Speech Pathology Programs in Louisiana - LA

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Louisiana

Beautiful Louisiana is a virtual melting pot in and of itself. Famous for Mardi Gras, zesty Creole food, haunting bayous and jazz music, it houses a variety of peoples, cultures, and languages. With such variety comes an ever-growing need for qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have a flare for challenging situations and diversity. If you have the desire and passion to meet the task, here are the steps to take:

STEP ONE: CHOOSE A FOCUS
Speech-language pathology is a vast field with many possibilities, and before you get on the road to becoming an SLP, it is wise to choose your destination. Consider the different contexts that SLPs work in, and decide where you feel most comfortable. Would you prefer to work in a school or visit different locations as an in-home care therapist? Do you like to work with children or geriatric patients, or somewhere in between? These are all things to consider as you embark on your journey to become an SLP.

STEP TWO: GET YOUR EDUCATION
In Louisiana, licensed SLPs are required to have a Master’s degree from either online or campus based Louisiana speech pathology graduate programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, www.asha.org. And in order to get that far, you must be prepared to shine in academics as early as high school. Bachelor’s and Master’s programs for speech-language pathology are intensely competitive, and schools are usually looking for the cream of the crop.

STEP THREE: HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
In order to get a feel for this complicated and worthwhile profession, you should begin volunteering, preferably as early as high school. As you move on in your path to become a licensed SLP, opportunities for other, more official hands-on experiences should become available. Louisiana SLPs are required to have completed 400 clinical practicum hours during college, in addition to their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY). The CFY entails full-time post-graduate employment in the field over a period of nine calendar months.

STEP FOUR: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
The Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is responsible for licensing SLPs in the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana Board of Examiners for
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
18550 Highland Road, Suite B,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.756.3480
800.246.6050
225.756.3472 (fax)
[email protected]
www.lbespa.org

In order to be considered for licensure in this state, you must submit the following to the Board:

A log of all clinical practicum hours, signed off by a director or clinical supervisor
Official transcripts sent directly to the Board from the accredited institutions from which you graduated
Your notarized application, which can be accessed on the Web site, www.lbespa.org
A $125.00 application fee (money order, certified check, or cashier’s check only)
A copy of your Certified Member Card from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (ASHA) OR a passing grade on the national Praxis exam
For those transferring from another state, proof of licensure from the previous state