American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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Iowa Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. It is intended for informational use only, and should not be construed as legal advice.

Contact the state's licensure board or regulatory agency for exact licensure, certification, or registration requirements in your jurisdiction.

Initial Licensure Requirements

Speech Language Pathology/Audiology

  1. Master's degree or equivalent from an accredited school with a major in speech pathology or audiology
  2. Completion of 400 hours of supervised clinical training
  3. Completion of not less than nine months of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist following the receipt of the master's degree
  4. Passage of a National Teachers Exam by ETS
    5. or
  5. ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCCs)

Audiology

  1. Doctoral degree or its equivalent from an accredited school that includes the academic coursework and hours of supervised training required by the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Board) is acceptable in lieu of the above requirements.
  2. Passage of an examination

Exemptions

  1. Physicians, osteopaths and their employees/supervisees/students
  2. Hearing aid dealers or fitters
  3. SLP or audiology students properly identified
  4. Audiometric testing administered pursuant to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  5. Non-professional aides who perform their services under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist or audiologist
  6. School district or area education agency employees certified by the Department of Education as speech or hearing clinicians

Reciprocity/Endorsement

  1. The Board may waive the examination requirement for persons licensed or certified in another state if those state requirements are substantially equivalent to Iowa's.
  2. For licensure by endorsement: pay a fee, ASHA certification or nine months of clinical experience, National Teacher Exam scores sent directly to the Board, official copies of academic transcripts and verification of license(s) from every jurisdiction in which applicant has been licensed.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

  1. Any person who has fulfilled all of the requirements for licensure except for the nine months of clinical experience may apply for a temporary clinical license. Applicant must be supervised by an Iowa licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
  2. Nonresidents may apply to the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology for a temporary permit to practice speech-language pathology or audiology for a period not to exceed three months whenever in the opinion of the Board the need exists; the individual must have substantially the same qualifications as those required for an Iowa license.

Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal

Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education per discipline per biennium renewal cycle. Upon license renewal, licensees who treat children or adults shall complete two hours of training in child abuse or dependent adult abuse identification and reporting within the previous five years.

Board Oversight

Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure, Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Board Composition

The Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology shall comprise seven members; five shall be members licensed to practice speech pathology or audiology with at least two licensed speech pathologists, two licensed audiologists and two public members.

Telepractice

The provision of speech pathology or audiology services in Iowa through telephonic, electronic, or other means, regardless of the location of the speech/language pathologist or audiologist, shall constitute the practice of speech pathology or audiology and shall require Iowa licensure.

Resources

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on state licensure requirements, contact the state board and visit this website:

Iowa Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

 

Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.

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