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Oklahoma Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

AKA: Oklahoma SLPA Licensure

Oklahoma SLP & SLPA Licensure - 2024 Guide
Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 18th, 2024

Oklahoma Licensing Body

The speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA), under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist, offers treatment assistance directly to children and families by performing speech-language screening using age-appropriate screening protocols developed by the supervising SLP. The demand for professionals who can work with children and adults in this area is increasing. This means that there are excellent job opportunities available for SLPAs.

However, it is important to note that before you can practice as an SLPA in Oklahoma, you must be licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology as a speech-language pathology assistant. To be eligible for licensure, you must meet the qualifications outlined in the law and rules of the Board.

A comprehensive guide has been provided to help guide you through applying for the Oklahoma speech-language pathology assistant licensure. This guide includes important information on the requirements for the SLAP licensure and details on the required documentation and process.

Oklahoma Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Process

The following are the necessary steps to acquire a license as an SLPA through the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology:

Education Requirements

To apply for a speech-language pathology assistant licensure, the applicant must have at least an associate’s degree, or equivalent, from an accredited academic institution, with a major emphasis on speech-language pathology. The degree must include a minimum of 18 semester credit hours and 25 semester credit hours in general education courses, which can cover topics like written and oral communication, computer applications, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The remaining 60 hours of coursework should be in technical content, including subjects such as normal communication processes, assistant-level service delivery practices, communication disorders, workplace behaviors, and cultural and linguistic factors in communication. The speech-language pathology assistant position requires an applicant to have a solid educational background in the field. The degree should majorly emphasize speech-language pathology and be from an accredited academic institution.

The degree requirements stipulate that the student should complete a minimum of 18 semester credit hours and a maximum of 25 semester credit hours in general education courses, while a total of 60 hours in technical content is mandatory. General education courses may include communication, mathematics, and social and natural sciences. At the same time, technical content should cover areas like normal communication processes, communication disorders, and cultural and linguistic factors in communication.

Experience Requirements

To fulfill the experience requirement, you must have completed at least 25 clock hours of clinical observation provided by the educational institution or one of its affiliated programs. This observation experience should involve direct on-site observation of a licensed SLP. Additional observation opportunities may include a licensed SLP on-site, digital, or video observation. To meet the clinical experience requirement, the individual must have completed at least 100 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum with a direct client or patient contact. with a Board-approved degree program.

Testing Requirements

To become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA), you can sit for ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam after completing the required education and experience. The SLPA certificate program comprises SLPA coursework and a school-based internship supervised by an ASHA-certified SLP and is designed for graduate students seeking a certificate in this field. This program is typically completed within a semester.

The ASHA Assistants Certification Exam evaluates your understanding of speech-language pathology, an SLPA’s responsibilities, and professional boundaries through a 100 multiple-choice assessment. Upon passing the exam with a score of 162 or higher, you will receive C-SLPA certification and can begin applying for jobs. To apply for certification, you must submit your application and pay an initial fee of $249. You should review SLPA practice exam questions and other resources before taking the exam.

Background Check

As an applicant, you acknowledge and understand that the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology may request information from a third-party consumer reporting agency for a background check. This may create a “consumer report” detailing your character, personal traits, reputation, and lifestyle. In addition, the report may contain information about your criminal history, credit history, social security verification, employment history, education, or other relevant background checks.

Application Process

Applying for licenses as a speech-language pathology assistant has become more convenient through a fast, secure, and user-friendly online platform. The fee for a license application is $85 and must be submitted alongside the SLPA licensure application. Licensees can pay for their license using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or EFT payments, which are processed through a secure payment engine that follows strict policies and procedures to guarantee their transactions’ safety, privacy, and security.

In addition to the completed licensure application, you’ll need to provide the OBESPA Board with the following information and documentation:

  • Passport Photo
  • Citizenship Affidavit
  • Academic Preparation Practicum Form
  • Report of Clinical Fellowship
  • Praxis Scores
  • Letters of Agreement
  • Reference Letters from SLP (on the required form)
  • Official Transcripts
  • Background Check from Trak-1
  • Supervisors 6 hours of CEU Training

To begin the process, go to the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology official website:

  • Click the OBESPA Online Licensing button to redirect to the new licensure site.
  • Select the “First Time User” button.
  • Enter your name, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and your email address.
  • Click the “Continue” button, follow the instruction, and select the “Submit” button.
  • An email containing your “Login Activation Number” will be sent to you. Follow the link and instructions provided in the email to activate your account.
  • Return to the Board website and use your newly created Login and Password in the left navigation area.

Endorsement for Speech-Language Pathologists to Work In School Settings

To become a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Oklahoma, you must fulfill the criteria established by the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. This includes possessing at least an associate’s degree in speech-language pathology.

In addition, the state provides a Paraprofessional Certification for SLPAs that mandates the following conditions:

  • To work as an SLPA in Oklahoma public schools, you must have an associate’s degree or equivalent academic coursework and clinical training hours and be licensed by OBESPA.
  • An Oklahoma public school must employ the individual.
  • The SLPA needs to collaborate with an SLP who holds an OBESPA license and is ready to receive supervision training and offer guidance and training to the SLPA.