Oklahoma 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

Audiologist

1. After December 31, 2006, each audiology applicant shall hold not less than a post baccalaureate residential or a post-master's distance education professional doctor of audiology degree (AuD), a doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) with emphasis in audiology, or its equivalent as determined by the Board of Examiners, from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Applicants applying with a residential doctor of audiology professional degree (AuD) must demonstrate preparation that includes three years of didactic coursework and clinical education equivalent to a 12-month full-time clinical rotation or externship.
3. Applicants with a post-master's distance education professional degree (AuD) or PhD with a major emphasis in audiology must provide evidence of a minimum of 350 supervised clinical practicum hours and no less than nine months of full-time, paid clinical experience.
4. Except AuD or PhD in audiology, applicants must demonstrate completion of a minimum of 1,820 supervised clinical hours.
5. Clinical experience requirement is waived for holders of the ASHA CCC.
6. Pass examinations approved by the Board of Examiners. Only the Board has the power to determine whether an exam has been passed or failed.
7. Status as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. state non-citizen national, or a qualified alien
8. Have not committed any acts described in this practice act for which disciplinary action may be justified
9. A minimum of three references from licensed, ASHA certified, or equivalent credentials audiologists is required in support of each application.
10. Criminal background check and citizenship affidavit are required.

Speech-Language Pathologist

1. Master's degree or equivalent with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited academic institution offering a graduate program in speech-language pathology that meets or exceeds prevailing national standards
2. Completion of a supervised clinical practicum experience of 400 clock hours; 375 must be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation; at least 325 of the hours must be completed in a graduate study program accredited by CAA
3. Completion of a supervised nine month, full-time, paid, postgraduate professional experience as approved by the Board of Examiners; waiver granted to holders of the ASHA CCC
4. Clinical experience interns must be supervised by a speech-language pathologist licensed for a minimum of two years; each supervisor may accept a maximum of two interns.
5. Pass examinations approved by the Board of Examiners
6. Attest to status as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or a qualified alien
7. Have not committed any acts for which disciplinary action may be justified under this practice act; be of good moral character
8. A minimum of three references from licensed, ASHA certified, or equivalent credentials audiologists is required in support of each application.
9. Criminal background check and citizenship affidavit are required.

Exemptions

1. Federal, state, county or municipal government employees
2. Hearing aid dealers/fitters
3. Physicians and persons under their direct supervision
4. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education or the Council on Education of the Deaf
5. Hearing screeners associated with charitable organizations
6. A nonresident may practice up to seven days in any calendar year if the person's education/experience is substantially equivalent to state requirements.
7. Any licensed persons from engaging in the profession for which they are licensed

Reciprocity/Endorsement

1. Individuals licensed in another state or country with equivalent standards shall have the exam waived and be granted a license.
2. The Board of Examiners may waive the request for transcripts, the clinical experience and the exam and grant a license to CCC holders.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

1. Applicants fulfilling the supervised clinical experience must obtain a license.
2. Applicants that meet the requirements for licensure are eligible for a temporary license, following a credentials review, that is valid until the next regular Board of Examiners meeting.

Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal

20 clock hours per two-year period

Board Oversight

Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Board Composition

The Board of Examiners shall comprise five members, including three licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists, provided that at least one of the three is a licensed speech-language pathologist and at least one is a licensed audiologist; one otolaryngologist certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology; and one lay member. Successors for any of the speech language pathologists or audiologists will be selected from a list of 5 licensed speech language pathologists or audiologists furnished by the Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association.

Telepractice

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

Administrative Regulations (690:10-3-9) Use of telepractice

1. Licensees may evaluate and treat patients/clients receiving clinical services in Oklahoma by utilizing telepractice. Telepractice is defined as the application of telecommunications technology to deliver professional services at a distance by linking clinician to patient/client or clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention and/or consultation.
2. Telepractice shall be obtained in real time and in a manner sufficient to ensure patient confidentiality.
3. Telepractice is subject to the same standard of practice as if the person being treated were physically present with the licensee. Telepractice is the responsibility of the licensee and shall not be delegated.
4. Licensees and staff involved in telepractice must be trained in the use of telepractice equipment (Rules 680:15-1-4) ethical proscriptions: Licensees must not provide clinical services except in a professional relationship. They must not evaluate or treat solely by correspondence or telepractice. This does not preclude follow-up correspondence with persons previously seen, or providing them with general information of an educational nature.

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:

Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.