Wyoming Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Guide - 2024

AKA: Wyoming SLPA Licensure

Speech Pathologist Programs

by Speech Pathologist Programs Staff

Updated: March 19th, 2024

An SLPA (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant) works alongside a licensed speech-language pathologist to assist in treating patients with various communication disorders such as stuttering, developmental delays, speech impediments, and hearing impairment. To work as an SLPA, you need to get licensed and work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist because treating patients independently is not permitted. Your job duties may include greeting patients, documenting observations during evaluations, prepping the treatment room, setting up equipment, filing patient paperwork, and scheduling appointments.

If you are interested in becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Wyoming, a guide is available to help you apply for speech-language pathology assistants licensure. This guide includes information on the requirements for SLPA licensure and on required documentation, fees, exams, and more.

Wyoming Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Licensure Process

The Wyoming Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology has the lawful power to govern and grant licensure for speech pathologists and audiologist assistants. Here is the initial speech pathology licensure process:

Educational Requirements

To qualify as an SLPA, you must finish an associate degree from an accredited SLPA program or hold a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders or speech-language pathology. Here you will find listed all Wyoming speech pathology degree programs.

When applying for a speech-language pathology assistant license, having a bachelor’s degree (or higher) focusing on speech-language pathology and/or audiology is preferred. However, if your major is outside of communicative sciences or disorders, the Wyoming Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology will review your transcripts to make sense of similar academic preparation.

You must have at least 24 semester credit hours in speech-language pathology and/or audiology, including a minimum of three hours in language disorders and three hours in speech disorders.

Experience Requirements

Becoming an SLPA necessitates meeting specific criteria, including finishing brief courses concerning ethics, safety measures, and client privacy. Additionally, you must complete at least 100 hours of clinical fieldwork, with at least 80 of those hours involving direct work with patients, clients, or students. The remaining 20 hours can be indirect. It is crucial to emphasize that the total does not include observation hours. Therefore, you must acquire practical knowledge by working with patients while supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist.

Testing Requirements

Upon completing your education and training, you can sit for ASHA’s Assistants Certification Exam. The SLPA certificate program is a graduate certificate program that spans one semester and encompasses SLPA coursework and a school-based internship under the guidance of a mentor who is an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP).

The assessment tests your comprehension of speech-language pathology and an SLPA’s responsibilities and professional boundaries. It comprises 100 multiple-choice questions. After passing the exam, you’ll become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (C-SLPA) and can create a resume and apply for jobs.

Ensure you review the SLPA practice exam questions and other resources, as a score of 162 or higher is required to pass the exam. Additionally, you must submit your application for the C-SLPA certification and pay the initial fee of $249.

Background Check

To apply for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license, applicants must supply a criminal background check by submitting a completed set of fingerprint cards. Two (2) blue fingerprint cards must be completed with both hands on each card. The Board office or local law enforcement agency can provide the necessary cards.

You are required to follow these instructions:

  • Use black ink exclusively when filling out the fingerprint cards.
  • A law enforcement officer or another authorized person must only conduct the fingerprinting procedure.
  • The applicant is responsible for completing all yellow highlighted areas in the example provided.
  • The official who takes the fingerprints must sign the cards.
  • The fingerprints must be fully rolled without any streaks. Only complete or smudged prints will be accepted, and the applicant must submit new cards.
  • Do not fold the cards.

You should mail your application packet and fingerprint cards to the Wyoming State Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology at 2001 Capitol Avenue: Room 127, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Most applicants are charged $15 for the background check fee in Wyoming, whereas an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check costs $18.

Application Process

To apply for a speech-language pathology assistant license, you must download and complete the application packet for speech-language pathology licensure and send it to the State of Wyoming Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. You must send the application along with the $100 application fee. Furthermore, you must adhere to Chapter 2 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations.

You are required to fill out all the forms listed below:

  • Application information
  • Contact Information, including mail & email addresses and phone number(s).
  • Correspondence from the Board office
  • Education
  • Supervised Field Experience
  • Practice History

In addition to the application, you must also provide official transcripts, a supervised field experience form, a supervisor agreement form, and background checks. Also, you must check your email address regularly. Any worries about your application will be emailed to the given address. This is the preferred communication method for all correspondence to and from licensees by the Board.