Missouri 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
Missouri uses speech implementers supervised by speech-language pathologists. Prior to requesting approval for the use of the Implementer Model during a given school year, the agency must advertise/recruit and attempt to hire a certificated speech-language pathologist. This recruitment must be done annually and documentation of recruiting efforts must be maintained on file by the agency. The Implementer Model requires a supervising speech-language pathologist who must hold either a valid Missouri license to teach as a speech-language pathologist or a license from the Missouri Board of Healing Arts. The supervising speech-language pathologist is ethically responsible for practices and activities provided under this model and must be prepared to attest to the appropriateness of each student's individual therapy program. The individual hired as the implementer must hold a Missouri teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree in elementary or secondary education, or hold a bachelor's degree in communications disorders and a current Missouri teaching certificate. No exceptions to these requirements will be granted.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
- Speech-language pathology aides must register with the Missouri Board of Healing Arts; aides must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be employed in a setting in which direct and indirect supervision are provided on a regular and systematic basis by a licensed speech-language pathologist who has supplied a plan for on-the-job training.
- Speech-language pathology assistants must have a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology from an institution accredited or approved by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or its equivalent and submit official transcripts presenting evidence of bachelor's level coursework and clinical practicum requirements equivalent to that required or approved by a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or its equivalent.
- Licensees may supervise only one assistant; initially supervision shall be direct when there is client contact, after that 1 out of every 3 sessions for each client shall be directly supervised.
Audiology
School Setting Requirements
No additional requirements.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
Audiology aides must register with the Missouri Board of Healing Arts; aides must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be employed in a setting in which direct and indirect supervision are provided on a regular and systematic basis by a licensed audiologist who has supplied a plan for on-the-job training.
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 Rules for SLP and Audiology Aides and SLP Assistants
Missouri Revised Statutes
School Setting Requirements:
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Speech Implementer Model
To see where your state stands on support personnel licensure trends, please view the trends charts which are updated annually:
Support Personnel in Other Settings [PDF]
Questions regarding this information? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.