Uniformity Across the States - You're Dreaming!

Hey, folks!

Today I feel the need to bring an issue into the light that I think many Speech Language Pathologist's (SLP's) across the nation would agree with.

My husband and I had considered moving elsewhere within the U.S., including the states of Texas and Idaho. I contacted their respective state licensing boards to receive clarification of acceptance via ASHA Certification (CCC's) in the absence of a U.S. graduate level education. To my disappointment, I never received a definitive response. Fortunately, Florida did accept my CCC's alone as an avenue for Florida state licensure.

America is funny that way – each state has its own rules and regulations. There is no such thing as uniformity across the nation.

Not all states will solely accept ASHA Certification, despite completion of the MRA program which proves Australian SLP qualification is the equivalent to that of an American graduate level education. This makes me sad as the world is becoming a platform for information- and resource-sharing on a global scale. Our profession needs to keep up with this current trend.

You can look up SLP license requirements on a state by state basis here.


This brings me to another very IMPORTANT point:

It's not only difficult for foreigners to gain state licensure. I have been in touch with many American citizens, who have completed their education within America yet have experienced great difficulty applying for state licensure, and in particular, transferring their license between states. Some of the stories include living on the borderline between two states but only being able to be licensed and work in one, and struggling to keep up with all of the differing requirements to maintain two, or multiple, state licenses.

Something needs to be done about this inconsistency. We need to advocate for our profession and increase awareness of this issue.

When I attended ASHA's Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, last year, I was highly intrigued by a poster session presented by Shelly Chabon (PhD, CCC-SLP). She outlined the vast differences in renewal fees across the states, highlighting just one of the many drawbacks to maintaining multiple state licenses. Fortunately, Shelly has given me permission to show you two photographs that I took of her poster:

Presentation by Shelly Chabon (PhD, CCC-SLP). Photo taken by Maree Richardson. 

Presentation by Shelly Chabon (PhD, CCC-SLP). Photo taken by Maree Richardson. 

What have been some of your experiences applying for state licenses, transferring licenses interstate, or maintaining multiple state licenses?

Have a great week,

Maree