How to Become a Clinical Speech-Language Pathologist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Embarking on a career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can feel daunting—from meeting educational and licensure requirements to completing a clinical fellowship. Even so, the path to becoming an SLP is straightforward. Once you know what’s expected of you, you can begin your journey in this rewarding profession.

Let’s look step-by-step at how you can become a clinical speech-language pathologist. 

• To become a speech-language pathologist, individuals must meet several educational requirements and obtain licensure. 

• SLPs are required to hold state licensure to practice; in addition, many SLPs obtain the CCC-SLP, a nationally recognized credential issued by ASHA. 

• After becoming licensed, SLPs must renew their credentials annually and may choose to pursue post-professional education, such as the clinical doctorate in SLP (SLP-D).

Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages to improve their communication abilities. Their areas of focus might include speech sounds, language, voice, social communication, and fluency, as well as feeding and swallowing. Their job duties will vary depending on the clinical population they serve and the setting in which they work.

SLPs are often involved in the assessment process to identify their clients’ goals for treatment and develop a treatment plan to meet their goals. They might teach their clients how to produce sounds that they struggle with, or they might assist clients with expanding their vocabulary to make speech easier. They also track and assess their clients’ progress to ensure that their treatment is effective. 

Becoming a clinical speech-language pathologist requires you to complete several educational requirements. In addition, completing a clinical fellowship, obtaining your licensure in your state, and often earning a nationally recognized certification are necessary steps in the process.

To practice in the field, SLPs must earn a master’s degree. Because of this, the first step to becoming an SLP is earning your bachelor’s degree. 

While a degree in communication disorders is ideal, you can still pursue a master’s if you majored in something else. Typically, what matters most is that you’ve completed a set of prerequisite courses, ensuring that you’re prepared for your graduate coursework in SLP. These prerequisites might include courses in: 

• Biological sciences

• Physical sciences 

• Statistics

• Lifespan development or developmental psychology  

• Anatomy and physiology of voice and speech production

• Audiology 

• Phonetics

• Clinical process coursework 

On top of taking these courses, you may need to pass them with a specific grade or take them through the Communication Sciences and Disorders department at your institution. Many programs also require that you complete guided observation hours prior to enrolling. You should always check the admissions requirements for your master’s program of choice prior to applying.

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s, it’s time to move onto your master’s. Regardless of the pathway you took, your graduate program will provide you with in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of speech-language pathology. Additionally, your master’s program will allow you to complete the 400 supervised clinical hours you’ll need to move forward in your career. 

When applying for master’s programs, it’s imperative that you enroll in a CAA-accredited program. Why does this matter? The first reason is to ensure you have completed all necessary coursework to later obtain the Certificate for Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. While the CCC-SLP is not required to become a practicing SLP, many choose to obtain one. 

To apply for your CCC-SLP, your master’s degree must by accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), a branch of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This also guarantees that your graduate program’s curriculum, faculty, and clinical practicum experiences meet the standard benchmarks to prepare you for your SLP career.

The Praxis® Exam in Speech-Language Pathology, or the SLP Praxis, allows you to demonstrate your mastery and expertise in the field. Some areas of knowledge that the exam tests include assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders. ASHA requires that you pass the SLP Praxis prior to receiving your CCC-SLP. Many states also require you pass the SLP Praxis to receive your state licensure.

When it comes to when you should take the SLP Praxis, this can vary by state. The most common guidance from ASHA advises that you take the Praxis exam at the end of your master’s program or during your first year of clinical practice post-master's. However, some states require you to pass the SLP Praxis prior to beginning your clinical fellowship (more on that below), so it’s important to double-check your state’s requirements. 

More information on Praxis exam registration, scoring, and preparation can be found on ASHA’s website. A detailed breakdown of content covered on the exam and free test preparation materials are available as well.

Another important step in becoming an SLP is completing your clinical fellowship. This post-graduate clinical experience bridges the transition from graduate education to independent practice. Under the mentorship of a seasoned SLP, you’ll sharpen your skills and work to refine your professional capabilities. 

To count your clinical fellowship toward earning your CCC-SLP, you must work a minimum of 36 weeks at 35 hours per week—in total, this adds up to 1,260 hours of clinical experience. While you can complete the fellowship part time, it will result in a longer timeline toward completion.  

Most importantly, your clinical fellowship mentor must be certified by ASHA and meet several prerequisites to serve as your mentor. To verify that an SLP meets these criteria, you can contact the ASHA Action Center. 

Upon completing your clinical fellowship, you’re ready to obtain your professional state licensure. This is essential for practicing SLPs as it demonstrates your professional competency and clinical experience.

While state requirements can vary, most have similar requirements, such as: 

1. A master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited school

2. A certain number of clinical practice hours (typically 400) 

3. Completion of a clinical fellowship (typically 36 weeks totaling at least 1,260 hours)

4. Passing scores on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology 

When obtaining your state license, you’ll also want to consider pursuing your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). While the credential is optional in most states, many SLPs choose to obtain a CCC-SLP because of its widespread reputation in the industry. 

To check a state’s licensure requirements and other regulatory information, visit ASHA’s website. 

You’ve officially become a state-licensed SLP. Congratulations! But your work doesn't end there. All practicing SLPs must dedicate themselves to keeping their skills and knowledge up to par.  

One way this is achieved is through Continued Education Units (CEU), which count toward renewing your SLP state license and your CCC-SLP credentialing if applicable. You may earn these through ASHA courses, courses by approved providers, or independent study. As with state licensure, every state has different cadences for renewal, so it’s best to check your state’s requirements. While earning CEUs will keep your abilities sharp, don’t stop there.  

If you want to climb further in your career, consider pursuing doctoral-level education in speech-language pathology. A PhD is a common choice, but those who are primarily interested in clinical practice and mentorship may be well-suited to an SLP-D degree. Either of these options will ensure you’re progressing in your professional practice. 

Whether you’re in the process of starting your career or already a seasoned SLP, it’s never too early to consider what’s next. Unsure what it could be? Then explore UC’s online Clinical Doctoral in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP-D).

This advanced professional practice doctorate will give you the tools you need to move up in the clinical space. For SLPs who are hungry for new opportunities, this degree paves the way for advancement and growth. And UC’s flexible online program allows you to earn your degree part-time while still prioritizing your career and personal life.

Think that UC's online SLP-D might be right for you? Then take the first step and contact your Enrollment Services Advisor. UC's dedicated online team will provide guidance as you continue your SLP journey!

While you don’t need a doctorate to become an SLP, earning one is an excellent way to continue your professional development. UC requires you to complete your master’s degree and gain experience in clinical practice prior to pursuing the SLP-D. If you are interested in a career in clinical supervision or education, an SLP-D will help you foster those skills.

The Praxis test code for the Speech-Language Pathology test is 5331. To earn your ASHA certification, you must earn a passing score of 162 or higher. 

According to ASHA, your clinical fellowship must last at least 36 weeks, and you must work more than five hours per week to complete a total of 1,260 hours overall. The CF is split into three segments and primarily involves providing direct clinical care to individuals with speech and language disorders. 

No. Although they overlap in many of their requirements, a state licensure is issued by the state licensing board while the CCC-SLP is issued by ASHA, a professional organization. A state license is required to practice in most states; by contrast, the CCC-SLP is not legally required but is often expected by employers.  

Yes! SLP-D programs are ideal for full-time employees. UC’s 100% online program is designed for part-time enrollment and offers ample flexibility, both of which are key to educational and professional success.