A speech pathology state license in Pennsylvania allows licensees to assess and treat communication and speech-language disorders. This guide details the requirements for potential candidates as well as those who are licensed in other states.1
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on Pennsylvania’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
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Summary of Pennsylvania Speech Pathology State License Requirements
Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires potential licensees to have a master’s degree in speech pathology. The other requirements include completion of a clinical practicum and a supervised professional experience. Clinical observation hours will be included in both practicum and the professional experience. Applicants must also pass a national exam for a Pennsylvania speech pathology license.1
Don’t have a master’s degree? Learn how to get your master’s degree in speech pathology.
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for Pennsylvania
According to ASHA1, Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires specific criteria be met before license verification. Candidates must do the following1:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited academic program
- Complete a clinical practicum with 375 hours.
- Complete a supervised professional experience with 1,260 hours within two years.
- Take and pass a national examination.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania speech pathology license exempts the following individuals: physicians and surgeons, credential educators working in schools, students/trainees, federal employees and any licensed person engaged in the profession for which they are licensed, and organizations engaged in the practice of speech-language pathology, as long as it employs licensed individuals to provide the direct practice. Non-residents who are licensed in another state may complete services for no more than five days in any calendar year, under a licensed SLP.1
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure board can grant waivers to applicants licensed in another state with equivalent standards. Waivers can also be given to Certificate of Clinical Competence holders and individuals with a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology who have been employed in this area for at least nine months within three years prior to date of statute enactment (1982–1985).1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Pennsylvania
A provisional speech pathology license in Pennsylvania will be granted to applicants who meet the speech-language pathology licensure requirements except for supervised professional experience or who are completing the supervised professional experience. Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure will also be granted to those holding a valid license in another state.1
Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Pennsylvania
Maintaining Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires the completion of continuing education hours. Twenty CE hours are required per biennial renewal period.1
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Pennsylvania
For further information, potential applicants for speech licensure in Pennsylvania can contact the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the Board’s website.
Pennsylvania SLP Licensing Board Oversight
Pennsylvania SLP licensing is monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing. The Board oversees the rules and regulations as well as license verification for the state of Pennsylvania. For more information visit the Board’s website.
Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association
c/o Craven Management
700 McNight Park Drive, Suite 708
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5516
Contact: Amy Caye, Account Manager
Phone: 412-366-9858
Email: psha@psha.org
Pennsylvania Regulatory Agencies
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing
Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Contact: Sandra Matter
Phone: 717-783-1389
Email: ST-SPEECH@pa.gov
Pennsylvania Hearing Screening Contacts
Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program
Division of Newborn Screening & Genetics
Pennsylvania Department of Health
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-783-8143
Pennsylvania Department of Health
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 877-PA-HEALTH
Pennsylvania ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs): Wendy Gunter wendyg.speechtoday@gmail.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS): Cynthia Green (SLP) greency@ohsu.edu
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network: Lindsay Baustien (SLP) lbaustien@gmail.com
1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Pennsylvania Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
Information Last Updated June 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