A speech pathology state license in North Carolina requires a master’s degree and other requirements before an applicant can apply. This guide details the license requirements as well as renewal processes, exemptions and contact information for the state.1
The below information has been curated by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) based on North Carolina’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 North Carolina Speech Pathology State License Requirements
North Carolina speech pathology licensure requires applicants to have a master’s degree in speech pathology as well as clinical observation hours completed during a direct clinical experience. Applicants must prove a supervised professional experience was completed. They must also pass a national exam.1
Speech Pathology Initial Licensure for North Carolina
According to ASHA1, North Carolina speech pathology licensure requires specific criteria be met before submitting an application. Candidates must meet the following requirements before license verification:
- Obtain a master’s degree or an equivalent degree.
- Complete 400 clinical observation hours during a supervised direct clinical experience with clients who present speech, language and/or communication disorders.
- Provide written evidence of a nine-month, full-time supervised professional experience.
- Pass the National Teachers Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for North Carolina
North Carolina speech pathology licensure exempts the following individuals: federal employees; students or trainees; physicians and any employees who work in their practice; individuals working with laryngectomees; physical or occupational therapists working with the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, cognitive/communication deficits and balance functions; and individuals employed by a state government agency between October 1975 and July 1977 for speech-language pathology within and during the course of employment with the agency.1
Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in North Carolina
A speech pathology license in North Carolina can be granted to individuals who have met the educational, practical, experience and examination requirements of another state with equivalent requirements. These individuals’ exams and those of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) holders will be waived.1
Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in North Carolina
A temporary speech pathology license in North Carolina is required when an applicant has not completed the required supervised experience and passed the national exam. An individual who holds a temporary license during the supervised experience year must take and pass the examination before the end of the temporary license period.
Continuing Education for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina
Maintaining a speech pathology license in North Carolina requires the completion of continuing education hours. Licensees must complete 30 CE hours every three years.1
Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in North Carolina
For further information, potential applicants for speech licensure in North Carolina can contact the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. More information for speech pathology licensure can be found via the Board’s website.
North Carolina SLP Licensing Board Oversight
North Carolina SLP licensing is monitored by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. The Board oversees the rules and regulations as well as license verification for the state of North Carolina. For more information visit the Board’s website.
North Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association
North Carolina Speech, Hearing and Language Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 38803
Greensboro, NC 27438
Contact: Bliss Hemric, President
Phone: 828-262-6069
Email: info@ncshla.org
North Carolina Regulatory Agencies
North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
P.O. Box 16885
Greensboro, NC 27416-0885
Contact: Denise Brown, Administrator
Phone: 336-272-1828
Email: dbrown@ncboeslpa.org
North Carolina Hearing Screening Contacts
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
1928 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1928
Contact: Contact: Marcia Fort, AuD, CCC-A
Phone: 919-707-5630
Email: marcia.fort@dhhs.nc.gov
NC Department of Public Instruction
6301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6349
Contact: Ellen Essick, Section Chief
Phone: 919-807-3859
Email: ellen.essick@dpi.nc.gov
North Carolina ASHA Network Representatives
- State Education Advocacy Leaders (SEALs): Robin Morrison Smorrison58@nc.rr.com
- State Advocates for Reimbursement (STARS):Cheryl Stephenson (SLP) cstephenson@pedtherapy.com
- State Advocates for Medicare Policy (StAMP) Network: Kellyn Dailey Hall (SLP) kdkamhi@gmail.com
1The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “North Carolina Licensing Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists,” accessed December 2020. arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
Information Last Updated January 2021
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