Empowering Voices: The Path to Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist in Florida
Embarking on a journey to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in Florida is both a noble and rewarding endeavor. As a vital component of educational and healthcare systems, SLPs play a crucial role in empowering individuals with communication challenges. At TinyEYE, we recognize the profound impact that SLPs have on the lives of students and communities. In this blog, we will explore the educational and licensure requirements necessary to practice as an SLP in Florida.
Educational Requirements
To qualify as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Florida, applicants must meet specific educational prerequisites:
- Hold a master’s degree or complete the academic requirements of a doctoral program with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology.
- Applicants enrolled before January 5, 2005, must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours, with at least 36 hours earned in graduate-level courses.
- Applicants enrolled after January 5, 2005, are required to complete at least 75 semester hours, with 36 hours at the graduate level.
- Complete 300 clock hours of supervised experience, with at least 200 hours in the area of speech-language pathology.
- Accumulate nine months of professional employment experience.
- Pass the Praxis exam within three years prior to the application date.
Application Methods
Florida offers two primary pathways for licensure:
Licensure by Evaluation of Credentials
- Experience: Submit forms SPA-2B and SPA-2C from each supervisor, available on the Florida Speech-Language Pathology website.
- Education: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school to the Board office.
- Foreign Education: Provide documentation verifying equivalency to a U.S. institution.
- National Exam: Official score report from ETS must be within three years of application.
- License Verifications: Request verification from all states or countries where a license is or was held.
Licensure by MOBILE Endorsement
- Hold an active, unencumbered license from another U.S. state or territory.
- Pass a national licensure exam or hold a national certification.
- Have practiced the profession actively for at least three years in the last four years.
- No reports in the National Practitioner Data Bank, unless successfully appealed.
- No disciplinary action in the last five years.
Application Process and Fees
Applicants must submit their application along with appropriate fees to the board office. The total fee varies based on the time of year:
- August 1 (odd year) - December 31 (even year): Total fee of $280.00
- January 1 (odd year) - July 31 (odd year): Total fee of $180.00
Payment can be made via cashier’s check, money order, or major credit/debit card for online applications. Upon completion of the application and review of documentation, a license is typically issued within 4-7 working days.
For more information, please follow this link.
