Rhode Island 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. Doctorate degree in audiology from a regionally accredited educational institution or national accrediting organization as approved by the Board of Examiners.
2. Passage of a national exam
3. Present evidence of a 12-month, full-time, supervised practicum experience
4. Verification of ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or other national accrediting association approved by the Board of Examiners
5. If applicable, verification of licensure status in other states

Speech Language Pathologist

1. Master's or doctorate degree or equivalent from an accredited educational institution (Council on Academic Accreditation or other national accrediting association approved by the Board of Examiners).
2. Supervised clinical practicum in accordance with current minimum requirements for the certificate of clinical competence
3. Cumulative or equivalent total of 9 months of full-time professional postgraduate employment as a trainee or fellow
4. Passage of a national exam
5. Verification of ASHA certificate of clinical competence or other national accrediting association as approved by the Board of Examiners
6. If applicable, verification of licensure status in other states

Exemptions

1. Hearing aid dealers/fitters
2. Licensed professionals practicing within their authorized scope of practice
3. Government employees unless performing any private practice for which a fee is paid

Reciprocity/Endorsement

1. Persons licensed as an audiologist in alternate jurisdictions on or before January 1, 2008 shall meet the requirements of this state that were in effect at the time of the initial licensure in the alternate jurisdiction.
2. CCC holders may receive a license through endorsement.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

1. Clinical fellows must obtain a provisional license.
2. Provisional license can be renewed annually but not to exceed 36 moths past initiation of the postgraduate professional experience (PPE) and otherwise will expire 90 days after the completion of the PPE.

Continuing Education Requirement for Licensure Renewal

Twenty clock hours per biennium; 30 for dual licensees; continuing education hours may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

Board Oversight

Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Health Professionals Regulation, Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Board Composition

The Board of Examiners shall operate within the state department of health and shall comprise five state residents. There shall be two licensed speech-language pathologists who have practiced for at least 5 years preceding appointment, one licensed audiologist who has practiced for at least 5 years preceding appointment, one otolaryngologist who holds certification by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, and one consumer member.

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:

Rhode Island 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.