Louisiana Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The following information summarizes the requirements currently necessary to begin work in the public school system as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.

This information has been collected by researching individual state department of education regulations and policy documents, state administrative code provisions and by contacting each state department of education. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state department of education for the most up-to-date information.

Audiologist

The Louisiana Department of Education requires audiologists to have ancillary certification in order to provide services in schools, as well as state licensure (renewable every year). An ancillary certificate allows a qualified person who is not a certified teacher to perform only those services that are specifically stated on the certificate.

Provisional Certificate

1. Master's degree in audiology or equivalent
2. Must work under supervision of a licensed audiologist
3. Valid for three years and nonrenewable

Qualified Licensed Audiologist

1. Master's degree in audiology or equivalent
2. Current Louisiana licensure as an audiologist
3. Valid as long as holder maintains current Louisiana audiology license

Continuing Education Requirement

Ten hours, five of which shall be in the area of licensure, and five may be in areas related to the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Louisiana Department of Education requires speech-language pathologists to have ancillary certification in order to provide services in schools, as well as state licensure (renewable every year). An ancillary certificate allows a qualified person who is not a certified teacher to perform only those services that are specifically stated on the certificate.

Provisional Certificate in Speech Pathology

1. Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in speech pathology
2. Valid for three years and nonrenewable

Qualified Certificate in Speech Pathology

1. Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in speech pathology, as specified under Speech Pathology Guidelines
   and
2. Louisiana license to serve as a speech pathologist
3. Valid as long as holder maintains current Louisiana speech pathology license

Speech Therapist

1. Master’s degree in speech communication disorders earned at a regionally accredited college or university, or
2. Verification that applicant holds ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), or
3. Verification from the director of an ASHA-certified training program, in which the applicant has completed a master's degree, that ASHA requirements for the CCC have been met (with the possible exception of the clinical fellowship year)
4. Valid for three years—employing authority may request renewal of the certificate; may be changed to "valid for life with continuous service" with verification of three years as a speech therapist.

Continuing Education Requirement

Ten hours, five of which shall be in the area of licensure, and five may be in areas related to the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Resources

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on teacher certification requirements, contact the state department of education and visit these websites:

Division of Certification, Leadership & Preparation

Ancillary Certification [PDF]

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