When it comes to providing high-quality speech-language pathology and audiology services, understanding state-specific licensing requirements is crucial. For professionals planning to practice in Alaska, here are the key points you need to know:
Initial Licensure
Audiology
- Master's degree or doctorate in audiology from an accredited educational institution approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the equivalent, or has practiced audiology for two years as of January 1, 1986, or is in the process of completing the year of supervised experience required for the CCC.
Note:
- Audiologists who practice independently must also obtain an Alaska Business License.
- Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license but must comply with certain consumer practices.
Speech-Language Pathology
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the equivalent.
Note: Speech-language pathologists who practice independently must also obtain an Alaska Business License.
Exemptions
- A licensed physician
- Federal employees
- A student properly identified as a speech-language pathology or audiology intern or trainee
- Employees of, or contractors with, a school district while practicing for the school district
- A nurse who performs hearing sensitivity evaluations
- Hearing aid dealers
- An individual holding a class A certificate issued by the Conference of Executives of American Schools of the Deaf may teach the hearing impaired
- An individual may engage in hearing testing as part of a hearing conservation program that complies with OSHA regulations
- Professors of audiology or speech-language pathology may use the title "audiologist" or "speech-language pathologist" but may not practice if not licensed in the state.
Reciprocity
The Department may issue a temporary license to an individual who is licensed in another state and has submitted an application for licensure in Alaska.
Interim Practice
The Department may issue a temporary license to:
- A nonresident for the practice of audiology for 30 consecutive days or less in a calendar year, and to a nonresident for the practice of speech-language pathology for 60 consecutive days or less in a calendar year if the individual is licensed to practice in another state, territory of the United States, foreign country, or province with equivalent standards.
- A person, resident or not, who is in the process of completing a year of supervised clinical competence in speech-language pathology from ASHA.
Continuing Education
Alaska does not require continuing education.
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Alaska is not a member state of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Information on the current status of the ASLP-IC can be found on the ASLP-IC website.
Regulatory Oversight
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Resources
For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, please visit Alaska Practice Act & Rules and Regulations [PDF].
Questions regarding state advocacy issues? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.
For more information, please follow this link.
