Washington Assistants (Support Personnel) Requirements
The following information includes audiology and speech-language pathology assistants and support personnel requirements in educational and other practice settings. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Speech-Language Pathology
School Setting Requirements
Support personnel are not regulated in Washington schools.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
An applicant for certification as a speech-language pathology assistant must have the following minimum qualifications:
- An associate of arts or sciences degree, or a certificate of proficiency, with transcripts showing 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours of speech-language pathology course work and transcripts showing 45 quarter hours or three semester hours of general education credit from a board-approved institution of higher education as defined in WAC 246-828-025 (1)(b). Transcripts must reflect, or applicant must demonstrate, 100 hours of supervised patient/client/student work experience completed within a one-year time frame, or clinical experience practicum, with at least 50 of those hours under direct supervision; or
- A bachelor of arts or bachelor of sciences degree with transcripts from a speech, language, and hearing program from a board-approved institution of higher education as defined in WAC 246-828-025 (1)(b). Transcripts must reflect, or applicant must demonstrate, 100 hours of supervised patient/client/student work experience completed within a one-year time frame, or clinical experience practicum, with at least 50 of those hours under direct supervision; or
- A speech-language pathology assistant may only perform procedures or tasks delegated by the speech-language pathologist and must follow the individualized education program or treatment plan.
- The speech-language pathology assistant must be continually supervised by the speech-language pathologist.
- SLPAs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years. At least one hour must be infection control education.
Audiology
School Setting Requirements
Audiology support personnel are not regulated in Washington schools.
Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
Audiology support personnel are not regulated by statute.
Resources
For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathology and audiology support personnel in educational and other practice settings, please visit these websites:
To see where your state stands on support personnel licensure trends, please view the trend chart which is updated at the end of each calendar year:
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.
