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1. Possess a Master's Degree from an ASHA accredited institution.

2. Completed clinical practicum of 400 hours.

3. Credit earned for a thesis or capstone project if part of the accredited graduate program

4. Passage of the Praxis Exam in speech-language pathology

5. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Test of Spoken English (TSE) to demonstrate English language fluency.

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The Speech-Language Pathology Praxis test measures knowledge important for independent practice as a speech language pathologist in all primary employment settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, private practice, etc. It is one of the requirements for obtaining a certificate of clinical competence (CCC-SLP) and is the only national test recognized ASHA.

The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology test is a 150-minute exam. It includes 132 multiple-choice questions covering three content domains:

Foundations and Professional Practice

Screening

Assessment

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Planning

Implementation

Evaluation of Treatment

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Exam prep materials can be found via the ASHA website and the ETS link. Practice tests are $19.95 each.

1. Learn about the specific test you will be taking.

2. Become comfortable with the types of questions you'll find on the Praxis tests.

3. Answer practice questions and find explanations for correct answers.

4. Set clear goals and deadlines so your test preparation is focused and efficient.

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The journey to the classroom starts with Praxis.

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Praxis Test Completion for Oregon Board of Examiners 

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Praxis Test Completion for Oregon Board of Examiners 

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Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests are not required by the licensing agency (TSPC) in Oregon. However, many institutions may have the requirement for practicing. If taking the test the qualifying Score of 162 is required.

Credential options:

ASHA CCC's (Certificate of Clinical Competence) - You need to request verification from ASHA. The Oregon Board of Examiners will accept verifications faxed from ASHA.

OR:

Passing Praxis Exam Report - You must select our Board as a recipient (#8699)

Clinical Fellowship Report & Rating Form - A copy of the ASHA form signed by you and your CFY supervisor.

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Find your certification area below to determine which test(s) you need to take. For test preparation materials, select the "View test details" link. If you are ready to register, you may add up to 4 tests to your cart before continuing on to scheduling.

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commerce cloud storefront reference architecture

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Commerce Cloud Storefront Reference Architecture

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The Praxis II costs $146.00 via the direct ETS website.

The Praxis II™: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology is offered as a computer-based test (5331 code).

Registration can be done via AHSA's link: https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/praxis_registration/

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Oregon Board of Examiners Application Portal

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Oregon Board of Examiners Application Portal

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Website lists Oregon requirements for licensure for SLPs, AUDs, and SLPAs. This is a direct link for beginning applications for state licensure in Oregon.

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Official Transcripts for AuD or Master's Degree
You may send these in if they are in a sealed envelope from the university; otherwise they need to come from the university to us. We encourage e-transcripts to: speechaud.board@bspa.oregon.gov

If you earned an AuD from an ASHA-accredited school, then we will need an official transcript and a copy of your Audiology Praxis test report showing a passing score.

If you completed your Audiology training prior to August 1, 2007, your transcript must document that you earned a Master's degree from an ASHA-accredited program with at least 75 semester credits in Audiology. In addition, you will need to submit documentation of your successful completion of post-graduate supervised clinical experience (currently 1,820 hours), and a passing score on your Praxis exam.

If your graduate program was not ASHA-accredited at the time you earned your degree, we will need you to supply documentation of your clinical practicum hours, and may require additional information about coursework and other accreditations.
One of the two following options:
ASHA CCC's (Certificate of Clinical Competence) or ABA Certification- You need to request verification from ASHA/ABA. We will accept verifications faxed from ASHA/ABA
OR:
Passing Praxis Exam Report - You must select our Board as a recipient (#8699)

Clinical Fellowship Report & Rating Form - A copy of the ASHA form signed by you and your CFY supervisor.

Professional Development (PD)

There are two options for professional development (see Supplement 1 of the license application):

1. If you have completed your graduate program or clinical fellowship within the 12 months preceding the date you apply: No professional development hours are needed; check this box and sign and date the bottom of the page. You do not need to fill in the grid to report PD hours.

2. If you have completed your graduate program or clinical fellowship more than 12 months preceding the date you apply you must submit 10 hours completed within the 12 months preceding the date you apply: Complete the reporting form and be sure to include copies of your certificates of attendance for all activities you report. Read our professional development page for more information on acceptable professional development.
Verification of Good Standing From Other Licensing Bodies
We need to have a letter of good standing from every other state or other jurisdiction (including Oregon's Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and other states' educational licensing bodies) in which you have held a professional license, regardless of how long ago it was. This verification must come from the jurisdiction to us; the Board does not accept information in on-line directories. If the state does not hold a record of your licensure anymore, we will accept a letter from them stating as much.
Complete Background Check
A background check must be completed with every application by our agency. The prints must be taken through Fieldprint, Inc.

1. Visit www.FieldprintOregon.com

2. Click on the "Schedule an Appointment" button.

3. Enter an email address under "New Users/Sign Up" and click the "Sign Up" button. Follow the instructions for creating a Password and Security Question and then click "Sign Up and Continue".

4. Enter the Fieldprint Code: FPBSPALicenseDAS

Enter the following BSPA Codes if prompted:

ORI #: OR026SLPA

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Official Transcripts for AuD or Master's Degree You may send these in if they are in a sealed envelope from the university; otherwise they need to come from the university to us. We encourage e-transcripts to: speechaud.board@bspa.oregon.gov If you earned an AuD from an ASHA-accredited school, then we will need an official transcript and a copy of your Audiology Praxis test report showing a passing score.

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This specific bundle has varied weeks and options for individualized study plans.

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Video Webinars and Recording Playlist

Daily Study Guide & Readings

Bonus Materials: Charts, Images, and Case Studies

Fripty Final Practice Exam (132-Question Full Length Exam)

Fripty Flashcard Sets (Quizlet)

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Pediatric Speech Pals Podcast provides great study tips and ideas for soon to be SLP grads to prepare for the Praxis.

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Find Praxis II studying resources on Amazon!

Study guides, planners, and case studies are available through Prime delivery and rentals.

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It is wise to reach out to and or become a member of your state association(s) for support with obtaining and maintaining licensure. The Oregon Speech and Hearing Association provides support, opportunities CEUs, State Conferences biannually and is a strong professional community that can help new SLPs in the field.

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Oregon Speech-Language & Hearing Association - Licensure and Certification

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Important: The Oregon Speech-Language and Hearing Association is NOT a licensing agency, but collaborates with a number of agencies related to the speech and hearing sciences including, but not limited to, ASHA, BSPA, training universities, and educational groups.

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Dynamic resources are on this website! From check lists to links. Be mindful that the blog is from 2016, but this is a nice place to read about the test to get a general understanding of how to start preparing.

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A speech-language pathologist works with children and adults who struggle with communication. Before finding work, you need to complete a number of requirements, including passing the Praxis test for Speech-Language Pathology. If you need to take the exam, here are some things that you should know about it.

Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam Basics

The exam consists of 132 questions that need to be completed in 150 minutes. It's a computer-delivered exam. The score that you need depends on the state in which you plan to work. However, the ASHA requirements to pass the exam is currently 162 based on a 100-200 score range.

Topics Covered on the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam

The exam is broken down into 3 sections which each make up 1/3 of the exam. The sections cover Foundations and Professional Practice; Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis; and Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment. Here are some of the things that you should study in each section.

Foundations and Professional Practice covers language development, factors that influence communication, epidemiology, research methods, legislation, wellness and prevention, collaboration methods, and documentation.

Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis covers etiology and the diagnosis and assessment of communication, feeding, and swallowing disorders.

Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment covers treatment plans and methods used for tracking progress.

Who Takes the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam

Anyone who plans on becoming a speech-language pathologist should plan on taking the exam. It's part of the requirements needed in order to work at a clinic, school, hospital, private practice, or other facility. You should schedule the exam after completing a master's degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.

The Praxis test for Speech-Language Pathology is also one of the requirements for the ASHA Certificate, as well as, certain state boards and agencies in order to practice as a speech-language pathologist.

Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Study Tips

Start by determining your knowledge level of the various sections on the exam. Then, gather study materials, such as books, flash cards, or ASHA podcasts. It's best to schedule the exam 3-4 months out, so you can have plenty of time to study. Create a study plan to determine when you'll study what.

Some of the methods used for studying for the Praxis test for Speech-Language Pathology include explaining the concepts to others, creating a study group, and taking practice tests.

Speech-Language Pathology Testing Tips

When taking the test, don't forget to:

Guess on questions that you don't know. You won't lose points for wrong answers.

Remember that the test isn't trying to trick you.

Skip questions that you need more time on, and come back to them later.

Use the scratch paper provided to you.

Pace yourself and track your time.

Jamie graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho with a degree in English Education. She spent several years teaching and tutoring students at the elementary, high school, and college level. She currently works as a contract writer and curriculum developer for online education courses. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with her boys!

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5 Facts about the Praxis Test for Speech-Language Pathology

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Are you preparing to take the Praxis test for Speech-Language Pathology? Check out these things you should know about the exam!

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This is direct resource for outlining guidelines for CF year.

Skills

Experiences

Reminders

Requirements for a valid experience

Requirements for CF mentors

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About the Clinical Fellowship (CF)

This page is intended to offer clarification of Standard VII of the 2020 Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Certification Standards; it is not intended to replace the language. The SLP standards must be adhered to in order to be eligible to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

The SLP CF is a mentored professional experience that begins after the completion of academic course work and clinical practicum. The goal of the CF is to allow the Clinical Fellow to transition between being a student enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program and being an independent provider of speech-language pathology clinical services.

The purpose of the CF is to integrate and apply the knowledge from academic education and clinical training, evaluate strengths and identify limitations, develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology , and advance the Clinical Fellow from needing constant supervision to being an independent practitioner.

