Continuing Education
The purpose of continuing education is to ensure the highest quality professional care. The objectives are to improve and increase the ability to deliver the highest possible quality professional care and keep the professional abreast of current developments.
Audiologists, hearing aid specialists, speech-language pathologists and speech-language pathology assistants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every three years. At least one hour of the continuing education must be on infection control.
For more information on the continuing education requirement, see WAC 246-828-510 and WAC 246-12 Part 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I find information on continuing education requirements for SLPAs
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WAC 246-828-510 outlines continuing education requirements for hearing and speech professions. WAC 246-12 Part 7 outlines general requirements that apply to all professions.
- When did the continuing education requirements for SLPAs go into effect?
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The requirements were effective July 1, 2015. The Board of Hearing and Speech held many rules workshops in 2014 and 2015 to revise chapter 246-828 WAC and to add continuing education requirements for SLPAs.
- How many hours of continuing education do I need?
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SLPAs must take 30 hours of continuing education every three years. At least one hour must be infection control education.
- How do I know when my continuing education hours are due?
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You'll receive a notice on your renewal card when you're required to report continuing education hours. In addition, your due date is listed on Provider Credential Search.
SLPAs don't have to report continuing education until the first full three-year period after July 1, 2015. For example, if your annual renewal date is February 5, you'll attest to completing continuing education hours when you renew in 2019. If your annual renewal date is July 29, you'll attest to completing continuing education hours when you renew in 2018.
- How do I attest to completing my continuing education hours?
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You must attest to meeting the requirements of WAC 246-828-510 every three years when you renew your credential. You may attest online if renewing online, or by signature if renewing by mail.
- Where do I find continuing education courses?
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Many employers offer in-service trainings that meet the requirements of WAC 246-828-510. Many profession-related companies, schools, and associations offer online education, webinars, in-person seminars, or offer courses as part of annual conventions or meetings.
- How do I know what courses are acceptable?
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The Board of Hearing and Speech doesn't pre-approve courses. Acceptable courses must be from the categories listed in WAC 246-828-510. Documentation requirements are listed for each category. You're required to have at least one hour of infection control education per three-year period.
- Where can I get one hour of infection control education?
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The Board of Hearing and Speech didn't outline specific courses that meet the infection control requirement. Any course that documents one hour of infection control meets the requirement.
- What happens if I'm audited?
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If you're audited, you'll receive a letter from the Department of Health. You must send documentation of all courses for the three-year continuing education cycle.
- How long do I have to keep proof of my continuing education courses?
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Per WAC 246-12 Part 7, you must keep documentation for four years.