Are you an aspiring audiologist or speech-language pathologist looking to practice in Kentucky? Understanding the licensing requirements is crucial to ensure you meet all the necessary criteria. Here, we break down the key components of Kentucky's licensing requirements for these professions.
Initial Licensure
Audiology
To become a licensed audiologist in Kentucky, you must:
- Hold a doctorate degree in audiology or its equivalent from a program accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation (CAA) or the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).
- Pass the national Praxis exam in audiology.
Note: Audiologists who dispense hearing aids must also obtain a hearing aid dispensers license.
Speech-Language Pathology
For speech-language pathologists, the requirements include:
- Obtaining a master's degree or equivalent education in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from a program accredited by the CAA.
- Completing nine months of full-time postgraduate professional experience.
- Passing the national Praxis exam in speech-language pathology.
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from these licensing requirements, including:
- Hearing aid dispensers
- Federal government employees
- Registered and practical nurses trained to perform audiometric testing under the direct supervision of a licensed physician
- Students properly identified as interns or trainees
- Audiologists or speech pathologists from another state meeting Kentucky's qualifications and requirements but are unlicensed (for up to five days)
- Other professional licensees acting within their scope of practice
Reciprocity
Kentucky offers reciprocity for licensed professionals from other states:
- Speech-language pathologists can gain licensure with a letter of good standing, national certification, or a passing score on the national exam, and a master's degree in communication disorders.
- Audiologists need a letter of good standing, national certification, or a passing score on the national exam, and a master's degree in audiology (prior to January 1, 2007) or a doctorate degree in audiology.
The Board may waive the exam for applicants and grant licensure to those with national certification.
Interim Practice
Applicants for interim licenses must meet specific criteria:
- Speech-language pathologists need a master's degree from a CAA-accredited program or equivalent education and must submit a written plan for postgraduate professional experience. The Praxis exam must be passed within 24 months.
- Audiologists require a doctorate degree or equivalent education from a CAA or ACAE accredited program and must submit a written plan for postgraduate professional experience. The Praxis exam must be passed within 24 months or Board approval is needed to continue practice.
Temporary licenses are valid for no longer than 180 days while the applicant is reviewed by the Board.
Continuing Education
License holders must complete continuing education requirements:
- 30 hours each biennial renewal period for individual license holders.
- 50 hours per cycle for dual license holders, with two hours in ethics.
Carry-over hours from previous years are no longer permitted.
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Kentucky is a member of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. For current information, visit the ASLP-IC website.
For more information, please follow this link.
