Issue

Communicologist, Volume 49 - Issue 2 | 03.31.22

How ASHA Certification Applies to Speech-Language Pathology Assistants Practicing in Texas

By: Richa Deshmukh, PhD, CCC-SLP, and Erin Keeling, MS, CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Committee

Speech-language pathology assistants (SLP-As) are valuable contributors to the field of speech-language pathology by extending the services offered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) deems that SLP-As can carry out intervention plans designed by SLPs, thus expanding and deepening the impact of SLPs on the field of communication disorders. In the state of Texas, SLP-As who hold bachelor’s degrees and have completed 25 hours of observation and 25 hours of assisting an SLP are eligible for the license to practice under the supervision of a licensed SLP.

For SLP-As practicing in Texas, the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) offers a variety of resources to ensure success while completing requirements for licensure in the state of Texas. As an SLP-A, one has the opportunity to become a TSHA member and receive an active professional membership for $115 per year. As a TSHA member, SLP-As have access to a variety of resources, including the SLP-A guide, which consists of modules constructed to assist with professional issues in the workforce. Upon completion of these modules, continuing education units (CEUs) are earned at no cost to members. A variety of other continuing education opportunities such as free monthly webinars and a free CEU registry are available to TSHA members.

In addition to TSHA membership, SLP-As now have the opportunity to become certified through the national credentialing association for speech language pathology and audiology. ASHA now offers SLP-As an opportunity for certification with a membership fee of $125 per year. ASHA offers a variety of professional development opportunities to assist within the workforce as a practicing SLP-A. As an ASHA-certified professional, SLP-As have access to online publications, continuing education courses, and webinars. A practice management portal also offers resources to guide evidence-based decision-making on clinical and professional issues. Above all, ASHA certification allows SLP-As to establish credentials that speak to the quality of their services in conjunction with training and continuing education hours. Since ASHA is a national credentialing association, SLP-As certified by ASHA find it easy to be certified with local agencies in the event of relocation to a different state. A few of the benefits of ASHA membership are listed below:

Why should SLP-As get ASHA certification?

To make use of continuing ed opportunities. Perhaps one of the most important advantages of ASHA certification is the multitude of opportunities ASHA offers for continuing education. The hours spent on continuing education help SLP-As stay on top of the latest developments in the field and stay current with best practices.
To have access to all ASHA journals. The wealth of knowledge that various ASHA publications offer is a critical piece of the evidence-based practice in which the professions take pride. By becoming certified, SLP-As have access to all of these resources, including the peer-reviewed publications.
To have access to ASHA’s career portal. The career portal offers various relevant articles that provide guidance and insight into all different varieties of job settings aiding in career development. In addition, members can upload their resumes and search for specific job positions. Members also have access to the jobs posted by reputable employers and are able to apply for these positions through the career portal.
To establish networking opportunities within ASHA. Certified members are automatically connected to the wealth of knowledge and experience of fellow SLP-As, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists through the ASHA community. ASHA also has focus groups for special interests in a variety of specific topics related to the fields of speech-language and hearing sciences. Through these special interest groups, members can be connected to others who are also passionate about their interests. These relationships work to deepen knowledge by providing opportunities to gain advice, share resources, and volunteer services.
To take advantage of ASHA outreach activities. Members can take advantage of the various advocacy activities to stay current on legislation, state requirements, school regulations, healthcare issues, professional practice issues, etc. ASHA also publicizes the professions on various platforms through media relations and ad campaigns.

The purpose of certification is to develop a uniform standard across the professions that ensures all SLP-As meet the same rigorous requirements. Certified SLP-As instill confidence in supervisors, teams, and employers that they are providing quality and consistent services to their clients. It also helps define the role of SLP-As in the team and promotes fluid teamwork. Having a certified SLP-A on the team also demonstrates the team’s dedication in providing the highest quality of services to their clients/patients. Not only does the certification show you have the expertise you need to perform your professional duties but taking that extra step toward your professional development also earns you respect and recognition from your fellow professionals and colleagues. Being certified by ASHA helps you stand out from the rest of your colleagues through showcasing your abilities in a variety of work settings. ASHA certification ensures your professional growth and engagement through continuing education.

To receive ASHA certification in addition to meeting Texas Licensure requirements, applicants must complete a supervised clinical experience that consists of a minimum of 80 hours of direct client/patient/student services and 20 hours of indirect client/patient/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP. Hours may be obtained as part of an academic program or as on-the-job training/work. Upon completion of these hours, applicants must take the C-SLPA national examination within one year. The initial application fee is $249, which includes a certification exam and up to two years of certification and benefits. After this initial certification, ASHA membership fees for an SLP-A are $125 per year. Once an SLP-A receives ASHA certification, they will be assigned to a three-year certification maintenance interval, which is a continuous process. Upon the completion of a three-year maintenance interval, the C-SLPAs must complete a Maintenance of Certification Assessment (MOCA) to verify continued competency. C-SLPAs are encouraged to complete professional development, which enhances their knowledge and skills to practice as an SLP-A.

While ASHA certification is not required in order to practice in the state of Texas as an SLP-A, the certification is strongly recommended. Upon completion of ASHA requirements for licensure, C-SLPAs are considered highly qualified and therefore deemed competitive within the workforce. According to a recent survey of SLP-As conducted by ASHA, 44.8% of practicing SLP-As stated the desire to complete ASHA certification (ASHA, 2021). ASHA certification for an SLP-A offers a wide variety of opportunities and therefore is recommended to those currently practicing as a goal to engage in further professional opportunities.

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2021). 2021 ASHA audiology and speech-language pathology assistants survey results. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/siteassets/surveys/2021-aud-slp-assistants-survey-results.pdf