South Dakota 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

1. good moral character
2. master's or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution
3. supervised clinical practicum from a regionally accredited institution
4. completion of a period of supervised graduate professional experience as recognized by ASHA or American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
5. passage of a national examination as recognized by ASHA or AAA

Speech-Language Pathology (2012 - SB 72 created licensure)

1. possess a master's or doctoral degree from an educational institution accredited by the accrediting agency of ASHA and from an educational institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education
2. complete supervised clinical practicum experiences
3. complete a supervised postgraduate professional experience
4. pass a written national exam
5. have committed no act for which disciplinary action may be justified

Exemptions

1. Persons credentialed as teachers of the hearing impaired
2. Physicians
3. Students clearly designated by titles such as trainee, intern, volunteer, industrial audiometric technician or occupational hearing conservationist so long as services are provided under supervision of a licensee
4. Any licensed person from practicing the profession for which they are licensed
5. Certified industrial audiometric technician or occupational hearing conservationist recognized as meeting the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Standards if performed under a licensed audiologist or physician
6. Speech-language pathology licensees from other states providing training or continuous education, agreeing to abide by the standards of professional conduct and do not engage in such activities exceeding five days in any calendar year.

Reciprocity/Endorsement

1. For audiology applicants, the Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists may issue a license to a person from another state if they show proof of current valid professional licensure and practice in audiology from a state with equivalent standards to those of South Dakota.
2. For audiology, foreign educated applicants may receive a license if the Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists is satisfied that equivalent education and practicum requirements have been met and the applicant passes the national exam in audiology.
3. Speech-language pathology applicants licensed in other states may receive a license with proof of current licensure in a state with equivalent or greater standards, has not committed any act for which disciplinary action may be justified or holds a current Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA.
4. Foreign-educated speech-language pathology applicants may receive a license if the Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists is satisfied that equivalent education, practicum and written national exam requirements have been met.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensing

1. Audiology applicants completing their postgraduate professional experience must secure a provisional license; this license is valid for 1 year and may be renewed twice providing fees are paid and continuing education requirements are met; provisional licenses expire annually; practice must be under a licensed supervisor.
2. Hearing aid dispenser trainees supervised by an audiologist must obtain a provisional license.
3. Speech-language pathology applicants who except for the postgraduate professional experience meet the academic, practicum and examinations requirements must submit an application including a plan for the content of the postgraduate professional experience and have not committed any act for which disciplinary action may be justified. Provisional licensees may practice only under the mentorship of a licensed speech-language pathologist. Terms and conditions for the provisional license shall be determined by the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology in rules.

Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal

Audiology licensees must attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per calendar year.

Telepractice

For information on South Dakota telepractice requirements, visit State Telepractice Requirements.

Board Oversight

Department of Health, Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists; Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology

Board Composition

The Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists shall comprise five members who have been residents at least 1 year prior to appointment; there shall be two licensed audiologists, two licensed hearing aid dispensers, and one public member; no member of the board may concurrently serve in an elected, appointed or employed position in any state professional association or governmental regulatory agency which presents a conflict of interest.

The Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor who are residents. Four shall be speech-language pathologists with five years' experience. One speech-language pathologist shall be employed in a school setting and one shall be employed in a health care setting. One member shall be a representative of the public.

Resources

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

South Dakota Board of Hearing Aid Dispensers and Audiologists

Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology

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