ASHA Certification and State Licensure
Certification:
The department and the University do not confer a license to practice, nor do we provide professional certification. Our degree programs provide the background that makes certification attainable. The graduating student must apply to the appropriate state agency having jurisdiction over the intended practice for a license and must apply to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for certification.
It is emphasized that practice without a license is a violation of state law, unless the employment is within specified exempt settings. The department provides advisement on the requirements and the processes for licensure and certification.
Licensure:
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires a total of 75 units in specified areas of coursework for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in either Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology, while 60 units are required by California for state licensure. The license and certification also have specific supervised practicum requirements as well. Therefore, students pursuing the master's degree must consult regularly with an academic advisor throughout the course of study in order to meet these education standards. Generally, they include:
- 15 units of courses in normal processes of speech, language, and hearing behavior and speech and hearing science.
- 48 units of courses in speech/language pathology and audiology and in related fields.
- 30 of these units must be from graduate courses and
- 24 of these units must be in the major area of emphasis (speech/language pathology or audiology).
- 12 units must be in science (3 units) mathematics (3 units) and social/behavioral sciences (6 units).
- A master's degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences.
- A minimum of 375 clock hours of clinical practice covering specified diagnostic and therapeutic activities. In order to satisfy these requirements a student must complete all practica (clinics) with a grade of " B" or better and secure the signature of the clinical supervisor attesting to competent performance.
- All students will complete CD 469 A and B and O and 465.
- Speech-Language Pathology majors will also complete CD 566, 567, and 668, as well as 672A (as well as 672B if additional practica is needed to meet standards).
- Audiology majors will also complete 475, 576, 577, and 672A,B.