Michigan Speech Pathology State License Guide

Most states require that speech language pathologists (SLPs) obtain state licensure in order to legally work as an SLP. If you’re interested in working as a speech language pathologist in Michigan, you’ll need to meet certain SLP licensure requirements. Use this guide to obtaining a speech pathology license in Michigan so you know what to expect.

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Summary of Michigan Speech Pathology State License Requirements 

To gain Michigan speech pathology licensure, you’ll need to meet education, testing and/or certification requirements. These start with obtaining a master’s in speech pathology or a doctoral degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

If your master’s or doctoral program wasn’t CAA-accredited, you’ll have to get a course-by-course credential evaluation by an agency that’s a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) in order to work as an SLP in Michigan.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Michigan

For initial SLP licensure in Michigan, you’ll also have to either:

  • Verify Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) via the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) or
  • Complete a postgraduate Clinical Experience Form verifying nine months (1,260 hours) of supervised postgraduate experience and complete the PRAXIS Series II Exam in Speech-Language Pathology

You’ll also have to undergo a criminal background check, answer good moral character questions, complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking and submit a social security number.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Michigan

According to the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing, there are no current speech pathology licensure exemptions or exceptions through which an applicant can get a non-educational limited license.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Michigan 

For speech language pathologists who already hold licenses in other states, Michigan offers limited license reciprocity agreements. According to ASHA, SLP applicants can receive a license by endorsement from another state. The endorsing state must have licensure requirements that are equivalent to those in Michigan. 

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Michigan 

Michigan offers an SLP educational limited license to practice speech -language pathology under supervision in a time frame such as in a clinical fellowship year. Applicants must submit an application and fee, final official transcripts and the Certificate of Appointment to Clinical Experience form completed by their supervisor. The SLP educational limited license is issued for two years and may be renewed twice, for a maximum total of six years.

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Michigan

For SLP licensure renewal in Michigan, applicants must provide proof of 20 hours of continuing professional development courses during the previous two years, including one hour in pain and/or symptom management. Licenses must be renewed every two years. 

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is the umbrella organization overseeing professional licensing—including SLP licensing—in the state. Visit the LARA website for more information about SLP state licensure. 

Michigan SLP Licensing Board Oversight

SLP licensure in Michigan is managed by the Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology, which is a part of LARA. More information about licensing requirements can be found on their website. 

Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association

Michigan Speech Language Hearing Association 

790 W. Lake Lansing Road, Suite 400

East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: 517-332-5691

Email: msha@att.net

Michigan Regulatory Agencies

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Ottawa Building

611 W. Ottawa

P.O. Box 30004

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-335-9700

Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov 

Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology

Michigan Board of Speech-Language Pathology 

Ottawa Building

611 W. Ottawa

P.O. Box 30004

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-241-0199

Email: BPLHelp@michigan.gov 

Michigan Hearing Screening Contacts

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Hearing Screening Program

333 S. Grand Ave. 

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-241-3740  

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Michigan Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program

333 S. Grand Ave. 

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-241-5380

School Age Hearing Screening

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Hearing Screen Program / Michigan Local Department of Health

333 S. Grand Ave. 

Lansing, MI 48909

Phone: 517-241-3740  

Michigan ASHA Network Representatives

Michigan ASHA staff liaison page 

The Michigan ASHA representative is Janet Deppe.

Phone: 800-638-8255

Email: jdeppe@asha.org

Information last updated April 2021.