worker — faced test anxiety and self-doubt head-on. With strategy, structure, and support from Journey To Licensure®, she passed her LCSW on the third try in August 2025.
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Season_2 - 166 - LMSW Success: Tracie-Anne’s First Try
Newly licensed social worker Tracie-Anne, LMSW shares how she passed her exam on the first try after joining the Journey To Licensure® 5-Week Mastery Group Program. From battling imposter syndrome to finding confidence through structure and mindset coaching, her story shows that success is…
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Season_2 - 165 - She Beat Cancer. She Beat the Exam. Meet Tonia Jones LMSW
Tonia Jones, MSW, shares her inspiring journey from battling cancer and navigating ADHD and anxiety to passing her LMSW exam on her second attempt in June 2025. After first testing in 2022, she found success through faith, resilience, and support from Journey To Licensure® coaching and the…
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Season_2 - 164 - Kystral Boyd’s LCSW Exam Success Story
In this powerful episode of Journey to Licensure, host Shara Ruffin, LCSW sits down with kystral Boyd, LCSW, to share her remarkable journey of resilience, faith, and determination. Kystral Boyd, LCSW, shares how she turned six exam failures, personal loss, and job loss into success—finally…
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Season_2 - 163 - Healing in Our Shoes: Black Men, Mental Health, and the Power of Purpose with Gary T. Taylor, LCSW
In this powerful episode of the Journey To Licensure Podcast, we sit down with Gary T. Taylor, LCSW—also known as Trey—a therapist, professor, doctoral researcher, and racial equity consultant who brings heart, depth, and lived experience to every space he enters. From the rural roots of Caroline...
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Season_2 - 162 - Unlock Your Social Work Potential: Pass the LCSW Exam & Thrive
If you feel stuck in your social work career or dream of moving into clinical, leadership, or travel social work, this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure® is for you. Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares how countless social workers have transformed their futures by conquering the licensure exam…
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Season_2 - 161 - Break Free from Exam Overwhelm: Master Your Social Work Study Plan
In this powerful episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reveals why a structured study plan is the key to conquering test anxiety and social work exam overwhelm. Discover how prioritizing your weak areas, tracking your progress, and following a personalized study roadmap can save…
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Season_2 - 160 - Breaking the Cycle: Real Accountability & Exam Success for Social Workers
Feeling left behind by study groups or struggling to stay motivated on your licensure journey? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, we unravel why traditional study groups often fall short—and how real, ongoing accountability can be your game-changer. Georgia James shares honest...
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Season_2 - 159 - Exam Stress No More: Mastering Test Anxiety for Social Work Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down how anxiety impacts your brain during high-stakes social work exams like the LCSW and LMSW. Discover what really causes your mind to go blank under pressure—and learn science-backed strategies to overcome test...
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Season_2 - 158 - Defeating Test Anxiety: Structure Your Social Work Exam Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the root of exam stress—lack of structure. If you're overwhelmed by endless study guides and second-guessing your every move, Shara shares how a step-by-step study system takes the guesswork out of LCSW or LMSW exam...
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Season_2 - 157 - Stop Study Overwhelm: Master Your LCSW/LMSW Exam Prep Strategy
Ever feel lost in a sea of study programs and still not seeing results? You’re not alone. In this empowering episode of Journey To Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks why juggling multiple ASWB exam resources can actually sabotage your learning—and shares her proven, personalized approach to...
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Season_2 - 156 - Defeating Test Anxiety: Ashley’s 11th Attempt LCSW Exam Victory
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares Ashley’s courageous story of grit and growth after ten unsuccessful social work exam attempts. Discover how personalized exam prep, CBT techniques, and a strategic study plan helped Ashley silence self-doubt and see...
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Season_2 - 155 - Building Exam Resilience: Bounce Back Stronger on Your LCSW Journey
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks the true meaning of resilience for social work exam takers. Discover actionable strategies to turn setbacks, test anxiety, and study struggles into powerful growth opportunities on your LCSW or LMSW journey. Shara...
