How to Become a North Carolina Licensed Speech Pathologist
Speech language pathologists help individuals with communication disorders, speech impediments and cognitive dysfunctions, as well as those who are recovering from strokes to improve their speech. Because their scope of practice includes medical functions such as swallowing muscles and reflexes, speech language pathologists require advanced education and professional licensing. North Carolina requires applicants to meet all standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
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Instructions
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Earn a bachelor of science degree, taking the required number of life science and chemistry units to meet graduate school prerequisites. Speech language pathology programs vary in their exact requirements, so check with various schools that interest you to make sure you take the right courses. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association maintains a comprehensive list of accredited schools on its website.
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Take the Graduate Record Examination for entrance to graduate school. Numerous books, CD-ROMs, online tutorials and exam preparation courses are available to help you get the highest score possible.
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Apply to master's programs in communication and hearing science, or speech and audiology master's programs. If you're considering a career in health care-related speech language pathologist work such as treating trauma and post-stroke patients, consider a school affiliated with a university medical center. North Carolina accepts degrees from any American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-accredited school in the country.
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Select clinical rotations in your desired area of specialty during your third year of study. Programs don't offer enough practicums for you to try all clinical areas, so focus on the ones that most interest you.
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Secure a clinical fellowship year supervisor. Following your graduation, you must practice for a year under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist with at least two years' experience. You can do your fellowship in any clinical setting and in any state, as long as you apply to the state board of speech language pathology for a CFY permit and then register your supervision agreement with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The association has CFY forms available online.
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Apply to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists to take the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Praxis examination anytime during or immediately following your fellowship. The board offers application materials online and requires official transcripts from your graduate school. Once the board approves your application, you receive an Authorization to Test, or ATT, form that you can use to register with Educational Testing Service, the official test proctoring company.
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File your CFY completion papers with the North Carolina board to complete your licensing eligibility. Once the board has received your passing Praxis score and your CFY completion forms, it issues a license for you to practice independently.
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Tips & Warnings
File your CFY completion papers with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and pay a $400 fee, as of 2011, to receive your Certificate of Clinical Competence. Although it's not required for licensing, employers and clients look for this credential.
References
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