24.222.550    ASSISTANT LICENSURE – INITIAL APPLICANTS

(1) To practice as a licensed speech-language pathology or audiology assistant in Montana, all assistants must have at least one Montana licensed practitioner of the same profession to supervise the assistant per 37-15-102, MCA. 

(2)  Speech-language pathology assistant applicants not currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction and who did not serve as unlicensed aides or assistants in Montana prior to January 1, 2024, must have either: 

(a) a baccalaureate degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution; or

(b)  a speech-language pathology assistant certificate or associate degree from an accredited institution.

(3)  Speech-language pathology assistant applicants not currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction and who served as unlicensed aides or assistants in Montana prior to January 1, 2024, but do not meet the requirements in (2)(a) or (b) must have a minimum of 690 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist.

(4)  Audiology assistant applicants not currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction and who did not serve as unlicensed aides or assistants in Montana prior to January 1, 2024, must have either:

(a)  a baccalaureate degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution;

(b)  an audiology assistant certificate or associate degree from an accredited institution; or

(c) a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 10 hours of additional board-approved training in audiology.

(5)  Audiology assistant applicants not currently licensed in another state or jurisdiction and who served as unlicensed aides or assistants in Montana prior to January 1, 2024, but do not meet the requirements in (4)(a), (b), or (c) must have a minimum of 110 hours of practical experience under the supervision of an audiologist.

History: 37-15-303, MCA; IMP, 37-15-303, MCA; NEW, 2023 MAR p. 1751, Eff. 12/9/23.