24 Del. Admin. Code § 3700-2.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 3700-2.0 - Licensure Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

2.1 Education

2.1.1 To be eligible for a license as a Speech/Language Pathologist, the applicant must submit verification by an official transcript of completion of at least a master's degree or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university with major emphasis in speech-language pathology, communication disorders or speech-language and hearing science.

2.1.2 To be eligible for a license as an Audiologist, the applicant must submit verification by an official transcript of completion of a doctoral degree from an accredited college or university.

2.2 Clinical Practicum for Speech/Language Pathologists

2.2.1 The Speech/Language Pathology applicant must have completed a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience. At least 25 hours must have been spent in clinical observation and at least 375 clock hours must have been spent in direct client/patient contact.

2.2.1.1 Only direct contact with the client or client's family in assessment, management, and/or counseling can be counted towards the practicum requirement.

2.2.2 A minimum of 325 clock hours of the clinical practicum must be completed at the graduate level.

2.3 Clinical Fellowship (CF) for Speech/Language Pathologists

2.3.1 The Speech/Language Pathology applicant must have 36 weeks of full-time (35 hours per week) experience (or the equivalent part-time experience) totaling a minimum of 1,260 hours. Part-time work can be completed, as long as the clinical fellow works more than 5 hours per week. Working more than 35 hours per week will not shorten the minimum requirement of 36 weeks. The CF must start after completion of the academic and clinical practicum requirements.

2.3.2 The applicant must be mentored by an individual holding certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in speech/language pathology.

2.3.3 The applicant must attain a score of "3" or better on the core skills in the final segment of the experience, as rated by the Speech/Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship mentor using the SLP Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory Form.

2.3.4 Eighty percent of the applicant's time must be spent in direct clinical contact (assessment/diagnosis/evaluation, screening, treatment, report writing, family/client consultation, and/or counseling) related to the management of disorders that fit within the ASHA Speech and Language Pathology Scope of Practice.

2.3.5 There must be no fewer than 18 hours of on-site observation of the clinical fellow providing clinical services throughout the CF experience. At least 18 other monitoring activities must occur during the experience.

2.4 National Examination

2.4.1 The Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology applicant must have completed and passed the national examination approved by the Division for the area of specialty with at least the minimum nationally recommended score. Scores must be sent directly from the testing service to the Division.

2.4.2 A Speech/Language Pathology or Audiology applicant with a temporary license is permitted to complete the appropriate national examination during the period of the temporary license.

2.5 Application Process-Temporary Licensure

2.5.1 An applicant must complete a notarized application for temporary licensure. Items which must be provided to the Division include:

2.5.1.1 Official Transcript(s);

2.5.1.2 Payment of appropriate fees.

2.5.1.3 In addition, Speech/Language Pathologist applicants must also provide:

2.5.1.3.1 Documents verifying the appropriate number and level of supervised clinical practicum hours;

2.5.1.3.2 A CF plan on a form approved by the Board, signed by the licensed professional who will provide the supervision;

2.5.2 A temporary license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed for one year in extenuating circumstances upon application to the Board. The licensee shall take the examination at least once prior to submitting a request for renewal of the temporary license. Requests for Board consideration of a renewal shall be made in writing and sent to the Division 60 days prior to expiration.

2.6 Application Process -Permanent Licensure

2.6.1 Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology applicants must complete the application on a form approved by the Board and submit the appropriate fee.

2.6.2 An applicant who has ASHA Certification must comply with subsection 2.6.1 and submit a copy of current ASHA certification.

2.6.3 An applicant who is currently licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to those of this state, must comply with 24 Del.C. § 3710. Applicants for reciprocal licensure from states not substantially similar to this state shall provide proof of practice for a minimum of five years after licensure in addition to meeting the other qualifications in 24 Del.C. § 3710. Verification of practice shall be by notarized letter from the employer(s).

2.6.4 A Speech/Language Pathologist applicant who has completed the supervised CF in Delaware and has a current temporary license, must submit the following documentation to the Division 30 days prior to expiration of the temporary license:

2.6.4.1 proof of completion of the CF,

2.6.4.2 national examination score unless previously provided, and

2.6.4.3 licensure fee.

24 Del. Admin. Code § 3700-2.0

6 DE Reg. 1340 (04/01/03)
13 DE Reg. 1097 (02/01/10)
21 DE Reg. 813 (4/1/2018)
22 DE Reg. 619 (1/1/2019) (Final)