Are you considering a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in Arizona? Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to relocate, understanding the licensing requirements is essential. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate the process.
Initial Licensure for Audiologists
- Earn a doctoral degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete a supervised clinical practicum.
- Pass an examination or hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
- Pass an exam in jurisprudence and ethics.
Note: Audiologists can dispense hearing aids under their audiology license. Remember to notify the director of the Speech and Hearing Professionals Advisory Committee in writing about the address where you practice.
Initial Licensure for Speech-Language Pathologists
- Earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university.
- Complete a supervised clinical practicum.
- Complete a clinical fellowship or hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
- Pass an exam or hold a current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
- Pass an exam in jurisprudence and ethics.
Note: Just like audiologists, speech-language pathologists must notify the director of the Speech and Hearing Professionals Advisory Committee in writing about the address where they practice.
Exemptions
Some individuals are exempt from these licensure requirements, including:
- Students, interns, or trainees in audiology or speech-language pathology programs.
- Teachers of the deaf.
- Individuals conducting school hearing screening programs.
- Employees of local education agencies or state-supported institutions holding a temporary or standard certificate in speech and language therapy.
- Arizona licensed or certified health care professionals working within their scope of practice.
Reciprocity
If you are licensed in another state with equivalent standards or hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence, Arizona may waive the exam requirements. For audiologists, the state will also waive education and clinical rotation requirements if:
- You are licensed in a state with equivalent standards.
- You have a master's degree in audiology from an accredited program before December 31, 2007, and have completed postgraduate professional experience approved by the director of the Department of Health Services.
Interim Practice
Arizona offers temporary licenses for those who have not yet met the professional experience requirement. The temporary licensee must practice under the supervision of a state-licensed individual and can only renew the temporary license once.
Continuing Education
To maintain your license, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Currently, Arizona is not a member of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. For updates, visit the ASLP-IC website.
For more information, please follow this link.
