Tennessee State Information

Learn quick facts about the professions [PDF] in Tennessee.

The information below is collected from state licensure boards or regulatory agencies responsible for regulating the professions of audiology and/or speech-language pathology in the state of Tennessee. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

State License Requirements

ASHA Pathway: The ASHA CCC is accepted as proof of meeting some requirements for licensure for both professions.

Audiologist

Doctoral degree

Audiologists may dispense hearing aids under an audiology license.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Master’s degree
Clinical fellowship

Both

Supervised clinical practicum
National exam
Jurisprudence exam

Continuing Education: 20 hours every two years

Interstate Practice (ASLP-IC, Telepractice, and Temporary)

ASLP-IC: Tennessee is a member state of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Information on the current status of the ASLP-IC can be found on the ASLP-IC website.

Telepractice: Providers must generally adhere to the same requirements as in-person practice. Clinicians must inform clients of the available service delivery options and shall obtain their consent to the use of telecommunication technology for the delivery of services before that method of service delivery is utilized.

Temporary Practice for Out-of-State Providers: Nonresidents may practice no more than 30 days per calendar year if in cooperation with a licensed practitioner and the individual is eligible for licensure in the state.

School-Based License Requirements

Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist

Meet one of the following:

Advanced degree
State license
Advanced degree and out-of-state educator license

Speech-Language Pathologist

Meet one of the following:

State license
ASHA CCC
Digital recommendation via an in-state educator preparation program
Advanced degree and out-of-state educator license
Recommendation from an out-of-state educator preparation provider

Continuing Education:

Professional license: 60 professional development points within the license period or complete two years of qualifying experience within the license period and meet TN Literacy Success Act requirements, if applicable
Practitioner license: 30 professional development hours within the license period and meet TN Literacy Success Act requirements, if applicable

Early Intervention License Requirements

A state license is required to work in early intervention in Tennessee.

Assistants License Requirements

Audiology Assistant

Health Care Setting: Audiology Aide

High school diploma
A licensed audiologist may not supervise more than three aides at one time.

School Setting

Not regulated

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Health Care Setting

Registration required
Program of study with specific coursework and 100 clock hours of field experience
A licensed supervisor may not supervise more than three SLPAs concurrently.

Continuing Education: 20 hours during the two years preceding renewal

School Setting

ASHA Pathway: The ASHA C-SLPA is accepted as proof of meeting requirements for licensure.

License required
Bachelor’s degree and one of the following:
- ASHA SLPA-C
- Bachelor’s degree in specified areas
- Registration with the licensing board
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Program degree
- Valid out-of-state SLPA license and a bachelor's degree in specified areas