speech language pathologist license requirements

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 10:29am

Human communication is astoundingly complex. Every language spoken on Earth comprises vocabularies with tens of thousands of words, built with dozens of speech sounds. Languages enable us to discuss almost any concept, and learning new languages can offer opportunities for enrichment expanding past cultural and geographical borders.

However, intervention by a speech pathologist is critical when human speech and language are impaired. Speech pathologists treat various speech, language and swallowing disorders (speech and swallowing use the same muscles). By attending speech pathologist school, you’re embarking on a journey to help people regain their ability to communicate clearly and connect with others on a human level.

Read on to learn how to become a speech pathologist.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a clinical professional who helps patients overcome communication or swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists work to improve patients’ quality of life by fortifying their language and fluency skills, bolstering their vocabulary, and restoring their ability to enjoy foods and liquids safely.

Issues that speech pathologists treat include:

• Speech impediments: How we vocalize sounds and articulate words is crucial to our communication abilities. Speech impediments may severely hinder vocalization to the point where a person can’t speak at all or in a way others can understand. Speech pathologists help patients overcome these issues and strengthen their ability to speak and communicate clearly.
• Language disorders: People with language disorders may struggle to understand the words or sounds used by others or come up with the right words while speaking. Speech pathologists help patients expand their vocabulary and fortify their comprehension.
• Fluency issues: Fluency pertains to how well speech flows. Somebody with a stutter, for example, may seek treatment and counseling from a speech pathologist.
• Swallowing disorders: Difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) can stem from various causes, including past surgeries, radiation and neurological damage. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition if left untreated. Speech pathologists help patients strengthen and develop the muscles necessary to swallow properly.

Work Environment

Speech pathologists work in various professional settings. Most work in educational facilities, including state, local and private settings. Others work in clinical offices, hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. In rare cases, speech pathologists may be self-employed, but most work as part of a team.

Common Challenges

Speech pathologists must have a firm handle on treating and interacting with people from diverse populations. They should know how to approach people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds with a range of disorders.

Speech pathology can also be emotionally taxing. Speech pathologists must be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients; it can be challenging to witness as patients struggle with severe speech impediments or swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook

Speech pathologists take home a median annual wage of $84,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this profession is overwhelmingly positive; employment is estimated to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Becoming a speech pathologist involves earning a master’s degree, obtaining licensure and clocking several hours of supervised practice.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

While a speech pathologist ultimately needs a master’s degree, starting with your bachelor’s is a good first step. You may not have to earn your bachelor’s degree in a particular subject to qualify for admission to a speech pathology master’s program. However, it could be helpful to pursue your bachelor’s degree in a subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or another health-related field.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

Complete a Master’s Degree

You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in speech pathology next. Your program must be accredited for you to become certified, and sometimes to earn state licensure as well. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits speech-language pathology programs.

It generally takes two years to finish a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or supervised clinical work during their studies. Master’s programs cover topics such as fluency disorders, social communication development, dysphagia and language disorders in children.

Obtain Licensure

After finishing your master’s program, you’ll need a license to practice speech pathology in your state. That entails getting a master’s degree from an accredited program, clocking additional supervised clinical experience hours (even if you’ve already completed some as part of your master’s) and passing a licensure exam.

Every state has varying requirements for licensure. In California, for example, speech pathologists must complete 300 supervised hours of clinical practice in three separate clinical settings, along with 36 weeks of supervised full-time required professional experience. Alternatively, they may complete 72 weeks of part-time experience.

In Oklahoma, speech pathologists need a supervised, 400-hour clinical practicum experience. Of those hours, 375 should be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation. Pathologists should complete 325 of their practicum hours in a CAA-accredited graduate program.

Certifications for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can earn certifications to demonstrate their professional competency. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Regulatory agencies recognize this certification in most states. Some states and school districts provide pay supplements to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to earn the CCC-SLP credential. They must also pass an exam and log 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. The certification costs $511 for applicants who wish to become ASHA members; it costs $455 without the membership.

Professional Organizations for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists may also seek specialized certifications in various speech pathology concentrations. The American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders , the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders all offer specialty certifications.

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

To become certified as a specialist in child language, you must:

• Be CCC-SLP certified
• Have been employed for five years full-time as a speech pathologist
• Log 100 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing education in the realm of child language in the last 10 years

The application fee for the BCS-CL is $250.

American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Becoming a board-certified BCS-F member requires:

• Being CCC-SLP certified
• A minimum of three years of full-time employment experience in speech pathology
• 450 clinical contact service hours within the area of fluency disorders
• Submitting a portfolio of case studies to be approved.

The application fee is $250.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Speech pathologists who specialize in dysphagia can apply to become BCS-S certified. Candidates must:

• Demonstrate advanced continuing education in the dysphagia field
• Have at least three years of experience working directly with dysphagia patients
• Document advanced-level skills in treating swallowing disorders

The application fee is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become a Speech Pathologist

What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist.

These terms are interchangeable—there’s no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists help patients overcome vocalization, language, fluency and swallowing issues.

What is the best major for speech pathology?

Speech pathology doesn’t require any particular bachelor’s degree, but majoring in a related subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or communications disorders may help your chances of getting into an accredited master’s program. Most speech pathology master’s programs require undergraduate coursework in biology and health-related fields.

How much money do SLPs make?

The median annual salary for a speech pathologist in the U.S. is $84,140, as reported by the BLS. Speech pathologists who work in company and enterprise management make $127,180 on average.

• Best Online Physical Therapy Programs
• Best Master’s In Emergency Management Online Programs
• Best Online Master’s In Nursing Administration
• Best Online Bachelor’s In Healthcare Administration Degrees
• Best Online Healthcare MBA Programs
• Best Online MPH Programs
• Best Online Master’s In Nursing (M.S.N.) Programs
• Best Online Speech Pathology Programs
• Best Online Health Science Degrees
• Best Online Healthcare Management Degrees
• Best Master’s In Healthcare Administration Online
• Everything You Need To Know About BSN Degrees
• How To Become A CNA
• How To Become An RN
• What Are The Most Common Career Changes For Nurses?
• How To Become A CRNA
• How To Become A Doctor
• How To Become A Medical Coder
• How To Become A Pharmacist
• How Long Does It Take To Become A Dentist?
• What Is A Neuroscientist?
• How To Become A Physician Assistant
• How To Become An Ultrasound Technician
• Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing (A.B.S.N.) Program Guide
• Is There A Four-Week Online Course For Medical Coding And Billing?
• What Are The Best States For Nurses?
• Can You Complete Nursing Prerequisites Online?
• Everything You Need To Know About D.N.P. Degrees
• What To Know About Free Online Medical Billing And Coding Courses
• What Do Medical Billing And Coding Online Courses Cost?
• What Is A CNA?
• How To Study For Nursing School
• Is Medical Billing And Coding Hard?
• All About The NCLEX

Best CPR Certifications Online Of 2024

Best BLS Certifications Online Of 2024

Best Online Fast-Track RN-To-B.S.N. Online Programs Of 2024

Best Online Doctorate In Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs Of 2024

How To Become A Home Health Nurse

How To Become A Director Of Nursing

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

• Certification
• Publications
• Continuing Education
• Practice Management
• Audiologists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Academic & Faculty
• Audiology & SLP Assistants

Apply for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology

The 2020 Standards for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology are now in effect. An applicant for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) applies under the standards that are in effect at the time their application is received by ASHA, not the standards in effect at the time of their graduation.

For more information, view the SLP Standards Crosswalk [PDF]. 

Please submit your application using our online application system.

Applying for the CCC-SLP

If you have graduated from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) or from a program with CAA-candidacy status, you may submit your online application any time after completing the necessary coursework and graduate clinical practicum, and after receiving confirmation from your program director that the requirements in Standards I–V have been met.

A completed application includes your dues and fees payment .

Important! All academic coursework and graduate student clinical practicum must be completed before beginning the Clinical Fellowship (CF) experience . If any coursework or practicum is incomplete, which includes all prerequisite (i.e., basic biology, chemistry, or physics, etc.) and core coursework, the hours completed toward your CF experience will not count toward your minimum 1,260 hours.

Additional Required Documents

To complete your online application for certification, you must also submit the following documents.

• Passing Praxis exam scores (sent directly to ASHA from ETS).
• Official graduate transcript* which verifies the date and degree awarded (may arrive directly from institution to [email protected] ).
• Disclosure documents: If you checked yes to a disclosure question on the application, please review the requirements for certified copies of court or other legal documents .

*Internationally educated applicants: Please read Certification Information for International Applicants to learn what you need to apply for ASHA certification. 

Required Actions Related to the CF Experience

• Clinical Fellows use their ASHA account to submit a CF report that includes hours achieved, weeks worked, and CF mentor used. If the Clinical Fellow changes jobs or mentors, each job/mentor should be added using a separate report.
• By the end of the CF experience, CF mentors must verify their Clinical Fellow's independence to practice by using the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) [PDF].
• CF mentors use their ASHA account to verify (a) their Clinical Fellow's clinical hours achieved and weeks worked, and (b) whether or not the Clinical Fellow has achieved the required minimum scores on the CFSI.

Dues and Fees

ASHA's Certification and Membership programs are based upon a calendar year and subject to rates listed below. Applications received between September 1 and December 31 will be processed for the current year but will include membership and certification through the following year. Please submit payment in full with your application according to your selected category below.

Refund Policy: Applicants who are deemed ineligible for ASHA certification or who voluntarily withdraw their application for ASHA certification within 1 year of the initial application payment date will receive a refund of the initial application fee, less a $50 nonrefundable processing fee.  The initial application fee will not be refunded according to the following criteria: (a) after the first dues/fees payment has been made or (b) after 1 year or more from the application payment date, whichever comes first.  Applicants who have made a dues/fees renewal payment will receive a refund of only the most recent payment.

New Applicants:  Get all the value you can from your ASHA certification and membership. Apply between January 1 – August 31 with ASHA’s New Professional Membership Package  and receive up to 24 months of membership for the price of 12 months.

NSSLHA Conversion : $286 For members of NSSLHA who have held National NSSLHA membership for two consecutive years at the time of graduation, and who are applying for ASHA membership and certification by August 31 of the year following graduation.

Certification and ASHA Membership: $511 For individuals who are not eligible for the NSSLHA Conversion.

Certification without ASHA Membership: $455 For individuals desiring to become certified without membership in the Association.

Dual Certification: $256 For individuals already certified or in the process of certification in one area who wish to apply for certification in the other area. Note: Individuals who apply for certification in both areas at the same time pay fees for single area certification application only.

The maintenance of your certification and/or membership, in addition to continuing professional development requirements (if applicable), is dependent upon payment of your annual dues and fees.

Certification Timeline

Please allow approximately 6 weeks for the review of your completed online application and all additional required documentation. Certification cannot be awarded until we have verified that all requirements of the standards have been met.

Contact the Action Center at 800-498-2071 with any questions about applying for ASHA certification.

In This Section

• ASHA Certification
• How to Apply for Audiology Certification
• How to Apply for SLP Certification
• Certification Maintenance
• Praxis Exam
• Clinical Fellowship
• Advertising Disclaimer
• Advertise with us

ASHA Corporate Partners

• Become A Corporate Partner

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 234,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students.

• All ASHA Websites
• Work at ASHA
• Marketing Solutions

Information For

Get involved.

• ASHA Community
• Become a Mentor
• Become a Volunteer
• Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Connect With ASHA

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 2200 Research Blvd., Rockville, MD 20850 Members: 800-498-2071 Non-Member: 800-638-8255

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT

Media Resources

• Press Queries

Site Help | A–Z Topic Index | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use © 1997- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

• Speech Pathology Master’s Programs: Which is Right for You?
• What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology?
• Speech Pathology Doctoral Programs
• Online Masters in Speech Pathology at Emerson College (sponsored program)
• Online Masters in Speech Pathology at New York University (sponsored program)
• How to Become a Speech Pathologist: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Guide to Applying to Speech Pathology School
• How to Make a Career Change to Speech Pathology
• Is a Speech Pathology Degree Worth It?
• 10 Reasons to Love Being a Speech Pathologist
• What Is a CCC-SLP and Why It’s Important
• CCC-SLP Requirements: Become a CCC-SLP
• Guide to Applying for CCC-SLP Certification
• CCC-SLP Salary and Career Outlook
• The Guide to the ASHA Speech Pathology Certification Standards

State-by-State Guide for Speech Pathology License Requirements

• 8 SLP Certifications that May Help Advance Your Career
• How to Become an Effective ASHA Clinical Fellowship Mentor
• How to Complete the ASHA Clinical Fellowship
• The Guide to Speech Pathology Job and Salary Negotiations
• What to Expect at Your First Speech Pathologist Job
• Bilingual Speech Pathologist Salary and Careers
• Child Speech Therapist Career and Salary Outlook
• Speech Pathology Assistant Careers and Salary Outlook
• How to Choose Your Speech Pathologist Career Setting
• Become a Speech Pathologist in a School Setting
• Become a Speech Pathologist in a Hospital Work Setting
• Opening a Speech Therapy Telepractice: What You Need to Know
• Speech Pathology Internships Guide
• Guide to Speech Therapy Volunteer Opportunities
• Choosing Between Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy
• How to Become an Audiologist
• Scholarships
• Day in the Life of an SLP Student
• Speech Disorder Resources for College Students
• Common Speech Language Pathology Assessment Tools
• The SLP Guide to Evidence-Based Practice
• When to Take Your Bilingual Child to the Speech Pathologist
• When to Take Your Child to the SLP

Home / How to Become a Speech Pathologist / State-by-State Guide for Speech Pathology License Requirements

If you’re on the path to becoming a speech pathologist, you need to know the educational and work experience requirements, fees, and where to find your state’s SLP license application and other resources. This guide offers general information about the licensing process and provides links to each state’s licensing board.

