1. 1. Rationale. This Rule highlights those elements distinctive to the Speech-Language Pathology program. The standards are consistent with the current Praxis Speech-Language Pathology assessment. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Program Curriculum. The curriculum shall require coursework, key assessments, and field experiences in the following areas:

   1. a. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop and enhance their knowledge of (biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences, basic human communication and swallowing processes and disorders, assessment and intervention strategies, ethical conduct, and local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice).
   2. b. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop and enhance their ability to effectively communicate, evaluate, intervene, collaborate, and use technology.
3. 3. Unique Field Experiences, Practica, and Internship Placement Requirements. An internship with a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology is required. Twenty-five (25) hours must be spent in guided clinical observation, and 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact.

4. 4. Requirements for Completion of the Speech-Language Pathology Program. Readiness to serve students with speech or language impairment shall include:

   1. a. An official transcript from an accredited institution documenting an earned master’s degree. The institution must have been approved at the time of degree conferral.
   2. b. Satisfactory completion of a speech pathology program approved by the Alabama State Board of Education with a minimum GPA of 3.0 of all courses in the program.
   3. c. Completion of an internship
   4. d. A Survey of Special Education course is required, if not previously completed.
5. 5. Requirements for Certification of Speech-Language Pathologists. Individual seeking certification based on completion of this program must apply through the Speech Language Pathology Approach or the Speech-Language Temporary Certificate Approach as prescribed in the Educator Certification Chapter.
6. 6. Faculty. The faculty must include at least one full-time person who meets faculty qualifications for Class A programs in Rule 290-3-3-.03 (College and University Requirements).

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-3-16 and 16-23-14.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .33.01 was renumbered .39 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

History: New Rule: Filed June 14, 1999; effective July 19, 1999. Repealed and New Rule: Filed September 11, 2003; effective October 16, 2003. Repealed and New Rule: Filed July 13, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Repealed and New Rule: April 14, 2005; effective May 19, 2005. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 6, 2007; effective September 10, 2007. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 3, 2009; effective September 7, 2009; operative October 1, 2009. Repealed and New Rule: Filed August 13, 2015; effective September 17, 2015. Amended: Filed September 13, 2018; effective October 28, 2018; operative June 1, 2019. Repealed and New Rule: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2025; effective May 15, 2025.