Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Licensing

Anyone providing speech language services to a child on an IEP must either be a licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) or a licensed Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA). This was effective July 1, 2025. The SLPA must be licensed through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to provide services in a school setting. SLPA is a protected title. Individuals may not provide speech-language pathology services as an SLPA without the required education and MDH license and need to be supervised by a SLP who is licensed through PELSB. SLPA licenses are not issued by PELSB.

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Difference in duties between MDH SLPA Licensure and Tier 2 SLP PELSB Licensure

MDH SLPA license:

1. An individual functions as an assistant.
2. Statutory supervision requirements apply.
3. Scope is limited to delegated duties.

Tier 2 SLP license through PELSB:

1. An individual functions as an SLP in a school setting.
2. Not classified as an SLPA.
3. MDH SLPA license requirement does not apply.
4. An individual may perform SLP functions consistent with PELSB authority, subject to district assignment and licensure limitations.

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Who to Contact

While PELSB does not license SLPA’s, they do need to obtain licensure through MDH to perform services in a school setting. Questions regarding SLPA licensure should be referred to: health.slpa@state.mn.us

For questions regarding SLP licensure, please see the PELSB Related Services webpage or email questions to: PELSB@state.mn.us