Sponsored online speech pathology programs

Online MS: Pursue SLP Certification. Study FT/PT

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

• Prepares you to pursue certification as an SLP generalist
• In-person clinical placements at faculty-approved partner sites
• As few as 20 months to complete

info SPONSORED

Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

Who Sets the License Requirements for Speech Pathologists?

There is no single nationally accepted SLP license; each state has its own requirements for  speech pathology licensure . Every state has a board with experienced practitioners or a licensing department that evaluates your education and experience to ensure you meet the state’s requirements and issues the SLP license.

State SLP License Requirements

Although each state determines SLP candidates’ eligibility, the  American Speech-Language Hearing Association  (ASHA), a nationwide credentialing association, offers a nationally recognized  Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) . Though it is not required in all states to earn an SLP license, many states require this certificate for licensure.. The requirements necessary for the CCC-SLP sometimes exceed general state licensing criteria.

According to ASHA , to qualify for a CCC-SLP, candidates must:

• Hold a post-baccalaureate degree in SLP from an ASHA-accredited institution
• Meet a minimum number of graduate semester credit hours that includes academic coursework and supervised clinical experience
• Human communication and swallowing processes
• Principles of basic and applied research and research design
• Biological, physical and social/behavioral sciences
• Contemporary professional issues such as educational legal requirements or policies and ASHA practice policies and guidelines
• Standards of ethical conduct
• Oral and written communication
• Fulfill a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience
• Obtain a passing score of 162 on the national Praxis exam in speech-language pathology 
• Complete a minimum 36-week post-graduate clinical fellowship

Even if your state does not require the CCC-SLP, you may find that  qualifying for the CCC-SLP meets most individual state requirements , such as:

• A  master’s degree in speech-language pathology  or equivalent from an accredited school
• A specified number of clinical practice hours
• Completion of a clinical fellowship
• A passing score on the Praxis exam

Some states also expect candidates to pass the jurisprudence exam, which tests one’s knowledge of that state’s rules and regulations for speech-language pathology.

Explore SLP Licensing by State

Every state and the District of Columbia requires  speech pathology licensure  to  become a speech pathology professional . States fall into one of three classifications when assessing an applicant’s credentials:

• States that mandate the CCC-SLP for licensure
• States that accept the CCC-SLP in place of an independent review of a candidate’s education and experience
• States that require standards equivalent to those of the CCC-SLP, but do not accept the CCC-SLP itself as a qualification

The following list contains links to the individual state’s licensing board or agency for speech pathologists.

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Online education is a convenient and attainable way to further your education and advance your career. Find out which  speech pathology master’s program  is right for you today.

Information last updated October 2020

Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure Guide

Welcome aspiring and established Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)! Whether you are at the dawn of your SLP journey or seeking to further enrich your career in Speech Language Pathology, getting to know the licensing process is a critical step. This guide serves as your comprehensive aid, delivering detailed and concise information on Speech Language Pathologist Licensure across the United States.

Speech Language Pathology, or speech therapy, is an allied health profession that empowers individuals to overcome communication and swallowing difficulties, enhancing their ability to express themselves and improve their quality of life. If you're interested in learning more about what this role encompasses, we invite you to take a look at our Speech Language Pathologist Career Guide .

The field of SLPs is set for substantial expansion in the near future. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a robust 21% increase in SLP employment from 2021 to 2031, a rate much faster than the average for all other occupations. As you step into the world of Speech Language Pathology, you're stepping into a field bursting with opportunities.

Let's dive into everything you need to know about acquiring your SLP license, transferring an SLP license to another state, and understanding the process of the SLP interstate compact. Let's unlock the world of opportunities in Speech Language Pathology together!

• General Requirements to Become a Speech Language Pathologist
• The Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Licensure Compact
• Speech Language Pathology Licensure Requirements by State
• Key Points to Remember About Speech Language Licensure

General Requirements to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

If your goal is to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, or Speech Therapist, the following provides a straightforward overview of the steps you'll need to take.

• ‍ Education: Firstly, you will need to pursue a Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communication Sciences or a related field. Upon completion of your undergraduate studies, you must enroll in a Master's program in Speech Language Pathology that is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This is where you will acquire extensive knowledge on language development, phonetics, anatomy, and physiology. ‍
• Clinical Education: During your Master's program, you will participate in supervised clinical practice, also known as a clinical fellowship, which is typically a year-long experience. Here, you get the chance to apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, managing patients with varying speech and language disorders under the guidance of licensed SLP professionals.
• ‍ Licensure Examination: After successfully completing your educational and clinical requirements, you will need to pass the national Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology . This examination assesses your understanding and practical application of concepts in Speech Language Pathology.
• ‍ Initial License Application and Fees: With your education, clinical experience, and successful Praxis exam result, you are ready to apply for your initial SLP license. The process varies by state, but typically includes an application form, proof of education and clinical experience, Praxis score report, and a specified application fee. For those looking to practice in another state from their initial license, most states have procedures in place to transfer or endorse an SLP license. You should verify the specific requirements in your state or the state you plan to practice in.

The guide below should be helpful in understanding what’s required for each state!

The Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Compact

The Audiology & Speech Language Pathology Compact (ASLP Compact) has simplified practicing as an SLP across multiple states. The primary aim of the ASLP Compact is to enhance access to speech language pathology services by easing the process for Audiology and Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) to practice in different states.

In an ASLP Compact member state, SLPs can practice in other participating states using a "compact privilege" that operates much like a license. Currently, the ASLP Compact covers 33 states, and that number is expected to rise.

The benefits of the ASLP Licensure Compact extend far beyond facilitating multistate practice. It strengthens the ability of SLPs to provide telehealth services, respond swiftly in emergency health situations, and eliminate geographical limitations to better meet the needs of their patients. Furthermore, it establishes an interstate licensure data system, allowing for real-time verification of licensure information for heightened public safety.

It's important to remember that each state in the ASLP Compact may still uphold its specific licensure requirements, so you should always consult the individual state's licensing board for the most accurate information.

In the following section, we will break down the licensure requirements on a state-by-state basis to provide a comprehensive overview of what's needed to obtain and maintain your SLP license in each state.

Speech-Language Pathology Licensure Requirements by State

Understanding the specific licensure requirements of each state enables you to strategically plot your career path and take full advantage of any arising opportunities. Whether you're targeting a permanent role or are excited to dive into travel SLP positions with Trusted , this guide is crafted to simplify your licensure process. Keep in mind, each state's requirements may change over time, so ensure you regularly visit the respective state's board page for the most accurate and current information.

ASLP Licensure Compact? Yes.

Temporary/Limited Permit: An interim practice license can be granted to those who hold a valid license from another state during the period between submission of licensure application form and Board of Examiners action.

Initial Licensing Fee: A $200 application fee, along with $75 license fee.

Renewal: $100 every year. Requires 12 hours of continuing education.

More Information: Visit the Alabama State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Alabama

ASLP Licensure Compact? Not enacted.

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license can be issued to a person, resident or not, who is in the process of completing a year of supervised clinical competence in speech-language pathology from ASHA.  a temporary license can also be issued to a nonresident, who will practice speech-language pathology in Alaska for 60 days or less in a calendar year.

Initial Licensing Fee: A nonrefundable application fee of $250.0, plus a $225 license fee.  Independent practitioners need to also maintain an Alaska Business License.

Renewal : Licenses are issued for a two-year period and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years, regardless of the date of issuance, except licenses issued within 90 days of the expiration date are issued to the next biennial expiration date. Alaska does not require continuing education for renewal of the license. There’s a $70 fee for on-time renewals.  

More Information: Visit the Alaska State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Alaska

ASLP Licensure Compact? : No

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Department may issue a temporary license to a person who does not meet the professional experience requirement if the applicant meets all remaining requirements and includes with the application a plan for meeting the postgraduate professional experience. The temporary licensee must practice under the supervision of a state licensed individual. The temporary license may only be renewed once. Certain exemptions exist for specific professionals and students.

Initial Licensing Fee: A nonrefundable application fee of $100, a license fee of $200.

Renewal: Requires 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $200.

More Information: Visit the Arizona State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Arizona

ASLP Licensure Compact?:  Yes

Temporary/Limited Permit: Applicants for a provisional license must possess a master's degree, be in the process of completing paid professional experience, and pass an exam approved by the Board of Examiners. The application must be made within 30 days of beginning the professional experience. This license may be renewed annually for up to 36 months. Applicants who have submitted the completed application form, the application fee, and a plan for completion of the clinical fellowship experience signed by a supervisor who holds a valid Arkansas license in speech-language pathology or audiology may practice pending disposition of their application.

Initial Licensing Fee: $100 application fee

Renewal: 10 hours of continuing education are required per year. Renewals are due by June 30th each year and there is an $80 fee for on-time renewals.

More Information: Visit the Arkansas State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Arkansas

ASLP Licensure Compact?: No

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board may issue a temporary license for a period of 6 months from date of issuance to a SLP who holds an unrestricted license from another state or territory of the United States or who holds equivalent qualifications as determined by the Board and has submitted an application to the Board for a license. There is a $35 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $150

• Timeline: 9-10 weeks

Renewal : 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal period (2 years) is required, as well as a $150 fee.

More Information: Visit the California State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in California

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Yes

Temporary/Limited Permit: The director may issue a provisional certification as a speech-language pathologist to persons obtaining the required clinical fellowship. The provisional certification expires 2 years after it is issued or upon the issuance of a permanent certification.

Initial Licensing Fee: $145 nonrefundable fee.

• Timeline: 2 to 3 weeks

Renewal: All Colorado SLP certifications expire on November 30th every year.

More Information: Visit the Colorado State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Colorado

Connecticut

Temporary/Limited Permit: No, however, in order to be eligible for CT SLP licensure, an applicant must complete a period of supervised professional experience under the supervision of a Connecticut licensed speech and language pathologist consisting of a minimum of 36 weeks and 1,080 hours of full-time employment, or a minimum of 48 weeks and 1,440 hours of part-time employment under the supervision of a licensed speech and language pathologist.

Initial Licensing Fee: $200 application fee.

Renewal: Licenses expire biennially on the last day of issuance month.  SLPs are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years. There is a $205 renewal fee.

More Information: Visit the Connecticut State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Connecticut

Temporary/Limited Permit: Initial licensure requires a nine month supervised clinical fellowship.  For the purpose of completing the fellowship, a temporary permit can be granted.  The applicant must show that they earned at least a master’s degree or its equivalent with major emphasis in speech-language pathology, communication disorders or speech-language and hearing science and that they completed at least 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum at the appropriate level. There is a $64 fee and the permit is good for one year. Initial Licensing Fee: $165

Renewal: SLP licenses expire on July 31 of odd years. SLPs must complete 30 hours of approved CE during each full licensure renewal period between August 1 and July 31 of the previous odd-numbered years.

More Information: Visit the Delaware State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Delaware

District of Columbia

Temporary/Limited Permit: No

Initial Licensing Fee: $264 application and license fee.

Renewal: Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education during a two-year period.

More Information: Visit the District of Columbia State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in District of Columbia

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Not enacted

Temporary/Limited Permit : Provisional licenses are valid for 21 months or until a license is issued.

Initial Licensing Fee: A $74 application fee, along with a $100 license fee if the license is issued January 1 through July 31 of the odd numbered year and a $200 license fee if the license is issued August 1 of the odd numbered year through December 31 of the even numbered year.

• Timeline: 1-3 days

Renewal: Licenses expire on Dec 31 of odd numbered years.  On time renewal of an active license is associated with an $80 fee.  The licensee must obtain 30 continuing education hours every 2 year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Florida State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Florida

Temporary/Limited Permit: Paid Clinical Experience (PCE) temporary permits may be issued to applicants who have met the academic and clinical experience requirements set out in Board Rules but do not have the post masters paid clinical experience required for licensure as an SLP. The PCE temporary permit is non-renewable and the PCE (full time) experience must be completed in no more than a 12-month period; Part time in no more than 24 months. There is an associated fee of $40.  

Initial Licensing Fee: $110 application fee. There is an online processing fee of $5 and $10 by mail.

• Timeline: 20 business days

Renewal: SLP licenses expire every two years on  March 31st of odd numbered years. The renewal fee is $60 for SLPs.

More Information: Visit the Georgia State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Georgia

Temporary/Limited Permit: Temporary license to practice can be granted to military spouses for the duration of the active-duty military member's service in Hawaii, not to exceed a five-year period. Temporary permits can also be issued to non-residents with no license for no more than five working days in a calendar year, or individuals with equivalent licenses in another state may provide services for no more than 30 working days in a calendar year and both must be performed in cooperation with a Hawaii-licensed SLP.

Initial Licensing Fee: Application fee of $50, annual license fee of $176

Renewal: SLP licenses must be renewed by Dec 31 of odd numbered years.  Hawaii does not require continuing education for the renewal of speech-language pathology licenses.

More Information: Visit the Hawaii State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Hawaii

Temporary/Limited Permit: A provisional permit is required to engage in the practice of speech-language pathology while completing the required postgraduate experience.

Initial Licensing Fee: There is an application fee of $25 and a license fee of $70

Renewal: SLP licenses expire on the licensee’s birthdate each year and can be renewed with an $80 renewal fee. Each licensee will need to complete a minimum of  10 CE contact hours in the 12 months preceding each renewal of their license.

More Information: Visit the Idaho State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Idaho

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Pending Legislature

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be granted to an applicant who has met all educational requirements and is applying for SLP licensure.  The temporary license is to be used in order for the applicant to complete their Clinical Fellowship Year. There is an additional $75 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $90 for licensure by exam and $100 for licensure by endorsement.

Renewal: 20 hours of continuing education are required every 2 years.

More Information: Visit the Illinois State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs Illinois

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license can be issued for the purpose of obtaining clinical experience needed for permanent licensure. The license expires either when the individual is licensed as an SLP or 18 months after the beginning of the clinical fellowship. There’s a $50 fee.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years.  There’s a $100 renewal fee.  Each licensee must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years for renewal.

