South Carolina Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

Initial South Carolina Speech Pathology Assistant Licensure Process

Speech-language pathology assistants, like speech-language pathologists, fall under the SC Board of Examiners regulation in South Carolina. However, the prerequisites for becoming an SLPA are less rigorous and uncomplicated, requiring less training and experience. The following outlines the initial procedure for obtaining a speech pathology assistant license in the state:

Education Requirements

To qualify for the South Carolina speech-language pathology assistant licensure guide, you need to have completed a Speech-Language Pathology undergraduate program from an institution accredited regionally. The degree program should consist of at least 36 semester hours of core curriculum and at least 100 clock hours of direct client contact/clinical practicum, excluding any observation hours.

Speech Pathology and/or Correction Courses

• Aphasia
• Articulation
• Cerebral Palsy
• Cleft Palate
• Pathological Speech Disorders
• Psychogenic Speech Disorders
• Stuttering
• Voice Disorders

Experience Requirements

Applicants who have completed an ASHA Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certification may submit it as evidence of the 100 clinical clock hours required. Before commencing work, every SLPA must obtain an on-the-job training plan and written approval of a supervisory agreement from the Board.

A licensed speech-language pathologist can supervise a maximum of three part-time or two full-time SLPAs. After completing the on-the-job training, each SLPA must be directly supervised during at least one of every 7 therapy sessions per patient. This supervision must be conducted in-person, on-site, and visually documented to show direct client contact, including sampling each assigned task or service.

The supervising speech-language pathologist must maintain written documentation of the direct supervision for 4 years and make it available to the director upon request. In addition, it is necessary to provide written notification to clients when an assistant is providing a direct service.

Testing Requirements

Upon completing the education and experience requirements, speech-language pathology assistants can pursue becoming a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) by taking ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam. This involves enrolling in an SLPA certificate program that includes SLPA coursework and a supervised school-based internship overseen by an ASHA-certified SLP. The program is tailored towards graduate students seeking certification in the field and can typically be completed within a semester.

To attain C-SLPA certification, one must pass ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam, which assesses their comprehension of speech-language pathology, the responsibilities of an SLPA, and professional boundaries through a 100-question multiple-choice exam. A score of 162 or higher must be achieved to be awarded certification, and an initial fee of $249 must be submitted alongside an application. Before taking the exam, it is recommended that candidates review SLPA practice exam questions and other relevant resources.

Application Process

To pursue a career as a speech-language pathology assistant in South Carolina, you must apply for an SLPA licensure through the State of South Carolina Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

To apply, a comprehensive and properly notarized application must be submitted along with the required documents listed below:

• A 2×2 Passport Photo
• An application fee of $50 is required and is non-refundable. In case of returned funds, a fee of up to $30 or an amount specified by the law may be charged.
• Legible copy of the social security card, valid Driver’s License, State Issued ID, or Military ID
• Official Transcripts of all college work done
• Verification of supervised clinical experience

You are required to submit all the necessary documents and payments to the following address: