Nebraska Licensing Requirements for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
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
Audiology
- Citizenship/lawful presence must be established
- Doctoral degree or equivalent from a program accredited by the Education Standards Board of ASHA (the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology)
- 36 weeks of full-time professional experience
- Passage of an examination approved by the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (Board)
or
Certification by a nationwide professional accrediting organization approved by the Board
- Completion of a jurisprudence exam suggested but not required
Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists (prior to September 2007)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Master's degree, doctoral degree or equivalent from an academic program approved by the Board
- 36 weeks of full-time professional experience (or part-time equivalent)
- Passage of a Praxis exam
or
Certification by a nationwide professional accrediting organization approved by the Board
- Completion of a jurisprudence exam suggested but not required
Exemptions
- Federal employees
- Physicians; individuals delegated responsibilities under supervision
- Hearing aid fitters/dealers
- Persons credentialed by the State Department of Education
- Students appropriately designated as speech-language pathology or audiology interns or trainees
- Speech aides or other personnel employed by a public school, educational service unit, or other private or public educational institution working under the direct supervision of a credentialed speech language pathologist.
Reciprocity/Endorsement
- The Board may approve without examination any individual licensed in another state or territory of the United States with equivalent standards.
- Endorsement can be granted with certification by a nationwide professional accrediting organization recognized as such by the Board ("nationwide professional accrediting organization" is defined as "ASHA or equivalent"), and proof of citizenship or immigration status, and completion of a jurisprudence exam suggested not required.
- For reciprocity applicant must submit proof of licensure, the method by which it was granted, and documentation of the requirements that were in effect in the other jurisdiction where the license was issued. Exam and education information also required, or the applicant must submit official transcripts. Jurisprudence exam suggested, but not required.
- If applicant passed exam more than three years prior but are not practicing, must show evidence of 50 hours of continuing education within three years preceding application.
Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure
- Nonresidents may provide audiology or speech-language pathology services for no more than 30 days if the applicant meets the qualifications for application for licensure and such person is working under a licensee, and registers with the Board prior to the initiation of services.
- A temporary license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology may be granted to persons who establish residence in Nebraska and who meet all the requirements for a license except passage of the examination. Such temporary license shall be valid only until the date of the next exam and shall not be renewed.
- A temporary license may be granted to persons who meet all the requirements for a license except completion of the professional experience. Such temporary license shall be valid only until the completion of such professional experience or 18 months, whichever is first, and shall not be renewed.
Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal
Twenty clock hours per two year cycle
Board Oversight
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit, Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Board Composition
The Board shall be comprised of two audiologists and one speech-language pathologist who have been actively engaged in the practice in Nebraska for five years preceding their appointment, and one public member.
Resources
The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on state licensure requirements, contact the state board and visit the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.