More Information: Visit the Indiana State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs Indiana

ASLP Licensure Compact? : Yes

Temporary/Limited Permit: Any person who has fulfilled all of the requirements for licensure except for the nine months of clinical experience may apply for a temporary clinical license. The the purpose of obtaining clinical experience needed for permanent licensure. The applicant must be supervised by an Iowa licensed speech-language pathologist. There’s a $30 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $120

Renewal : Licenses must be renewed by Dec 31 on odd numbered years.  There’s a renewal fee of $96. Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

More Information: Visit the Iowa State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Iowa

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license can be granted for supervised postgraduate professional experience. There is a $65 fee.  

Initial Licensing Fee: $135 at the most, but fees are prorated based on the month in which licensure occurs.

Renewal: Applicants must complete 20 hours of documented and approved continuing education per each two-year renewal period.  There is a $135 renewal fee.

More Information: Visit the Kansas State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Kansas

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license can be granted for supervised postgraduate professional experience. A temporary license is valid for no longer than 180 days.

Initial Licensing Fee: $50 application fee, $100 license fee.

Renewal: All licenses should be renewed by January 31 of odd numbered years. An individual license holder must complete 30 hours for every 2 year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Kentucky State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Kentucky

ASLP Licensure Compact? :  Yes

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board of Examiners may issue a provisional license to an individual who has completed all requirements for licensure except for the supervised postgraduate professional requirement and the examination; the individual shall fulfill the exam requirement within one year from the date of original issuance.

Initial Licensing Fee: $125

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by June 30 every year and there is a $65 renewal fee. Licensees must have 10 hours per year of continuing education.

More Information: Visit the Louisiana State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Louisiana

Temporary/Limited Permit: Applicants with a qualifying degree and a clinical fellowship supervisory plan may qualify for a temporary license.

Initial Licensing Fee: $50 application fee, plus $21 criminal history check fee.

• Timeline: 2 weeks

Renewal: License renewal occurs annually at the end of February and requires 25 hours of continuing professional education each year. The renewal fee is $50.

More Information: Visit the Maine State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Maine

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board may issue a limited license to individuals who meet the licensure requirements except for the examination and supervised clinical training/postgraduate professional practice. A limited license expires after one year and is renewable once. There’s a $100 initial fee and a $25 renewal fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $150 application fee.

• Timeline: 3-5 business days for approved applications.

Renewal: 30 hours of CEUs are required per two-year renewal cycle.

More Information: Visit the Maryland State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Maryland

Massachusetts

Temporary/Limited Permit: Massachusetts has passed legislation to license individuals completing their clinical fellowship year. The Board of Registration is currently working on implementation.

Initial Licensing Fee: Application fee of $68

Renewal: Licenses expire every 2 years on the licensee’s birthday.  There’s a $68 renewal fee and licensee’s must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

More Information: Visit the Massachusetts State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Massachusetts

Temporary/Limited Permit: A limited license may be issued for the purpose of completing the supervised postgraduate clinical experience. The temporary license period shall not exceed 12 months. There is a $102.70 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $183.80 application fee

• Timeline: 4-6 weeks to receive license

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years for a renewal fee of $162.20. 20 continuing professional development credits (CPD) every 2-year period.

More Information: Visit the Michigan State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Michigan

Temporary/Limited Permit: They may issue a temporary license to an applicant who is completing their clinical fellowship or doctoral externship, has met all qualifications for licensure, and applied for licensure and is not the subject of a disciplinary action. There is a $35 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: Initial application fee is prorated based on the month in which it is received, with the maximum fee being $218.50 in January

• Timeline: Up to 30 days

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years and there is a $200 renewal fee. Must show completion of 30 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal cycle.

More Information: Visit the Minnesota State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Minnesota

Mississippi

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board shall issue a temporary license to an applicant who fulfills all requirements for licensure except for the supervised professional employment and/or the exam. It will be issued for one 2 year period for a $75 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $100 application fee and $100 license fee.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by June 30 of even-numbered years and there is a $100 renewal fee.  20 hours or two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required per two-year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Mississippi State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Mississippi

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Yes.

Temporary/Limited Permit: A provisional license to complete the required clinical fellowship is effective for one year and may be extended for an additional twelve months. There is a $25 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $25 application fee

• Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by Jan 31 of odd years with a renewal fee of $50. Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

More Information: Visit the Missouri State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Missouri

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board may issue a limited license to qualified individuals engaged in supervised professional experience.  There is a $27 fee.  The license is issued for 2 years and is not renewable.

Initial Licensing Fee: $192 application fee

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed by Feb 1 with a $110 renewal fee every year. Licensees must complete 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually.

More Information: Visit the Montana State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Montana

ASLP Licensure Compact?:  Yes.

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be granted to persons who meet all the requirements for a license except completion of the professional experience. Such temporary license shall be valid only until the completion of such professional experience or 18 months, whichever is first, and shall not be renewed. The fee is $140.  

Initial Licensing Fee: $140 application fee

Renewal: All licenses expire on Dec 1 of even numbered years for a $140 renewal fee. Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education per two-year cycle.

More Information: Visit the Nebraska State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Nebraska

Temporary/Limited Permit: A SLP licensed in another state and seeking to practice in Nevada or treat Nevada residents for less than 12 months, regardless of residency or licensure status in another state may be issued a temporary license. The temporary license expires 6 months from date of initial licensure and may only be renewed once for one additional 6-month period. There is a $200 temporary license fee. A graduate of a school of speech-language pathology who is completing the clinical fellowship year requirements to earn the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and seeking to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Nevada may be issued a provisional license for a $250 fee.  The provisional license is valid for 1 year from date of initial licensure and may be renewed annually for 2 additional 1-year periods

Initial Licensing Fee: $250 fee

• Timeline: 3-5 business days

Renewal: Licenses expire 1 year from date of initial licensure and may be renewed annually. Licensees must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle.

More Information: Visit the Nevada State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Nevada

New Hampshire

Temporary/Limited Permit: Applicants may receive a provisional license to practice while completing the post-graduate professional experience. The license is limited to 12 months and there is a $60 application fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $60 application fee. Renewal: Licenses will expire two years from the date of issuance, on the last day of the month in which the license was issued.  There is a $110 annual renewal fee. SLPs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

More Information: Visit the New Hampshire State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in New Hampshire

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Legislation pending

Temporary/Limited Permit: May issue a temporary license to any new resident (six month minimum) who has applied for licensure and who holds a state license in their previous state of residence. Such a license is good for one year and cannot be renewed. Clinical interns can also be issued a temporary license for a period not to exceed 18 months. There is a $50 temporary license fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $75 application fee, plus $170 license fee if paid during the first year of a renewal period or $85 if paid during the second year of the renewal period.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years and there is a $170 renewal fee. Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

More Information: Visit the New Jersey State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in New Jersey

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Not enacted.

Temporary/Limited Permit: Clinical fellows must obtain a temporary license prior to or during the first 12 months an individual has their Clinical Fellow license. There is a $50 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $100  

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years with a $200 fee. Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.

More Information: Visit the New Mexico State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in New Mexico

Temporary/Limited Permit: A limited license is available to any person engaging in clinical or academic practice under the supervision of a licensed speech‐language pathologist for such a period of time as may be necessary to complete an experience requirement for a professional license as a speech‐language pathologist. The license is good for a period of 1 year for a $70 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: Licensure and first registration is $294

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 3 years and the renewal fee is $229. An applicant must complete a minimum of 30 continuing competence hours every 3 years.

More Information: Visit the New York State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in New York

North Carolina

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license is offered when an applicant has not completed the required supervised experience and passed the required exam. This temporary license is not renewable. There is a $30 application fee and a $40 license fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $100

Renewal: Each license must be renewed annually for a $100 renewal fee.  Licensee’s must complete 30 hours of continuing professional education every three years.

More Information: Visit the North Carolina State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in North Carolina

North Dakota

ASLP Licensure Compact?: No.

Temporary/Limited Permit: North Dakota does not require a clinical fellowship for licensure, therefore individuals should apply directly for their initial license.

Initial Licensing Fee: The initial application fee is $100, plus a licensing fee of $250.00.

• Timeline: 7-10 business days.

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed annually for a renewal fee of $75. Licensee’s must complete 10 clock hours of continuing education per year.

More Information: Visit the North Dakota State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in North Dakota

Temporary/Limited Permit: Individuals required to meet the supervised professional experience must obtain a conditional license, which is valid for 18 months. There’s an associated fee of $150.

Initial Licensing Fee: $200

Renewal: Licenses expire on Dec 31 of even numbered years.  There’s a renewal fee of $120 and SLPs must obtain 20 clock hours of continuing education per two-year period.

More Information: Visit the Ohio State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Ohio

Temporary/Limited Permit: Applicants that meet the requirements for licensure are eligible for a temporary license, following a credentials review that is valid until the next regular Board of Examiners meeting.

Initial Licensing Fee: $85

Renewal: Licenses expire on the  31st day of December following their issuance or renewal.  There is an $84 renewal fee. Licensees must obtain 20 clock hours of continuing education per two-year period.

More Information: Visit the Oklahoma State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Oklahoma

Temporary/Limited Permit: A Limited Term License is a temporary license issued to a SLP applicant whose application for regular licensure is submitted after May 1st of each odd-numbered year.  A Temporary License may be issued for up to 90 days to a SLP applicant who meets all other requirements for licensure but whose graduate degree will not be conferred before employment begins. A Conditional License is a license certificate issued by the Board to applicants who have completed degree requirements and are engaged in post-graduate supervised clinical experience until they obtain regular licensure. The examination is not required for a conditional license. There is a $50 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $95 application fee, plus $50 for fingerprinting and background check.

Renewal: SLP license must be renewed by Dec 31 of odd numbered years with a renewal fee of $250.  Licencees must complete 20 hours with 1 hour in cultural competency every 2 year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Oregon State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Oregon

Pennsylvania

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Legislation pending.

Temporary/Limited Permit:  A provisional license will be granted to applicants who have met the SLP licensure requirements except for supervised professional experience or who are completing the supervised professional experience necessary to receive an ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence or who hold a valid license in another state.

Initial Licensing Fee: $50

Renewal: Licenses expire on July 31 of even numbered years.  There’s a $65 renewal fee. Licensee must obtain 20 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Pennsylvania State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

ASLP Licensure Compact?:  Not enacted

Temporary/Limited Permit: Clinical fellows must obtain a provisional license. A provisional license can be renewed annually but not to exceed 36 months past initiation of the postgraduate professional experience (PPE) and otherwise will expire 90 days after the completion of the PPE. There is a fee of $65 for the provisional license.

Initial Licensing Fee: $145

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years with a $145 renewal fee. Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education per biennium for license renewal.

More Information: Visit the Rhode Island State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Rhode Island

South Carolina

Temporary/Limited Permit: Individuals who have completed their post-graduate degree but not yet taken the exam must apply for an intern license.  The fee is $110.

Initial Licensing Fee: $200 application fee

Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every 2 years with a renewal fee of $140. License holders must complete 16 hours of continuing education per license period.

More Information: Visit the South Carolina State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in South Carolina

South Dakota

Temporary/Limited Permit: An individual who holds a master’s or doctoral degree from an institution accredited by the accrediting agency of ASHA and from an educational institution approved by the US Department of education, has completed supervised clinical practicum, has passed a written national examination for speech‐language pathology, and is working under the mentorship of a licensed SLP to complete the postgraduate professional experience can be issued a provisional license. The term of a provisional license is 24 months and may be renewed only one time.  

Initial Licensing Fee: $100 application fee, plus $150 licensure fee.

Renewal: All licenses expire on the first day of October of the second year succeeding the issuance of the license. There is a renewal fee of $150. Licensees must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education for each two-year renewal period.

More Information: Visit the South Dakota State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in South Dakota

Temporary/Limited Permit: Clinical fellows must obtain a provisional license. The license cannot be valid for more than 4 years.

Initial Licensing Fee: $50 application fee, initial license fee $100

Renewal: SLP licenses must be renewed every 2 years.  There is a renewal fee of $60.. Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education within 2 calendar years.

More Information: Visit the Tennessee State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Tennessee

Temporary/Limited Permit: The State Board of Examiners may grant a provisional license to an applicant licensed in another state with equivalent standards, who has passed a recognized examination, and is sponsored by a licensee. Such a license is valid until the State Board of Examiners approves or denies the applicant's state license. In order to complete the required 36-week clinical fellowship in Texas, an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology license is required. There is a $75 fee and the license if valid for 1 year.  

Renewal: SLP licenses need to be renewed every 2 years.  There’s a renewal fee of $100 for SLPs.  20 CE hours are required to renew a license issued for a two-year term.

More Information: Visit the Texas State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Texas

ASLP Licensure Compact?: Yes Temporary/Limited Permit: If the applicant has completed all requirements for licensure as a speech-language pathologist and is practicing speech-language pathology in a year of clinical fellowship, a temporary license may be issued, valid for up to 12 months. There is a $50 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $70

Renewal: SLP licenses expire on May 31 of odd years and there is a $47 renewal fee.Twenty hours of continuing professional education is required per 2-year period.

More Information: Visit the Utah State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Utah

Temporary/Limited Permit: Two-year provisional licenses may be granted to graduates who have met all the requirements for licensure except for completing the clinical fellowship.

Initial Licensing Fee: $115 application fee

• Timeline: 5 business days

Renewal: SLP licenses need to be renewed every 2 years and there is a $200 renewal fee. 20 hours of continuing education per two-year licensing period.

More Information: Visit the Vermont State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Vermont

Temporary/Limited Permit: The Board may issue a provisional license to a new graduate applicant for licensure who has passed the qualifying examination. The fee is $50.

Initial Licensing Fee: $135.

Renewal:  Licenses must be renewed annually with a renewal fee of $75.  A licensee must complete at least 10 contact hours of continuing education prior to December 31 of each year for license renewal.

