The combined bachelor's/master's programs in Communication Disorders and Sciences at Eastern Illinois University meet the certifying requirements for the three credentials required for practice in the United States and the state of Illinois. The Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional accreditation for speech-language pathologists and audiologists that is recognized in every state. To work in a public school, a Type 73 teaching certificate is required. In addition, the majority of states have laws that require individuals to obtain a license to practice the professions. Most of the licensure requirements are identical or very similar to ASHA's CCC requirements.
ASHA Accreditation
The program of Communication Disorders and Sciences at EIU is accredited in the area of speech-language pathology by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Upon completion of the master's degree and nine months of supervised professional experience, individuals are eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence required for practice in most work settings. The program was first accredited by ASHA in 1970 and has remained continuously accredited since that time. The most recent reaccreditation visit was in 2001. Two site visitors met with people affiliated with the CDS program including students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and business professionals. The site visitors identified 7 program strengths in their report. These included the following:
Close working relationship between students, staff, and faculty
Good faculty and financial support for student research
Faculty and supervisors are well respected by collegues on campus
Faculty are active in continuing education activities
Well-diversified set of practicum experiences available to students
Very strong commitment to quality teaching and supervision
Very detailed record-keeping system for advising and tracking students through completion of the program
The program has over a 30 year history of meeting the Illinois State Board of Education requirements for the Special Type 10 Speech-Language Impaired Certificate. In 2001, the Department modified its professional preparation to meet Type 73 teacher certification requirements. This certificate is required for practice in Illinois schools.
Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
The program also meets the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation requirements for the Speech-Language Pathologist License required for practice in Illinois.