Duration of the CF Experience

The ASHA CF experience is a minimum of 1,260 hours and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience or its part-time equivalent. Most applicants will complete this experience in one location with one mentor in a full-time setting. Part-time experiences will require additional weeks to reach the minimum required 1,260 hours.

The CF experience is divided into three equal segments and each segment represents one third of the total experience, which is approximately 420 hours per segment.

Full-time CF experience is considered 35 hours per week for 36 weeks, for a total of 1,260 hours. Working more than 35 hours per week will not shorten the length of the CF experience; however, working fewer than 35 hours per week will extend the number of weeks required to reach 1,260 hours. Part-time experiences must be a minimum of 5 hours per week in order to be counted toward the total 1,260 hours.

Travel, lunch, vacations/holidays, leaves of absence, and other forms of paid or unpaid time off cannot be counted in your number of hours worked per week.

Eighty percent of the Clinical Fellow's work week must be spent in direct clinical contact related to the management of disorders that fit within the ASHA Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. Examples of direct clinical contact include the following:

Screening, Response to Intervention (RtI), and/or observations of the client/patient

Assessment/diagnostic evaluations

Treatment

Writing of reports, notes; billing

Family/client consultation

Family/client counseling

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings, rounds, or other meetings related to the management of a client/patient's diagnosis and treatment plan

Twenty percent of the work week may be spent doing other activities such as attending in-services or providing trainings and presentations.

As a Clinical Fellow, you are required to complete your CF experience within 4 years (48 months) or less from the date your CF began.

Clinical Fellow

Qualifications

The ASHA CF experience may be started only after all academic coursework and supervised clinical practicum have been completed and verified by your graduate program director, as outlined in the ASHA SLP Certification Standards, including all prerequisite coursework (Standard IV-A), core coursework (Standard IV-C), and supervised clinical practicum (Standard V). Professional experiences prior to the completion of all academic coursework and practicum may not be used or applied toward your CF experience.

Responsibilities

Before beginning the CF, and periodically throughout the CF experience, it is important that a Clinical Fellow ensures that their CF mentor(s) meet the required qualifications. For those who apply under the 2020 SLP standards, in order to count hours that have been earned on or after January 1, 2020, their mentoring SLP(s) must

hold a current CCC-SLP;

have a minimum of 9 months of full-time (or its part-time equivalent) clinical experience after earning the CCC-SLP; and

have completed a minimum of 2 hours of professional development in the area of supervision after earning the CCC-SLP.

It is a Clinical Fellow's responsibility to verify their CF mentor's status to ensure their mentor's certification remains current throughout the duration of the CF experience. Periodic verification of your mentor's status is a good practice to follow, such as (1) before your CF experience begins and then (2) halfway through your CF experience. Check your CF mentor's status online here:

ASHA Certification Online Verification Portal

As a Clinical Fellow, you must do the following:

Contact your state regulatory agency/licensing board for licensure requirements.

Ensure that the setting will provide you with the opportunity to provide the full range of services to evaluate, habilitate, or rehabilitate individuals with speech and language disabilities.

Confirm that at least 80% of your time will be spent on activities directly related to the care and management of individuals with speech and language disorders.

Verify your role within your company/employer. In some instances, Clinical Fellows are considered interns, and in others they are full staff members. Check company and state policies and procedures regarding billing practices and how to sign off on documentation.

Verify that the setting provides the full range of services and opportunities to have each skill as outlined in the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) [PDF] appropriately supervised. All skills must be rated during each segment (or part-segment) for the segment to count toward your CF.

Verify that your CF mentors will each be providing the minimum supervisory activities (a minimum of 6 hours of on-site and in-person) direct supervision and 6 hours of indirect supervision per segment). You may use this template for tracking supervisory activities [PDF].

Submit a written request to the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) if you and your CF mentor are considering alternative methods of supervision/telesupervision-and have the request approved-prior to starting the CF experience. (See 2020 Standard VII-B for instructions.)

Confirm that each setting will be able to provide you with a minimum of 5 hours per week.

Enter each period/portion of the experience as a separate report on your certification online application if you change settings, supervisors, or the number of hours you work per week (e.g., full-time to part-time, part-time to full-time, multiple part-time positions, etc.). Important: 6 hours of direct supervision and 6 hours of indirect supervision is required by each mentor during each segment (of part-segment) in order for the time to count toward your ASHA CF.

Tips for Selecting a CF Mentor

Meet with the individual to determine his or her previous supervisory experience.

Discuss what the CF experience means to the mentor and about his or her experiences as a Clinical Fellow.

Determine that they have experience working with the populations that most interest you and that you will have an opportunity to work with these clients.

Find out how many other Clinical Fellows they may be mentoring and the impact this will have on the time they have available to meet with you.

If possible, talk with other professionals who have been mentored by this individual. Ask how their experience was, how accessible the mentoring SLP was, and how quickly the required paperwork was completed.

Discuss how the supervisory activities will be completed and, if possible, outline a plan and stick with it.

Discuss your preferred supervision styles.

Confirm that the minimum 6 hours of on-site and in-person direct supervision and 6 hours of indirect supervision activities will occur during each third of the CF experience.

CF Mentor

Qualifications

In order to be eligible to mentor a Clinical Fellow, all CF mentors must meet the following requirements:

Hold a current CCC-SLP throughout the entire CF experience.

The CF mentor and Clinical Fellow cannot be related in any way.

For all applicants who apply under the 2020 standards and earn hours toward the completion of their CF on or after January 1, 2020, their CF mentors

must have 9 months of full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) working as a speech-language pathologist after being awarded the CCC-SLP; and

must have completed 2 hours of professional development in the area of supervision at least once in your career after being awarded the CCC-SLP.

Responsibilities

The CF mentor helps improve the clinical effectiveness of the Clinical Fellow through meaningful mentoring and feedback, and assists the Clinical Fellow in developing independent clinical skills.

The CF mentor's ASHA certification status must be current during the entire CF experience in order for the Clinical Fellow to use those hours to apply for ASHA certification.

Each CF mentor and Clinical Fellow is strongly encouraged to read ASHA's Issues in Ethics statement, Responsibilities of Individuals Who Mentor Clinical Fellows in Speech-Language Pathology .

The CF mentor must complete all records and feedback/ratings within a timely manner. See 2020 Standard VII.

Provide opportunities to view and accurately rate all skills listed in the 2020 CFSI [PDF].

Each CF mentor must provide the minimum required on-site and in-person supervisory activities per segment in order for the hours and weeks earned during that segment to count. See below for additional information.

Observations and Supervisory Activities

Following an extensive CF Revalidation Study, the CFCC confirmed that in order to provide an accurate rating of a Clinical Fellow's independence with each skill on the CFSI, each mentor must complete a minimum of 6 hours of on-site and in-person direct and 6 hours indirect observation during each segment (or part-segment) that you serve as their CF mentor. This equates to 18 hours of direct and 18 hours of indirect supervision during the full CF experience. You may provide more supervision if your local or state policies require more, or if you feel that your Clinical Fellow would benefit from more supervision.

During each segment of the CF experience, each CF mentor must provide a minimum of 6 hours of direct observation. These must occur on-site and in-person unless a written request to use telesupervision has been approved by the CFCC. Remember, a segment is equal to one-third of the CF experience.

Each mentor must also provide, per segment, 6 hours of indirect observation, which typically include reviewing diagnostic reports/treatment records/plans of treatment, monitoring the Clinical Fellow's participation in case conferences or professional meetings, and/or evaluating the Clinical Fellow's work by consulting with colleagues or clients and their families. The CF mentor and the Clinical Fellow must coordinate the observation schedule to ensure that all skills are observed and evaluated during each segment of the CF experience. It is expected that the observations are spread over the duration of the CF experience, with no more than 6 total observation hours completed in 1 day. You may use this template for tracking supervisory activities [PDF].

For the purposes of ASHA certification, Clinical Fellows may work in more than one location and they may have more than one CF mentor. If the Clinical Fellow has more than one CF mentor, each CF mentor must complete the required supervisory activities for the weeks and hours to be counted toward the completed CF unless the CF mentors collaborate to provide a robust CF experience. In these instances, one CF mentor becomes the primary mentor and completes the CF report on the Clinical Fellow's online certification application.

If a Clinical Fellow changes settings (e.g., works full time in a school and works PRN at a skilled nursing facility), they must have the CF mentor evaluate all skills in each setting during each segment. In this example, the Clinical Fellow may choose to have two CF mentors; one at the school and one at the skilled nursing facility.

Clinical Fellow Changes Settings/Employers Between Segments
In order for hours/experiences to be counted, the minimum of 6 hours of direct and 6 hours of indirect supervision per segment (or part-segment) must be completed by each CF mentor.

Feedback Sessions

Feedback sessions are an integral part of the CF experience. The CF mentor must provide performance feedback to the Clinical Fellow at least once during each segment of the CF. During feedback sessions, the CF mentor and Clinical Fellow should discuss strengths or weaknesses in the Clinical Fellow's ability to independently practice as a clinician. Through discussion and goal-setting, these sessions should be used to assist the Clinical Fellow in developing the required skills.

It is strongly encouraged for the CF mentor to provide copies of written feedback to the Clinical Fellow during each segment, and for both to keep copies of these feedback session notes for their records.

The CF mentor must provide performance feedback to the Clinical Fellow at least once during each segment of the CF using the 2020 Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) form [PDF].

The Clinical Fellow must receive a score of "2" or better on all skills on the 2020 CFSI [PDF] during the final segment of the CF experience.

Clinical Fellows enter the experience on their online application. Mentors verify the hours and enter the Clinical Fellow's scores online. Paper copies should not be submitted to ASHA, but should be kept by mentors and Clinical Fellows for their records.

Negative Recommendations

If the CF mentor anticipates at any time during the CF that the Clinical Fellow will fail to meet requirements, the mentor must counsel the Clinical Fellow (both verbally and in writing) and maintain written records of all contacts and conferences that had been conducted during the experience. If the CF experience is terminated at any time before completion of the CF, or if the CF mentor does not recommend approval, the CF mentor must complete the online CF Mentor Verification page and provide justification for the negative recommendation.