More Information: Visit the Virginia State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Virginia

Temporary/Limited Permit: An interim permit may be issued if an applicant has a master’s degree or equivalent, or a doctorate degree or the equivalent, from a program at a board-approved institution of higher learning, has completed the Interim Jurisprudence Examination, and is practicing under the supervision of a Washington State licensed SLP.  There is a $305 associated with an interim permit.

Initial Licensing Fee: $191

Renewal: SLP license must be renewed annually on the licensee’s birthday.  There’s a renewal fee of $61. Licensees must complete a minimum 30 of continuing education every three years.

More Information: Visit the Washington State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Washington

West Virginia

Temporary/Limited Permit: The board may issue a provisional license to an applicant who is in the process of obtaining postgraduate professional experience and who meets the academic, practicum, and examination requirements for licensure, submits an application to the board, including a plan for the content of the postgraduate professional experience, and pays the fee.

A provisional licensee may practice speech-language pathology under the general supervision of a licensed SLP. The provisional license shall be valid for a term of one year and may be renewed.

Initial Licensing Fee: Fees are prorated based on when they’re issued in the renewal cycle, with a maximum fee of $300.

Renewal: SLP licenses expire Dec 31 every even year with a renewal fee of $175.  Licensees are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

More Information: Visit the West Virginia State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in West Virginia

Temporary/Limited Permit: A temporary license may be granted to practice during completion of the required supervised postgraduate fellowship, valid for 18 months. There is a $10 fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $60

Renewal: SLP licenses expire on jan 31 of odd numbered years.  The renewal fee is $60. A licensee must complete at least 20 hours of Board-approved continuing education per biennial renewal period.

More Information: Visit the Wisconsin State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Wisconsin

Temporary/Limited Permit: Persons completing all requirements for licensure except the clinical experience may obtain a provisional license. The provisional license lasts for 12 months and may be renewed for one additional twelve-month period. There is a $200 associated fee.

Initial Licensing Fee: $300

• Timeline: 4 weeks

Renewal: Licenses expire on December 31st of the year following the year of issue. There is a $100 renewal fee. Licensees must complete 12 contact hours per year for renewal.

More Information: Visit the Wyoming State Board of SLP

Explore SLP Jobs in Wyoming

Key Points to Remember About Speech-Language Licensure

Embarking on your career as a licensed Speech Language Pathologist requires strategic planning and thoughtfulness, but it affords you the flexibility to practice wherever you find most suitable! Here are some helpful tips to aid your navigation: ‍

• ‍ State Applications : As an SLP, you're not limited to practicing in a single state. You can apply for licensure to practice in multiple states, offering you the freedom to select your work location. An optimal approach to this is to possess a compact license from your home state, but remember that not all states participate in the compact. It's important to remember that every state has its distinct set of licensure requirements. Stay informed by regularly visiting each state board's website for the most recent information.
• ‍ Organization is the Winning Strategy: The licensure process can be significantly simplified through organization. Maintain an organized file of your documents related to licensure, exams, and health requirements. The licensure process generally includes a state or federal criminal background check, official academic transcripts, and proof of passing the state's regulation exam related to speech language pathology practice.
• ‍ Job Hunt: Don't hesitate to start your job search and participate in interviews before your graduation - some states may even allow you to take the exam before your graduation date! The crux here is communication - consistently update potential employers about your licensure status. Many states provide a temporary license for recent graduates, with specific supervision regulations. However, if you fail to pass the required examination or your license isn't issued, you'll have to wait until your permanent license is secured before starting to practice.
• ‍ Licensure Timing: Remember that license processing timelines can widely vary from state to state. You might need to consider this and the option of a temporary license while planning your employment. You can always inquire directly with the board about their processing time and how to track your application.

Becoming a licensed Speech Language Pathologist is a journey that requires meticulous planning, adherence to your state's specific requirements, and patience as you navigate the licensure landscape. But always remember, you're embarking on a thrilling path, and these insights can serve as your compass, helping you realize your career ambitions!

Your SLP Journey Starts Here: Sign Up with Trusted Today!

We trust that this all-inclusive guide has been useful in outlining your path forward. As you start or continue with your journey as a Speech-Language Pathologist, remember that the experience of the journey is just as vital as reaching the destination.

So, why delay? Expand your perspectives and embrace the unique opportunity to travel and work as an SLP. Sign up with Trusted today and open the door to a realm of opportunities!

Let's Check In

All you need to know about what’s going on in healthcare this week, delivered straight to your inbox.

We're here to help

• How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathology is a foundational area of study within the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). As a speech-language pathologist, you will be part of a growing number of professionals that focus on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in a variety of different patient populations– from young children with speech challenges to elderly stroke victims.

• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.
• George Mason University - George Mason University's Graduate Programs in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Applied Behavior Analysis. - Prepares you for a rewarding career as a Speech and Language Pathologist.

Speech-language pathologists are master’s-educated, state licensed, and often nationally certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Although licensing requirements vary slightly from one state to the next, all licensing boards require SLP professional candidates to complete pre-licensure professional experience requirements and hold a post-bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Steps to Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

Here’s what’s involved in meeting the education, experience and examination requirements to become a speech-language pathologist:

Step 1. Complete an Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are more than 200 institutions offering undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

A bachelor’s degree in CSD ensures a seamless transition to a CSD master’s program. Although an undergraduate degree in CSD is not mandatory for entering a CSD graduate program, it may eliminate the need to take certain prerequisites before beginning graduate studies.

CSD undergraduate degree programs include foundational courses in statistics and the social/behavioral, physical and biological sciences, as well as courses related to:

• Normal language development
• Language disorders and phonology
• Linguistics
• Anatomy of hearing and speech mechanisms

Many undergraduate programs in CSD offer research experiences and many require students to participate in research activities designed to provide students with the skills required for future research and clinical practice.

Step 2. Complete a CAA-Accredited Graduate Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology/Communicative Sciences and Disorders

To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete a minimum of an entry-level graduate degree (MA, MS, MEd) from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) .

Program titles may include:

• MS Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• MS Speech-Language Pathology
• MS Communication Sciences and Disorders, specialization in speech-language pathology

Many CAA graduate programs offer:

• Part-time/evening programs
• Partially or fully online delivery
• Combined degree programs (bachelors/masters)

Speech pathology graduate programs consist of about 48 credits and are located in colleges/departments of education, audiology, healthcare sciences, public health, behavioral and communication sciences, and rehabilitation, to name a few.

They include both academic and clinical coursework, and many students also supplement their program with research-related activities. A number of CAA-accredited programs offer study abroad opportunities.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

All CAA-accredited speech-language programs include supervised clinical experiences, designed to provide students with opportunities to become acquainted with the speech-language pathology profession and apply their newly acquired knowledge.

Clinical practicum requirements for licensure vary slightly depending on the state. For example, Illinois and Pennsylvania require a clinical practicum of at least 375 hours, while in Texas the clinical practicum requirement is 400 hours, and in Florida it is just 300. Some states, like Arizona and Washington State, have no specific clinical practicum requirements, instead deferring to ASHA requirements, which stipulate 350 hours.

Clinical placement advisors work with students to arrange clinical experiences in at least three settings and with a number of populations.

Before commencing their clinical practicum, students of online SLP master’s degree programs would attend a number of on-campus clinical immersion experiences where they would get to engage in practicum seminars with faculty and fellow students.

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and processes may differ slightly from one graduate program to the next, but all require incoming students to complete foundational undergraduate coursework that supports studying speech-language pathology at the graduate level. Some programs allow new students who hold an undergraduate degree in an area other than communicative science and disorders to enter the program and then complete outstanding prerequisites prior to moving on to graduate-level courses. Other programs only admit students after they have successfully completed all prerequisite coursework. Some colleges and universities even offer prerequisite courses online, allowing students to complete all necessary courses before starting their graduate program.

Earning an undergraduate degree in communicative sciences and disorders would usually satisfy all undergraduate requirements.

Prerequisite undergraduate courses generally include:

• Biological science
• Physical science
• Behavioral and social science (2 courses)

Other admission requirements include:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Admissions essay
• Letters of recommendation

Step 3. Complete a Post-Graduate Fellowship

You would begin your post-graduate fellowship after the successful completion of your CAA-accredited graduate program.

Before beginning your clinical fellowship in speech language pathology , you may need to apply for a temporary license (also called an intern or limited license) through your state’s board of speech-language pathology and audiology.

To qualify for a temporary license, you must possess a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited program and submit a plan for your clinical fellowship, signed by a licensed supervisor.

Temporary licenses are usually valid for a year, just long enough to complete your clinical fellowship.

Practical training through a speech-language pathology clinical fellowship is necessary for state licensure. Speech-language pathology clinical fellowships consist of a period of training completed under the guidance and supervision of a licensed speech-language professional.

Clinical fellowship requirements vary from one state to the next, although most states require fellowships to last 36 weeks (1,260 hours).

Many states mirror the clinical fellowship requirements that must be met to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) credential through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which requires a clinical fellowship to:

• Be at least 36 weeks, at 35 hours per week, for a total of 1,260 hours
• Be mentored by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathology professional
• Have at least 80 percent direct clinical contact, such as through activities related to assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, counseling, etc.

Step 4. Take a National Exam in Speech-Language Pathology

You must take and pass the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology to earn state licensure. Generally, you may take this examination at any time following the successful completion of your CAA-accredited graduate program. Most students take the Praxis at some point during their clinical fellowship.

You must register directly with ETS for the Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology . The registration process allows you to choose the exam location and date that best meets your needs. There are test centers located throughout the country. You can learn more about available test centers near you here .

Each state has their own passing score requirements for the Praxis exam, although most follow the CCC-SLP certification minimum requirements for a score of 162.

The exam consists of the following topics:

• Typical development and performance across the lifespan
• Factors that influence communication, feeding, and swallowing
• Epidemiology and characteristics of common communication and swallowing disorders
• Wellness and prevention
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery
• Counseling, collaboration, and teaming
• Documentation
• Legislation and client advocacy
• Research methodology and evidence-based practice
• Communication disorders
• Feeding and swallowing disorders
• Developing case histories
• Selecting appropriate assessment instruments, procedures, and materials
• Assessing factors that influence communication and swallowing disorders
• Assessment of anatomy and physiology
• Speech sound production
• Voice, resonance, and motor speech
• Receptive and expressive language
• Social aspects of communication, including pragmatics
• Cognitive aspects of communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Feeding and swallowing
• Developmental
• Disease processes
• Auditory problems
• Neurological
• Structural and functional
• Psychogenic
• Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
• Initiating and prioritizing treatment and developing goals
• Determining appropriate treatment details
• Generating a prognosis
• Communicating recommendations
• General treatment principles and procedures
• Establishing methods for monitoring treatment progress and outcomes to evaluate assessment and/or treatment plans
• Follow-up on post-treatment referrals and recommendations
• Communication impairments related to cognition
• Treatment involving augmentative and alternative communication
• Hearing and aural rehabilitation
• Swallowing and feeding

You can learn more about the Praxis exam by studying the Speech-Language Pathology Study Companion .

Step 5. Apply for State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist

To apply for state licensure, you must complete an application and submit it to the licensing authority, along with:

• Application fee
• Graduate degree transcripts (sent directly from the CAA-accredited institution)
• Praxis exam scores (sent directly from ETS)
• Results from a criminal background check

Depending on the state, you may also be required to complete a course on HIV/AIDS and take and pass a state jurisprudence examination.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain state licensure as a speech-language pathologist , you must complete the necessary number of continuing education requirements during your renewal period. Continuing education requirements vary.

For example, in Tennessee, speech-language pathologists must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education per calendar year, while in California, speech-language pathologists must complete at least 24 clock hours of continuing education during every two-year renewal period.

Step 6. Consider Professional Certification

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (AHSA) Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is a nationally recognized, voluntary designation that increases opportunities for:

• Salary supplements
• Career advancement
• Job mobility
• Professional credibility

To qualify for CCC-SLP certification, you must:

• Complete a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited institution
• Complete a clinical fellowship of at least 36 weeks that is mentored by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathology professional
• Pass the Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology

You may submit an application for CCC-SLP after you have completed your graduate degree from a CAA-accredited academic program. You must complete and submit the Application for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)-2014 Standards , along with the $461 fee for membership and certification.

To complete the application for certification, you must also submit:

• Your passing exam score (sent directly to ASHA from ETS)
• Official transcripts, sent directly from your CAA-accredited program
• Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) Report and Rating Form

To maintain your CCC-SLP credential, you must complete 30 professional development hours during every three-year certification period, which begins January 1 of the year following your initial certification.

Back to Top

• Career Resources
• Both Sides of the Frenectomy Debate
• Certification
• State Licensing Overview
• Student Resources
• What is Speech-Language Pathology?
• CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
• Directory of CSD and SLP Undergraduate Programs
• Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
• SLP Clinical Fellowship
• SLP Thesis Track
• SLP Scholarship Guide
• Top SLP Master’s Programs
• Practice Settings
• Private Practice
• Telepractice
• Specialty Areas and Disorders
• Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Lip-Tie Issues
• Aphasia (Post Stroke)
• Apraxia of Speech
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Child Language Disorders
• Communication Competency Assessment
• Early Intervention
• Fluency Disorders
• Forensic Speech-Language Pathology
• Laryngeal Imaging
• Late Talkers
• Low-Incidence Disorders
• Multilingual Patients
• Occupational Therapy
• Otoacoustic Emissions Screening
• Patients with Autism
• Patients with Cochlear Implants
• Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation
• Spasmodic Dysphonia
• Stuttering and Cluttering
• Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia)
• Transnasal Esophagoscopy and Pharyngeal/Esophageal Manometry
• Transgender Voice Modification Therapy
• Voice Therapy
• Dual Certification in SLP and Lactation Consultancy
• Continuing Education is Key to Career Versatility and Longevity in This Field
• Do You Speak with an Accent? … You Can Still Be an Outstanding SLP
• The Challenges and Rewards of Working with English Language Learners
• Some Advice on How to Approach Your Clinical Fellowship
• 4 Things a Job Description Can’t Tell You About the Profession
• 5 Things I Love Most About Being an SLP
• Your Guide to Getting Started in Telepractice
• Why Team Player SLPs are Even More Effective Than Superstars
• Why Working With the Entire Family Gets the Best Results in Kids Struggling with Speech-Language Issues

• Partnerships

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

• Bouvé Communications

Speech-language pathology (SLP)  consistently ranks  as one of the most fulfilling and desirable jobs for many reasons. Not only do SLPs enjoy significant job stability,  high pay , and a variety of career advancement options, they also play a direct role in improving the lives and wellbeing of their patients. 

