Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Guidelines for Evaluating Applicant Experience

The supervisor is responsible for verifying to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology that the applicant has completed professional-level experience. Suggestions for consideration under each competency listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive or limited to those stated. Rather, they are intended as examples of professional behaviors to be accomplished by the applicant. Also, the suggestions for consideration are not intended to establish specific criteria, to restrict supervisor judgement, or to limit in any way the scope of professional practice.

The Board recommends that the supervisor monitor the applicant’s time a minimum average of 3 hours per week for full-time experience, or 1-1/2 hours for part-time. The monitoring should involve direct observation of the applicant’s clinical practice. The use of audio tapes, video tapes, reports, and/or discussions with administrators or colleagues may supplement the direct contact. The supervisor should maintain written documentation of contacts with the supervisee.

General

1. The applicant demonstrates ability to communicate effectively.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Communicates, as necessary, in an advocacy role for clients/patients.
     2. Interprets clinical data to clients/patients and caregivers effectively.
     3. Participates in professional meetings and case conferences.
   
   
2. The applicant demonstrates understanding of human growth and development.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Demonstrates knowledge of developmental milestones.
     2. Differentiates between normal and abnormal aspects of physical, emotional, and social development.
     3. Understands the role of communication in social, emotional, intellectual, and educational processes.
   
   
3. The applicant demonstrates professional responsibility and conduct.
   
   
4. The applicant displays understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Understands the organizational structure of the work environment and interacts appropriately with other professionals.
     2. Is aware of regulations governing other professionals in client/patient care.
     3. Respects confidentiality of client/patient information.
     4. Uses appropriate referral procedures.

Specific

1. The applicant applies a functional understanding of communication development in the delivery of clinical services.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Displays knowledge of the interrelationships among the various speech-language-hearing processes and the effects of impairment in one area on functions in other areas.
   
   
2. The applicant uses appropriate, representative methods and materials in diagnosis/assessment.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Selects and administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures.
     2. Records diagnostic/assessment results accurately.
     3. Interprets diagnostic/assessment results accurately, concisely, and clearly.
     4. Uses diagnostic/assessment interpretations as a basis for a course of action.
   
   
3. The applicant effectively uses appropriate equipment in diagnosis/assessment and treatment/remediation.
   • In Speech-Language Pathology, consider if the applicant:
     1. Demonstrates skill in the use of appropriate audiometric and tympanometric screening equipment, audio and video recording equipment, and other equipment which may be required for clinical management.
     2. Is familiar with equipment used by other professions which may be relevant to diagnosis/assessment and treatment/rehabilitation.
   • In Audiology, consider if the applicant:
     1. Uses speech-language screening instruments, audiometric, aural acoustic immitance vestibulometric, hearing aid acoustic evaluation equipment, sound level measurement and audiometric calibration devices and other instruments which may be required for audiological diagnosis/assessment and/or treatment of hearing disorders.
     2. Knows prevailing audiological instrumentation calibration standards and procedures as well as prevailing standards of ambient background sound levels in an audiometric test environment.
     3. Reads and interprets manufacturing specifications for personal and group prosthetic amplification in light of prevailing standards.
     4. Is familiar with commercially available materials used for the evaluation of auditory function.
   
   
4. The applicant plans, organizes, and implements an effective and efficient treatment/remediation program.
   • Consider if the applicant:
     1. Recognizes in his/her program planning the interrelationship existing among aspects of the total program.
     2. Follows work environment procedures in scheduling.
     3. Works cooperatively with others in planning.
     4. Considers client/patient needs in planning and scheduling.
     5. Uses time efficiently and effectively.
     6. Uses current professional knowledge in determining length, frequency, and types of sessions, and in making other planning decisions.
   
   
5. The applicant displays a fundamental knowledge of the principles underlying the treatment/remediation of communication disorders, uses appropriate methods and techniques in the provision of services, and maintains appropriate records.
   • In Speech-Language Pathology, consider if the applicant:
     1. Employs rationale for selecting treatment/remediation methods and materials.
     2. Uses methods and materials appropriate to the client/patient.
     3. Provides clear direction in managing client behavior.
     4. Prescribes assignments and carryover activities when necessary.
     5. Communicates treatment/remediation goals and techniques to the client/patient and family members.
     6. Is supportive and provides appropriate reinforcement.
     7. Integrates information from other professionals in treatment/remediation.
     8. Aids the client/patient in identifying target communication function and in discriminating appropriate from inappropriate communication behavior.
     9. Explains causation, prognosis, and planning in a clear, understandable, concise manner.
     10. Provides treatment/remediation commensurate with the client/patients intellectual, social, emotional, and educational levels.
     11. Determines the need for augmentative communication, and selects and uses the appropriate systems.
   • In Audiology, consider if the applicant:
     1. Demonstrates knowledge of FDA warning signs concerning the fitting of prosthetic amplification.
     2. Determines the need for prosthetic amplification and devices based on appropriate audiological assessment procedures.
     3. Demonstrates an awareness of state-of-the-art technology in available forms of prosthetic amplification.
     4. Selects prosthetic amplification appropriate for the client/patient need.
     5. Demonstrates a knowledge of earmold acoustics, styles, and materials.
     6. Demonstrates earmold impression-taking skills.
     7. Fits and adjusts prosthetic amplification.
     8. Provides and interprets appropriate measures of listener performance with prosthetic amplification.
     9. Plans and implements a program of orientation for the user of prosthetic devices.
     10. Recommends and implements auditory rehabilitation measures such as speechreading, auditory training, and other communication strategies as indicated.
     11. Monitors client/patient progress, determines the need for service/repair of prosthetic amplification, and takes appropriate action.
     12. Provides remedial services.
     13. Provides or refers for support counseling for hearing impaired individuals and their families.
     14. Demonstrates ability to organize and implement a hearing conversation program consonant with existing federal and state regulations.
     15. Provides or refers for educational evaluation to determine appropriate school placement for children with a hearing loss.
     16. Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techiques for specialized prosthetic devices for management of unique auditory disorders.
     17. Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techiques for specialized prosthetic devices for personal hearing protection.
     18. Provides information about and prescribes assistive devices such as alarms, group listening devices, Fm systems, etc.