Oklahoma 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

Audiologist

After December 31, 2006, each audiology applicant shall hold not less than a post baccalaureate residential or a post-master's distance education professional doctor of audiology degree (AuD), a doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) with emphasis in audiology, or its equivalent as determined by the Board, from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants applying with a residential doctor of audiology professional degree (AuD) must demonstrate preparation that includes 3 years of didactic coursework and clinical education equivalent to a 12-month full-time clinical rotation or externship.
Applicants with a post-master's distance education professional degree (AuD) or PhD with a major emphasis in audiology must provided evidence of a minimum of 350 supervised clinical practicum hours and no less than 9 months of full-time, paid clinical experience.
Pass examinations approved by the Board. Only the Board has the power to determine whether an exam has been passed or failed.
Status as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. state non-citizen national, or a qualified alien
Have not committed any acts described in this practice act for which disciplinary action may be justified

Speech-Language Pathologist

Master's degree or equivalent with a major emphasis in speech-language pathology from a regionally accredited academic institution offering a graduate program in speech-language pathology that meets or exceeds prevailing national standards
Completion of a supervised clinical practicum experience of 400 clock hours; 375 must be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation; at least 325 of the hours must be completed in a graduate study program accredited by CAA
Completion of a supervised 9 month, full-time, paid, postgraduate professional experience as approved by the Board
Pass examinations approved by the Board
Attest to status as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or a qualified alien
Have not committed any acts for which disciplinary action may be justified under this practice act

Exemptions

Federal, state, county or municipal government employees
Hearing aid dealers/fitters
Physicians and persons under their direct supervision
Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing certified by the Oklahoma State Department of Education or the Council on Education of the Deaf
Hearing screeners associated with charitable organizations
A nonresident may practice up to 7 days in any calendar year if the person's education/experience is substantially equivalent to state requirements.
Any licensed persons from engaging in the profession for which they are licensed

Reciprocity/Endorsement

Individuals licensed in another state or country with equivalent standards shall have the exam waived and be granted a license.
The Board may waive the request for transcripts, the clinical experience and the exam and grant a license to CCC holders.

Interim Practice/Temporary Licensure

Applicants fulfilling the supervised clinical experience must obtain a license.
Applicants that meet the requirements for licensure are eligible for a temporary license, following a credentials review, that is valid until the next regular Board meeting.

Continuing Education for Licensure Renewal

Twenty clock hours per 2-year period

Hearing Aid Dispensing

Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license.

Support Personnel

Before the Board grants authorization for an individual to be designated a speech-language pathology or audiology assistant, the Board will consider the academic training and clinical experience of the applicant, the specific duties and responsibilities he is assigned, the amount and nature of the supervision that is available, and the number of such other persons assigned to the proposed supervisor.
The assistant must practice in a geographic setting which permits direct, on-site supervision.
A licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist may not supervise any more than two assistants.
Assistant license shall be for a period of 1 year. One year extensions must be on written request.

Board Oversight

Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Board Composition

The Board shall comprise five members, including three licensed speech-language pathologists or audiologists, provided that at least one of the three is a licensed speech-language pathologist and at least one is a licensed audiologist; one otolaryngologist certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology; and one lay member. Successors for any of the speech language pathologists or audiologists will be selected from a list of 5 licensed speech language pathologists or audiologists furnished by the Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association.

Telepractice

The provision of speech-language pathology or audiology services in this state through telephonic, electronic, or other means, regardless of the location of the speech-language pathologist or audiologist, shall constitute the practice of speech-language pathology and/or audiology and shall require licensure in this state.

Also within (Rules 680:15-1-4) ethical proscriptions: Licensees must not provide clinical services except in a professional relationship. They must not evaluate or treat solely by correspondence or telepractice. This does not preclude follow-up correspondence with persons previously seen, or providing them with general information of an education al nature.