If you’re interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist, you should begin by understanding the steps required to start working as an SLP. We define and discuss each of these steps below. 

How to Become an SLP

To become a speech-language pathologist, you will need to:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Earn a  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
• Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
• Complete your clinical fellowship 
• Obtain licensure and certification

Steps to Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

1. complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field..

To become a speech-language pathologist, you will ultimately need to complete a graduate degree in the field. But the first step toward starting your career as an SLP will be to complete an undergraduate degree that will prepare you for graduate education.

Two undergraduate degrees closely aligned with the field include the  Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology  and the Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. These programs are an excellent option for anyone who knows early on that they would like to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. 

However, other degrees (such as a bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, or linguistics) can also prepare you for your eventual graduate education, especially if paired with a relevant concentration. At Northeastern, for example, undergraduate students may complete a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) minor or a Clinical Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (SLPA) minor. 

2. Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology

Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, your next step will be to enroll in a graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). 

Some common program titles include  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology  or Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders. At Northeastern, we offer an MS in Speech-Language Pathology. 

While the exact curriculum will vary from program to program, most graduate programs in speech-language pathology include 60 credit hours of material. This curriculum consists of both academic and clinical work, allowing students to learn about key concepts such as speech-language disorders, articulation, phonology, dysphagia, etc., while also putting those lessons into practice in a clinical setting. 

Each graduate program will have its own prerequisites, which you will need to complete before enrolling. For example, At Northeastern, students must complete five prerequisite undergraduate courses before enrolling in the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. These include: 

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
• Introduction to Audiology
• Introduction to Speech and Hearing Science
• Language Development

If you have completed a relevant undergraduate degree, as mentioned above, then you will likely find that you have completed the necessary prerequisite courses. 

3. Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

To earn licensure in many states, you will first need to pass the  Praxis 2 Examination in Speech-Language Pathology  administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 

To pass, you must earn a minimum score of at least 162. The test includes material about the foundations of speech-language pathology, screening and assessment of patients, etiology, planning and implementation of treatment, and more. The exam is offered at test centers throughout the country on multiple dates throughout the year. 

You can take the exam at any time that you meet the requirements to do so. Many students will take the Praxis exam in the last semester of their graduate program. Others will take it as soon as they graduate so that, if they were to fail, they would have time to retake the exam. 

It is worth noting that any of the organizations you may apply to for your clinical fellowship (below) may require a passing grade before they will accept your application. 

4. Complete your post-graduate clinical fellowship

After completing your graduate degree, you need to complete a post-graduate clinical fellowship, which is a requirement for state licensure. As mentioned above, you can complete your clinical fellowship before you have passed the Praxis if you choose. 

Post-graduate fellowship requirements can vary from state to state. However, many states have modeled their clinical fellowship requirements to match the requirements needed to earn the  Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)  credential through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). To qualify for the CCC-SLP, your fellowship must meet the following requirements:

• Be overseen and mentored by an ASHA-certified SLP for the duration of the fellowship
• Be at least 1,260 hours in length, typically accrued over at least 36 weeks (35 hours per week)
• Have at least 80 percent of your clinical experience involving direct clinical contact with patients

Depending on the state in which you wish to complete your fellowship, you may or may not need to apply for a temporary license. Check with your state’s speech-language pathology and audiology board to understand whether or not this will be required.  

5. Obtain state licensure and ASHA certification

Upon completing your fellowship, you should find yourself eligible to apply for state licensure, which you will need to practice. Licensing requirements and processes will vary by state, sometimes significantly, so it is important to check with your state’s speech-language pathology and audiology board.

It is also important to note that you will need to apply for licensure in any state you wish to practice. This means that if you live in a border region (for example, the Connecticut and Massachusetts border) and wish to practice in both states, you will need to ensure that you meet the requirements for both. 

Many SLPs will also apply for accreditation through ASHA at the same time as they apply for state licensure, specifically, the Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Generally speaking, even if certification is not required, it is recommended that you apply for and maintain it, as it is an important professional achievement.

“This is considered to be the gold standard certification internationally,” says Susan Fine, Director of Clinical Education at Northeastern’s  MS in Speech-Language Pathology program . “Once you’ve earned your CCC-SLP, it’ll set you up for a number of great work opportunities both domestically and abroad and can open many doors in your career.”

Because many states model their licensing requirements on ASHA’s qualifications, you may find that you qualify for certification at the same time as you earn your license. You may, however, need to complete additional requirements. 

6. Continue to advance

While it can be tempting to rest on your laurels once you have earned your license, it’s important to continue your education as you advance your career.

Many states require SLPs to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain licensure. ASHA also requires continuing education to be completed in order to keep your certification. 

Even in cases where this is not a requirement, pushing yourself to complete additional coursework will empower you to stay on top of trends and developments in the field. The end result is that you will be more effective in treating your patients.

Choosing the Right Program for Your Needs

Earning your  Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology  will prove to be one of the most important steps in becoming an SLP. Through this education, you will learn the concepts, skills, and frameworks necessary to perform your job well, and it is also through this education that you will begin to gain hands-on experience that you’ll leverage throughout your career. 

“Our students have the opportunity to gain a wide range of clinical experiences,” Fine says. “We have excellent clinical training settings in our program. Our students get trained across the lifespan. They complete a minimum of four clinical rotations, initially in our state-of-the-art campus clinic,  Northeastern University Speech-Language and Hearing Center . Students continue with their clinical training within the greater Boston area in a variety of settings, including schools, early intervention programs, inpatient acute care, rehabilitation hospitals, and specialized outpatient practices.” 

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the  Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders  at Northeastern University.

Download Our Free Guide

Career Guide

Learn How to Break Into the Field of Speech-Language Pathology

Related Articles

Northeastern students spend ‘life-changing’ two weeks working at a camp for people with disabilities, thanks to a professor’s connection

Georgia school shooting reveals importance of preventing kids from accessing guns in the home, Northeastern researcher says

How will AI transform health care? Northeastern to host workshop and conference focused on precision health

Connect with us

Have more questions about Bouvé? We’re here to help.

Want to take the next step and start your journey at Bouvé?

Request more information

Interested in learning more about what Bouvé has to offer?

University Administration

• Careers @ USA
• For Current Students
• Request Information
• Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Doctor of 
Education (EdD)
• Graduate Certificates
• Clinical Orthopedic Residency (OCS)
• Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship (OMPT)
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Non-Degree Physical Therapy Online Courses
• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
• Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Browse All Degree-Programs
• Admissions & Aid Home
• Scholarships & Grants
• How to Apply
• Cost of Attendance
• Financial Aid
• Application Deadlines
• Academic Calendar
• Financial Aid FAQ
• Admissions FAQs
• Catalog/Handbook
• Our History
• Accreditation
• B Corp Certified
• Change of Ownership
• Student Achievement Data
• Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
• Diversity & Inclusion
• San Marcos, California
• St. Augustine, Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Austin, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Our Faculty
• Board of Directors

Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 13 June 2024

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: 6 Meaningful Career Steps

Communication is key to our existence as human beings. So, who do we turn to when our body or mind creates roadblocks to successful communication? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These specialists can address speech disorders and improve communication techniques for patients of all ages.

A speech-language pathologist assists and guides patients to improve their quality of life through better social interaction, educational growth and career opportunities.

Review this step-by-step guide for how to become a speech pathologist. You’ll learn the answers to questions such as:

• How do I become a speech pathologist?
• What does a speech pathologist do?
• Who do speech pathologists help?
• What degree do you need to be a speech pathologist?
• How many years of speech pathologist schooling are needed?

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat patients who struggle with speech disorders and communication issues related to speech and language, whether on the physical or cognitive level. They also address problems with swallowing and hearing. Also commonly referred to as speech therapists, these healthcare professionals work with patients across every stage of their lives, from early childhood through older adulthood.

Communication and swallowing disorders are associated with medical conditions such as developmental issues, cleft palate, autism, stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease and more. These disorders manifest as language delays, voice issues, articulation disorders, fluency challenges, social communication difficulties, and reading and writing challenges. 10

This can be rewarding work. Reflecting on experiences with stroke survivors, Meghan Savage , CCC-SLP, PhD, noted, “This population is so motivated, and I’m drawn to that. They look at you like you’re the only person who’s really trying to communicate with them.”

Step 1: Undergraduate Degree

In the process of how to become a speech pathologist, obtaining your bachelor’s degree is a critical first step. If possible, choose an undergraduate major related to your career goals , such as communication sciences and disorders (CSD), psychology, education, linguistics, English or language development.

Step 2: SLP Master’s Degree

Next, earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) from a program that’s accredited or in accreditation candidacy status by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), like USAHS’ MS-SLP program – depending on state requirements. 1 The benefit of earning a speech pathologist degree from a speech therapist school is that it usually blends an academic course load with practical clinical exposure.

MS-SLP programs incorporate 400 hours of clinical experience through clinical practica so speech-language pathology graduates meet the national certification requirements mandated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 2 Per ASHA guidelines, of the 400 clinical hours required, 25 of those hours must be in the form of guided clinical observation, often best achieved in the classroom setting . The remaining 375 hours must involve direct client/patient contact. 3

Speech pathologist degree requirements may vary. For example, MS-SLP admissions requirements typically include the following:

• Transcript of all coursework completed
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two letters of professional recommendation
• A statement of purpose or essay
• Chemistry or physics
• Behavioral or social science
• Interview, as needed
• A minimum of 25 guided observation hours in a speech-language pathology setting

Related undergraduate majors, such as CSD, generally incorporate the required core classes to advance to graduate school. However, if you don’t meet the speech pathologist requirements, take SLP leveling courses before beginning your master’s degree.

Step 3: Clinical Fellowship

After completing an advanced speech pathologist degree program, you must complete 1,260 hours of clinical experience and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) working under the guidance of a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) certified mentor within four years. 4  This transitional work experience is critical in the process of how to become a speech pathologist because it helps candidates progress from supervised to independent practice.

To gain this valuable clinical experience, you may be required to obtain a temporary license , referred to as a limited license or intern license, from the board of speech-language pathology and audiology in your state. 5 ,6 Speech pathologist requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited CAA program and a mentor-approved plan for your clinical fellowship.

Want to know more about our SLP program?

Step 4: the praxis exam.

During your clinical fellowship,  register to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 7 Students must score at least 162 points to pass the exam and move forward toward certification as an SLP . 8 Achieving this goal is a requirement to be eligible for the final steps in the process of how to become a speech therapist.

Step 5: National ASHA Certification And State Licensing

Perhaps the most important step in this journey of how to become a speech pathologist is securing your official credentials. ASHA, which oversees the certification process, lists four requirements that you must meet to obtain your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP): 9

• An official transcript from your graduate school verifying your graduation date and degree
• Your official Praxis score (sent directly from ETS)
• A Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) report documenting your completion of 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience and 36 weeks of full-time experience (or the equivalent)
• Documentation of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience , composed of 375 hours of direct patient/client contact and 25 hours of clinical observation

Each state has its own guidelines for licensure. Certain states require fewer hours of clinical experience than others. Some state-specific requirements may depend on the setting you plan to work in , such as education, telemedicine or early intervention. Check the ASHA State-by-State resource page for more information. 6

Step 6: Continuing Education Courses

Like all healthcare professionals, speech therapists can continue to learn and grow professionally throughout their health science careers . Some states may require SLPs to refresh and advance their skills by completing a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) of speech pathologist schooling. Check the state licensing information for clarification. 6

Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Help?

According to the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), “about one in six Americans have disabling (moderate-or-worse) impairments of hearing and/or other sensory or communication disorders.” 11 These disorders can be present from birth, develop over time or be brought on by sudden physiological changes. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that more than 7% of American children ages 3-17 have experienced some form of communication disorder in the past 12 months. 12

With such a spectrum of potential patients, SLPs often work directly with both children and adults, with 42% working in schools, 25% in specialist offices (e.g., with occupational therapists , physical therapists , audiologists and other speech therapists), 14% in hospitals, 4% in skilled nursing facilities and 3% in a self-employment capacity, for example as a consultant or practice owner. 13

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

Speech-language pathologists learn strategies for working with patients whose communication abilities may vary. Patients may not be able to speak at all; they may speak with difficulty (such as stuttering); they may have comprehension challenges, or they could have voice issues (such as inappropriate pitch).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies some of the typical daily duties of speech-language pathologists as: 14

• Evaluate levels of speech, language and swallowing difficulties
• Develop treatment plans to manage patient needs
• Teach patients how to improve their voice quality and create challenging sounds
• Help patients develop and strengthen the muscles needed for swallowing
• Counsel patients and their families on ways to cope with their disorders

SLPs use specialized tools and techniques to help patients recover or repair their communication capabilities.

FAQs About How to Become a Speech Therapist

There is a lot to consider before dedicating years of study and preparation to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Here are some of the most common questions for anyone wondering how to become a speech pathologist.

What is a typical salary for a speech therapist?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for speech therapists is $89,290 annually, or $42.93 per hour, as of April 2024. 15  The top 10% took home more than $129,930 annually. 16 Potential income for an SLP often depends on geographic location, experience and if they work in a specialty field.

