SpeechPathologyMastersPrograms.com is owned by 2U, LLC, parent company of edX. Our goal is to help learners make confident, informed decisions about their education and career. Some programs shown here are offered by universities that partner with 2U, for which 2U provides marketing and operational support and receives compensation. Other programs shown may be paid advertisements from third parties. Both types of programs are identified with the word AD or Advertisement. We aim to keep information current and accurate. Learn more about edX and our partners.

Kentucky Speech Pathology State License Guide

A speech pathology state license in Kentucky requires candidates to have a master’s degree in order to assess, diagnose and treat communication disorders.1 This guide details licensing requirements for any individual who seeks an SLP license in this state.

The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Kentucky’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.1

Summary of Kentucky Speech Pathology State License Requirements

Kentucky speech pathology licensure requires a master’s degree in speech pathology as well as certain clinical observation hours to be met. A Kentucky speech pathology license also requires a full-time postgraduate professional experience and passage of the Praxis exam before license verification can be met.1

Don’t have a master’s degree? Learn how to get your master’s in speech pathology.

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
Visit Emerson College.

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.
Visit Pepperdine University.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Kentucky

According to ASHA, a Kentucky speech pathology license requires specific criteria to be met for license verification. The following criteria are required in Kentucky:

  1. Candidates must have a master’s degree in speech pathology or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution. They can also have a communications disorder degree if it meets the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) standards.1
  2. Candidates must complete a nine-month postgraduate professional experience.1
  3. Candidates must pass the Praxis exam prior to licensure application.1

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Kentucky

The following individuals are exempt from Kentucky speech pathology licensure: federal government employees, interns or trainees and speech pathologists from another state that meet Kentucky qualifications and requirements. These SLPs can be unlicensed and perform services for up to five days.1

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Kentucky

Kentucky speech pathology licensure allows for reciprocity to licensees from another state for with a letter of good standing, national certificate or a passing score on the national exam. They must also have a master’s degree in communication disorders.1

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Kentucky

Applicants for an interim Kentucky speech pathology license must meet the citizenship requirements and have a master’s degree from an accredited program. A written plan for the postgraduate professional experience must be submitted with the application for interim licensure. Individuals with interim licenses must pass the Praxis exam within 24 months.1

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Kentucky

Maintaining your Kentucky speech pathology license requires the completion of continuing education hours; 30 CE hours are required each biennial renewal period. If an individual holds a dual license, they must complete 50 CE hours. Two of the hours must be in ethics. Carryover hours are no longer allowed in Kentucky.1

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Kentucky

The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology offers more information on obtaining a speech-language pathology license. Their website details the application process and how to maintain a license.

Kentucky SLP Licensing Board Oversight

The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology oversees licensing, rules and regulations, and safeguarding SLPs and their clients.

Kentucky Speech Language Hearing Association

Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association

c/o Craven Management

838 East High Street, Suite 263

Lexington, KY 40502

Contact: Melissa Joseph, Account Manager

Phone: 800-837-2446

Email: kshaoffice@ksha.info

Kentucky Regulatory Agencies

Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet

Office of Occupations and Professions

911 Leawood Drive

Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact: Megan Norton

Phone: 502-564-3296

Email: SLPA@ky.gov

Kentucky Hearing Screening Contacts

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 200

Louisville, KY 40222

Phone: 502-429-4430

Email: CCSHCNWebPage@ky.gov

Coordinated School Health

Kentucky Department of Education

500 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor

Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact: Stephanie Bunge

Phone: 502-564-5279

Email: stephanie.bunge@education.ky.gov

Kentucky ASHA Network Representatives

Footnotes

1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Kentucky Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference

Information Last Updated December 2020