Pennsylvania proves to be a great state for speech therapy and communication disorders as it is among the metropolitan areas with the highest employment levels in speech-language pathologists/speech therapists. It is home to many highly rated institutions, including Pennsylvania State University, which is known for its top-ranked programs in business, engineering, and communications, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania, among many others. Pennsylvania House recently passed a bill that ensures insurance coverage of speech therapy for children who stutter, showing the state’s endearing commitment to addressing the growing speech and language needs within its borders. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania will increase by 18% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average growth for all occupations. This implies that the skills and services of speech pathologists are greatly in demand in several environments in the state, such as schools, private practice clinics, hospitals, and other health-inclined settings. Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states with the best educational systems and performance, creating a more fulfilling environment for speech pathology and communication disorder programs. 

Pennsylvania has approximately 24 universities that offer speech-language pathology programs in communication disorders and speech pathology, ranging from undergraduate degrees to doctorate degrees or master’s programs that equip students for certification and licensure as a speech-language pathologist. This article will shed some light on becoming a speech pathologist in Pennsylvania. 

Educational Requirements 

Completing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is compulsory if you want to become a speech therapist in Pennsylvania. If you are looking to take the online route, there are fifteen in-state online programs. These programs, whether online or physical, must be from an accredited institution by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The accrediting arm of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (AHSA) 

Being a speech therapist requires in-depth knowledge of human language and communication disorders and knowing the right treatment for these disorders/ conditions. This is why advanced learning, such as pursuing a master’s degree program, is needed if you want to become a speech therapist.

 Just in case you are wondering, of course, you would have to have undergone an undergraduate degree program. Note that if you do not have an undergraduate degree in communication and science disorders, you can just have to apply to complete fundamental courses before beginning core graduate coursework. However, if you have an undergraduate degree in communication science and disorders or other related programs, you are good to go. 

These fundamental courses include: 

• Phonetics
• Speech Science
• Anatomy & Physiology of Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing
• Language Development
• Intro to Communication Disorders
• Introduction to Audiology and Hearin Science
• Neuroanatomy of Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing

Core coursework will cover the following topics:

• Aphasia 
• Language Disorders in Preschool Children
• Fluency Disorders
• Disorders of Phonology and Articulation
• Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology
• Voice Disorders
• Language Disorders in School-aged Children 

You should note that institutions in Pennsylvania require that you have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, course requirements may vary depending on the school or program you are applying to. Failing to meet the requirements may result in your application being rejected. 

Clinical Observation Hours

During your master’s program, you will need to complete a clinical practicum where you will hone your rehabilitation and patient care skillset. At least 375 hours must be completed before graduating, with a minimum of 50 clock hours in at least two distinctly different clinical environments. You will also shadow a licensed SLP supervisor in the beginning before transitioning to performing services on your own. You will perform 50% of your diagnostic evaluations under supervision, and 25% of treatment, counseling, and instruction will also be performed while supervised.

After completing your master’s degree, you will have to complete a year of supervised professional experience (YSPE), which will include 1260 hours of supervised professional experience within 4 years of conferral of the degree within 9 months, but no more than 2 years. Most universities will help you find a site to participate in the YSPE. You can also search for clinical fellowships (CF) in your area to complete the experience.

You will work under the supervision of an ASHA-certified professional during your YSPE. 80% of each week must be spent in direct client contact, which might include assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, rehabilitation, or habilitation activities. 20% is spent performing observations. You will also conduct screening of clients, but it must be no more than 50% of your time. You’ll also meet with your supervisor at least once a month to discuss the activities you’ve completed, and at the end of your YSPE, fill out the Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form. You need a score of 2 on each core skill in the final segment of the YSPE. 

Note that during your YSPE you’ll need a provisional license to practice. These licenses are valid for six months after the date they are received.

Application Process for Provisional License 

A provisional speech pathology license in Pennsylvania will be granted to applicants who meet the speech-language pathology licensure requirements except for supervised professional experience or who are completing the supervised professional experience. The requirements for a provisional license are: 

• $50 application fee 
• The completion of three hours of training from the Department of Human Service (DHS) on child abuse recognition and reporting. 
• A criminal history check
• A self-query from the National Practitioner Databank
• A letter of good standing for any professional licenses you hold or have ever held”
  

Examination Requirements

Passing a national exam is the next step in becoming a speech therapist in Pennsylvania. For SLPs, that test is the Praxis Examination for Speech-Language Pathology 5331. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the ASHA-approved exam throughout the year. The exam will test your clinical skills in: 

• Foundations and Professional Practice 
• Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment

Each section counts as one-third of your overall grade. The exam is scored on a scale of 100-200, and 162 is considered a passing score. If you are visiting a test center, make sure to verify the location in your Praxis account and print the admission ticket. 

Individuals with health-related issues who require special accommodation should make a request before registering. If you decide to take the exam at home, there are certain equipment and environment requirements you will have to follow, or you will be unable to complete the test. A live Proctor will monitor you during the home testing session, and you must show a photo ID. Once you complete the exam, your scores will be sent to your Praxis account within three to five business days. A copy will also be submitted to the Board to review with your application. 

Pennsylvania Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure Process

Pennsylvania SLP licensing is monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing. To get a license as a speech therapist in Pennsylvania would mean that you have met the following requirements: 

1. Education Requirements

You must have completed a master’s degree in speech-language pathology accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). This is a semi-autonomous body within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 

2. Experience Requirements

You must have completed 375 hours of clinical training and 1260 hours of supervised professional experience within two years. 

3. Examination Requirements 

You must have passed the Praxis Exam with a least score of 162 to be considered eligible for licensure. 

4. Background Checks

Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC) are performed on each applicant. If you moved into Pennsylvania from any other state, you would need to obtain a CHRC from a state agency that is the criminal history record data repository. This must have been completed within 180 days of initially applying. 

Application for full licensure

After completing the clinical fellowship and passing the national exam, you are eligible to apply for a regular SLP license. Applications are to be submitted online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Requirements for a full license are as follows: 

• A completed application 
• $50 application fee
• Complete a 3-hour training on child abuse recognition and reporting 
• Provide a Criminal History Record Check
• Obtain an official notification of information via the National Practitioner Data Bank
• Official educational transcripts sent directly to the Board:

State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language 
Pathology and Audiology 
P.O Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

• Evidence of passing the Praxis exam
• A current resume curriculum vitae (CV) in chronological order
• Verification of completing the YSPE
  

Maintaining your license 

After you have obtained your license, you have to renew it to remain relevant, as your license will expire on July 31st of every even-numbered year. The Board will e-mail renewal notices approximately 60 days before the license expiration date. Maintaining Pennsylvania speech pathology licensure requires completing continuing education (CE) hours. Twenty CE hours are required every two years or ten credits every year. Also, as a Speech-Language Pathologist, you must pay a renewal fee of $65.

The continuing education credits must be completed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or an ASHA-approved entity, including ASHA-accredited universities in Pennsylvania. You will need to keep documentation of your continuing education credits, which might include flyers, brochures, or a letter or certificate of completion signed by the program’s instructor. You won’t need to send these to the board each renewal period, but the board will periodically audit licensed SLPs to ensure completion of continuing education credits.

For more information on the laws and regulations for speech-language pathologists in Pennsylvania, visit the State Board of Examiners website in speech-languagepathology and audiology.