New Mexico State Characteristics of Licensure Law

Last updated June 2008

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology. It is intended for informational use only, and should not be construed as legal advice.

Contact the state's licensure board or regulatory agency for exact licensure, certification, or registration requirements in your jurisdiction.

Initial Licensure Requirements

Audiology

Holds a master's degree in audiology or communication disorders or an equivalent degree awarded prior to January 1, 2007; meets the academic requirements for certification by a nationally recognized speech-language or hearing association
or
Has completed the current academic, practicum, and employment experience requirements for a certificate of clinical competence in audiology from a nationally recognized speech-language or hearing association and has passed a nationally recognized standard examination
or
Holds a doctoral degree in audiology or equivalent degree regardless of degree name and meets academic requirements for certification by a nationally recognized speech-language or hearing association and has completed the current academic, practicum, and employment requirements of a nationally recognized speech-language or hearing association and has passed a nationally recognized standard examination in audiology
Passage of a jurisprudence exam

Speech-Language Pathology

At least a master's degree or equivalent degree (regardless of degree name) and CCC
or
Submitted evidence of having completed the current academic, practicum, and clinical fellowship year (9 months) for a certificate of clinical competency
Passage of a nationally recognized exam
Passage of a jurisprudence exam

Exemptions

Licensed physicians
Dentists/orthodontists
Certified teachers of the deaf
Students
Other licensed professionals acting within their scope of practice

Reciprocity/Endorsement

Not applicable. All applicants must apply as new applicants.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

Clinical Fellows must obtain a license.
A temporary paraprofessional license is required for speech and language apprentices which expire on July 30th of each year and may not be renewed if the licensee has not been accepted into a master's program within 2 years of initial licensure; this is a terminal license and may be renewed no more than 5 times (for apprentice requirements see Support Personnel below).

Continuing Education Requirements for Licensure Renewal

Must complete 10 clock hours of continuing education per year
A maximum of 10 clock hours may be carried over to the next renewal period.

Hearing Aid Dispensing

Licensed audiologists wishing to dispense must apply for an endorsement and have: 6 months experience in dispensing through practical examination, a facility for dispensing, passage of a jurisprudence exam and not be guilty of any specified activities.

Support Personnel

For a temporary paraprofessional license a speech-language pathology apprentice must:

Have a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communicative disorders or equivalent degree or a baccalaureate degree in another field with 30 semester hours of credit in speech-language pathology or communicative disorders
Completes graduate classes at a rate of 9 semester hours per year and is accepted in a master's level program within 2 years of initial licensing
Maintain a 3.0 in master's degree coursework
Be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist with a minimum of 2 years of experience with a direct caseload of no more than 40 clients; supervise a maximum of 3 apprentices at one time
Must receive, as an apprentice, a minimum of 10% direct supervision and 10% indirect supervision

Board Oversight

Regulation and Licensing Department, Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board

Board Composition

The Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board shall comprise 10 members who have been state residents for at least 5 years prior to their appointment; two licensed speech-language pathologists, two licensed audiologists, two licensed hearing aid dispensers, one licensed otolaryngologist, and three public members with no interest, direct or indirect, in the profession regulated; the licensed members of the Board shall not hold any elected or appointed office in any related professional organization.