Student FAQs

Question
I am currently a second year graduate student in Massachusetts studying to be an SLP. I am from Pennsylvania and I would like to move back down there once I am done with school and possibly get a job in a school. I wanted to know what form(s) I will need to have filled out so I can start getting all the right signatures and documenting what needs to be documented.

Answer
The following website contains all of the information for out-of-state teacher certification.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=507102&mode=2

Queston
I have a question which you may or may not be able to answer, but I though I would try. I am a graduate student in Speech Language Pathology in my last semester. I am currently enrolled in a full-time 12 credit externship for the summer in West Vriginia, but I live in Pennsylvania. This externship is through Northern Arizona University. I am unsure at this point in which state to begin my CFY. I believe PA requires 375 clinical hours, and WV requires 350 clinical hours. I am close to reaching those hours, but have several weeks left of my externship. Therefore, if I acrue my hours soon, can the remainder of my hours this summer begin to contribute to hours for my CFY even though I am still enrolled as a student? If that is not the case, do I have to wait until I receive my diploma in August to count time towards my CFY at my frist job?

Answer
You may visit the following link for the answer to your question: http://www.asha.org/certification/CFinformation.htm

Question
I am a recent graduate and recieved a Bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. As we all know Speech Pathology is a very competitive field and because of that matter, I was not one of the lucky ones who was accepted into a Graduate Program. Could you please provide information on steps I can take to follow my dream of being a speech therapist, without a Graduate Degree.
Answer
You cannot practice as a speech-language pathologist without a master's degree. It is possible that you could find work as a  SLP assistant. Here is some information about working as a SLPA in PA

This information is from Chapter 45 of the Pennsylvania Code on Speech Language Assistants:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter45/subchapEtoc.html

Question
I am seeking a post-teaching certification in the state of PA to work as a SLP in the schools.  I currently have an active license to work as a SLP (M.S., CCC-SLP).  What courses do I need to take and where can I take them? Is it possible to take a distance learning course?
Answer
You should send in your application to the PDE for teacher certification so that they can evaluate your credentials. They can then tell you what if anything you need to take. The application is on the PDE website on the following link under certification and application and forms. http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pa_certification/8635

Question
What are the requiremetns for becoming a SLPA in Pennsylvania
Answer
Following is a link to Chapter 45 of the Pennsylvania Code on Speech Language Assistants:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter45/subchapEtoc.html

ONE of the eligibility requirements for an SLPA is the 30 semester hours or the equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education in the area of speech-language and hearing. There is also a training component for eligibility stipulated in 45.304 (relating to minimum education, experience and training requirements)and that is that an already licensed SLP must agree to train you as an assistant, with an emphasis on competency-based skill acquisition, in accordance with a work performance analysis. Training may be provided through formal coursework, workshops or directly supervised observation or practicum and the training must encompass all areas of SLP activities which the assistant will perform. A minimum of 20 hours of practical training is required.

If you can find a licensed SLP who is willing to train you as outlined above, and you have met the coursework requirements, then the following must occur:

(a) You licensed supervisors files with the PA Board of Examiners, on a form provided by the PA Board of Examiners, the following:

(1) The name of the assistant.

(2) The location where the assistant will work.

(3) Certification that the assistant has met the education and training requirements in § 45.304 (relating to minimum education, experience and training requirements).

(4) Attestation by the assistant and the licensee that the assistant has read this chapter.

(b) Completed forms shall be filed with the Board within 30 days of the assistant’s employment or a change in the assistant’s employment or supervision.