speech-language pathologist

National Occupational Classification Number: 3141.2


OCCUPATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Who is the regulatory body responsible for Speech-Language Pathologists in Alberta?

In Alberta, you must be registered with the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) in order to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologists and use the protected titles of the profession (Speech-Language Pathologist, Speech Therapist, Speech Pathologist, SLP, R.SLP).     

What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Speech- Language Pathologists?

Internationally educated Speech- Language Pathologists are required to have:

  • masters degree or equivalent in speech-language pathology or audiology
  • Minimum of 350 supervised clinical practicum hours obtained in the academic degree
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) evaluation
  • A language proficiency test (TOEFL) if your first language is not English or language of instruction is not English 
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Letters of reference
  • Current qualifications
  • Internationally educated applicants are required to undergo assessment of their credentials and must take a certification examination, offered by Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA)

Upon successful completion of ACSLPA assessment and national certification exam, applicants may apply to ACSLPA for registration and a practice permit.    

What is the role of the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA)?

http://www.caslpa.ca

CASLPA offers a certification exam for speech-language pathologists and one for audiologists, which may be written by internationally trained applicants, at ACSLPA�s request. ACSLPA completes the assessment of the coursework of the applicant, which must cover the areas described in the document Assessing and Certifying Clinical Competency: Foundations of Practice for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (found on the CASLPA website under Certification).

Applicants must also complete an application for the International Qualifications Assessment Service along with a waiver that must be signed by the applicant so that the report on the assessment can be forwarded to CASPLA.

The exam is offered twice a year; applicants have up to three changes to successfully complete the exam. Applicants are encouraged to be aware of exam fees, registration deadlines, locations, and turnaround time of exam results. The CASLPA website provides this information,  as well as recommended resources to prepare for the exam. Applicants may chose to become members of CASLPA after passing the exam and being registered with ACSLPA.

What are the educational requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists in Alberta?

(Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards)

The education requirement for speech-language pathologists is a master's degree in speech-language pathology.

The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a Master of Science degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Universities and colleges throughout Alberta offer four year bachelor's degree programs that can provide suitable preparation for a master's degree program in speech-language pathology. Admission requirements vary from one post-secondary institution and program to another.


Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupational duties and wages, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service at www.alis.gov.ab.ca and search for Speech-Language Pathologist under Occupational Information.

What is the accepted English language proficiency test and where can I be tested?

Applicants must also provide proof of English Language fluency by taking a TOEFL test. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.

What information resources are available for Speech-Language Pathologists?

University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
website: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/rehabmed/index.cfm 

Alberta Speech-Language Association of Private Practitioners (ASAPP)
website: http://www.asapp.ca

                                                                                                                                Last updated: June 2009