Essential functions, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to the cognitive, physical, and behavioral abilities that are necessary for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum, as well as the development of professional attributes required by the faculty of all students at graduation. The essential skills required by the curriculum are in the following areas: motor, sensory, communication, intellectual/cognitive (conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities for problem solving and diagnosis), and behavioral/emotional aspects of?professional practice for?speech-language pathologists.

Upon completion of this program a student will be eligible to sit for the national certifying exam (PRAXIS II) administered by the Educational Testing Service.? Students will also be eligible to apply for membership in ASHA. Students graduating with a M.S. in speech-language pathology and passing the certification exam will be eligible to apply for national certification and licensure in Arkansas and other states.