New Jersey Teaching Certification for a Speech Language Therapist

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development estimates that the demand for speech-language therapists in the state will increase by 9 percent from 2008 through 2018. Public schools in New Jersey employ speech-language therapists to work with students who suffer from speech delays or impediments. To qualify for employment in such settings, speech-language therapists must obtain professional certification through the New Jersey Department of Education.

Education

A minimum of a master's degree in speech-language pathology is necessary to qualify for the necessary New Jersey teacher certification to work as a speech-language therapist. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits these programs. As of 2010, four colleges in New Jersey have ASHA accreditation: Kean University in Union, Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, Seton Hall University in South Orange and William Paterson University in Wayne. Master's programs at these universities typically last for two years and include a professional internship.

Examination

Candidates for New Jersey teacher certification for speech-language therapists must pass a standardized examination called the Education Test Services Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology examination. The test consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and lasts for up to two hours. The majority of the test, roughly 57 percent, consists of questions on phonological and language disorders, neurogenic disorders and clinical management. Other topics covered on the test include human communication processes, audiology, research and speech disorders.

Alternate Education

Professionals who do not have a master's degree in speech-language pathology can also qualify for speech-language therapist teacher certification in New Jersey. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of a master's degree from a program that carries the accreditation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. As of 2010, nine colleges had this accreditation. Among these are Kean University, Monmouth University in West Long Branch, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University in Jersey City, Rider University in Lawrenceville, Rowan University in Glassboro, Seton Hall University, The College of New Jersey in Ewing and William Paterson University.

Out-of-State Therapists

The State of New Jersey Department of Education will honor the teacher certifications of speech-language therapists from other states. To qualify, out-of-state specialists must have a minimum of a master's degree in any field and pass the Praxis II examination. They must also provide evidence of at least three years of full-time experience working as a school-based speech-language therapist during the seven years prior to their application.

References

• New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development: State of New Jersey Estimated and Projected Employment by Detailed Occupation, 2008-2018
• State of New Jersey Department of Education: Speech-Language Specialist
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Master's Programs
• State of New Jersey Department of Education: Praxis Examinations
• Education Testing Service: Speech-Language Pathology (0330)
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education: Accredited Programs