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Season_2 - 154 - Beat Self-Study Burnout: Structure & Accountability for Social Work Exam Success
Are you stuck on the self-study struggle bus while prepping for your LCSW or LMSW exams? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Charles uncovers why so many social workers feel lost or overwhelmed with exam prep—and shares empowering strategies to build structure, clarity, and…
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Season_2 - 153 - Breaking the Cycle: Conquering Test Anxiety for LCSW Success
Are repeated exam attempts draining your confidence and wallet? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, we spotlight Naomi’s inspiring path from test anxiety and frustration to passing her master-level exam after seven attempts. Discover how a personalized coaching plan, targeted exam...
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Season_2 - 152 - More Than Exam Scores: Uplifting Your Social Work Journey to Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reminds aspiring social workers that their worth can’t be defined by a single test score. Discover how to move past test anxiety, celebrate your dedication, and find confidence through every step of your licensure exam prep....
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Season_2 - 151 - Overcoming Multiple Exam Failures: Tiffany’s Blueprint for LCSW Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin gets real about the emotional toll of failing the social work licensure exam—sometimes over and over. Listen as Tiffany Lennox’s inspiring story takes center stage: after 11 unsuccessful attempts, changing her study strategy and...
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Season_2 - 150 - Beating Study Overwhelm: A Strategic Path to LCSW Exam Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the stress and confusion that comes from juggling too many exam prep resources. Shara reveals why having more study tools can actually hurt your progress—and how a focused, strategic plan makes all the difference for...
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Season_2 - 149 - Reframe Exam Stress: Empowering Mindset Shifts for Social Work Success
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, we dive deep into the power of reframing negative thoughts to conquer exam anxiety and fuel your journey to LCSW or LMSW success. Learn Shara’s signature three-step process for turning self-doubt into self-confidence—so you can show up empowered…
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Season_2 - 148 - Mastering Exam Anxiety: Stress-Busting Secrets for Social Work Success
Ever feel your heart race just thinking about the LCSW or LMSW exams? In this empowering episode, Shara Ruffin, LCSW and founder of Journey To Licensure, breaks down what exam anxiety really is and why it’s totally normal—even helpful—on your road to social work success. Shara shares her favorite...
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Season_2 - 147 - Break Free from Exam Anxiety: Smart Social Work Study Strategies
Is anxiety sabotaging your licensure exam prep? In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW and founder of Journey To Licensure®, uncovers the hidden signs of unhealthy exam anxiety— from perfectionism and over-studying to physical burnout— and explains how to break...
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Season_2 - 146 - Progress Over Perfection: Conquer Test Anxiety and Thrive in Exam Prep
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, unpacks the power of embracing progress—not perfection—on your path to LCSW or LMSW exam success. Discover how shifting your mindset can keep you moving forward, reduce test anxiety, and help you celebrate every small victory...
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Season_2 - 145 - Bouncing Back After Exam Failure: Social Work Test Prep That Works
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, gets real about the shame and frustration that come with failing the LCSW or LMSW exam—and why it’s not the end of your path. Shara shares empowering strategies to turn setbacks into a setup for exam success, from shifting…
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Season_2 - 144 - Pass the LCSW Exam—Even with No Time to Study!
Feeling overwhelmed by exam pressure, life responsibilities, and a ticking test date? In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Charles shares why rushing to the LCSW or LMSW exam without a solid plan can lead to costly retakes—and what to do instead. Discover practical strategies for...
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Season_2 - 143 - Busy Mom, Big Dreams: How Kate Aced Her Social Work Exam
In this uplifting episode of the Journey to Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, sits down to share the real story of Kate—an inspiring single mom who juggled parenting, private practice, and the relentless pressure of social work exam prep. Discover how Kate broke through overwhelm and…
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Season_2 - 142 - Celebrate Small Wins: Boosting Exam Prep Confidence for Social Workers
In this uplifting episode of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares why celebrating small victories is essential on your road to LCSW or LMSW exam success. Discover how acknowledging progress, rewarding yourself, and keeping a win journal can transform test anxiety into...
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Season_2 - 141 - Group Study vs. One-on-One: Master Your LCSW Exam Prep
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down the real differences between group study and one-on-one coaching for social work licensure exam prep. Discover how to choose a study path that matches your learning style, overcome test anxiety, and hear an...
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Season_2 - 140 - Break the Cycle: Invest Right & Pass Your Social Work Exam
In this eye-opening episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the hidden costs of repeated exam attempts and the value of investing in the right study strategies. Discover why so many social workers get stuck in the retake loop, and learn how a tailored approach can save you...