For applicants whose experience began prior to January 1, 2020, and who are using the paper-based Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form [PDF], the CF mentor must indicate their negative recommendation in Section 7 and provide justification for the negative recommendation.

CF experiences with negative recommendations will not be applied toward the total number of hours/weeks required to complete the CF. Within 30 days of making the negative recommendation, the CF mentor must submit to the CFCC a letter of explanation with supporting documentation. This information must be shared with the Clinical Fellow. Following a negative recommendation, the Clinical Fellow may complete an entirely new CF, a portion of the CF, and/or request an appeal by the CFCC.

The CF mentor must complete the online CF Mentor Verification, when prompted to do so, and include justification for the negative recommendation.

Completion of the Clinical Fellowship

A complete CF experience must have

1. a minimum of 1,260 hours of clinical experience working under the mentorship of a CCC-SLP who meets the mentor requirements as outlined in 2020 Standard VII;

2. a minimum of 36 weeks (or its part-time equivalent) of clinical experience working under the mentorship of a CCC-SLP;

3. a minimum of 6 hours of direct supervision and 6 hours of indirect supervision completed during each segment by each mentor;

4. a minimum rating of 2 under the 2020 CF experience in the final segment of the CF; and

5. all hours/segments recommended by each CF mentor in order to count toward the CF experience.

Applicants who have applied for ASHA certification through the online application process must login to their ASHA account and enter the CF experience details. CF mentors will then receive an e-mail requesting that they verify and complete the documentation on their CF mentor portals within their ASHA account. Verification must be completed within 90 days of the end of the CF experience.

In all cases, applicants should follow company and/or state policies and procedures regarding how long to keep this information in your records.

Apply for ASHA Certification

As a Clinical Fellow, you may apply for the CCC-SLP at any time. It is not necessary to wait until the conclusion of your CF experience.

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A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience

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This page is intended to offer clarification of Standard VII of the 2020 Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Certification Standards; it is not intended to replace the language. The SLP standards must be adhered to in order to be eligible to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

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Example Question: If the Clinical Fellow works more than 35 hours per week, can those additional hours shorten the length of the CF?

No. Experience of more than 35 hours per week cannot be used to shorten the CF to less than 36 weeks.

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When can the CF be started?

The CF (also called the SLPCF) can be started once all graduate academic course work and graduate clinical practicum requirements for certification have been completed. Your graduate school's program director can verify this date.

What are the CF requirements?

Please consult Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship for the complete list of requirements.

Can the Clinical Fellow work less than 35 hours per week?

Yes, but if less than full-time employment is used for the CF, the length of the CF must be extended. Professional experience of less than 5 hours per week is not accepted toward meeting the CF requirements. The Clinical Fellow should check their state regulatory agency's regulations regarding acceptable hours per week of professional experience.

If the Clinical Fellow works more than 35 hours per week, can those additional hours shorten the length of the CF?

No. Experience of more than 35 hours per week cannot be used to shorten the CF to less than 36 weeks.

The standards use the term "mentoring SLP" rather than supervisor. Is this person one and the same?

They may be, but not necessarily. While an employment supervisor is not required to hold current ASHA certification, the mentoring SLP must hold certification during the period of time they serve as the CF mentor. The mentor is responsible for verifying hours worked in pursuit of ASHA certification, providing clinical mentorship to the Clinical Fellow and recommendations based on clinical performance through use of the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) form [PDF]. They will work with the Clinical Fellow to establish outcomes and performance levels to be achieved during the CF and will provide guidance throughout the experience. It will be the mentoring SLP's responsibility to engage in periodic assessments of performance, and to evaluate progress toward meeting the established goals and achievement of clinical skills necessary for independent practice.

How much observation/supervision is required during the CF experience?

There must be no fewer than 18 hours of on-site observation of the clinical fellow providing clinical services throughout the CF experience. Additionally, at least 18 other monitoring activities must occur during the experience. The mentoring SLP will use these observations to assess performance and evaluate progress toward achieving the skills necessary for independent practice.

How will progress in clinical skills be tracked throughout the CF?

The Clinical Fellow and mentor must participate in regularly scheduled formal evaluations where they will discuss the Clinical Fellow's progress on the skills listed in the CFSI form [PDF] and areas of accomplishment or concern. While other clinically appropriate tools specific to the area of practice may also be used (such as self-rating scales), best practice is to use the CFSI to track progress throughout each segment. Tracking scores will help the Clinical Fellow and mentor determine areas that may need continued exposure or mentorship.

At the conclusion of the experience, the mentor and Clinical Fellow will complete the CFSI. In the final segment of the experience, ratings of "2" or above on all skills must have been achieved in order for the experience to be accepted. If there are skills rated "1" at the end of the third segment, it is acceptable to extend the CF experience to provide the time necessary to further develop necessary skills. Once successfully completed, the mentor must verify clinical hours completed and CFSI ratings for the third and final segment through the CF Mentor Portal by logging into their ASHA account.

Can I wait until I complete my CF experience to apply for ASHA certification?

Yes; however, applications for ASHA certification are also accepted prior to starting your CF and during your CF. Whenever you decide to apply for certification, keep in mind that

the CF must be completed within 4 years of the date your application was submitted, and

once the CF has been completed graduates must apply for the CCC-SLP within 5 years.

Can CF mentors accept payment for the supervision they provide?

It is the interpretation of the CFCC that CF mentors should not accept compensation for supervising or mentoring a Clinical Fellow, beyond reasonable reimbursement for direct expenses. If reimbursement is anticipated, acceptable direct expenses should be specifically delineated prior to the start of the CF experience.

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FAQs: Clinical Fellowship for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology

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When can the CF be started? The CF (also called the SLPCF) can be started once all graduate academic course work and graduate clinical practicum requirements for certification have been completed. Your graduate school's program director can verify this date. What are the CF requirements?

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A CF year is similar to school in the sense that the candidate will be evaluated, graded, and will pass or fail according to specific requirements. ASHA’s clinical fellowship requirements involve:

1,260 hours of post-graduate clinical practice: 36 weeks of full-time work at a minimum of 35 hours a week OR part-time with a minimum of 5 hours per week to be completed over a course of no more than 4 years

80 percent of the fellow’s time must be spent in direct clinical contact with patients

A score of 3 or better must be awarded to the fellow on the core skills section of their final evaluation

Supervision and mentoring must be delivered by a CCC-SLP holder

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Speech Pathology Degrees | Find an Online SLP Program | Ready to start your SLP career? Earn your degree in speech-language pathology by finding an online SLP master's program. Discover new career paths, licensing requirements & certifications.

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Participating in a post-graduate clinical fellowship is a fundamental part of becoming a speech-language pathologist, serving as a basic qualification for professional certification and for becoming licensed in virtually every jurisdiction:

All but eight states require clinical fellowship experience to meet SLP licensing requirements

The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC) has established a 36-week, 1260-hour clinical fellowship as a standard requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

Finding the right fellowship opportunity can set the tone for a speech-language pathologist's entire career path. During a fellowship, SLPs make contacts and learn about the industry from the inside out, creating a pathway for further career progression in the years ahead. This makes it extremely important to select a fellowship position that aligns with career goals, whether with a school system, hospital, independent practice, long-term care facility or rehabilitation clinic.

The clinical fellowship, or CF, typically comes at the end of an SLP's formal schooling. According to ASHA, the purpose behind post-graduate supervised clinical practice is fourfold:

Integrating and applying theoretical knowledge gained in academic training to real world cases

Evaluating strengths and identifying limitations in the fellow's practice

Developing and refining clinical skills consistent with the defined scope of practice

Advancing from requiring constant supervision to an ability to practice independently

The fellowship is viewed as the final transition from student to well-qualified SLP practitioner. New graduates in the field of speech-language pathology and the authorities responsible for certifying and licensing them take this segment of pre-professional experience very seriously.

A Clinical Fellowship is the First Step Into the World of Professional Speech Language Pathology

Most master's programs already include an extensive clinical practicum that involves working with actual patients during the course of the graduate program, but the carefully supervised setting does not provide the student with the necessary independence to truly learn all the skills critical to becoming a full-fledged SLP. Further experience and on-the-job training is necessary, and the clinical fellowship provides the ideal circumstances and environment for this to take place.

At the same time, a CF is similar to school in the sense that the candidate will be evaluated, graded, and will pass or fail according to specific requirements. ASHA's clinical fellowship requirements involve:

1,260 hours of post-graduate clinical practice: 36 weeks of full-time work at a minimum of 35 hours a week OR part-time with a minimum of 5 hours per week to be completed over a course of no more than 4 years

80 percent of the fellow's time must be spent in direct clinical contact with patients

A score of 3 or better must be awarded to the fellow on the core skills section of their final evaluation

Supervision and mentoring must be delivered by a CCC-SLP holder

Although minimum licensing requirements may vary from state to state, most closely resemble ASHA standards. In fact, in many states, the CCC-SLP is either an accepted path to licensure or is otherwise the primary path to licensure.
Scaling Back Supervision
SLP fellows spend a significant amount of time under the supervision of a competent SLP who has already undergone their own fellowship. The supervisor will offer direct supervision while fellows work with patients, supervising their work more frequently at the beginning of the fellowship, and less and less frequently as the fellowship progresses and the fellow becomes more adept and confident.

Toward the end of the fellowship, supervision may be limited to the fellow's case notes and discussions about diagnoses and treatment plans.

A Mentor is a Critical Part of the Clinical Fellowship Experience

The candidate might work under the supervision of any number of SLPs depending on the nature of the fellowship practice, but usually one of them will serve as the fellow's designated mentor. This mentor will provide most of the guidance during the fellowship and will serve as a resource for the candidate when, inevitably, questions arise about diagnosis or treatment in complex cases.

