For Audiology
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I. Introduction
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national scientific and professional association for speech-language pathologists; audiologists; and speech, language, and hearing scientists concerned with communication behavior and disorders. The Association, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1925. It now has over 127,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates, and recognizes 52 state speech and hearing association affiliates, including the District of Columbia and the Overseas Association of Communication Sciences. In addition, effective January 1, 1993, the Organización Puertorriqueña de Patologia del Habla Lenguaje y Audiologia, Inc. became affiliated with ASHA.
The purposes of ASHA are to:
- encourage basic scientific study of the processes of individual human communication, with special reference to speech, language, and hearing;
- promote appropriate academic and clinical preparation of individuals entering the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders and to promote the maintenance of current knowledge and skills of those within the discipline;
- promote investigation and prevention of disorders of human communication;
- foster improvement of clinical services and procedures addressing such disorders;
- stimulate exchange of information among persons and organizations thus engaged and to disseminate such information;
- advocate for the rights and interests of persons with communication disorders; and promote the individual and collective professional interests of the members of the Association.
ASHA maintains its permanent National Office in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, where the executive, professional, and administrative staffs assist in coordinating the following Association activities:
- sponsoring national conferences, institutes, and workshops each year as part of its continuing professional education program
- maintaining programs related to research, education, and delivery of clinical services
- conducting an Annual Convention at which scientific sessions, exhibits, short courses, and other educational and professional programs and a placement center are offered
- maintaining a national career information program, a governmental affairs program, and a public information program
- carrying out a continuing program of data collection related to professional training, human resource needs, and membership characteristics and activities
- sponsoring a voluntary continuing education program that approves providers of continuing education activities and offers an Award for Continuing Education to certified individuals and members
- publishing several professional journals and other professional materials
- maintaining a computerized database that provides information about federal and private funding sources in the United States and Canada (includes abstract; amount; funding source; and contact person's address, telephone number, and email address)
- protecting the public interest by maintaining high standards for members, certificate holders, accredited clinics, and accredited graduate educational programs.
ASHA also recognizes the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA), founded in 1972. NSSLHA is represented on certain key ASHA boards and committees. In addition, members of NSSLHA receive many benefits from ASHA at substantial savings.
ASHA is governed by an Executive Board (EB) consisting of 11 elected officers and the executive director of the Association and a Legislative Council (LC) elected by members in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, members residing outside the United States, and other representatives as specified in the ASHA Bylaws. Two elected members of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) also serve on the Legislative Council. The president of the Association serves as the chair of the Legislative Council, and the other members of the Executive Board serve as ex officio members. The Legislative Council and Executive Board establish the policies of the Association.
The Executive Board supervises, controls, and directs the affairs of the Association, and in collaboration with the Legislative Council identifies priority issues and outcomes for the Association. The EB and the LC operate in accordance with the policies established by the Association's Bylaws.
ASHA established the American Board of Examiners in Speech Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA) in 1959 to foster the goals of the Association and to ensure the provision of quality services to persons with communication disorders. The Association's Bylaws were amended to replace ABESPA with the Council on Professional Standards in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Standards Council) effective in 1980. The Standards Council, a semi-autonomous body, is responsible for establishing and monitoring the standards programs of the Association, except the academic accreditation program, as noted below. The current Bylaws give authority to two operating boards to implement the standards developed by Standards Council:
- Clinical Certification Board, which is responsible for awarding the ASHA Certificates of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology and audiology
- Professional Services Board, which is responsible for accrediting clinical service delivery programs
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), a semi-autonomous body, defines the standards for the accreditation of graduate educational programs and applies those standards in the accreditation of such programs. The CAA has final authority to establish the standards and processes for academic accreditation; and, subject to the application of established appeal procedures, the decisions of the CAA in awarding or denying academic accreditation are final.
The Clinical Certification Board (CCB) consists of speech-language pathologists and audiologists who are appointed by ASHA's Executive Board. The ASHA executive director's designee serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the CCB. All members of the CCB hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology or audiology or both.
ASHA's Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCC), which are granted in speech-language pathology and in audiology, allow the holder to provide independent clinical services and to supervise the clinical practice of student trainees, clinicians who do not hold certification, and support personnel. The certificate can be obtained by an individual who meets specific requirements in terms of degree, course work, practicum, and supervised professional experience, and who passes the national examination in speech-language pathology or audiology. The certificates are presently held by over 86,000 professionals, who provide services in schools, colleges, speech-language and hearing centers, clinics, hospitals, private practices, and other programs throughout the United States, Canada, and many other countries.
To hold the CCC an individual must have a graduate degree, must have an active interest in the field of communication, and must meet academic course work and clinical practicum requirements in the professional area. Holders of the CCC must abide by ASHA's Code of Ethics, which incorporates the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles. An ASHA member who supervises the provision of clinical services must hold a current CCC in the appropriate area. An ASHA member may provide clinical services in speech-language pathology and audiology only when the individual holds the appropriate Certificate of Clinical Competence or is in the process of obtaining certification and is supervised by an individual who holds the appropriate CCC. Otherwise that individual is in violation of ASHA's " Code of Ethics ." Maintaining the CCC is contingent upon the timely payment of annual dues and fees. ASHA resolution LC 5-81 states: "...individuals whose Annual Certification Fees are in arrears on April 1 will have allowed their certificates to expire on that date."
Many associations use professional certification to recognize individuals for their dedication to their chosen career and their ability to perform to established standards. The certification process is one of the single most important steps you can make in career development. Here are several reasons you should consider ASHA certification.
- Certification demonstrates your commitment to your profession . Certification shows your peers and supervisors and, in turn, the general public your commitment to your chosen career.
- Certification enhances the profession's image . Association certification programs seek to enlist, develop, and promote certified professionals who can stand "out in front" as examples of excellence in their field.
- Certification establishes professional credentials that are national in scope. Certification lends weight to your resume in that it serves as an impartial, objective evaluation of your knowledge and experience. And when the public looks for individuals qualified to perform clinical services, they seek individuals like you who have achieved certification.
- Certification builds self-esteem. Certification programs create a standard for the profession. You'll begin to define yourself beyond a job description or academic degree. You'll see yourself as a certified professional who can control his or her own professional destiny and find a deep sense of personal satisfaction.
- Certification prepares you for greater on-the-job responsibilities. Because certification is a voluntary professional commitment to a field of knowledge, it is a clear indicator of your willingness to invest in your own professional development. Certified professionals are aware of the constant change in their professional environment and possess the tools to anticipate and respond to change.
ASHA certification has value beyond the ability to provide or supervise individuals in the provision of clinical services. ASHA certificate holders can:
- receive reimbursement for services rendered from certain third-party payers, including private insurance agencies and some publicly funded programs;
- be eligible for employment as speech-language pathologists in hospitals, health care settings, educational programs, and private practices;
- be eligible for promotion in some employment settings, including the U.S. military;
- be assured of an easier and more manageable state licensure process; have maximum employment flexibility and portability between states;
- and be recognized by state and federal policy makers as holding nationally validated professional credentials.
Check into certification soon. It will give your career and professional life a real boost!
|