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Getting Your SLP License in Arizona

Home Getting Your SLP License in Arizona

Getting Your SLP License in Arizona

Thinking about working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Arizona? You’ll need to be licensed before you can practice on your own. The good news is that the process isn’t complicated, it just has a few moving parts, and knowing what’s coming makes everything easier.

Let’s walk through it.

Who’s in Charge of SLP Licensing Here

In Arizona, Speech-Language Pathologists are licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), specifically by the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

They handle:

  • New SLP licenses
  • Clinical Fellowship requirements
  • Renewals
  • Making sure everyone’s practicing within the rules

Education You’ll Need

To get licensed, you need:

  • A master’s degree (or higher) in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Your degree has to come from a program accredited by ASHA or something equivalent

Your program should’ve included both classroom work and hands-on clinical hours.

Doing Your Clinical Fellowship (CF) in Arizona

Arizona lets you work while you’re finishing your CF, as long as you’re supervised.

Here’s what matters:

  • You apply for your SLP license while you’re doing your CF
  • You need 36 weeks of full-time supervised work (or the part-time equivalent)
  • Your supervisor has to be a licensed SLP in Arizona who meets the board’s criteria

A lot of employers, including us at Therapy Tree, help with CF supervision right from the start.

The Praxis Exam

You’ve got to pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.

What you need to know:

  • You need to hit the passing score set by Arizona
  • Your official scores go straight to the licensing board

Most people take the Praxis during or right after their CF year.

Fingerprints and Background Check

Arizona requires:

  • Fingerprint clearance
  • A background check before they approve your license

This part can take a while, so getting it done early helps you avoid any delays when you’re ready to start working.

How the Application Actually Works

Here’s the basic roadmap:

  1. Fill out the online application through ADHS
  2. Send in proof of your education and clinical hours
  3. Submit your Praxis scores
  4. Get your fingerprints and background check done
  5. Pay the licensing fees

Processing times aren’t always predictable, so plan ahead if you can.

 

Keeping Your License Current

Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to renew it every so often. That means:

  • Completing continuing education credits
  • Staying compliant with state and board rules

Most employers help with continuing ed through trainings, mentorship, and professional development programs.

How a Good Employer Makes This Easier

The best places to work will help you by:

  • Walking you through CF supervision requirements
  • Timing your start date around your licensing timeline
  • Helping with paperwork when you need it
  • Offering mentorship while you’re transitioning from grad school to licensed clinician

This kind of support really matters, especially if you’re moving to Arizona from somewhere else.

One Last Thing

Licensing rules can change, so it’s always smart to double-check the latest info directly with the Arizona Department of Health Services.

At Therapy Tree, we work with licensed SLPs and Clinical Fellows all the time. We know the Arizona process, we know the timelines, and we know the real headaches that come with starting your career in a new state.

Getting licensed shouldn’t be the hardest part of becoming a great clinician.