The role is not merely informative, however, but evaluative as well. The mentor is expected to turn in a report certifying that the clinical fellow has met all the expected requirements. This report would then be submitted to the state licensing board, and to ASHA in the event that the fellow is pursuing CCC-SLP certification.

The standard ASHA report form includes 18 different skill categories on which the candidate will be rated during three different segments of the fellowship. In general, those categories cover:

Evaluation skills

Treatment skills

Management skills

Interaction skills

The ratings take into account the accuracy, consistency, independence, and supervisory guidance required in each category.

Generally, the mentor, state licensing boards and ASHA will be looking to see performance in each category improving incrementally over the course of the fellowship.

The mentor is also responsible for tracking and affirming that the clock-hour and experience components required of the fellowship were met.

Finding the Right Mentor and Fellowship Opportunity

A fellowship is a paying job in an actual, working therapy practice. Because many SLPs are employed in school systems, naturally, many SLP fellowships are in education, but they can also be found in acute care hospitals, clinics, and long-term rehabilitation facilities.

Students are expected to line up their own fellowship opportunities, but schools and state SLP associations typically have lists of likely employers. ASHA also maintains a list of employment resources on their website that includes CF opportunities.

Perhaps surprisingly, the SLP is expected to exercise a considerable amount of discretion in their search for a fellowship position. Unlike some other medical fields where post-graduate work is luck of the draw, students in speech language pathology are encouraged to find an opportunity that is a good fit for their ambitions.

Prospective SLP fellows often consider factors that include:

Availability of a mentor and their strengths and weaknesses in the field

Salary

Ability of the position to fulfill requirements either for state licensure or CCC-SLP certification

How clinical fellows fit into the operations and authority of the practice

Whether or not the fellowship would lead to permanent employment

Whether or not the practice or setting has a particular specialty that the candidate is interested in

At the end of a clinical fellowship, SLPs would be expected to be able to take on any entry-level SLP role and be able to work successfully and independently without close supervision. Although consulting with other SLPs and resources will be an ongoing part of any SLP's career, the fellowship serves to impart the skills and experience required to confidently serve the needs of patients and clients.

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A Guide to Clinical Fellowships in Speech Pathology (CF SLP)

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When becoming a speech-language pathologist, participating in an SLP clinical fellowship is a fundamental part of your journey. Read more to learn why.

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Allison Larson MS, CCC-SLP, and Iris Snow MS, CCC-SLP share experiences and tips such as trying different settings, self-advocacy, cultivating relationships, and more for new CFs in this podcast link.

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On this episode, we welcomed not one but two special guests-Allison Larson MS, CCC-SLP, and Iris Snow MS, CCC-SLP-to discuss the things they wish they knew when starting their Clinical Fellowships. Reflecting on theirs and Jennifer's CF experiences, Allison and Iris offer wisdom for future CFs about trying different settings, self-advocacy, cultivating relationships, and more.

Subscribe to the Podcast!

This show is made possible by AMN Healthcare. If you're a speech pathologist interested in traveling, visit: https://www.amnhealthcare.com/careers/allied/resources/get-started-allied-travel/ to discover the amazing benefits they have to offer!

We Discuss

0:00 An overview of the podcast rebranding

5:49 Introduction to guests Alison Larson & Iris Snow

10:37 What I wish I knew about trying different settings

17:09 What I wish I knew about supervision

22:31 What I wish I knew about self-advocacy

26:28 What I wish I knew about creating a budget (and sticking to it)

29:31 What I wish I knew about different pay structures

35:12 What I wish I knew about cultivating relationships

About Allison Larson MS, CCC-SLP & Iris Snow MS, CCC-SLP

Allison has worked in public schools, private clinics, and a skilled nursing facility. Her passion is working with adolescents and young adults and helping them transition to the workforce and adult life. She has worked in a high school setting for 15 years and a post-secondary setting for six years.

Iris is a bilingual SLP who has worked in Acute Care, a Children's Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Hospital, Early Intervention, and currently works at a world-renowned Rehabilitation Hospital that specializes in traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries.

About the Show

Producer - Jonathan Cary

Assistant Producer - Katie Schrauben

Show Notes - Sam MacKay

Music & Editing - Aidan Dykes

Powered by AMN Healthcare

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Ep. 43 - What I Wish I Knew Starting My Clinical Fellowship | AMN Healthcare

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On this episode, we welcomed not one but two special guests-Allison Larson MS, CCC-SLP, and Iris Snow MS, CCC-SLP.

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30 Pieces of Advice for New SLPs | Speechy Musings

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I recently asked for advice for new SLPs on my Facebook page and the response I got was AMAZING. The feelings I have after starting this new job have been crazy. I love it, but it can definitely feel overwhelming at times! I still sometimes feel bad for the clients who get assigned to me […]

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ASHA Leader Article: Top 12 Pearls of Wisdom For SLP Newbies

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ASHA Leader Article: Top 12 Pearls of Wisdom For SLP Newbies

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Advice for new SLPs in article by Jenna Rayburn

Top 12 Pearls of Wisdom For SLP Newbies

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Be kind to yourself when things get hard. Lindsay's got your back!

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Testaments & Advice from SLPs about CF year

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Testaments & Advice from SLPs about CF year

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Advice for Future Speech Language Pathologists - The Orange Effect Foundation

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Thinking about a career in Speech-Language Pathology? A few experts in the field give insight on what it’s like and why it’s so rewarding.

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Continue to learn - ASHA learning pass is a great investment to review basics, learn new information and accrue CEUs.

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Some graduate institutions provide CF placements, however if you're looking on your own ask professional colleagues about CF positions and look online through larger job search sites such as Indeed. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and cast a wide net to broaden your network and strengthen your skill sets. Create a profile and upload your resume on different recruiting websites:

Other sites:

Speechpathology.com

SLPJobs.com

Linkedin.com

Glassdoor.com

Ziprecruiter.com

Indeed.com

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Speech Pathology Jobs Outlook for Portland, OR

The City of Roses, aka Portland, OR could be the location of your dream speech pathology jobs. With its strong economy and low unemployment rate, the city is in need of healthcare professionals like you, to fill its numerous speech therapy jobs. The clean, carefully planned city of Portland is a leader in the healthcare industry and as a speech language pathology jobs seeker; you wouldn't be searching for long! In fact, you would fit right in among Portland's highly educated, young and ambitious population. If you are thinking about relocating to the northwest for speech pathology jobs, give this city some serious consideration.

The Pearl District

On time off from speech pathology jobs, many healthcare professionals enjoy exploring The Pearl District. An erstwhile industrial section of Portland, the Pearl District has been renovated and is now comprised of trendy, upscale lofts, chic and artsy dining establishments. Speaking of artsy, this area of Portland boasts a thriving art scene with a plethora of galleries through which speech language pathology jobs seekers may peruse. The Pearl District is also quite a popular location for those in search of speech therapy jobs to dwell. There is much to see and do here, and it's centrally located which makes it easy to get around for speech language pathology jobs seekers.

Lan Su Gardens: From Acupuncture to Zen

After the rigors of interviewing for speech pathology jobs, enjoy the serene and blissful Lan Su Botanical Gardens. This New Age experience harks back to a Chinese tradition of 2 millennia that fuses art, structural design and the biosphere to create a world of harmony. As speech language pathology jobs candidates enter Lan Su, they get a sense of traveling back in time while experiencing the essence of the Chinese philosophy. Inspirational pursuits include guided tours, exotic Chinese tea sampling, Mahjongg, art exhibits, acupuncture Tai Chi martial arts, concerts, calligraphy and a series of rotating, comprehensive lectures. Lan Su is the perfect place for speech pathology jobs employees to stay grounded and indulge in some necessary self-care.

Portland's Secret Underground

Snaking beneath the streets of Portland's Old Town, speech therapy jobs workers discover a network of subterranean passageways through which the unthinkable became sad reality. During the early 1860s, before speech pathology jobs were available, ruthless individuals preyed upon easy targets of drunken men and unescorted women: kidnapping and selling them into slavery or prostitution. As some speech therapy jobs seekers may discern, this practice was known as shanghaiing. While exploring the "Portland Underground," those seeking speech language pathology jobs will happen upon trap doors, distinctive structural design, harshly constructed holding quarters, and chilling artifacts that speak toward this appalling, erroneous forced labor methodology.

Velvet Art-Not Just for Elvis Anymore

It is likely that the majority of speech pathology jobs seekers view Velvet art as tacky, laughable and not exactly, "art." One certainly would not expect to see an entire art gallery filled with the stuff. However, the Velveteria Museum in Portland is on a mission to change the way speech therapy jobs workers and the rest of the world, views this art form. Yes, once only seen at flea markets and roadside stands, here, velvet paintings are regarded as the highest echelon of artistic expression. Boasting over 2,800 pieces gathered from estate sales, garage sales, antique malls and the internet the Velveteria might just change the minds of speech pathology jobs interviewers and others, too.

Speech Language Pathology Jobs Workers Chill

When vacation time rolls around for speech therapy jobs employees, Sauvie Island is an ideal getaway destination. Once known as Wappatoo Island, this little piece of paradise is a short drive from Portland's downtown. Here, those on hiatus from their speech language pathology jobs can enjoy down time with their families. Kayaking, hiking, cycling and picnicking beneath a century-old oak tree are some of the activities in which to partake. There are also farms where visitors are welcome to wander about the fields and pick fresh berries. During the summer months, free concerts are popular activities for tourists and speech therapy jobs seekers, while in the autumn months a crunchy corn maze and a cheerful pumpkin patch are huge draws.

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portland or speech-language pathology jobs

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Speech-Language Pathology Jobs in Portland OR | SLP Jobs in Portland

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Search SLP jobs in Portland OR. Speech-Language Pathology jobs in Portland are updated daily.

