Ohio Speech Pathology State License Guide

State licensure requirements for speech pathologists in Ohio outline the education, experience and other credentials a practitioner must possess. This article reviews the requirements for a speech pathology license in Ohio, including initial licensure, exemptions, reciprocity rules and continuing education requirements.

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Summary of Ohio Speech Pathology State License Requirements

To meet Ohio speech pathology licensure requirements, an applicant must have a master’s in speech pathology or equivalent education as determined by the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board. Applicants must meet clinical practicum hour requirements, professional experience requirements and pass a licensing exam, key components of most state speech-pathology licensing requirements.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Ohio

For Ohio SLP licensure, the first requirement is to obtain a master’s degree. Beyond that, an applicant must have completed 375 hours of supervised practicum, including 25 hours of clinical observation, before starting the clinical practicum. At least 250 hours must be at the graduate level. Other Ohio SLP licensing requirements include completing a full-time, 30-hour-a-week professional experience for 36 weeks or a part-time experience of 15 hours per week for 72 weeks. The applicant must also pass an exam. 

Ohio will also waive state-specific requirements if an applicant has a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language-Pathologists (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). A CCC-SLP ASHA certification requires education and practicum experience that may be similar to Ohio’s own requirements.  

Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Ohio

Ohio grants speech pathology licensure exemptions for certain individuals, including:

  • Speech pathologists working for the federal government.
  • Speech pathology interns and trainees.
  • Nurses and occupational therapists.
  • Physicians and those assigned such tasks by a licensed physician.
  • People working for a speech pathology business as long as licensed practitioners provide direct practice.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Ohio

Ohio practices license reciprocity for speech therapists, which means it will accept certification or licensure issued by another state as long as the other state’s standards for SLP licensure are equal to those in Ohio. It also accepts a current CCC-SLP that is in good standing. 

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Ohio

Speech pathology students in Ohio can get a student permit to perform clinical practice experiences supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist. Students must have completed at least a year of graduate work in speech pathology at an Ohio university as well as 25 hours of observation and 75 hours of student clinical experience. Interim licenses are valid for 18 months. 

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Ohio

SLP licenses in Ohio must be renewed every two years. Ohio SLP licensing requirements stipulate that applicants need to complete 20 hours of continuing education in the two years before applying for license renewal with at least two of the CE hours related to ethics and 10 hours related to the clinical practice of being an SLP. Other acceptable topics for CE hours include practice management, supervision and human trafficking.  

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Ohio

Individuals seeking SLP licensure in Ohio should contact the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board for more information. The board’s website includes forms, fee schedules, information on the exam and other details applicants need.

Ohio SLP Licensing Board Oversight

The Ohio Department of Health office responsible for monitoring SLP state licensure is the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board. Their website has additional information regarding the licensure application process.

Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Ohio Speech-Language-Hearing Association

P.O. Box 309

Germantown, OH 45327

Phone: 937-855-4337

Fax: 937-855-4338

Ohio Regulatory Agencies 

The primary regulatory agency for speech language pathology in Ohio is the Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board, part of the Ohio Department of Health. They may assist with questions on examinations, continuing education and licensure applications/renewals in Ohio.

Ohio Speech and Hearing Professionals Board

77 South High St., Suite 1659

Columbus, OH 43215-6108

Phone: 614-466-3145

Fax: 614-995-2286

Email: board@shp.ohio.gov

Ohio Hearing Screening Contacts

Ohio Department of Health

246 N. High St.

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-466-1995

Fax: 614-728-9163

Email: Melissa.Herrick@odh.ohio.gov

Infant Hearing Program

The Infant Hearing Program mandates that newborns receive a hearing screening before they leave the hospital after birth. If hearing loss is suspected, the infant should receive additional testing and possible early intervention services.

Ohio Department of Health

Infant Hearing Program

246 N. High St., 5th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-387-0135

Fax: 614-728-9163

Email: infanthearingprogram@odh.ohio.gov

Children’s Hearing and Vision Program

The Ohio Department of Health requires hearing screening for school children to detect possible hearing loss in children. Children enrolling for the first time in kindergarten or first grade must be screened, and the parents must be notified of the screening results. The board of education or health should make referrals for follow-up care.

Ohio Department of Health

Children’s Hearing and Vision Program

246 N. High St.

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-466-1995

Fax: 614-728-9163

Email: bmcfh@odh.ohio.gov

Ohio ASHA Network Representatives

ASHA State Liaison for Northeast Region including Ohio: Susan Adams

Email: sadams@asha.org

ASHA State Education Advocacy Leader for Ohio: Matt Hott

Email: matt.hott85@gmail.com

ASHA State Advocate for Medicare Policy for Ohio: Carol Hofbauer

Email: chofbauer@laorelhealth.com 

ASHA State Advocate for Reimbursement for Ohio: Terri Hollenkamp

Email: tholleenkamp@rehabresources.net 

Information last updated April 2021.