Speech-language pathologist

ASHA’s professional scope includes communication and swallowing domains. These can intersect with a rehabilitation team’s work, but SLP is not interchangeable with occupational or physical therapy. The professional framework is a description of the field, not permission for every individual to perform every activity. [1]

ASHA’s certification resources describe graduate preparation and a clinical fellowship. The CAA accredits eligible master’s programs in speech-language pathology and provides a directory. Check the SLP program itself; audiology programs are a distinct category in that directory. [2][3]

ASHA explicitly distinguishes voluntary CCC-SLP certification from state licensure. Submitting certification paperwork does not establish that the credential has been awarded. Check both the state/setting requirements and the practitioner’s actual status instead of treating a degree, application and license as equivalent. [2]

ASHA describes interprofessional collaboration and the need for competence in the services provided. A useful team question may concern communication access, cognition-related communication or swallowing. This profile does not supply a swallowing assessment protocol or establish who may perform a particular test. [1]

1. State the communication or swallowing question without assuming a diagnosis.
2. Verify the practitioner’s setting-specific credentials and competence.
3. Clarify communication access, consent and the plan for sharing findings.

Function and practice connections

• Daily function and development
• Neuro, aging and independence

Compare the role

• Occupational therapist
• Physical therapist
• Physiatrist

Explore the activity

• Telehealth
• Direct access

Related pages explain terminology and existing research coverage. A link does not establish this role’s authority to perform an activity.

1. 1. Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology asha.org (official site)

   American Speech-Language-Hearing Association · Checked October 15, 2026

   Communication and swallowing domains, collaboration and individualized professional competence; framework, not state law.

2. 2. Certification Standards for SLP: General Information asha.org (official site)

   American Speech-Language-Hearing Association · Checked October 15, 2026

   Graduate education/clinical fellowship context and voluntary CCC-SLP certification distinguished from licensure.

3. 3. Programs caa.asha.org (official site)

   Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology · Checked October 15, 2026

   Master’s SLP program accreditation and directory; audiology is a separate program category.