FAQs about the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program Discount
What is the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program Discount?
The NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Discount provides a reduction in the initial membership and certification fees for students when they transfer their membership to ASHA. Students who qualify for the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program Discount receive a $225.00* savings off the initial fee of $511.00 for membership and certification in ASHA.
*As of September 1, 2009, beginning with 2010 NSSLHA member graduates, qualifying NSSLHA members will receive a $225.00 discount.
Getting Your Discount
What's Also Available for Graduates
If You're Eligible for the Discount
How will I know if I qualify for the conversion program discount?
To qualify for the conversion program discount a student must have paid national membership dues to NSSLHA for two consecutive years including the year of graduation from a master's program.
For example, if a student is graduating from a master's or doctoral program in 2011, that student must have paid national membership dues in 2010 and in 2011 to qualify for the conversion program discount.
NSSLHA members who qualify for the conversion program discount will receive a letter and/or e-mail from the National Office informing them of their eligibility for the discount. You may also call the Action Center at 800-498-2071 to inquire about eligibility with an Action Center Specialist.
This discount is not available to students who are members of the local chapter only. A student must have paid national membership dues to receive this discount.
I do not have two consecutive years of national membership. Do I still qualify for the conversion program discount?
You must have two consecutive years of national membership including the year of graduation to receive the conversion program discount. If you have one year of national membership at the time of graduation you may be eligible for the "recent graduate" conversion rate from ASHA ($50 discount from initial ASHA membership fees) only.
What if I graduate this year and I didn't join NSSLHA last year? Can I pay for national membership to get the conversion rate?
If you apply for membership between September 1 and December 31 of the year BEFORE graduation, you will be required to pay for both years at the time you join. The cost for both years of membership is $120. If you do not get both years of membership by December 31, you will only be able to have membership of the new year after January 1. Thereafter, when applying for ASHA you must apply under the "Recent Graduate" rate.
If I decide to pursue a doctorate, should I apply for the ASHA membership and certification or should I renew my membership in NSSLHA?
This is a tough question and only you can determine the best answer for you. NSSLHA membership is not available to a student that applies for ASHA membership and certification.
If you decide to renew your membership in NSSLHA:
- You will continue to receive the same level of benefits and services as an ASHA member.
- You will continue your eligibility for the conversion program discount.
If you decide to apply for ASHA membership and certification:
- ASHA maintains a "Certified Graduate Student Member" rate which is less than the certified-member rate.
- You will be able to practice professionally while you pursue your doctorate degree.
What is the recent graduate conversion rate?
The recent graduate conversion rate gives a student a $50 discount off the initial fee of $511 for ASHA membership and certification.
What is the Gift to the Graduate Program?
When you join ASHA between May 1 and August 31 of the year following graduation, you'll be able to receive membership and certification through to December 31 of the following year-which means you'll receive up to 20 months of membership for the price of 12. That's over and above the discounted dues we offer you...a potential savings of $350.
If I convert my membership to ASHA now, will I have to pay the ASHA rate for Convention?
Only students with national membership in NSSLHA will receive the NSSLHA rate for the ASHA Convention. Students in a CF who choose to convert their membership to ASHA before registering for the ASHA Convention will be charged the ASHA member rate to attend the Convention.
How long after I graduate can I receive the conversion program discount?
NSSLHA members who qualify for the conversion program discount are eligible to receive the discount until August 31 of the year following their master's graduation. For example, a student graduating from a master's program in 2010 has until August 31, 2011 to convert their membership from NSSLHA to ASHA with the discount.
When is the best time to convert membership from NSSLHA to ASHA?
NSSLHA members are advised to apply for ASHA membership and certification by the August 31 deadline of the year after graduation to ensure that they will receive the conversion program discount. If a student waits until September 1 or later, he/she will lose the discount and will have to pay the recent graduate conversion rate.
Should I wait until I am done with my CF (clinical fellowship)/externship to convert my membership to ASHA?
You do not have to wait until you complete your CF/externship to convert your membership from NSSLHA-to-ASHA. Once you apply for ASHA membership and certification you become an "ASHA member in process" and will have access to all ASHA membership benefits.
If I am converting to ASHA, do I have to renew my NSSLHA membership during my CF/externship?
You do not have to renew your membership in NSSLHA during your CF/externship. As long as you have the two consecutive years of national membership at the time of your master's/doctoral graduation AND you apply for ASHA membership and certification by the August 31 deadline you will receive the conversion program discount.
For More Information
If you have a question about the NSSLHA-to-ASHA Conversion Program Discount that is not addressed here, please e-mail NSSLHA at nsslha@asha.org.