How to Become a Speech Pathologist With Credentials in California
Speech language pathologists help people with communication issues, as well as recovery from strokes and oral trauma. They perform a variety of assessments and treatments for people of all ages, which include promoting speech development, working through speech impediments such as lisps and stammers, and regaining the strength and ability to eat and talk following a stroke. Like most states, California requires speech language pathologists to have a Master of Science in Speech and Communication or a Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences, then to complete an internship and pass national board licensing exams.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor's degree, ideally in a science-related field, from a credible college. Check with several graduate speech language pathology programs first for their list of prerequisites. Incorporate the appropriate coursework into your bachelor's program.
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Take the Graduate Record Examination, which is a common requirement for entrance into a speech master's program. Take advantage of the many books, CD-ROMs, online tutorial programs and exam preparation courses available to help you achieve a high score.
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Apply to several universities that offer speech language pathologist programs. Because there is a high demand for the degree, entrance is competitive, even in universities with large speech departments. California accepts degrees from all schools throughout the nation that are accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association. A complete list is those schools is available on the association's website.
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Perform well in your master's degree coursework and clinical rotations. Most universities operate a three-year program.
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Secure a Clinical Fellowship Year internship and supervisor. Before a graduate can become a fully licensed speech language pathologist, she must complete a year of practice under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist with at least two years of experience. Clinical Fellowship Year training can take place in any setting, from outpatient pediatrics to adult intensive care unit patients. You must complete paperwork to register your Clinical Fellowship Year with the American Speech and Hearing Association, and complete a permit application from the state in which your Clinical Fellowship Year is being conducted. You can complete your Clinical Fellowship Year in another state before applying for a permanent license in California.
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Apply to the California Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology for first-time licensing. Once your application is approved, the board will issue you an authorization to test, which will allow you to take the American Speech and Hearing Association Praxis national license examination. You can apply for first-time licensing to California or the state of your Clinical Fellowship Year practicum at any time between your graduation and the completion of your Clinical Fellowship Year, but you must pass the Praxis before California will issue you a permanent license.
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Take the California Jursiprudence Examination. Registration is part of your speech language pathologist license application. You must pass this exam on California law and standards for health care providers. On the successful completion of your Praxis, Jurisprudence Exam and Clinical Fellowship Year, you will receive your California license.
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Register your the completion of your Clinical Fellowship Year hours with American Speech and Hearing Association. Once the association has proof of both your successful Clinical Fellowship Year and passed Praxis, it will issue you your Clinical Competency Certification for a fee of $400. Although the certification is not required for clinical practice, it is an industry standard that employers and clients look for.
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References
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