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Season_2 - 139 - Stop Winging It: Proven Study Strategies for LCSW & LMSW Exam Success
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down why hoping for the best isn’t enough when preparing for your social work licensure exam. Hear real stories from social workers who've struggled with disorganized study habits—and discover how building a…
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Season_2 - 138 - Turning Exam Mistakes Into Social Work Success: Grow, Learn, Pass!
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reveals why every misstep on your LCSW or LMSW exam prep journey is actually a powerful tool for growth. Discover how tracking and analyzing your mistakes not only pinpoints your biggest opportunities for improvement, but…
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Season_2 - 137 - Silencing Social Media Doubt: Confident LCSW & LMSW Exam Prep
In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, gets real about how scrolling through posts of exam failures on social media fuels unnecessary test anxiety and shakes your confidence as a social worker preparing for the LCSW or LMSW. Shara shares uplifting advice on tuning...
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Season_2 - 136 - Level Up Your Social Work Career: Conquer Exam Barriers and Thrive
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure® Podcast, we dive into the real struggles holding social workers back from licensure success—and how to break through. Shara shares powerful encouragement for those feeling stuck after earning their MSW, facing tight deadlines, or watching others...
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Season_2 - 135 - Stop Wasting Time: Exam Prep Strategies for Social Work Success
Struggling to piece together your social work exam prep? In this eye-opening episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, explains why relying on random resources and free study guides keeps you stuck—and how a personalized study plan can boost your confidence and crush test anxiety....
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Season_2 - 134 - Stop Second-Guessing: Conquer Exam Anxiety and Pass Your LCSW/LMSW
Do you struggle with test anxiety or overthinking every answer on your social work licensure exam? In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares breakthrough strategies to break the cycle of self-doubt and confidently answer questions under pressure. Hear how...
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Season_2 - 133 - Balancing Work, Family, and Exam Prep: Social Work Success Strategies
Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of full-time work, family, and preparing for your LCSW or LMSW exam? In this motivational episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin shares real-life success stories—like Jermaine, a father of six who conquered the master’s exam by crafting a study plan that...
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Overcoming Test Anxiety: Kirsten’s LBSW Social Work Exam Breakthrough
In this uplifting episode of the Journey To Licensure Podcast, Kirsten Salter shares how she conquered test anxiety and self-doubt on her path to passing the bachelor’s social work licensure exam—after three attempts. Discover the power of individualized study plans, supportive group community…
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Season_2 - 132 - Staying Positive Under Pressure: Exam Prep Mindset for Social Work Success
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, empowers social workers to turn exam stress into motivation with practical, real-world strategies. Discover how to reframe pressure as a stepping stone to success, harness the power of positive self-talk, and master study…
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Season_2 - 131 - Overcoming Procrastination: Social Work Exam Prep For Real Results
In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the hard truths behind long-term procrastination and the endless waiting game so many social workers face on the road to LCSW or LMSW success. Shara shares empowering insights on why waiting for the “perfect time” to...
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Season_2 - 130 - Unlock Exam Success: Study Smarter with Audio for LCSW & LMSW
Are you struggling to retain information with traditional study methods? In this episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, breaks down why embracing your unique learning style—especially as an auditory learner—can be your key to exam prep success. Discover the power of audio-based...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING &; PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION.Journey To Licensure provides licensure exam prep, professional mentoring and wellness consultation to social workers. Individual & Holistic Wellness Coaching to social workers taking the master level and clinical examinations. This services includes a self-care assessment and plan that incorporates mindfulness stress reduction techniques and coping skills to manage daily stressors while maintaining focus on licensing exam preparation. Group Coaching to social workers in a group setting, peer support.
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Journey To Licensure ®️
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Journey To Licensure ®️ have?
Journey To Licensure ®️ currently has 342 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Journey To Licensure ®️ about?
SERVICES INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COACHING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTATION.Journey To Licensure provides licensure exam prep, professional mentoring and wellness consultation to social workers. Individual & Holistic Wellness Coaching to social workers taking the master level and clinical...
How often does Journey To Licensure ®️ release new episodes?
Journey To Licensure ®️ publishes regularly with 342 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Journey To Licensure ®️?
You can listen to Journey To Licensure ®️ on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Journey To Licensure ®️?
Journey To Licensure ®️ is created and hosted by Journey To Licensure ®️.
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