(1) To be eligible for licensing by the board as a speech-language pathologist, the applicant must:

(a) have completed a minimum of 75 semester hours of post-baccalaureate study that culminates in a minimum of a master's degree in speech language pathology or communication disorders. The graduate education in speech-language pathology must be initiated and completed in a program approved by the licensure board;

(b) demonstrate skills in oral and written communication, knowledge of ethical standards, research principles, and current professional and regulatory issues;

(c) have practicum experience that encompasses the breadth of the current scope of practice with both adults and children, resulting in a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised practicum, of which at least 375 hours must be in direct client/patient contact and 25 hours of clinical observation;

(d) have a 36-week speech-language pathology clinical experience that establishes a collaboration between the clinical fellow and a mentor; and

(e) pass a speech pathology examination as determined by the board.

(2) In order to be licensed by the board as an audiologist:

(a) For applications made prior to January 1, 2007, an applicant shall:

(i) have completed a minimum of 75 semester credit hours of post-baccalaureate study that culminates in a minimum of a master's degree in audiology. The graduate education in audiology must be initiated and completed in an accredited program by the licensure board;

(ii) demonstrate skills in oral and written communication, knowledge of ethical standards, research principles, and current professional and regulatory issues;

(iii) have practicum experiences that encompass the breadth of the current scope of practice with both adults and children resulting in a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised practicum, of which at least 375 hours must be in direct client/patient contact and 25 hours of clinical observation;

(iv) have a 36-week audiology clinical experience that establishes a collaboration between the clinical fellow and a mentor; and

(v) pass an audiology examination, as determined by the board.

(b) For applications made on or after January 1, 2007, an applicant shall:

(i) possess a Doctor of Audiology degree (Au. D.) or a Ph. D in audiology, from an accredited program approved by the board; and

(ii) pass an audiology examination as determined by the board.

(c) If the applicant is a holder of a valid Montana license prior to January 1, 2007, and maintains that license in good standing, the applicant will not be required to obtain a doctorate to maintain licensure to practice audiology in the future.