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Continue to review ASHA's Code of Ethics at beginning of CF year.

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Ethics

Effective March 1, 2023.

View PDF Version | en Español
Table of Contents
Preamble

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA; hereafter, also known as "the Association") has been committed to a framework of common principles and standards of practice since ASHA's inception in 1925. This commitment was formalized in 1952 as the Association's first Code of Ethics. This code has been modified and adapted to reflect the current state of practice and to address evolving issues within the professions.

The ASHA Code of Ethics reflects professional values and expectations for scientific and clinical practice. It is based on principles of duty, accountability, fairness, and responsibility and is intended to ensure the welfare of the consumer and to protect the reputation and integrity of the professions. The Code of Ethics is a framework and a guide for professionals in support of day-to-day decision making related to professional conduct.

The Code of Ethics is obligatory and disciplinary as well as aspirational and descriptive in that it defines the professional's role. It is an integral educational resource regarding ethical principles and standards that are expected of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to the responsible discharge of obligations by audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists who serve as clinicians, educators, mentors, researchers, supervisors, and administrators. This Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to this purpose and is applicable to the following individuals:

a member of ASHA holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence

a member of ASHA not holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence

a nonmember of ASHA holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence

an applicant for ASHA certification or for ASHA membership and certification

ASHA members who provide clinical services must hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence and must abide by the Code of Ethics. By holding ASHA certification and/or membership, or through application for such, all individuals are subject to the jurisdiction of the ASHA Board of Ethics for ethics complaint adjudication.

The fundamentals of ethical conduct are described by Principles of Ethics and by Rules of Ethics. The four Principles of Ethics form the underlying philosophical basis for the Code of Ethics and are reflected in the following areas: (I) responsibility to persons served professionally and to research participants; (II) responsibility for one's professional competence; (III) responsibility to the public; and (IV) responsibility for professional relationships. Individuals shall honor and abide by these Principles as affirmative obligations under all conditions of applicable professional activity. Rules of Ethics are specific statements of minimally acceptable as well as unacceptable professional conduct.

The Code of Ethics is designed to provide guidance to members, certified individuals, and applicants as they make professional decisions. Because the Code of Ethics is not intended to address specific situations and is not inclusive of all possible ethical dilemmas, professionals are expected to follow its written provisions and to uphold its spirit and purpose. Adherence to the Code of Ethics and its enforcement results in respect for the professions and positive outcomes for those who benefit from the work of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists.

Principle of Ethics I

Individuals shall honor their responsibility to hold paramount the welfare of persons they serve professionally or who are participants in research and scholarly activities.

Rules of Ethics

Principle of Ethics II

Individuals shall honor their responsibility to achieve and maintain the highest level of professional competence and performance.

Rules of Ethics

Principle of Ethics III

In their professional role, individuals shall act with honesty and integrity when engaging with the public and shall provide accurate information involving any aspect of the professions.

Rules of Ethics

Principle of Ethics IV

Individuals shall uphold the dignity and autonomy of the professions, maintain collaborative and harmonious interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships, and accept the professions' self-imposed standards.

Rules of Ethics

Terminology

The purpose of the following Terminology section is to provide additional clarification for terms not defined within the Principles of Ethics and Rules of Ethics sections.

ASHA Ethics Office

The ASHA Ethics Office assists the Board of Ethics with the confidential administration and processing of self-reports from and ethics complaints against individuals (as defined below). All complaints and self-reports should be sent to this office. The mailing address for the ASHA Ethics Office is American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, attn: Ethics Office, 2200 Research Blvd., #309, Rockville, MD 20850. The email address is ethics@asha.org.

advertising

Any form of communication with the public regarding services, therapies, research, products, or publications.

diminished decision-making ability

The inability to comprehend, retain, or apply information necessary to determine a reasonable course of action.

individuals

Within the Code of Ethics, this term refers to ASHA members and/or certificate holders and applicants for ASHA certification.

informed consent

An agreement by persons served, those with legal authority for persons served, or research participants that constitutes authorization of a proposed course of action after the communication of adequate information regarding expected outcomes and potential risks. Such an agreement may be verbal or written, as required by applicable law or policy.

may vs. shall

May denotes an allowance for discretion; shall denotes something that is required.

misrepresentation

Any statement by words or other conduct that, under the circumstances, amounts to an assertion that is false, erroneous, or misleading (i.e., not in accordance with the facts).

negligence

Failing to exercise a standard of care toward others that a reasonable or prudent person would use in the circumstances, or taking actions that a reasonable person would not.

nolo contendere

A plea made by a defendant stating that they will not contest a criminal charge.

plagiarism

Representation of another person's idea, research, presentation, result, or product as one's own through irresponsible citation, attribution, or paraphrasing.

publicly disciplined

A formal disciplinary action of public record.

reasonable or reasonably

Being supported or justified by fact or circumstance and being in accordance with reason, fairness, duty, or prudence.

self-report

A professional obligation of self-disclosure that requires (a) notifying the ASHA Ethics Office in writing and (b) sending a copy of the required documentation to the ASHA Ethics Office (see definition of "written" below).

shall vs. may

Shall denotes something that is required; may denotes an allowance for discretion.

telepractice

Application of telecommunications technology to the delivery of audiology and speech-language pathology professional services at a distance by linking clinician to client/patient/student or by linking clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention, consultation, or supervision. The quality of the service should be equivalent to that of in-person service. For more information, see Telepractice on the ASHA Practice Portal.

written

Encompasses both electronic and hard-copy writings or communications.

Index terms: ethics

Reference this material as: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2023). Code of ethics [Ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy/.

© Copyright 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association disclaims any liability to any party for the accuracy, completeness, or availability of these documents, or for any damages arising out of the use of the documents and any information they contain.

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The preservation of the highest standards of integrity and ethical principles is vital to the responsible discharge of obligations by speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. This Code of Ethics sets forth the fundamental principles and rules considered essential to this purpose.

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Remember NSSLHA blogs are great resources!

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Remember NSSLHA blogs are great resources!

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Graduating students are helping future graduates with providing updated information on next steps.

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After Graduation: Tips for Navigating the ASHA Certification and State Licensure Process - NSSLHA Blog

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Perhaps you’re beginning grad school, are about to complete your AuD or Master’s in SLP program, or are a recent graduate. Regardless of where you are in your graduate education, it never hurts to look ahead and prepare for the future. I’m currently working as a CF-SLP four days per week in a local critical access hospital, as well as PRN in the acute care... Read More

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The Clinical Fellowship (CF) involves a mentored professional experience that begins after the completion of academic coursework and clinical practicum. The CF is designed to:

Integrate and apply theoretical knowledge from academic training

Evaluate strengths and identify limitations

Develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the SLP Scope of Practice

Advance from constant supervised practitioner to independent practitioner

AND JOIN NSSLHA!!!!

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The Clinical Fellowship (CF) involves a mentored professional experience that begins after the completion of academic coursework and clinical practicum. The CF is designed to:

Integrate and apply theoretical knowledge from academic training

Evaluate strengths and identify limitations

Develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the SLP Scope of Practice

Advance from constant supervised practitioner to independent practitioner

Join NSSLHA today to connect with other students and Clinical Fellows and save money on certification application dues/fees.

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Completing the Clinical Fellowship (CF) Experience

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The Clinical Fellowship (CF) involves a mentored professional experience that begins after the completion of academic coursework and clinical practicum. The CF is designed to: Integrate and apply theoretical knowledge from academic training Evaluate strengths and identify limitations Develop and refine clinical skills consistent with the SLP Scope of Practice Advance from constant supervised practitioner to independent practitioner Join NSSLHA today to connect with other students and Clinical Fellows and save money on certification application dues/fees.

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Lets not forget that our profession is international and there are many SLPs in the world sharing their knowledge of practice. Note: there is a monthly fee after a 7 day free trial for the feedspot website.

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50 Best SLP (Speech Pathology) Podcasts You Must Follow in 2024

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List of Best SLP Podcasts. Keep up with speech therapy podcast, language therapy, stuttering, swallowing disorders, speech therapy tips and tricks, communication needs and much more

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Comprehensive Therapy Consultants video 

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Comprehensive Therapy Consultants video 

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The Clinical Fellowship Experience for SLPs

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Organize everything and be ready for IEP meetings! Additional links on this page for helping SLPs in a school setting. Two big takeaway were stay out of the staff room and find quiet places to get your work done! Good quick read.

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SLP CFY -Tips for the Brand-New School Speech Language Pathologist

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SLP CFY -I remember my first year as a new school Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), and I was walked into my very own little bitty speech room. My room was literally a closet inside the art room! After I was shown to my room, the administrator left and I was by myself.

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A great read! Some takeaways are find supportive mentors, ask for help, and clients are not always textbook cases so lean into EBPs and team-based approaches.

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Picture it... You are sitting in your last graduate class, hand in your remaining assignments, present your final presentation, and turn in the end of your clinical hours to your director.

Congratulations, you made it through grad school! You should be immensely proud of all the hard work and countless hours you put in to make this all possible. It's now time to finally be done with school and begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. You dreamed of this moment since the first day of freshman year, and it came within a blink of an eye.

After you walk off that stage (or virtual stage... thanks, COVID), reality starts to sink in. "Am I ready for this? Am I prepared enough for this?" Let me walk you through some tips I learned and provide you with some information to make this transition into the real world as smooth as can be.

Interviewing for Medical SLP Positions

Beginning the interview process can be very overwhelming. If I can give any piece of advice, it's this - do not settle! It can be very disheartening when your friends and colleagues in your graduate class are getting offers and starting their clinical fellowships before you but don't rush into the first job you see, or even the second. Take this time to gain experience in the interview process and get comfortable asking the right questions.