How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?

With the amount of speech pathologist schooling and clinical hours of experience required to attain SLP certification, the effort to get there can take some time. Let’s break down the number of speech pathologist schooling years you can expect en route to your career (all times are approximate):

• Four years: Undergraduate degree
• Two years: Graduate degree (including 400 hours of supervised clinical experience)
• four years: Clinical fellowship (at least 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience over 36 weeks. A minimum of 5 hours per week is necessary, and the fellowship experience must be completed within 4 years from the date you begin) 17
• Eight years: total time to SLP certification

Do you need a degree to become a speech-language pathology assistant?

If diving into an eight-year commitment toward a career in speech-language pathology is intimidating, you can test the waters as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). As the title implies, SLPAs provide clerical and clinical support to SLPs.

Their tasks may include maintaining medical records, preparing diagnostic equipment and implementing therapeutic programs as determined by the speech therapist. Aspiring SLPAs can take three pathways towards certification. 18 One, for example, includes completing at least a two-year SLPA program degree with relevant coursework from a community college or technical training program and 100 hours of clinical care experience. 18

State regulations may vary; not all states allow speech-language pathology support staff. 19

Career Outlook

Speech-language pathology is a promising healthcare career with job security and growth potential. As of May 2024, it ranks #3 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of best healthcare jobs. 20

The national shortage of speech pathologists

Increasing awareness of communication disorders, such as stuttering and autism, continues to raise the demand for SLPs who treat young patients. However, the field has suffered from an SLP shortage for years, “ and there’s really no single answer “, according to Susan Karr, who served as ASHA’s associate director of school services for 27 years. 21 , 22

If you are an aspiring SLP, consider being open to relocating for a great job opportunity.

The Demand For Speech Therapists

With aging baby boomers living longer than previous generations, the number of seniors with sensory and communication disorders is also on the rise. There is a need for more practicing speech-language pathologists.

The projected employment rate of job openings for SLPs between 2022 and 2032 is 19%. 23 Approximately 13,200 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year over the next decade. 23

As the U.S. population simultaneously ages and becomes more educated about the impact of communication disorders, the need for speech therapists will continue to increase . From job security to an impressive salary and tremendous resources , a career in speech-language pathology is rewarding. Plus, empower others to communicate better, increase self-confidence and gain agency.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. The MS-SLP is an online program with four required on-campus residencies on the USAHS San Marcos, Austin, or Dallas campus. The program offers three intakes per year (Note: San Marcos campus only offers start dates in January and September until 2026), in January, May and September. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of clients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech therapy!

  The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

• “Council on Academic Accreditation,” CAA, https://caa.asha.org .
• “American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, January 2020, https://www.asha.org/certification/2020-slp-certification-standards .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “New York Licensing Requirements for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/ny/licensure/
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “ASHA State-by-State,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state .
• “Praxis,” Praxis, https://praxis.ets.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Praxis Scores and Score Reports,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/praxis_scores .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “SLP Certification,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/slpcertification/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Speech, Language, and Swallowing,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/public/speech .
• Association for Research in Otolaryngology, “42nd Annual MidWinter Meeting,” ARO, 2019, https://aro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2019-ARO-MWM-Abstracts-FINAL.pdf .
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Quick Statistics About Voice, Speech, Language,” NICD, March 4, 2024, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Work Environment,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-3 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: What Speech-Language Pathologists Do,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Summary,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Pay,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA),” ASHA, 2024, https://www.ashaassistants.org/pathways-speech-language-pathology-assistant .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA),” ASHA,  https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/slpa-faqs/#how-states-credential .
• U.S. News & World Report, “Best Health Care Jobs,” U.S. News & World Report, 2024, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs .
• AMN Healthcare, “What’s Driving the Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?,” AMN Healthcare, October 18, 2022, https://www.amnhealthcare.com/amn-insights/news/speech-language-pathologists .
• The ASHA Leader, “Retired,” ASHA, April 1, 2019, https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.PPL.24042019.22 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Job Outlook,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-6

ARE YOU INSPIRED?

There could be an article about you here one day. Take charge of your own life-story!

Take charge of your own life-story

More Speech-Language Pathology SLP Articles

Master’s in Communication Disorders: 2024 Ultimate Guide

Dr. Elisabeth McGee Discusses USAHS’ Driving Role in Future-Focused Healthcare

Unveiling the Future: Dr. Elisabeth McGee Shares How USAHS is Uniquely Harnessing the Power of AI

Upcoming speech-language pathology slp events.

Occupational Therapy (OTD, OTD Flex, MOT, & MOT Flex) – Academic Webinar - September 24 | USAHS

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Academic Webinar - September 25 | USAHS

Flex Doctor of Physical Therapy (Flex DPT) - Academic Webinar - September 26 | USAHS

How To Become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is strong and will grow 19% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. It further reports that the median income for SLPs is $84,140. 1

Both statistics are encouraging news if you are looking to build a career as a speech-language pathologist, and are worth considering while you develop your understanding of the role and whether it is a good fit for you.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who are striving to enhance their language and communication skills. They can serve a wide range of populations, from people with speech disorders like dysarthria to those with language disorders like aphasia.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated 5-10% of Americans have a communication disorder. 2 Other factors, such as traumatic brain injury, developmental disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder, can further compound the challenges that clients face.

By pursuing a career in speech-language pathology, you can help patients improve speech, treat swallowing issues, and foster the development of social communication skills. In other words, speech-language pathologists can significantly impact their clients and improve their lives.

Educational Requirements to Become an SLP

Common undergraduate degrees for individuals planning to attend graduate school for speech-language pathology include Bachelor of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), and Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

Master’s degree candidates can also come from majors that are outside of CSD but are in related fields, such as education, psychology, or linguistics. Bachelor’s programs that you’re interested in might also offer CSD as a minor. If you choose a bachelor’s program outside of CSD, keep in mind that master’s programs may require you to take extra prerequisite classes before you begin graduate work.

After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need a master’s degree to become a speech-language pathologist. Additional licensing is mandatory in all states, with specific requirements differing but commonly involving clinical experience and successful completion of an examination.

Master’s degree programs typically require an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. While many master’s programs may require you to take the GRE or GMAT, some speech-language pathology programs do not.

What Licensing and SLP Certifications Do You Need?

You should confirm that your master’s program is accredited by the CAA and prepares graduates to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and any additional state licensure. Additionally, ASHA offers distinction as a Board Certified Specialist (BCS) to a practitioner who “demonstrates advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in a specified area of practice.” 3

BCS certifications are not required for practice, however you may choose to pursue a specialty certification after you have been in practice for a few years.

What is the Praxis exam?

In order to obtain your Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA, you will need to pass the Speech Language Pathology Praxis exam.

The Praxis exam structure varies based on the specific test being taken, as there are different Praxis tests for various fields and professions. Content is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to their chosen profession or field of study.

Praxis exams often serve as a component of state-specific certification requirements for educators, administrators, and other professionals, and some states may have their own additional requirements beyond the Praxis exams, such as specific coursework, student teaching experience, or background checks. Understanding and meeting these state-specific certification requirements is crucial for candidates seeking licensure or certification in a particular state.

Clinical Practicums and Internships

Graduate programs also include time spent in clinical practicums. Commonly referred to as externships or internships in speech-language pathology, clinical practicums are a set number of required hours for you to be engaged in direct patient/client interactions. This time with patients is a transitional framework to guide students through real-time therapeutic processes including, but not limited to:

• Analyzing challenges and develop targeted intervention plans
• Adapting to changes in treatment strategies
• Working collaboratively with other professionals in multidisciplinary teams
• Managing caseloads efficiently
• Fostering a positive and motivating therapy environment
• Respecting cultural diversity in communication styles
• Upholding ethical standards in client confidentiality and professional conduct
• Coping with emotional aspects of the job
• Staying curious and open to new research and developments
• Maintaining a constructive and optimistic outlook in therapy sessions
• Encouraging clients

These experiences can span various treatment areas, including:

• Articulation
• Voice and resonance
• Expressive/receptive language
• Aural Rehabilitation
• Cognitive aspects of communication
• Social aspects of communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Specialization Coursework and Certifications

An additional educational step to consider is that after becoming licensed, many SLPs continue their professional development with other certifications that allow them to specialize in helping specific populations.

If you want to make room for career advancement in the field of speech-language pathology and define your SLP career path, SLP specializations can improve your employment outlook, enhance your earning potential, and most importantly, allow you to focus on an area of practice that you are passionate about and demonstrate excellence in.

There are three types of Board Certified Specialist (BCS) certifications for SLPs, each awarded by independent boards that ASHA has approved:

• American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders — Board Certified as a Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL)
• American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders — Board Certified Specialist in Fluency (BCS-F)
• American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders — Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

SLPs can also supplement their skillsets by learning techniques that help a specific kind of client. Many of them are cost-efficient and can be completed online or in workshops. These include:

• AAC Institute — Certification in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
• Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

You can learn more about specializations in the speech-language pathology field here.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Undergraduate programs typically take four to five years, while most speech-language pathology graduate programs range from 20 months to five semesters. If you factor in 9 months to complete any fellowship, take the Praxis exams, and obtain certification and licensure, then the full time frame to become a speech-language pathologist is approximately six to eight years. Continuing education will also be required throughout your career to maintain your licenses.

How Do You Choose the Right SLP Graduate Program?

Choosing any direction of study should be based on your career goals and defined skill sets, but there are other logistics to consider. When choosing a speech-language pathology program, you should:

• Cross-reference your bachelor’s degree to determine if the program meets your needed prerequisites
• Confirm that the program/institution is accredited by CAA
• Check that the curriculum and outcomes prepare graduates to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and any additional state licensure

A Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist

As a speech-language pathologist, you can have a positive impact in settings such as education, private practice, hospitals, or nursing and residential care facilities. Most speech-language pathologists work full time, but part-time work is also common.

Above and beyond the clinical skills required for this career, a soft skill set is also beneficial to excel in the speech-language pathology field. As an SLP, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate genuine care for clients
• Adapt communication styles based on individual needs
• Adjust therapy plans based on client progress
• Detail-oriented in assessing speech and language patterns
• Work collaboratively with other professionals in multidisciplinary teams
• Manage caseloads efficiently
• Foster a positive and motivating therapy environment
• Respect cultural diversity in communication styles
• Uphold ethical standards in client confidentiality and professional conduct
• Cope with emotional aspects of the job
• Stay curious and open to new research and developments

What Are the Steps to Getting Started in Speech-Language Pathology?

• Research the career and the skillsets needed to excel
• Pursue an undergraduate degree that can prepare you for your next steps

An online Bachelor of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from Bradley University is a great way to lay the foundation for a career in speech-language pathology and explore the profession.

You can learn more about the educational requirements by speaking with a member of our enrollment team. Contact us today to get started on this exciting journey.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics – Speech-Language Pathology Job Outlook
• Mayo Clinic Health Systems
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• #5 Among Regional Universities (Midwest) – U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges (2021)
• #5 Best Value Schools, Regional Universities (Midwest) – U.S. News & World Report (2019)
• Bradley Ranked Among Nation’s Best Universities – The Princeton Review: The Best 384 Colleges (2019). Only 15% of all four-year colleges receive this distinction each year, and Bradley has regularly been included on the list.
• Bradley University has been named a Military Friendly School – a designation honoring the top 20% of colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide that are doing the most to embrace U.S. military service members, veterans and spouses to ensure their success as students.

• NYSED Homepage
• NYSED Employment
• Board Members Only

License Requirements for Speech-Language Pathology

• Steps for Obtaining NYS Licensure as an Audiologist
• Steps for Obtaining NYS Licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist

General Requirements

Any use of the title "Speech-Language Pathologist" or "Audiologist" within New York State requires licensure, except in certain "exempt" settings. These settings include:

• Federal, State or local governments
• Public or nonpublic elementary or secondary schools
• Colleges and universities

NOTE: To provide speech services in a public school in New York State, "Teacher Certification" is the appropriate credential. For information regarding teacher certification, contact the Office of Teaching Initiatives at 518-474-3901.

To be licensed as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• meet education requirements;
• meet examination requirements; and
• meet experience requirements.

You must file an Application for Licensure ( Form 1 ) and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the Professions at the address specified on each form. It is your responsibility to follow up with anyone you have asked to send us material.

The specific requirements for licensure are contained in Title 8, Article 159, Section 8206 of New York's Education Law and Part 75 of the Commissioner's Regulations.

You should also read the general licensing information applicable for all professions.

The fee for licensure and first registration is $294.

Fees are subject to change. The fee due is the one in law when your application is received (unless fees are increased retroactively). You will be billed for the difference if fees have been increased.

• Do not send cash.
• If you apply for licensure electronically using the online Application for Licensure, you will be required to pay by credit card.
• Other payments must be made by personal check or money order payable to the New York State Education Department. Your cancelled check is your receipt.
• Mail any required forms and fees to the indicated address on the form.

NOTE: Payment submitted from outside the United States should be made by check or draft on a United States bank and in United States currency; payments submitted in any other form will not be accepted and will be returned.

Partial Refunds

Individuals who withdraw their licensure application may be entitled to a partial refund.

• For the procedure to withdraw your application, contact the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit at [email protected] or by calling 518-474-3817 ext. 270 or by fax at 518-402-5354.
• The State Education Department is not responsible for any fees paid to an outside testing or credentials verification agency.

If you withdraw your application, obtain a refund, and then decide to seek New York State licensure at a later date, you will be considered a new applicant, and you will be required to pay the licensure fee and meet the licensure requirements in place at the time you reapply.

Education Requirements

Speech-language pathology.

You must have obtained a graduate degree in speech-language pathology from a New York State registered licensure qualifying program, a program accredited by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), or the equivalent. To be considered equivalent, your educational program must culminate in a graduate degree from a college or university acceptable to the Department. It must include a practicum and 75 semester hours of courses as specified below. At least 36 of the 75 semester hours must be at the graduate level.

