Have you heard about the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)? This initiative is a multistate licensing solution that allows audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to practice across state lines more easily. The Compact makes taking on a travel position more efficient and increases access to care. With 34 states participating and more expected to join, the Compact is a great system to improve the licensure process.
If you’re an SLP or audiologist interested in traveling, read on to learn all you need to know about updates to this streamlined travel licensing solution.
All About the ASLP-IC
The ASLP-IC is an interstate agreement that streamlines licensure for SLPs and audiologists. This agreement provides an efficient way for professionals to practice in any state that is part of the Compact. Audiologists and SLPs can soon use their home state professional license to apply for compact privileges, allowing them to practice in all participating states.
What Are the Benefits of the ASLP-IC?
Many benefits come from a multi-state licensure solution like the ASLP-IC for both patients and providers. Some of these include:
- Aligning Licensure Requirements: The Compact was created to address the hassle of coordinating licensure requirements across states. When states are members of the Compact, they can easily evaluate a practitioner’s qualifications and allow them to start practicing quickly.
- Increasing Access to Care: When licensing logistics are more convenient for providers, patients have increased access to services and quality care. This improved process also translates to better care in situations like pandemics and natural disasters, because a continuity of care can be achieved.
- Expanding Telehealth Opportunities: When providers can practice across states, they can more easily offer access to care through telehealth appointments. This increased access allows patients to have care catered to their situation or maintain provider continuity throughout moves and other life changes.
- Job Mobility and Travel Roles: When licensure can easily cross borders, providers can be open to travel opportunities and short-term positions. When the hassle of cross-state licensure is removed, providers can easily hit the ground running in travel positions and experience short-term positions without complicated licensing logistics.
Who Can Be Part of the ASLP-IC?
Applications for the ASLP-IC are expected to become available in the later months of 2025. To become part of the ASLP-IC, a provider must first be a resident of a participating state. Each state will determine its own documentation requirements and fee payments.
In addition to holding an active license in that participating state, practitioners must also meet educational and professional requirements. That includes having a degree from an accredited program, completing a supervised practicum, and passing the national examination.
Providers can find direct updates on this process on the ASLP-IC website.
Which States Are Part of the Compact?
There are currently 34 states that have enacted ASLP-IC legislation and will be part of the Compact as soon as it is operationalized. This interactive state map shows the current members, as well as other states that have proposed legislation to possibly join the Compact in the future.
Travel Positions for SLPs and Audiologists
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists will have increased access to travel positions and facility options when the ASLP-IC is operationalized later this year. Here is a look at how to become involved in these specialties and the career growth potential.
Working and Traveling as an SLP
The career outlook for speech-language pathologists is promising. With growing opportunities and an increasing number of facilities looking to hire this specialty, SLPs are in high demand. Here are the steps to becoming an SLP, and what the travel position process looks like:
Becoming an SLP
The first step in becoming a speech-language pathologist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. After earning this degree, all SLPs must pass the Praxis Examination in Speech Language Pathology and complete a clinical fellowship. At this point, an SLP can obtain their licensure and certification, including ASLP-IC licensure if living in a member state.
Facility Options and Populations
A speech-language pathology career can lead to many different settings and populations. SLPs most often work in educational settings (56 percent work in education settings), but they can also work in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and private practices. Some SLPs work in government agencies or corporate services.
Travel SLP Opportunities
There are many travel opportunities available to SLPs, and those opportunities will continue to grow when the ASLP-IC is operationalized later in 2025. Travel jobs are in high demand across specialties during current healthcare staffing shortages, including speech and language pathology. Many travel opportunities provide support with relocation, housing, facility connections, licensure, and more.
Working and Traveling as an Audiologist
About 15 percent of American adults report hearing-related concerns. Working in audiology is a rewarding career path that is in increasingly high demand.
Becoming an Audiologist
The path to becoming an audiologist starts with a bachelor’s degree, often in an area like communication disorders or sound engineering. This is followed by a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program for clinical settings or a PhD in audiology for research or educational positions. The final year of AuD graduate programs is a supervised clinical externship. Then, audiologists must pass the audiology licensure exam and meet any other state-specific licensure requirements.
Facility Options and Populations
Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities and hospitals. Others work in private practices or in early intervention settings in K–12 schools. Some audiologists travel between facilities and work with multiple populations.
Travel Audiology Opportunities
Audiology is a great career path for travel opportunities, and the ASLP-IC will make that process even more streamlined. Just as with SLPs, audiologists can find readily available travel positions to experience new locations while still regularly working. Travel positions often pay more than other audiology salaries.
Travel SLP and Audiology Jobs at SHC
At Supplemental Health Care (SHC), we can help SLPs and audiologists find the right position. Our recruiters can help professionals find their next travel assignment in a Compact state or their local area.
The SHC team is here to support providers throughout the entire process. When questions come up about housing, licensure, facilities, or a contract, SHC is here to help every step of the way. Contact our team today to learn more!
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