Here are some questions that helped me gain insight and make an informed decision:

This will vary from setting to setting. I have friends of mine with supervisors who don't work in the same building. I have other friends, including myself, that work side by side with their supervisor. This is important because the level of independence will vary from person to person. Some CFs might want a more hands-off supervisor and be available as needed, and others might want their supervisor available more often for guidance.

I'm sure you've heard of productivity levels/expectations many times before, but let me break down what productivity actually means. Let's pretend a company said their productivity level was 90%; this would mean 90% of your workday would be seeing clients in therapy. So, if you work an 8 hour day (480 mins), you would see clients for 432 mins of that workday. That gives you 48 minutes for all of your daily treatment notes, evaluation reports, progress notes, and of course, things like bathroom breaks. This is an unattainable productivity level and leads to burnt-out SLPs. Make sure your productivity is sustainable for you, especially when first starting out because you will need extra time to learn and adapt to systems and procedures.

This goes hand in hand with question 2, but finding out how large your caseload can be and the types of clients you will be working with will help determine if that setting is the right fit for you. Are you primarily interested in dementia and stroke recovery? A SNF may be a good fit for you. Interested in building long-term relationships and rehab? Apply to outpatient clinics. There is a medical setting for wherever your passions lie.

Some companies don't provide materials, so you must ask this to plan accordingly. If they don't provide you with any materials, you need to ask for a budget for purchasing materials. Even though you don't need CEUs during your CF, I would ask if they have a budget for any continuing education memberships, such as Medbridge*, so you have resources to consult when you need to research a unique clinical case!

There are a few factors to consider for this question...

Are you full-time or part-time? If you are a part-time employee, it may take longer to finish your CF hours.

Are you hourly or salary? If you are an hourly or fee-for-service employee, you will only get paid when you see a client, which may impact your CF hour accumulation.

What does your CF supervisor count as hours? Ask what your supervisor will allow you to count towards your CF hours.

In addition to this question, I would recommend considering how long your CF contract is valid. If it is a 12-month contract, but you finish your CF hours in the expected 36 weeks, will you be paid as a CF for the remaining time of your contract? Once you receive your C's, your pay should increase to reflect your certification.

Most companies will come out and state their benefits, but you need to decide what benefits are most important to you to make your final decision. Types of benefits can include PTO/Sick time, 401k, materials, health insurance, license fee reimbursement, etc.

BONUS QUESTION: Once you are assigned a supervisor make sure to ask, "What are your expectations for me as your CF?"

Establish with your supervisor what expectations they have for you. For instance, are you expected to build your own caseload? Are you expected to start seeing clients right away? Can you observe first before beginning to see clients? Are you expected to meet the productivity level as soon as you start, or will there be a grace period? Determining what your responsibilities will be right from the start will put you more at ease when you begin the job.

Tips to Get You Started Out Confidently

TLDR: Take Away

Make sure you are set up for a successful clinical fellowship by having a supportive supervisor with a company that will supply you with the tools you need to treat your clients in an ethical, evidence-based way.

Remind yourself that you are prepared enough and you are smart enough. Imposter syndrome is genuine, and you will question yourself daily, but push those feelings to the side and keep moving forward.

You are never alone in this field; the speech-language pathology world is full of mentors and resources to help you provide the best treatment for your clients and continue your growth into a competent and confident clinician.

* These are affiliate links. When you purchase a subscription using this link, Neuro Speech Solutions will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win! *

Sarah is a speech-language pathologist completing her clinical fellowship with Neuro Speech Solutions. A native of Syracuse, she moved to Buffalo to specialize in adult neurogenic speech therapy. Sarah enjoys working with clients post-stroke and brain injury to help them communicate their thoughts and feelings and return to doing the things they love.

Picture it... You are sitting in your last graduate class, hand in your remaining assignments, present your final presentation, and turn in the end of your clinical hours to your director.

Congratulations, you made it through grad school! You should be immensely proud of all the hard work and countless hours you put in to make this all possible. It's now time to finally be done with school and begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. You dreamed of this moment since the first day of freshman year, and it came within a blink of an eye.

After you walk off that stage (or virtual stage... thanks, COVID), reality starts to sink in. "Am I ready for this? Am I prepared enough for this?" Let me walk you through some tips I learned and provide you with some information to make this transition into the real world as smooth as can be.

Interviewing for Medical SLP Positions

Beginning the interview process can be very overwhelming. If I can give any piece of advice, it's this - do not settle! It can be very disheartening when your friends and colleagues in your graduate class are getting offers and starting their clinical fellowships before you but don't rush into the first job you see, or even the second. Take this time to gain experience in the interview process and get comfortable asking the right questions.

Here are some questions that helped me gain insight and make an informed decision:

This will vary from setting to setting. I have friends of mine with supervisors who don't work in the same building. I have other friends, including myself, that work side by side with their supervisor. This is important because the level of independence will vary from person to person. Some CFs might want a more hands-off supervisor and be available as needed, and others might want their supervisor available more often for guidance.

I'm sure you've heard of productivity levels/expectations many times before, but let me break down what productivity actually means. Let's pretend a company said their productivity level was 90%; this would mean 90% of your workday would be seeing clients in therapy. So, if you work an 8 hour day (480 mins), you would see clients for 432 mins of that workday. That gives you 48 minutes for all of your daily treatment notes, evaluation reports, progress notes, and of course, things like bathroom breaks. This is an unattainable productivity level and leads to burnt-out SLPs. Make sure your productivity is sustainable for you, especially when first starting out because you will need extra time to learn and adapt to systems and procedures.

This goes hand in hand with question 2, but finding out how large your caseload can be and the types of clients you will be working with will help determine if that setting is the right fit for you. Are you primarily interested in dementia and stroke recovery? A SNF may be a good fit for you. Interested in building long-term relationships and rehab? Apply to outpatient clinics. There is a medical setting for wherever your passions lie.

Some companies don't provide materials, so you must ask this to plan accordingly. If they don't provide you with any materials, you need to ask for a budget for purchasing materials. Even though you don't need CEUs during your CF, I would ask if they have a budget for any continuing education memberships, such as Medbridge*, so you have resources to consult when you need to research a unique clinical case!

There are a few factors to consider for this question...

Are you full-time or part-time? If you are a part-time employee, it may take longer to finish your CF hours.

Are you hourly or salary? If you are an hourly or fee-for-service employee, you will only get paid when you see a client, which may impact your CF hour accumulation.

What does your CF supervisor count as hours? Ask what your supervisor will allow you to count towards your CF hours.

In addition to this question, I would recommend considering how long your CF contract is valid. If it is a 12-month contract, but you finish your CF hours in the expected 36 weeks, will you be paid as a CF for the remaining time of your contract? Once you receive your C's, your pay should increase to reflect your certification.

Most companies will come out and state their benefits, but you need to decide what benefits are most important to you to make your final decision. Types of benefits can include PTO/Sick time, 401k, materials, health insurance, license fee reimbursement, etc.

BONUS QUESTION: Once you are assigned a supervisor make sure to ask, "What are your expectations for me as your CF?"

Establish with your supervisor what expectations they have for you. For instance, are you expected to build your own caseload? Are you expected to start seeing clients right away? Can you observe first before beginning to see clients? Are you expected to meet the productivity level as soon as you start, or will there be a grace period? Determining what your responsibilities will be right from the start will put you more at ease when you begin the job.

Tips to Get You Started Out Confidently

TLDR: Take Away

Make sure you are set up for a successful clinical fellowship by having a supportive supervisor with a company that will supply you with the tools you need to treat your clients in an ethical, evidence-based way.

Remind yourself that you are prepared enough and you are smart enough. Imposter syndrome is genuine, and you will question yourself daily, but push those feelings to the side and keep moving forward.

You are never alone in this field; the speech-language pathology world is full of mentors and resources to help you provide the best treatment for your clients and continue your growth into a competent and confident clinician.

* These are affiliate links. When you purchase a subscription using this link, Neuro Speech Solutions will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win! *

Sarah is a speech-language pathologist completing her clinical fellowship with Neuro Speech Solutions. A native of Syracuse, she moved to Buffalo to specialize in adult neurogenic speech therapy. Sarah enjoys working with clients post-stroke and brain injury to help them communicate their thoughts and feelings and return to doing the things they love.

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How to Secure Your Ideal Medical SLP Clinical Fellowship Position - Neuro Speech Solutions

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Medical SLP CF positions may be few and far between, but by using these tips and recommendations you will be one step closer to securing a perfect fit for you! 5 Min Read

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This is a great resource that addresses

what the test is

how long you have to take it

the score for passing

when to take the exam

general knowledge about preparation

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What is the SLP Praxis Exam?

The basics: The SLP Praxis exam (code: 5331) is a 132-question, multiple choice exam that covers the foundational knowledge, assessment, and treatment of all areas related to speech-language pathology. Throughout your graduate program, you probably heard about the "Big 9" areas of study; this test covers all of those areas. Approximately one-third of questions relate to the foundational knowledge of different speech-language areas, one-third relate to the assessment of speech-language disorders, and one-third relate to the treatment of them. Most of the questions are multiple choice, meaning you choose, A, B, C, or D, but some of them may say something like, "Choose all that apply," and you can choose 1 or more correct answers.

The time: You have 150 minutes to complete the SLP Praxis exam, which means you have a little over one minute to answer each question. Like other comprehensive exams, some questions might take you less than 30 seconds and some may take you well over 60 seconds. Knowing how much time you have to answer each question is helpful and can help you pace yourself throughout the test.

The score: A passing score is 162; however, it's hard to figure out how many points each question is worth. The Praxis website doesn't specifically outline how many questions you have to get right in order to pass. What we do know is that you can score between 100-200, that you find out your preliminary score right away, and that some questions don't count towards your score. The questions that don't count towards your score are considered "pretest" questions that the administration is testing out for future use (how kind of them). You usually receive a hard copy of your official score a few weeks after you take it. This is important to retain because ASHA will request this information for your CCCs and some employers might for your first SLP position.