• normal anatomy and physiology of speech and swallowing;
• cognitive and linguistic bases of language; and
• neural bases of speech, hearing, language and swallowing.
• articulation/phonology;
• voice and resonance;
• receptive and expressive language;
• hearing; and
• swallowing.
• audiology/aural rehabilitation;
• cognitive/psychosocial aspects of communication;
• cleft palate/craniofacial anomalies;
• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC);
• research methodology;
• counseling;
• professional issues;
• ethics; and
• infection control issues related to the prevention of communication disorders.
• at least 375 clock hours in direct client contact;
• at least 25 clock hours in clinical observation;
• at least 325 clock hours at the graduate level.

Experience Requirements

You must complete a minimum of 36 weeks of supervised experience in speech-language pathology or audiology. (Any break in time, e.g., maternity leave or, in a school setting, summer break, should be compensated for in the ending date.) The experience cannot begin until after all requirements (including any examinations or completion of a thesis) for the graduate degree are satisfied. 1

1 With one exception: licensure applicants who are candidates for Au.D. degrees may begin the required experience BEFORE the Au.D. degree is awarded if they have completed all prerequisite Au.D. coursework and practica.

Nature of Experience

Your experience should include direct clinical work with patients or students, consultations, record keeping, and any other duties relevant to clinical practice. At least two thirds of the experience should involve direct clinical contact with persons who have communication disorders. Time spent in academic teaching, research, or administrative activities that do not deal directly with patient management should not be counted as professional experience in this context. No partial credit can be given for unsatisfactory completion of supervised experience.

Part-time or Full-time Experience

The supervised experience must be completed within a four-year period with not more than two employers, and may be full-time or part-time:

Full-time: At least 36 weeks (e.g., full school year, September to June) of continuous employment consisting of at least 35 hours per week.

Part-time: Continuous periods of employment of not less than six months, accumulated at the rate of not less than two days per week and consisting of not less than 12 hours per week with any one employer. Applicants employed part-time should contact the New York State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to determine the total amount of time required under these conditions

Supervision of Experience

Your supervisor should meet with and observe you on a regular basis to review and evaluate your experience and to foster your professional development. For additional information see the " Guidelines for Evaluating Applicants Experience " or the Identification of Supervisor and Setting Form 4A .

Supervision must be provided where you work by an individual licensed in New York State in the field for which you seek licensure. However, experience acquired in another state or in an exempt setting such as a public or nonpublic school may be supervised by a person holding the appropriate Certificate of Clinical Competence of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) For more information regarding ASHA CCCs you may visit their web site at www.asha.org .

To become licensed as a New York State speech-language pathologist or audiologist, you must complete experience as stated above. You are exempt from licensure for professional practice completed as part of this requirement. If your experience is just beginning, or has begun, an acknowledgement (Form 6 - Acknowledgement or Supervisory Plan for Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology) may be issued from the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board Office. If you and/or your employer wish to have a Form 6 issued, you must file an application for licensure, submit the fee, have your school document completion of your educational program, and submit Identification of Supervisor and Setting ( Form 4A ). Once the Office of the Professions has received and approved all this documentation, the State Board can issue the Form 6. It is acceptable to complete your experience outside New York State as long as your supervisor is certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

If you have been practicing in another state and are no longer in contact with the supervisor you completed your experience with, you may submit your copy of the CFY report for consideration to the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Unit at 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000..

Guidelines for Evaluating Applicant Experience

The supervisor is responsible for verifying to the State Board for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology that the applicant has completed professional-level experience. Suggestions for consideration under each competency listed below are not intended to be all-inclusive or limited to those stated. Rather, they are intended as examples of professional behaviors to be accomplished by the applicant. Also, the suggestions for consideration are not intended to establish specific criteria, to restrict supervisor judgement, or to limit in any way the scope of professional practice.

The Board recommends that the supervisor monitor the applicant’s time a minimum average of 3 hours per week for full-time experience, or 1-1/2 hours for part-time. The monitoring should involve direct observation of the applicant’s clinical practice. The use of audio tapes, video tapes, reports, and/or discussions with administrators or colleagues may supplement the direct contact. The supervisor should maintain written documentation of contacts with the supervisee.

• Communicates, as necessary, in an advocacy role for clients/patients.
• Interprets clinical data to clients/patients and caregivers effectively.
• Participates in professional meetings and case conferences.
• Demonstrates knowledge of developmental milestones.
• Differentiates between normal and abnormal aspects of physical, emotional, and social development.
• Understands the role of communication in social, emotional, intellectual, and educational processes.
• The applicant demonstrates professional responsibility and conduct.  
• Understands the organizational structure of the work environment and interacts appropriately with other professionals.
• Is aware of regulations governing other professionals in client/patient care.
• Respects confidentiality of client/patient information.
• Uses appropriate referral procedures.
• I. Displays knowledge of the interrelationships among the various speech-language-hearing processes and the effects of impairment in one area on functions in other areas.
• Selects and administers appropriate diagnostic tests and procedures.
• Records diagnostic/assessment results accurately.
• Interprets diagnostic/assessment results accurately, concisely, and clearly.
• Uses diagnostic/assessment interpretations as a basis for a course of action.
• Demonstrates skill in the use of appropriate audiometric and tympanometric screening equipment, audio and video recording equipment, and other equipment which may be required for clinical management.
• Is familiar with equipment used by other professions which may be relevant to diagnosis/assessment and treatment/rehabilitation.
• Uses speech-language screening instruments, audiometric, aural acoustic immitance vestibulometric, hearing aid acoustic evaluation equipment, sound level measurement and audiometric calibration devices and other instruments which may be required for audiological diagnosis/assessment and/or treatment of hearing disorders.
• Knows prevailing audiological instrumentation calibration standards and procedures as well as prevailing standards of ambient background sound levels in an audiometric test environment.
• Reads and interprets manufacturing specifications for personal and group prosthetic amplification in light of prevailing standards.
• Is familiar with commercially available materials used for the evaluation of auditory function.
• Recognizes in his/her program planning the interrelationship existing among aspects of the total program.
• Follows work environment procedures in scheduling.
• Works cooperatively with others in planning.
• Considers client/patient needs in planning and scheduling.
• Uses time efficiently and effectively.
• Uses current professional knowledge in determining length, frequency, and types of sessions, and in making other planning decisions.
• Employs rationale for selecting treatment/remediation methods and materials.
• Uses methods and materials appropriate to the client/patient.
• Provides clear direction in managing client behavior.
• Prescribes assignments and carry over activities when necessary.
• Communicates treatment/remediation goals and techniques to the client/patient and family members.
• Is supportive and provides appropriate reinforcement.
• Integrates information from other professionals in treatment/remediation.
• Aids the client/patient in identifying target communication function and in discriminating appropriate from inappropriate communication behavior.
• Explains causation, prognosis, and planning in a clear, understandable, concise manner.
• Provides treatment/remediation commensurate with the client/patients intellectual, social, emotional, and educational levels.
• Determines the need for augmentative communication, and selects and uses the appropriate systems.
• Demonstrates knowledge of FDA warning signs concerning the fitting of prosthetic amplification.
• Determines the need for prosthetic amplification and devices based on appropriate audiological assessment procedures.
• Demonstrates an awareness of state-of-the-art technology in available forms of prosthetic amplification.
• Selects prosthetic amplification appropriate for the client/patient need.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of earmold acoustics, styles, and materials.
• Demonstrates earmold impression-taking skills.
• Fits and adjusts prosthetic amplification.
• Provides and interprets appropriate measures of listener performance with prosthetic amplification.
• Plans and implements a program of orientation for the user of prosthetic devices.
• Recommends and implements auditory rehabilitation measures such as speechreading, auditory training, and other communication strategies as indicated.
• Monitors client/patient progress, determines the need for service/repair of prosthetic amplification, and takes appropriate action.
• Provides remedial services.
• Provides or refers for support counseling for hearing impaired individuals and their families.
• Demonstrates ability to organize and implement a hearing conversation program consonant with existing federal and state regulations.
• Provides or refers for educational evaluation to determine appropriate school placement for children with a hearing loss.
• Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techniques for specialized prosthetic devices for management of unique auditory disorders.
• Demonstrates knowledge of selection and fitting techniques for specialized prosthetic devices for personal hearing protection.
• Provides information about and prescribes assistive devices such as alarms, group listening devices, Fm systems, etc.

Examination Requirements

To meet the examination requirement for licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist or Audiologist, you must pass the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in your licensure area.

• Candidates for licensure in Speech-Language Pathology must take Praxis Examination 5331.  It is scored on a scale of 100-200.  162 the minimum acceptable passing score.
• Candidates for licensure in Audiology must take Praxis Examination 5343.  It is scored on a scale of 100-200.  162 is the minimum acceptable passing score.
• Examination scores must be sent directly from ETS. Request scores to be sent to agency code R7747 .

ASHA 2200 Research Blvd. Rockville, MD 20850-3289 Phone: 800-498-2071 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.asha.org

The examination is administered at over 400 test centers throughout the nation. Schedule information and registration materials for the examination may be obtained directly from ETS by calling 609-771-7395, or writing to The Praxis Series, Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6051, Princeton, NJ 08541-6051 or on the Web at www.ets.org .

Licensure by Endorsement in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology

If you hold a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another jurisdiction, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement in New York State by either Path A or B:

If you are seeking licensure by endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another jurisdiction of the United States, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• meet the requirements of Section 59.6 of the Commissioner’s Regulations;
• complete an acceptable program in speech-language pathology or audiology that includes a practicum and a minimum of 60 semester hours in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable;
• have at least two years of acceptable professional experience in speech-language pathology or audiology, as appropriate, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
• have a passing score on the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS);
• hold certification from an acceptable certifying agency such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA); and
• be in good standing as a licensee in each jurisdiction in which you are licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology.

If you are seeking licensure by endorsement of a license in speech-language pathology or audiology issued by another country, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• complete an acceptable program in speech-language pathology or audiology as applicable; or the equivalent of such a program;
• have at least three years of acceptable professional experience in speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable, in New York State, in another jurisdiction, or in the country where you are licensed, provided that such experience occurs following licensure in such jurisdiction and within the six years immediately preceding application for licensure by endorsement in New York State;
• have a passing score on the Specialty Area test of the Praxis Series, Praxis II, administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) or pass a written examination for licensure in the country in which you are licensed to practice speech-language pathology or audiology, as applicable;

Limited Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist

A Limited License in Speech-Language Pathology is optional. A Limited License was created for settings that require direct billing to Medicare programs. Not all settings require direct billing. A limited license is available to any person engaging in clinical or academic practice under the supervision of a licensed speech‐language pathologist for such period of time as may be necessary to complete an experience requirement for a professional license as a speech‐language pathologist.

To complete exemption requirements to work under supervision in New York State, you can choose to either apply for a limited license or submit a form 4a to identify your supervisor and setting. The Speech-Language Pathology Board office will process a form 6. A limited license is processed through the Division of Professional Licensing Services (DPLS).

Limited Licensure authorizes an applicant for licensure to practice under the supervision of a licensed and currently registered speech-language pathologist in order to complete the experience requirement for licensure.

You may apply for limited licensure by submitting an Application for Limited License as a Speech-Language Pathologist (Form 1LL) and $70 fee along with, or after submitting an Application for Licensure (Form 1) and fee. A limited license cannot be issued until all required documents have been received and approved.

If you change or have additional settings or supervisors after a limited license is issued, you must obtain a reissued limited license; complete a new Form 1LL with each prospective supervisor, and return it to the Office of the Professions. A new fee is not required for a limited license issued as a result of a change in supervisor or setting. The limited license is valid for a period of one year. The limited license may be renewed for additional one year periods until the applicant has completed the experience requirement for licensure. To apply for an renewal you must submit a new application for a limited license and a fee of $70.

Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Licensing and Registration

To learn more about the licensure and registration process, select the type of license you wish to apply for from the list of professions below. 

The Board has made every effort to include the information you need to apply for licensure on this website. You can visit our  Help Center ,  FAQs  and  Resources  page for frequently asked questions, links, forms, applications and other helpful information.

Florida law provides that an initial application must be reviewed within 30 days. Listed below is the current average number of days at which staff are processing each application type.

Audiologist

Requirements → Apply Online → ← Returning Login

Speech-Language Pathologist

Audiologist assistant certification, speech-language pathologist assistant certification, provisional audiologist, provisional speech-language pathologist, out-of-state telehealth provider registration.

Requirements → Apply  →

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC)

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) facilitates the interstate practice of audiology and speech-language pathology while maintaining public protection. Florida joined the ASLP-IC as the 30th member state upon the passage of Senate Bill 7016 during the 2024 legislative session. The ASLP-IC has more than 30 member states and is in the process of establishing the commission and operationalizing the compact. Once the commission is fully operational and the member states are fully integrated with the compact’s data system, licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists will be able to apply for a privilege to practice in-person and through telehealth in ASLP-IC states.

ASLP-IC Website → ASLP-IC Map  → ASLP-IC FAQs  →

Mobile Endorsement

SB 1600, Mobile Endorsement was signed into law with an effective date of July 1, 2024. This legislation establishes a new universal process for licensure by endorsement for health care professions regulated by the Florida Department of Health’s (the Department’s) Division of Medical Quality Assurance. To qualify, the health care practitioner must meet specific criteria, including various testing, training, and experience qualifications for their profession. The bill also repeals existing licensure by endorsement statutes from various individual practice acts.

Each applicable board, or the Department if there is no board, shall adopt rules incorporating application forms for the MOBILE Act licensure pathway within six months after its effective date. Once the application form is finalized and adopted into rule, the DOH will begin accepting applications. Please continue to check the board website for updates.

Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for ASHA SLPA certification (C-SLPA) , which includes submitting a completed application and supporting documents, and paying the appropriate certification fee .

