How many years of professional experience is required for a licensee to supervise an intern or assistant?

To supervise an intern or assistant in Texas as a licensed speech-language pathologist, a minimum of two years of professional experience is required. This requirement ensures that the supervising licensee has adequate knowledge, skills, and practical experience to provide effective training and oversight to individuals who are still developing their competencies in the field.

Having two years of experience allows the supervisor to not only demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical practices but also to have engaged in various scenarios that may arise in speech-language therapy. This time frame provides sufficient opportunity to gain depth in professional skills, ethics, and administrative functions that are critical when guiding those who are newly entering the profession. Thus, this requirement is in place to enhance the quality of supervision for interns and assistants, ultimately benefiting both the professionals in training and the clients they serve.