For a full guide on the SLP Praxis and general testing requirements, check out the website and/or Information Bulletin.

When to take the SLP Praxis Exam

We took the exam when we had finished taking all of our graduate courses but still had practicum hours to finish. Our university required that we pass the exam in order to earn our degree but not all schools require that. You can take the exam during your Clinical Fellowship (CF). I am glad I took it while I was still in "school" mode but it's not necessary. Taking the Praxis before you have finished your graduate coursework gives you more time in the event that you were not successful the first go, too.

Top 5 Things to Know about the SLP Praxis Exam

1. Your score doesn't determine how "good" of an SLP you will be! SERIOUSLY. Long, arduous, multiple-choice exams don't translate into the clinical application of speech-language pathology in any setting. If you get a good score, you can definitely be a good SLP, but you can also definitely be a good SLP with any exam score. Historically, I (Becca) am someone who generally does well with multiple choice exams, which was an advantage for sure, but if you are not someone who does well with multiple choice exams, you can still pass! Kristi considers herself to be more in the "average range" when taking exams like this and she also did well on the SLP Praxis.

2. You can get a lot of questions wrong and still pass the exam! While we don't know the *exact* number, we can tell you that you don't need anywhere close to a perfect score to pass. So, if you are bummed out about a question (or series of questions) you were stuck on, as you continue your exam, remember not to sweat it!

3. The questions are not trying to trick you! I know that sometimes I overthink questions and wonder if there's a hidden meaning I'm not getting, but this test isn't trying to do that. It's trying to see if you are able to answer questions about speech-language pathology. This is not to say there aren't going to be *tricky* questions, but I find it helpful to remind myself that there aren't supposed to be *trick* questions.

4. Preparing is necessary! It can be tempting to skip studying as you juggle all of your other school/life responsibilities; however, studying and preparing for the test is definitely advised. There are multiple ways to study, which we will discuss below.

5. Passing the test and earning your Certificate of Clinical Competence ("CCCs") is a great feeling! You have worked so hard for this! Not only does it give you a great sense of accomplishment, you are also able to have more employment opportunities since you aren't required to have a supervisor after your CF is completed.

How to Study for the Praxis Exam

Get materials

We used the SLP Praxis Exam study book for the majority of our studying. You can find it on ASHA or on Amazon. It helped us organize our studying as it breaks different areas down into different chapters. I also supplemented with flashcards and charts that I made for specific areas that I wanted to study more, including the cranial nerves and Brown's morphemes. The Medical SLPs' Praxis Study Guide is also helpful!

I also made voice memos of myself reciting information and listened back to it as I was driving. I was preparing for the exam during a time when I had some long commutes so it helped me feel productive during busy days! I am also a huge podcast person so it was like my own personal podcast.

ASHA's Practice Portal of Clinical Topics is also a great resource. I find it more helpful to study off-screen, e.g. not on a computer, but you may not feel that way! You can also print off different areas to study as well. Additionally, the Praxis has a Study Companion with different areas to study, practice questions, and general test-taking preparation tips.

Make a schedule

I started studying about 12 weeks before the test. I signed up for it at the end of the summer and started studying as the spring semester ended. I wrote down all of the areas I needed to study (mostly using the chapters from the Praxis book) and broke down which weeks I would study each area. I tried to spend 20-30 minutes each day studying, with a little more time on the weekends. This wasn't perfect; sometimes I studied six days a week and sometimes I studied two days a week. Remember: perfection isn't attainable. I spent the last week reviewing content that was more difficult for me.

Take a practice test

One of the best ways to prepare for tests is to take practice tests. Through the Praxis website are three practice tests you can buy. If you're worried about timing, you can try to sit for an entire session and see if you are able to get through the test in 150 minutes. This may provide good insight into whether or not you should try to speed up or slow down when taking the actual test. If you're not too worried about timing, consider taking practice tests in chunks, answering 10-15 questions a day during your last few weeks of preparation. We should also mention that we did not pass all of our practice tests and did just fine! There are definitely some tests out there that are "tougher" than others.

Collaborate with others

It can also be helpful to discuss concepts and information with other students in your cohort! You can each pick a topic, e.g. "assessment of pediatric language disorders" or "treatment options for dysphagia," and give a mini-lecture on it. "Teaching" information to others is another highly effective study strategy and it also helps you understand where you may have some knowledge gaps or areas to study more in-depth.

Use a tutor

If you're struggling with making time to study, understanding difficult concepts, or knowing how to even approach preparing for the SLP Praxis, using a tutor may be beneficial for you. There are a number of tutoring services available online so you can use them virtually. We found that SLPs were helpful tutors, but also gave a sense of mentorship as well. Talking to SLPs that have been in our position was definitely comforting and reassuring; this is just a brief hurdle in the path to a successful career! If you're looking for a tutor - we offer tutoring services! Get a free consultation, then choose how many sessions you are looking for, and we will get started ASAP.

What I Studied

Everything.

Just kidding, I did obviously try to review everything but there were certain topics that I focused on more than others. This was influenced by what I felt I lacked in my clinical hours thus far. For example, I worked with a client who stuttered during one of my clinical placements, so I felt a bit more at ease with my fluency knowledge. I had a great practicum in a vents/trachs hospital and did a lot of work with dysphagia, so I didn't spend as much time reviewing that. Kristi did not have a lot of dysphagia experience before taking the SLP Praxis so she reviewed this content more, both by studying the material and asking questions to those of us who did have the experience.

I did not have a lot of experience with motor speech disorders, voice disorders, or cleft palate, so I spent more time reviewing these topics. I also hadn't been in a school setting when I took the exam, so I spent more time reviewing child language, articulation, and phonology information.

My Top 10 Areas to Study

This is a super-scientific list of topics to study. Not. In general, this is what I tried to focus on in my studying.

1. ASHA Code of Ethics/applicable laws (e.g. IDEA)

2. The different types/characteristics of dysarthria

3. The different types/characteristics of aphasia

4. Articulation/phonology age of acquisition norms

5. Effects of dialects/different languages on Standard American English

6. Oral mechanism anatomy

7. Cranial nerves

8. Brown's morphemes

9. Dysphagia assessment and treatment

10. Neurology basics

What I Didn't Worry About

Having everything memorized. There is no way to hold alllll of the information related to speech-language pathology in your head all at once. There is a reason SLPs often specialize in specific fields!

Questions I didn't know. There are some questions that you will just not know. Whether it be test-taking anxiety or concepts/terms that simply weren't covered in your graduate courses, there are going to be questions you don't know. I vividly remember there being a question about Van Riper's Stuttering Modification Therapy, a topic I thought I knew front to back, without a multiple choice option that fit what I knew. I was a little frustrated but I guessed an answer and moved on.

Passing the SLP Praxis on my first try. Getting your CCCs does not require you to pass the exam on your first try. You can take the test when 28 days have passed since you last took it. While I was able to pass it when I took it initially, it's not necessary. That helped relieve some of my nerves; best-case scenario was I passed, worst-case scenario I would try again next month. I reminded myself of this over and over (and over) again.

Remember!

If you're at the point where you're taking the SLP Praxis exam, remember this: you made it through your undergraduate program, you were accepted into grad school, and you're done (or almost done) with your graduate program! You have accomplished a lot of difficult things and you can accomplish this as well.

Are you looking for additional support for the SLP Praxis exam? We offer 1:1 tutoring services over Zoom. Get customized tutoring based on your needs. Check out more information here!

*We may make a small commission if you purchase any materials through Amazon, though all opinions are our own :)

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The SLP Praxis exam is a 100+ question standardized test that one must pass to earn their CCCs. Love or hate standardized tests, it's a necessary hurdle for speech-language pathologists!

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The test content ranges across 9 categories in the clinical scope of practice also known as The BIG 9:

Speech sound production

Fluency and fluency disorders

Voice and resonance

Receptive and expressive language

Hearing

Swallowing and feeding

Social aspects of communication including pragmatics

Cognitive aspects of communication

Augmentative and alternative communication

LINK:

https://truelearn.com/resource-library/praxis-ccc-slp-everything-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=How%20Much%20Do%20You%20Need,materials%20as%20courses%20are%20completed.

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Anna Ollinger's blog includes good points and advice such as: Start early, prepare for interviews, apply everywhere, stay calm, and be patient.

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We're quickly approaching the time of year that 2nd year speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students are beginning to think about applying for their clinical fellowship (CF) position. For those who are unfamiliar, a CF is a supervised professional experience during which a recent graduate of an SLP program receives mentorship as they transition from their role as a graduate student to an independent speech-language pathologist. Albeit stressful, it's undoubtedly an exciting time! I'm sharing tips I learned from my experience with the CF application and interview process.

I completed my clinical fellowship four years ago (summer of 2016 through the spring of 2017) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). I feel extremely fortunate for my CF experience at CHOP. I firmly believe I'm the clinician I am today as a result of the amazing mentors and array of opportunities available to me at CHOP. I learned from the best of the best. I was consistently challenged to ask questions while also taking the initiative to find answers on my own accord.

Before deciding on CHOP, there were many applications, interviews, and decisions. The following tips helped me to stay calm and organized throughout the interview process.

Start early

I started the CF application process about a month into my last semester of graduate school. While you may not start submitting applications or interviewing for a few months, you can prepare by updating your resume and asking professors and supervisors to write your letters of recommendation. Once you get into the thick of interviews, you'll have plenty of time to get your name out there and figure out what might be a good fit for you in terms of potential positions.

Decide what is important to you

It's essential to outline what you want to get out out of your CF and as well as your priorities in terms of population, setting, location, salary, and mentorship style. From the gecko, I knew a fellowship with hands-on support was important to me. I valued having an on-site supervisor available to discuss difficult cases, provide feedback, etc. Others in my graduate class valued autonomy and support on an as-needed basis. Know your preference, as it will impact what positions you apply for.

