California Support Personnel Requirements
The following information includes speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel requirements in educational and other practice settings. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Speech-Language Pathology
School Setting Requirements
School support personnel must be licensed by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (Board).
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Requirements are the same as those listed in the laws and regulations.
Speech-Language Pathology Aides
Services may be provided by an aide working under the direct supervision of a credentialed language, speech, and hearing specialist if specified in the individualized education program. No more than two aides maybe supervised by one credentialed language, speech, and hearing specialist.
Additional requirements are the same as those listed in the laws and regulations.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
- Speech-language pathology assistants must possess at least one of the following qualifications:
- An associate of arts or sciences degree from a speech-language pathology assistant program accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges and approved by the Board, or
- A bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from an institution listed in the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education handbook and completion of 70 hours field work/clinical experience from a Board-approved program, or
- 70 hours field work or clinical experience in a bachelor's program in speech-language pathology or communication disorders from an institution listed in the Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education handbook which shall be evaluated by a speech-language pathology assistant program director or authorized designee. Evidence of an equivalent speech-language pathology assistant associate of arts or science degree includes the competencies listed in ASHA's Guidelines for the Training, Credentialing, Use and Supervision of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, Appendix C (1996, Spring).
- Assistants for speech-language pathology are not authorized to conduct evaluations, interpret data, alter treatment plans, or perform any task without the approval of the supervisor.
- Minimum continuing professional development requirements for assistants shall not exceed 12 hours in a two-year period.
- A supervisor shall not supervise more than 3 support personnel, not more than 2 of which hold the title of speech-language pathology assistant. A "support personnel" designation includes speech-language pathology assistants and speech-language pathology aides.
Speech-Language Pathology Aides
A speech-language pathology aide is defined as a person who:
- Assists or facilitates while the speech-language pathologist is evaluating the speech and/or language of individuals or is treating individuals with a speech-language and/or language disorder, and
- Is registered by the supervisor with the Board and the registration is approved by the Board.
- A speech-language pathology or audiology aide must complete a training program established by the supervisor.
- On or before June 1, 2003, a person who has in the last five years performed the functions of a speech–language pathology aide on a full–time basis for a minimum of one year, or on a part–time basis equivalent to a minimum of one year of full–time work, may apply for registration as a speech–language pathology assistant based upon the Board's recognition of that aide's job training and experience and the performance of functions and tasks similar to the speech–language pathology assistant category. For purposes of this subdivision, "full time" means a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- The number of aides supervised shall not exceed three. However, the Board may authorize more than 3 supervisees if, in its discretion, the supervisor demonstrates that the public health and safety would not be jeopardized and that he or she can adequately supervise more than 3 aides.
Audiology
School Setting Requirements
Not regulated in school settings.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
Audiology Aide
An audiology aide means a person who:
- Assists or facilitates while an audiologist is evaluating the hearing of individuals and/or is treating individuals with hearing disorders, and
- Is registered by the supervisor with the Board and the registration is approved by the Board.
- An audiology aide must complete a training program established by the supervisor.
- The number of audiology aides supervised shall not exceed three. However, the Board may authorize more than 3 supervisees if, in its discretion, the supervisor demonstrates that the public health and safety would not be jeopardized and that he or she can adequately supervise more than 3 aides.
Resources
For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel in educational and other practice settings, please visit these websites:
Laws and Regulations for Speech Language Pathology Assistants
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Practice Act [PDF, 2.1MB] (including SLP and Audiology aides)
To see where your state stands on support personnel licensure trends, please view the trend charts which are updated periodically:
Support Personnel in School Settings [PDF]
Support Personnel in Other Settings [PDF]
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.