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Alabama Speech Pathology State License Guide

Applicants can seek a speech pathology state license after evidence of attaining the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) or equivalent certification from an accredited university.

The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Alabama’s rules and regulations for state licensure. Please note that requirements/information may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Sponsored online speech pathology programs now enrolling in Alabama

Pepperdine University

AD

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.

  • Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
  • Online classes are offered during daytime and evening hours; students will choose their preferred time and will remain in that time slot throughout the duration of the program.
  • No GRE scores required.
  • 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
  • Three start dates per year: Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May).
  • Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program.
  • All courses and clinical requirements are designed to meet CAA and ASHA requirements.
  • Access to a wellness center for telehealth, telecounseling, and more to offer support to students academically and personally throughout the program.

Emerson College

AD

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

  • Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
  • In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
  • 5- term and 9-term study options
  • As few as 20 months to complete
  • Multiple start dates per year

Summary of Alabama Speech Pathology State License Requirements

Alabama has eight accredited higher education institutions with programs (PDF, 262 KB) in communicative disorders. For speech pathology licensure, applicants must meet application requirements, earn a master’s in speech pathology graduate degree, and apply for temporary licensure before completing clinical observation hours. Finally, applicants need to pass the Praxis Exam and maintain licensure and certification.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Alabama

Applicants for speech pathology licensure in Alabama must prove they have met the state’s requirements and pass the ASHA CCC exam or an equivalent certification exam from an accredited university or academy; or

  1. Earn a master’s degree in speech pathology or an equivalent degree approved by the Board of Examiners.
  2. Complete clinical practicum hours from an educational institution, or its cooperating programs, approved by the Board of Examiners.
  3. Complete a nine-month postgraduate professional experience in a supervised setting.
  4. Pass a national exam for speech pathology license verification approved by the Board of Examiners.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Alabama

The requirements for an Alabama license in speech pathology exempts physicians and their supervisees; licensed hearing aid fitters and dealers; licensed individuals working in the profession where they are licensed; credentialed speech and hearing specialists; federal employees; students; and clinical fellows.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Alabama

The Board of Examiners may allow individuals with a speech therapy license in another state with equivalent standards or CCC holders to obtain an Alabama license without undergoing the full licensure requirements.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Alabama

A person holding a valid CCC or equivalent certification including an active speech language license in another state, may practice during the period between the application submission for an Alabama license and the Board of Examiners’ action.

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Alabama

Maintaining an Alabama license requires participation in CEU activities of at least 12 hours for each period. A minimum of 10 hours must improve the professional competency of the licensee. One of the continuing education hours should be related to ethics. A maximum of the two required hours can be in any area related to the profession.

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Alabama

For further information, potential applicants for speech licensure in Alabama can contact the Alabama Board of Examiners For Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the ABESPA website.

Alabama SLP Licensing Board Oversight

Alabama SLP licensing is monitored by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. ABESPA oversees the rules and regulations as well as license verification for the state of Alabama. For more information visit the ABESPA website.

Alabama Board of Examiners For Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

400 South Union Street, Suite 435
PO Box 304760
Montgomery, Alabama 36130

Phone: 334-269-1434

Fax: 334-834-9618

Contact: Wanda Rawlinson, Executive Secretary

E-mail: abespa@abespa.alabama.gov

Alabama Hearing Screening Contacts

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
602 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

Contact: Amy Blakeney

Phone: 334-293-7021

E-mail: Amy.Blakeney@rehab.alabama.gov

Alabama ASHA Network Representatives

  • State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs): Taryn Garcia Hopper tarynhopper@gmail.com
  • State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS): Hillary Harris (SLP) hillaryharris@yahoo.com
  • State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network: Arpel Savage (SLP) ajslp08@gmail.com

Sponsored online speech pathology programs now enrolling in Alabama

Pepperdine University

AD

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.

  • Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
  • Online classes are offered during daytime and evening hours; students will choose their preferred time and will remain in that time slot throughout the duration of the program.
  • No GRE scores required.
  • 400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
  • Three start dates per year: Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May).
  • Three onsite experiences build a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the program.
  • All courses and clinical requirements are designed to meet CAA and ASHA requirements.
  • Access to a wellness center for telehealth, telecounseling, and more to offer support to students academically and personally throughout the program.

Emerson College

AD

Master of Science in Communication Disorders

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

  • Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
  • In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
  • 5- term and 9-term study options
  • As few as 20 months to complete
  • Multiple start dates per year

Information last updated June 2020