License; eligibility and qualifications

To be eligible for a license to practice audiology or speech-language pathology, an applicant shall: a. Possess at least a master's degree or its equivalent in the area of audiology or speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university acceptable to the Department of Higher Education; b. Submit to the director transcripts from one or more accredited educational institutions evidencing the completion of specific requirements which shall be determined and published by the director in consultation with the committee and the Department of Higher Education. These requirements shall not be substantially inconsistent with current nationally recognized professional standards and shall include both academic courses and clinical practice; c. Submit to the director evidence of the completion of a clinical internship in the professional area for which the license is sought. The clinical internship shall not be substantially inconsistent with currently recognized national professional standards. Clinical internship shall be under the direct supervision of a person licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, as appropriate, by this State or by another state which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this State; or a person in a state without licensure laws, provided that the supervisor shows evidence of credentials equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this act; or a person in this State practicing in an exempt setting, provided that the supervisor shows evidence of credentials equivalent to the requirements for licensure under this act. d. Pass a written examination approved by the director in consultation with the committee. An examination shall be given at least once each year.