Accreditation
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) Program for residents in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Virginia. The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the MS-SLP program.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to ensure an understanding of state licensure requirements as regulations vary from state to state.
Note on CAA Accreditation
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years. However, while the SLP program has achieved candidacy status, it is not considered CAA-accredited but will be pursuing accreditation in accordance with the CAA process. In order to be in candidacy status, a program must meet all institutional and programmatic eligibility requirements and must comply with the CAA Standards in a logical sequence over several years.The CAA’s decision to award candidacy status is based on the program’s submission of a comprehensive development plan and the program’s and institution’s demonstrated commitment and ability to implement the program fully. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that CAA will grant accreditation.
It is the intent of the USAHS MS-SLP program to comply with Candidacy status requirements and to seek full accreditation.
Currently, Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is considered to be in Accreditation Candidate status or fully accredited by the CAA, depending on the state, in order to be eligible to practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist in most states.
Note on ASHA Certification
Speech-Language Pathology program graduates must hold a degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program that is fully accredited or in Accreditation Candidate status by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), and complete the Clinical Fellow (CF) experience, in order to be eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology by the American Speech and Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification. This credential is required in order to practice as a nationally certified speech-language pathologist in many settings in many states. Currently, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences MS-SLP program is in candidacy status with the CAA.
Note on Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam
All states require that SLP graduates pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam in order to be eligible to practice as a licensed speech-language pathologist.
Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credential Necessary to Practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of speech language pathologists has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice in that state. Most state licensing boards require that Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program graduates graduate from a CAA fully accredited or Accreditation Candidate status Speech-Language Pathology program and pass the Praxis Speech Language Pathology exam to apply for an intern/provisional license while working on their Clinical Fellowship (CF) for national certification (Certificate of Clinical Competence, CCC) requirements. Licensure requirements may vary in school or other settings. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is currently in candidacy status with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
Prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
Speech-Language Pathology in a School Setting
Some states require an additional certification or license in order to work in a school setting. Students should be advised that the USAHS MS-SLP program is designed and intended to prepare graduates for SLP licensure in many states. However, graduates may need to complete additional requirements to be eligible for a license or certificate to work in a school setting or to have the ability to complete practicum in a school setting in his/her particular state of residence or school district, depending on the state and/or school district’s unique requirements. Students should contact the state board of education or his or her school district directly to determine if the USAHS MS-SLP program meets the requirements for state SLP certification or licensure in a school setting.
