A speech pathology license from the District of Columbia allows SLPs to identify and assess language, communication, and swallowing disorders.1 To receive a license in D.C., a candidate will need to have a master’s degree, complete a clinical fellowship and pass an exam.2
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on District of Columbia’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.2
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Summary of the District of Columbia Speech Pathology License Requirements
The District of Columbia is expecting to see an increase in demand of 18% for speech pathologists between 2016-20261, so now is a great time to become licensed in DC. Speech pathology licensure requires a master’s degree from an institution that is accredited for the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Washington D.C. In addition, clinical hours are required and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.2
Don’t have a master’s degree? Learn how to get your master’s in speech pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for the District of Columbia
According to ASHA, a District of Columbia speech pathology license requires the following criteria:
- Candidates must have a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from a recognized educational institution whose program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA).2
- Candidates must complete a clinical fellowship in nine months, 30 hours per week (full time), or a supervised experience that should start within two years from the date of receiving the degree and be completed within 3 ½ years (part time).2
- Candidates must pass the Praxis III Exam.2
Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for the District of Columbia
Exemptions for SLP licensure in the District of Columbia does not include individuals who practice medicine or osteopathic medicine. Also, exemptions do not include individuals who are delegated by a licensed physician in the normal practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine. School speech-language pathologists are exempt from a District of Columbia speech pathology licensure.2
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in the District of Columbia
A D.C. speech therapy license can be given to a speech language pathologist who has a valid, unrestricted license from another state with standards equivalent to those in the District of Columbia.2
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in the District of Columbia
If an SLP is licensed in another state, they must register with the D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology to be able to apply for speech pathology licensure in the District of Columbia.2
Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in the District of Columbia
Maintaining a District of Columbia license requires SLPs to complete 20 hours of continuing education over a two-year period. One CE hour must be in ethics while another two CE hours must be in LGBTQ continuing education. Ten percent of the total hours will be selected by the Director of the District of Columbia. Dual licensees must complete 30 hours every two years, with one hour of ethics, two hours in LGBTQ continuing education and 10% of the total in the subjects determined by the director as public health priorities. Five hours of continuing education must be in each discipline.2
Contact Information for SLP Licensure in the District of Columbia
For more information on the District of Columbia speech pathology licensure, interested applicants can contact the D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The Board regulates all SLP practice in the District of Columbia.2
District of Columbia SLP Licensing Board Oversight
The D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology evaluates applicants qualifications and administers all exams. The Board issues licenses, recommends standard procedures and reviews complaints/investigations.
District of Columbia Speech Language Hearing Association
District of Columbia Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2115 G Street NW, Suite 201
Washington, DC 20009
Contact: Kari Comer, President
Email: dcshapresident@gmail.com
District of Columbia Regulatory Agencies
D.C. Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
District of Columbia Department of Health
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Contact: Aisha Nixon, Health Licensing Specialist
Phone: 202-724-8739
Email: aisha.nixon@dc.gov
School Support Personnel Certification
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
1050 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-727-6436
Email: OSSE.Asklicensure@dc.gov
District of Columbia Hearing Screening Contacts
Perinatal & Infant Health Bureau
District of Columbia Department of Health
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-442-5925
Email: doh@dc.gov
District of Columbia ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs) – Terese Grimmett terese1908@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS) – Carleton Levert (SLP) c.levert2012@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network – No representative
1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “District of Columbia State Flyer (PDF, 260 KB),” accessed October 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “District of Columbia Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
Information Last Updated December 2020
Sponsored online speech pathology programs
Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT
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
- As few as 20 months to complete
SPONSORED
Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU
NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.
- Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
- Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
- As few as six terms to complete
- Full-time and part-time plans of study
SPONSORED