Number of Contact Hours Required
SLPs and Audiologists in Minnesota must meet the continuing education requirements set by either the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the American Board of Audiology. Alternatively, they can fulfill the state-specific requirements as follows:
- For SLPs or Audiologists: 30 contact hours within the two years preceding licensure expiration. At least 20 of these hours must be directly related to the licensee's area of licensure, while up to 10 hours can be in generally related areas.
- For dual licensure in SLP and Audiology: 36 contact hours within the two years preceding licensure renewal, with at least 15 hours in each area and 6 hours in generally related areas.
Continuing Education Standards
Continuing education activities must:
- Be organized programs of learning.
- Advance the knowledge and skills of the professional.
- Pertain to subjects related to the practice of SLP or Audiology.
- Be conducted by qualified individuals.
- Include a mechanism to verify participation and maintain attendance records for four years.
Teaching and Publishing
SLPs and Audiologists can also earn contact hours through teaching or publishing:
- A maximum of 6 contact hours can be earned by teaching continuing education courses within a two-year period.
- Two contact hours can be claimed for each hour spent teaching a course, but the same course cannot be counted more than once in a two-year period.
Record Keeping and Audits
Professionals must maintain records of their continuing education for four years and submit documentation during licensure renewal. The commissioner may audit continuing education reports, requiring professionals to provide detailed records of their activities.
Waivers
In cases where continuing education requirements impose an undue burden, professionals can request a waiver. The request must detail the reasons for the waiver, the period of time requested, and alternative measures to be taken. The commissioner will provide written reasons for granting or denying the waiver.
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