In addition to mentorship, I valued being a part of an interdisciplinary team. At the time I was applying for CF positions, I was completing graduate placements at the the Waisman Center in Madison, WI where I frequently collaborated with other medical providers as a part of interdisciplinary teams. These experiences helped me realize I wanted a clinical fellowship with a heavy interdisciplinary focus.

My final priority was a pediatric focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I was lucky enough to find as position that allowed me to focus on this population while simultaneously gaining experience with a variety of speech and language and medical diagnoses.

Prepare for your interviews

Do your homework and prepare for your interviews! I created a comprehensive list of questions a potential employer might ask and then rehearsed my responses prior to interviews. I continued to add to the list throughout the application process as interviewers asked me different questions. I also created a separate list of questions (e.g., supervision level, collaboration among colleagues, etc.) to ask during my interviews. Remember that interviews are a 2-way street. You are interviewing potential employers just as much as they are interviewing you!

Don't be afraid to apply anywhere and everywhere

Initially, I applied to clinical fellowships in Wisconsin (where I was attending graduate school), Illinois (where I'm from), and North Carolina (where my boyfriend and now husband was living at the time). One of my good friends sent me the CHOP CF job listing and I decided to just apply for it even though it was outside of the locations I was originally considering. Somehow I ended up at the place I least expected!

Keep an open mind throughout the application process. Just because you submit an application or interview somewhere doesn't mean you have to commit to the job. More interviews allows for more practice and also helps you to narrow down what is important to you.

Be open to new experiences

My CF position included a variety of experiences, including participation in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, evaluations in an interdisciplinary clinic, outpatient evaluations and therapy, and inpatient training. I didn't have any inpatient graduate placements, but I was excited to get comprehensive inpatient training (e.g., acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) during my CF. Your CF is an opportunity to gain additional experience and mentorship in areas you might not have had exposure to in graduate school. Take advantage of it! Even if the new experience isn't your preferred setting or population, it provides you with the opportunity to become a more well-rounded clinician.

Stay Calm & Be Patient

The last semester of grad school can be stressful as you apply for CF positions, take the Praxis, and wrap up graduate placements and classwork. Remember to stay calm and be patient. The process takes time! It all ends up working out as it was meant to be.

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Your Perfect Clinical Fellowship in Speech Therapy - Anna Ollinger Speech Therapy

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We're quickly approaching the time of year that 2nd year SLP graduate students are beginning to think about applying for their clinical fellowship (CF) position. I'm sharing tips I learned from my experience with the CF application and interview process.

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Education Requirements

Experience Requirements

Testing Requirements (Praxis II)

Background Checks

Application Process

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Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are qualified health professionals who help individuals with communication difficulties. They interact with clients of all ages and backgrounds. When most people think of an SLP, they Envision a healthcare worker helping someone improve their speech, reading, or spelling. But, SLPs do so much more.

They introduce technology and train patients on how to use it to communicate. They also work with those who have difficulty swallowing. The causes for their patients' challenges can stem from birth or an accident that occurred later in life. That causes SLPs to find creative ways to approach treatment options.

SLPs can be found working in numerous settings including residential aged-care facilities, universities, hospitals, and community health centers just to name a few. Many open their own independent practice and have the ability to set their hours.

The work SLPs do is crucial because effective communication is needed in all facets of life. Showing someone with a communication handicap different methods and techniques to help them be heard makes a huge impact on their personal and professional lives. If you believe you have the compassion, patience, and creativity two embark on a career as a speech-language pathologist in Oregon, keep reading For more information on how to become licensed.

Oregon Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure Process

The Board of Examiners for Speech-language Pathology and Audiology is the licensing agency in Oregon for speech-language pathologists. They set the rules and regulations for the biennial renewal and other licensing requirements in the state.

Education Requirements

Licensed SLPs in Oregon need a master's degree in speech pathology or higher from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). ASHA is the national organization responsible for setting the standards and fostering advancements in speech-language pathology. ASHA accreditation is something employers will look for as it ensures your education and clinical training meet the requirements set for the profession.

Competition for these graduate programs is steep and may require you to have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher for entry. Volunteer work or an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, or a related major, will help your application to graduate school stand out. But, before you can begin the core subject matter, here are a few prerequisite courses you need to take:

Anatomy and Physiology of Speech

Language Development

Speech Science

Introduction to Clinical Methods and Observations

Once the prerequisites are fulfilled the core courses include:

Dysphagia

Aphasia

Communication and Aging

Language Disorders in Children

Fluency Disorders

Counseling Across the Lifespan

The electives you choose will depend on the specializations you'd like to make your focus. For example, you may want to work specifically with individuals affected by brain injuries or motor speech disorders. Look for electives with a concentration on those subjects.

Oregon requires a minimum of 75 semester hours to be related to speech-language pathology with at least 36 graduate credits in SLP. Also, if a thesis or capstone project was part of the graduate program you must earn credit for its completion.

Experience Required

As a graduate student, you must obtain 400 clock hours of clinical practicum. Practicums are where you'll combine classroom education with hands-on clinical work. You'll be supervised by a qualified SLP throughout the experience. Of the 400 hours, 25 must be spent in observation and 375 in direct clinical interaction.

After graduating there is another clinical experience that you are paid to complete as you earn the required hours for licensure. It is referred to as your clinical fellowship year (CFY). At least 1,260 must be earned and can be completed in 36 weeks for full-timers working a minimum of 35 hours each week.

If your schedule does not allow you to work full-time, you can enter the experience as a part-timer. You are given two years from the initial application to complete the clinical fellowship.

You will be supervised by an ASHA-certified mentor during the CFY in a setting that offers a full range of services. You'll be required to assess, evaluate, and treat clients with speech and language difficulties. At least 80% of the experience is spent performing activities where you engage directly with clients. The remaining 20% of the time is spent observing your mentor as they perform procedures.

At the end of the CFY, you and your mentor will complete a Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) form to be sent to the Board with your application for licensure. Your performance in different skill sets is assessed and graded on a scale of 1 to 5. A 3 in each of the 18 core skills measured is required to attain a license.

Mail the CFSI to:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard #313
Rockville, Maryland 20850

Testing Requirement

After completing the CFY you need to register for the national Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Examination (5331). Registration can be completed by phone, mail, or online. Online registration requires you to sign up for a Praxis account. Phone registration requires you to pay a $35 surcharge for the service. The fee must be paid at least four days before sitting for the test. Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at (800) 772-9476 to make the payment by eCheck, credit/debit card, or PayPal.

Registering by mail is a longer process that begins by completing a Test Authorization Voucher Request. Send the form to:

ETS
P.O. Box 382065
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8065

Once ETS processes your request you'll be sent a voucher number within three weeks. The voucher number comes with a link and instructions for registering.

The test consists of 132 multiple-choice questions and it's graded on a scale of 100-200. A score of 162 is required to pass. The exam fee is $146. If you need to reschedule or cancel the appointment, you'll need to do so at least three days before the exam. This will make you eligible for a refund of 50% of the exam fee. You may forfeit the fee if you do not cancel within the outlined time frame.

Should you need to retake the test you'll have to wait at least 28 days before scheduling a new date. You are given two years from the original test date to pass. Use the online resources to help you study.

Schedule an at-home test or make an appointment at one of the test centers located in the state. If you're taking the test at home you can choose a date from any one of the seven days in the week. You can also make sure you meet the Equipment and Environment Requirements by using the links on the ETS website to run an Equipment Check.

After completing the test your scores will be made available on your Praxis account and transmitted directly to the Board.

Background Checks

Each applicant for licensure must have a background check conducted to qualify for licensure. Get started by visiting the Fieldprint website and entering code FPBSPALicenseDAS when prompted. The collection site will be sent this information, so you won't have to reenter it when fingerprinted.

Take your appointment number, two forms of current identification, and the $50 background check fee to the collection site. Fingerprints will be taken electronically via Livescan, by the onsite technician, and transmitted to Fieldprint for processing. It takes 5-7 to receive the results, which are then submitted to the Board.

There is a state check completed by the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) receives your fingerprints to check against their criminal database. If the fingerprints received are deemed insufficient you will be notified to reschedule a collection at no additional cost. However, if you cancel less than 24 hours before the appointment or just don't show up you will pay a rescheduling fee.

Out-of-state applicants can have their fingerprints taken at a Livescan location in their state. Simply search using an address or ZIP code on the website.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Applicant Portal. Supporting documents, such as e-transcripts, should be emailed to speechaud.board@bspa.oregon.gov.

The application process begins with the Conditional Speech-Language Pathologist license. You need this certification to complete the CFY. These licenses are initially valid for one year or until your clinical fellowship (CF) is complete. You can renew the license once for one more year to finish your CF.

When you're ready to upgrade from the conditional license to a full license, upload the proper application to the portal. Other documents required with the application are the following:

Official graduate transcripts

Praxis Exam Report showing a passing score and the CFSI form; or
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC)

Verification that professional licenses issued to you by other states are in good standing (if applicable)

A completed background check

Please note that if you graduated from a program that was not taught in English, you'll need to also submit scores from one of the standardized English language proficiency tests. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) are accepted.

Applicants who graduated from an SLP program or completed the clinical fellowship in the 12 months preceding the application date will not have to complete any professional development (PD) hours. Those applicants who completed the program or CF more than 12 months prior to applying for licensure must submit 10 hours of professional development.

The Board prorates license fees depending on the date it was issued. Because licenses expire on December 31 st of odd-numbered years, those licensed before May 1 st of the following year will pay the full $250 fee. After May 1 st the cost drops to $125.

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Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are qualified health professionals who help individuals with communication difficulties. They interact with clients of all ages and backgrounds. When most people think of an SLP, they Envision a healthcare worker helping someone improve their speech, reading, or spelling. But, SLPs do so much more.