Privacy
|
Contact

New Hampshire Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

AKA: New Hampshire SLPA Licensure

New Hampshire SLP & SLPA Licensing - 2024 Guide
Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 18th, 2024

New Hampshire Licensing Body

To become an assistant speech-language pathologist in New Hampshire you need to be of good professional character, compassionate, and ready to work in a fast-paced environment. The life of a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is dynamic and exciting as your days are spent helping others overcome their speech challenges.

This is an excellent career choice for anyone looking to become a fully licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) as it introduces you to the profession. Working as an assistant will give you a first-hand look at what to expect when working in the field. It’s at this point that most SLPAs decide which specialties or patient populations they’d prefer to study in graduate school.

Becoming an SLPA is a great way to earn money as you take postgraduate courses. You’ll also serve as the support staff for busy SLPs and perform tasks that will allow them to take on more patients. SLPAs assist with screening patients, tracking and documenting patient performance, training patients on alternative communication technology, and much more.

All the while, you’ll be working with an expert SLP who will guide you through the clinical procedures needed to provide a high level of service to clients. The field is growing, and if you want to grow with it, keep reading for more information on becoming an SLPA in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Process

The Speech Language Pathology and Hearing Care Providers Governing Board are the regulating and licensing body for SLPAs in New Hampshire. SLPA licenses are renewed every two years and licensees are required to meet certain qualifications to maintain their certification.

Education Requirements

Speech-language pathologist assistants need an associate degree or higher in one of the following subjects:

  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Communications Sciences and Disorders
  • Communication Disorders

Learn about associate degree programs in communication sciences and disorders or learn about bachelor degree programs in communication sciences and disorders.

The SLPA program attended should be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) to ensure it aligns with the standard of education set for SLPAs. A few of the course titles you can expect to take are:

  • Intro to Speech-Language Pathology
  • Intercultural Communication
  • Intervention for Speech and Language Disorders
  • Language Development and Disorders

Background Checks

To have your application considered for approval you will have to submit a criminal history records check. State residents can visit the Criminal Records Portal and enter their name, phone number, and email address. Follow the onscreen prompts for scheduling a new appointment.

Both a fingerprint and name-based check are completed. Fingerprints are checked against the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) records while names are checked against the state’s criminal database.

Applicants living in another state can be fingerprinted digitally through Livescan or use a physical fingerprint card. Livescan is recommended as the fingerprint rejection rate is lower which will help move your application through the approval process easily. Also, be sure to submit a Criminal Record Authorization Form.

The background check fee is $48.25 and can be paid with a credit or debit card online, or with a money order or check made out to the State of NH-Criminal Records. If mailing your information send it to:

OPLC – Board of Allied Health
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

If you experience any issues when signing up please contact (603) 271-2152 to speak with a customer service representative.

Application Process

Applications are completed online as paper forms are no longer accepted. To attain your initial SLPA license you’ll need to submit the following documents to the Board:

  • A completed and signed application.
  • A passport-size photo (2×2).
  • If you answer “yes” to any of the professional character questions, you’ll need to provide a detailed report of the circumstances surrounding the matter.
  • Official transcript showing the appropriate degree; or
      • An official letter from the registrar’s office verifying you have graduated; or
      • An official letter from your school verifying you’ve completed the degree requirements.
  • A current resume outlining paid and volunteer experience.

If professionally licensed in another state, the issuing jurisdiction must send verification of licensure directly to the Board.

The initial certification fee is $55, and the application fee is $20, both of which are paid through the online portal. If you need to scan and upload paperwork, send it to oplclicensing3@oplc.nh.gov, or mail it to:

OPLC – Board of Allied Health
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

If further documentation is needed the Board will notify you in writing within 60 days of the application’s submission. Applicants who do not provide the requested documents within 54 weeks of initially applying will be denied.