Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Ohio licensing requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, understanding these requirements is crucial for your practice. Let's dive in!
Initial Licensure
Audiology
To become a licensed audiologist in Ohio, you must have a Doctor of Audiology degree or its equivalent as determined by the Board. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:
- Completion of a Doctor of Audiology degree or a post-baccalaureate doctoral degree with a major emphasis in audiology.
- A minimum of three years of didactic coursework and 350 clock hours of clinical experience prior to the fourth year of training.
- 2,000 clock hours of clinical extern experience in the fourth year.
- Coursework on ethical practice standards.
- Passage of Board-approved examinations.
Note: Audiologists can dispense hearing aids under an audiology license.
Speech-Language Pathology
For Speech-Language Pathologists, the requirements include a Master's degree or its equivalent. Here's what you need to know:
- Completion of a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
- 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum, including 25 clock hours of clinical observation and 350 clock hours of clinical practicum.
- Postgraduate professional experience: nine months full-time or equivalent part-time experience.
- Passage of a Board-approved examination.
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from licensure requirements, including:
- Federal employees working as speech-language pathologists or audiologists.
- Students identified as interns or trainees.
- Physicians, nurses, and occupational therapists performing related tasks.
- Individuals with ASHA CCCs or licensed in another state, pending application disposition.
Reciprocity
The Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology may waive examination and experience requirements for applicants who:
- Present proof of current licensure in another state with equivalent standards.
- Hold ASHA CCCs or American Board of Audiology certification.
- Have a license from a state with standards equal to Ohio's as of December 31, 2005, obtained by December 31, 2007.
Interim Practice and Student Permits
Individuals meeting supervised professional experience requirements must obtain a conditional license valid for 18 months. Students in Ohio graduate programs may be recommended for student permits after completing one year of study.
Continuing Education
Licensees must obtain 20 clock hours of continuing education every two years. Dual licensees need 20 hours for each license. As of January 1, 2015, at least 2 hours must be related to ethics.
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Ohio is a member of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. For the latest updates, visit the ASLP-IC website.
For more information, please follow this link.
