Is your SLP or Audiologist qualified?

In Alberta and across Canada both audiologists and hearing aid practitioners (also known as hearing instrument practitioners, hearing aid dealers or hearing aid dispensers) conduct hearing tests for the purposes of selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. The academic and clinical training of these two groups differs significantly, as does their scope of practice. While audiologists and hearing aid practitioners often work independently of one another, there are work environments where audiologists and hearing aid practitioners also work collaboratively. To ensure you benefit from the training and experience of a qualified audiologist, look for the [...]

To find out if your SLP or audiologist is registered in Alberta, you can search the public register accessible at ACSLPA’s Public Register.

Typically, someone advertising themselves as a communication specialist or as a speech-language consultant is not registered with the College and is not a speech-language pathologist.  While they may profess to offer services similar to those of a registered SLP, they will not have the required education and skills. Only those individuals who are registered with ACSLPA can use the title of speech-language pathologist or audiologist in Alberta. To ensure you have a fully qualified, competent and regulated SLP/audiologist, please verify the individual is registered with us.

Only individuals authorized by ACSLPA can use the title “doctor” or “Dr.” when providing a health service. SLPs and audiologists who are authorized to use these titles hold either a clinical doctorate or a PhD in speech-language pathology or audiology. Regulated members of ACSLPA with doctoral degrees can use the title “doctor” or “Dr.”  in teaching, research, or administration without prior authorization.

The designations/titles that can be used by registered SLPs and audiologists in Alberta are protected in legislation, as outlined in Section 128 and Schedule 28 (2) of the Health Professions Act (HPA). They are as follows: Speech-Language Pathologist: Speech-language pathologist, Speech therapist, Speech pathologist, SLP, R.SLP (registered SLP) Audiologist: Audiologist, Aud, R.Aud (registered audiologist) Only individuals who are registered with ACSLPA can use these titles on their business cards, in written reports, on a website, or even when introducing themselves verbally. SLPs and audiologists who are “non-practicing” do not have an active practice permit and are not allowed to work in their respective professions. [...]

SLPs are professionals who have a master’s, doctorate, or equivalent degree. They’ve typically completed an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s level) in any number of fields (e.g., education or special education, psychology, linguistics, science) followed by a two-year master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Their training involves coursework and clinical practicum hours and includes a focus on communication and swallowing and feeding difficulties. Audiologists are professionals who have a master’s or doctorate degree in audiology. Audiologists have typically completed an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s level) in any number of fields, followed either by a two-year master’s degree in audiology, or by a post-baccalaureate doctor of audiology degree that is [...]