Individuals who apply for the C-SLPA credential must also do the following:

• Meet current SLPA certification standards and requirements.
• Follow all published policies and procedures .
• Abide by the ASHA Assistants Code of Conduct .

Once your application and supporting documents have been reviewed and approved, you will be notified by e-mail and provided with an Eligibility Exam ID to register for the national Assistants Certification Exam .

Find out more about licensing requirements for your state here.

Eligibility Pathways

To be eligible to take the SLPA certification exam, applicants must complete one of three pathway options that best fits their education and qualifications.

Education Option 1

• 2-year SLPA program degree from an accredited institution (e.g., associate's degree from a community college or technical training program)
• Complete the three 1-hour prerequisite courses listed below
• Complete the clinical field work requirement listed below

Education Option 2

• Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited institution
• Complete ASHA’s Online SLPA Assistant Education Modules or academic equivalent

Education Option 3

• College degree (associate's or bachelor's) from an accredited institution
• Introductory or overview course in communication disorders
• Speech sound disorders
• Language development
• Language disorders
• Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms
• Complete ASHA’s Online Assistant Education Modules or academic equivalent

Prerequisite Requirements

In addition to finishing all the requirements of that option, applicants must also complete the following mandatory requirements:

• Completion of a 1-hour of ethics course*
• Completion of a 1-hour course in universal safety precautions*
• Completion of a 1-hour patient confidentiality training course (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, etc.)*

* These three prerequisite courses must be completed no more than 2 years prior to application. These requirements may also be met as part of an academic course. Applicants who have not had specific academic training in the roles and responsibilities of working as an assistant must also complete ASHA's online education modules for assistants, or an equivalent academic course.

Clinical Hours

• Clinical field work (also called "clinical practicum" or "on-the-job" hours): A minimum of 100 hours, to include
• 80 hours of direct patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist (SLP)**
• 20 hours of indirect patient/client/student services under the supervision of an ASHA-certified SLP**
• Hours may be completed via an academic practicum or on the job with a current/former CCC-SLP and may be no more than 5 years old at the time of application.
• Observation and simulation hours cannot be used toward this requirement.
• Your supervisor will verify your hours via the online application when submitted; no paperwork is required to be submitted to ASHA.

** Any hours completed January 1, 2020, or after must have been supervised by an ASHA-certified SLP (See Standard III .)

Direct Clinical Contact

Examples of direct clinical contact may include the following activities performed under the direction and supervision of the supervising SLP.

• screening speech, language, and hearing
• assisting the SLP during assessment
• administering assessment tools within ASHA SLPA Scope of Practice
• providing direct therapy services

Indirect Clinical Contact

Examples of indirect clinical contact may include the following activities performed under the direction and supervision of the supervising SLP.

• meeting with the SLP to review sessions and notes and to plan future services
• preparing materials and planning for clinical service
• attending consultations or team meetings with the SLP
• documenting screening/treatment results following services
• entering or recording data for billing purposes and/or code procedures following services

SLPA Exam Resources

Exam blueprint.

The SLPA Exam Blueprint [PDF] was developed through a research-based practice analysis by SLPAs, SLPs, and educators to ensure that the certification reflects emerging data, applied knowledge, and best practices. The SLPA national exam will be based the information in the blueprint.

Additional Resources

The ASHA resources provided are not exclusive to the SLPA exam but will allow you to review topic material. Please review to the Exam Blueprint for specific topic areas.

• Issues in Ethics: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
• Medicaid Toolkit
• Medicare Frequently Asked Questions: SLPs
• Practice Portal
• Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology
• Self-Assessment for Cultural Competence
• SLPA Scope of Practice

The following references may provide you with additional information but are not required for exam review.

• Bleile, K. (2020). Speech Sound Disorders: For Class and Clinic. Plural Publishing.
• Duffy, Joseph R., Ph.D. (2012). Motor Speech Disorders: Substrates, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. Mosby.
• Dwight, D. (2014). Here's How to Do Therapy: Hands-on Core Skills in Speech-Language Pathology. Plural Publishing.
• Gillam, R.B., and Marquardt, T.P. (2015). Communication Sciences and Disorders. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Hegde, M.N. (2020). Clinical Methods and Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology. Plural Publishing.
• Hyter, Yvette and Salas-Provance, M. (2019). Culturally Responsive Practices in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Plural Publishing.
• Kaderavek, J. (2014). Language Disorders in Children: Fundamental Concepts of Assessment and Intervention. Pearson.
• Kent-Walsh, J. & Binger, C. (2009). What Every Speech-Language Pathologist/Audiologist Should Know about Alternative and Augmentative Communication. Pearson.
• Manasco, H. (2016). Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorders. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Owens, Robert E., Jr., Farinella, Kimberly A., and Mertz, Dale E. (2010). Introduction to Communication Disorders - A Lifetime Evidence-Based Perspective. Pearson.
• Pence Turnbull, Khara L. and Justice, Laura M. (2016). Language Development From Theory to Practice. Pearson.
• Shriberg, Lawrence D. and Kent, Raymond D. (2018). Clinical Phonetics. Pearson.

Resource Guide

Review topic material featured on the SLPA national exam with our resource guide [XLSX].

Get More Information

Site Help | A–Z Topic Index | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use © 1997- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing

• SLP/Aud Licensing Home

Related Sites

• Health Care Facilities, Providers and Insurance

Contact Info

If you are interested in an educator license for speech-language pathology, please see the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board  website.

Announcements

• SLPA Announcements

License renewal

• ICSD License Renewal Portal
• Renewal and Continuing Education Information
• Military Exemption Information

Initial license

• Application Instructions
• Licensing Statutes
• Dispenser Regulations
• Supervision Information
• Hearing Instrument Dispensing (HID) Exam Information

For licensees

• Change of Information Form (PDF)
• Request Duplicate Card
• Mailing Label Requests
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Telepractice Statement
• Health Professionals Services Program (HPSP)
• Speech Language Pathology Assistant Regulations
• Credential Verification
• Credential Look Up Licensee Search
• Complaint Process (PDF)
• Complaint Form

For consumers

• Disciplinary Actions
• Ensuring Competent Care from Audiologists
• Brochure for Speech-Language Pathology Services (PDF)
• What to Know When Buying Prescription Hearing Aids
• Hearing Aids/Instruments Consumer Information Center
• Resources for Families and Children with Hearing Loss

Advisory council

• Advisory Council

Related sites

• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Related Sites

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Gain the knowledge and practical training you need to be eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license with a comprehensive program designed for working adults.

Open the Door to New Possibilities

Cal State East Bay’s Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program is specially designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology and want to expand their professional options. With tailored curriculum to meet the requirements of the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board, you’ll receive the additional coursework and practicum experiences needed to obtain a license as a speech language pathology assistant.

Best in the West

Selected as a "Best in the West" college by The Princeton Review

Faculty Excellence

Taught by educational leaders in CSUEB’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

One-of-a-Kind Training

Learn from a combination of both lecture and fieldwork

Unique Training that Puts You on the Fast Track to Success

With the program’s convenient hybrid format, you can look forward to both online and hands-on components while completing your certificate in as little as four to six months.

Explore the career opportunities that await you as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. »

Make a positive impact in the community.

As a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, you’ll conduct speech and language intervention programs under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. You’ll also have the opportunity to work in both educational and medical settings where you can assist a licensed speech-language pathologist in a variety of ways, including clerical duties, treatment plans, informal documentation, collecting data for monitoring quality improvement, and more.

Occupational Outlook

High demand.

According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, more service providers are needed to serve a growing and more diverse client base and an expanding scope of practice.

11.5% Growth

Employment of healthcare support workers is projected to grow 11.5 percent from 2022 to 2032.

—Labor Market Analytics –  Lightcast

Growing Employment Opportunities

42 percent of school-based SLPs and 32 percent of health-care based SLPs reported that there was one or more SLP support personnel employed at their facility.

— The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

How can a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program impact your career? »

Expand your professional reach.

After completing the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program, you’ll be able to combine your academic knowledge and practical training to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant and increase your diversity of employment options.

You can look forward to joining the list of successful graduates who are making a positive difference in the health field and work in a variety of settings, including educational services, offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists, and more.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, you’ll have the skills to:

• Discuss ASHA standards/guidelines and the Code of Ethics
• Implement various clinical approaches/procedures
• Gather objective data about client behaviors
• Learn professional report writing
• Summarize client information and present case
• Discuss multicultural considerations
• Develop skills in professional conduct and collaboration
• Discuss professional conduct required of a SLPA and identify scope of practice

Find out what you’ll learn in the program. »

Program format.

The Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program is conveniently offered in a hybrid format. The program includes one online lecture course and fieldwork.

Certificate Requirements

To earn your certificate, you must complete the following courses:

EXTX 650 Clinical Methods and Professional Ethics

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge in providing intervention to clients with disabilities/disorders under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. Students will learn specific and professionally accepted methods for collecting data and writing progress reports and will learn general treatment methods to treat typical disorders, special populations, groups, and behaviorally challenged clients. Overview of multicultural and ethical considerations will be presented. An overview of scope of practice and professional ethics as guided by the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association’s Code of Ethics will be discussed.

EXTX 651 Fieldwork Experience

Pre-requisite: EXTX 650 Clinical Methods and Professional Ethics

This course will provide supervised clinical practice experience with children and adolescents with a variety of communicative disorders in an educational setting. It will provide opportunities for clinical application of principles learned from coursework and for carrying out speech- language pathology assistant responsibilities of observation, implementation of screening procedures, administration of treatment protocols, maintenance of clinical documentation, and computation of clinical data under the supervision of a licensed and/or credentialed speech-language pathologist.

Our Fieldwork program includes rolling start dates from mid-Fall into Spring semester, and while our goal is to have Fieldwork Placements completed within 3 -4 months, applicants are advised that a significant extension of this time may be needed.

Who will you learn from? Meet your professors. »

Featured faculty.

Shubha Kashinath

Dr. Shubha Kashinath is an Associate Professor of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, and the Department’s Continuing Education Administrator. She received an MS in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona and a PhD in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Florida State University. Dr. Kashinath’s research is focused on efficacy of communication interventions for individuals with autism, family-centered practices for children with disabilities, and development of innovative personnel preparation programs in speech language pathology. She has over 20 years of clinical experience serving families of young children with disabilities in Florida and California.

Anna Krajcin

Anna Krajcin received both her bachelor’s degree and MS in Communication Disorders from Missouri State University. She has extensive experience providing pediatric speech and language therapy to children with a variety of disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Krajcin has provided hundreds of instructional workshops to professionals and families throughout the U.S and in Eastern Europe, where she has established three preschools in Bosnia that continue to provide speech, language, and behavior intervention to children. In 2016, she became a dually certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Jenny Rosenquist

Jenny Rosenquist joined Cal State East Bay in 2007 as a full-time Clinical Supervisor and intermittent lecturer. She received her BA and MA degrees in Communication Disorders from San Diego State University. After seven years of working with adults in various levels of rehabilitation, including outpatient, acute care, and skilled nursing, she spent the next nine years working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and Autism Spectrum Disorders. During this time, she worked extensively with families and caregivers in the home environment and frequently supervised interns and clinical fellows in both the home and classroom. Her areas of interest include clinical supervision, Autism Spectrum Disorders, early childhood language, and family centered therapy, and she continues to provide speech therapy to both pediatric and adult clients in their homes.

Shubha Kashinath PhD, Chair, CSD Program Director

Anna Krajcin MS

Jenny Rosenquist MA, Program Coordinator

Learn all about admission requirements and how to apply. »

Admission requirements.

Qualified applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Communication Disorders or Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, or an equivalent program.

How to Apply

To apply to the program, please complete an online certificate application, as well as submit the following documents:

• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Mail official transcript(s) to: Jenny Rosenquist SLP-A Program Coordinator Cal State East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, MB 1088 Hayward, CA 94542
• GPA calculator for CD coursework   (emailed to   [email protected] )

Given the high volume of SLPA Certificate Program applicants, p riority consideration will be given to applicants who identify a speech language pathologist with current ASHA CCC's and CA license to supervise their fieldwork experience.

*Please note: if you completed your degree from Cal State East Bay, you do not need to provide official transcripts.

SLP Supervisor requirements

In seeking a SLP to supervise your SLPA Fieldwork experience, please be sure to convey these primary requirements and ensure the SLP is willing to comply with Supervisory guidelines.

The SLPA Internship Supervisor must:

• be licensed by the State of CA and have ASHA CCCs
• have at least 2 years of professional SLP experience
• have (or be willing to acquire before the completion of the internship) at least 6 hours of supervisory training/continuing education, as required by SLPAHB and ASHA
• provide a minimum of 100 hours of supervised SLPA fieldwork experience: a minimum of 90 of these hours must be in direct client contact and 10 hours in indirect/supportive activities
• provide a minimum of 10 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience to the SLPA Intern
• remain on site for all direct contact provided by the SLPA Intern
• directly supervise at least 50% of all direct client contact hours
• supervise no more than 2 SLP or SLPA students at one time
• be flexible in potential start dates throughout the academic year

Admission Deadlines

Still have some unanswered questions? Visit the Support section for additional program information. »

Support topics, common questions, accessibility services, certificate of completion, search results.

At Cal State East Bay, we pride ourselves on putting students first, from the moment you inquire until you graduate. We hope you've found answers to your questions in this support center, but if not, please get in touch.

Request More Info

At a glance.

Area of study:  Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Ideal for: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology who have not yet enrolled in, or do not currently wish to enroll in graduate studies in the field.

Program format: Hybrid

Number of courses: 2 courses

Program length:  5-8 months (depending on the duration a student requires to complete their fieldwork experience)

Tuition cost: $5,200 (Tuition fees are subject to change at any time.) Forever Pioneer discount is available for Cal State East Bay alumni.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions about the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program. Many answers can also be found in our online Support Center .

More in This Program