Washington 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
- Master's degree or doctorate degree or equivalent from a Hearing and Speech Board-approved institution of higher learning
- Supervised clinical practicum
- 36 weeks full-time or part time equivalent postgraduate professional work experience
- Passage of an exam
- Completion of four clock hours in AIDS education and training
Persons who held a Department of Health certificate for audiology or speech-language pathology on January 1, 2003 will have the exam waived and be granted a license.
Note: All licensees are required to notify the Department of Health in writing, of the regular address of the place(s) where the licensee intents to practice more than 20 consecutive business days.
Exemptions
- Military or federal government employees
- Individuals licensed in other states while appearing as clinicians of bona fide educational seminars sponsored by professional associations so long as such activities do not go beyond the scope of practice
- Supervised students in a Hearing and Speech Board-approved program
- Persons certified by the Washington professional educator standards board as educational staff associates practicing solely within the school setting
Reciprocity/Endorsement
Applicants credentialed in another state, territory, or District of Columbia with equivalent standards may be licensed to practice in Washington.
Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure
- Applicants who, except for the postgraduate professional experience and the exam, meet the academic and practicum requirement to practice under supervision shall obtain an interim permit.
- The interim permit is valid for one year from date of issuance.
- Licensed supervisors must be in good standing for at least two years and may supervise four permit holders concurrently.
- Audiology interim permit holders may engage in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments.
Continuing Education Requirement for Licensure Renewal
Thirty hours of continuing education every three years.
Board Oversight
Department of Health, Hearing and Speech Board (includes hearing instrument fitters/dispensers)
Board Composition
The Board of Hearing and Speech shall comprise three public members, two licensed hearing instrument fitters/dispensers, two licensed audiologists, two licensed speech-language pathologists, and one licensed physician who shall serve in an advisory/nonvoting role; the hearing instrument fitters/dispensers, audiologists, and speech-language pathologist members of the Board must have five years of experience and have been actively engaged in practice within two years of appointment.
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:
Washington Board of Hearing and Speech
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.