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Idaho Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

AKA: Idaho SLPA Licensure

Idaho SLP & SLPA Licensure - 2024 Guide
Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 19th, 2024

Idaho Licensing Body

One of the most important abilities we have as humans are communication. When someone suffers from a communication disorder, they struggle to process and produce language. This difficulty impacts an individual’s confidence level, educational and work opportunities, and personal relationships. Although the severity of the disorder may vary, the effect it has on individuals is extremely similar.

When these individuals or their families seek the professional help of a speech-language pathologist (SLP), the role of the assistant is particularly important. Speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) serve as much-needed support for SLPs. They administer treatment plans, assess and consult with clients and their families, and keep patient records organized while performing other tasks under their scope of practice.

As an SLPA, you will work under the tutelage of a licensed SLP. This mentorship will provide you with the necessary competency should you decide to continue your education and enroll in a masters-level SLP program. You can also take the time spent in this role to determine which if any, specialty you’d like to pursue.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the entry pay1 for the position is $33,144 annually, but most new SLPAs make $48,139 each year. With experience, the top 10% of SLPA’s in Idaho earn up to $66,450 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2022) per year. With the growing need for healthcare professionals in this field, you can expect more demand for workers in the coming years. So if you’re thinking of becoming a licensed SLP in Idaho there’s no better time to start the process than now.

1: Salaries calculated as 65% of Idaho SLPs

Idaho Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Process

The Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board is overseen by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The Board requires licenses to be renewed each year and sets the rules and regulations for SLPAs in the state.

Education Requirements

Earn an associate degree from an accredited school to be eligible for an SLPA license. The education will prepare you to work alongside speech-language pathologists and assist in providing care to patients and clients.

Core courses you can expect to take include:

  • Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Phonetics and Phonology
  • Normal Language Development
  • Observation Methods and Techniques
  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment
  • Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

While clinical experience is not required for licensure in Idaho, SLPAs always have to practice under a licensed SLP.

Testing Requirement

SLPAs only have to pass a speech-language pathology open-book exam regarding the rules and statutes set by the Board. The test comprises fifteen multiple-choice questions, and you can refer to the Idaho Statutes when filling out your answers.

Background Checks

Before you can become a licensed SLPA, you’ll need to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. The agencies completing the check are the Idaho State Police (ISP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

To begin the background check process e-mail a request for a fingerprint card to fingerprintrequest@sde.idaho.gov. You can also get a card in person at 650 W. State St., second floor. it takes approximately 5 business days for the card to reach you after this request.

The next step is to take the fingerprint packet you’ve been mailed to a local fingerprinting facility that’s been approved by the board, pay the $28.25 processing fee, and allow the fingerprint processor to sign and submit the Fingerprint Card Verification Form. The results will then be sent to the Board to review with your application.

Application Process

When applying for your SLPA license, submit the following documentation for review:

  • A completed notarized application
  • A completed open-book exam of Idaho’s SLPA rules and statutes (included in the application packet)
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Official school transcripts
  • Verification of licensure in other states (if applicable)
  • $25 application fee
  • $70 license fee

Completed applications should be received by the Board at least seven working days before their scheduled meeting. If it doesn’t reach them within that time you will have to wait to have the application reviewed during their next meeting. Incomplete applications will delay the process, so be sure to supply all relevant documentation when requested.

Honorably discharged veterans, active military members, and spouses of both are entitled to special benefits, which may include the expedited processing of your application.

Make a copy of the forms to keep for your records before sending the original application packet to:

Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board
Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
11341 W. Chinden Blvd.
Boise ID 83714