How to Become a School-based Speech-Language Pathologist
Many speech-language pathologists work in health care and private practice, but more than half work in schools. School speech-language pathologists make a significant difference in students’ lives. They are qualified to help students of all ages optimize their communication abilities, fostering academic, communication, and social skills. School-based positions account for more than half of all SLP employment and offer unique professional advantages, including school-year schedules, IEP-based collaborative practice and the opportunity to work with students across a range of communication needs.
If you’re passionate about addressing speech and language problems in children, you may consider a career as a school speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologist (SLP) and speech pathologist refer to the same profession, while speech therapist is a common but outmoded term. Keep reading to learn how to become a school-based speech-language pathologist.
What Are the Steps to Becoming a School-Based SLP?
The path to becoming a school-based SLP depends on your educational and professional background. A licensed SLP, a teacher, and someone without speech pathology and teaching experience will follow different pathways.
To work as a school SLP, you must first become a licensed SLP. Then, depending on where you practice, you may need to obtain teaching credentials.
Step 1: Earn a Graduate Degree
Licensed SLPs have a minimum of a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. It’s vital that the degree is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Most states require a CAA-accredited SLP degree for professional licensure.
SLP programs are available online and in person, part-time and full-time. For example, working professionals may consider an online program, such as the CAA-accredited Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) through Ithaca College.
Ithaca’s online MS-SLP program combines fully online coursework and prerequisites with in-person clinical experiences. Students can complete the program in under three years—or under four years if they need to complete prerequisite courses.
Discover career paths with a master’s in speech-language pathology.
Step 2: Pass the National Speech-Language Pathology Exam
The next step is to pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, administered nationally by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The exam assesses understanding of three topics:
- Speech-language pathology foundations and professional practice
- Screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis
- Planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment
Each state determines the passing score for SLP licensure.
Step 3: Apply for Speech-Language Pathologist Certification
While not all states mandate it, the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA is the recognized national credential and is required or strongly preferred by most school employers. In many states, holding the CCC-SLP also expedites the process of obtaining a teaching credential. You can apply to begin the ASHA certification process after passing the Praxis exam and before starting a clinical fellowship.
Step 4: Complete Your Post-Graduate Clinical Fellowship
To obtain the CCC-SLP, you must complete a clinical fellowship after graduating from an SLP degree program. During your clinical fellowship, you will practice speech-language pathology under the supervision of a licensed SLP. Most states require at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours of clinical fellowship experience, following ASHA certification guidelines. If you are planning a school-based career, completing your clinical fellowship in a school setting is strongly recommended as it provides directly relevant experience, strengthens your job applications, and in many states, counts toward the supervised hours required for a teaching credential.
Step 5: Obtain State Speech-Language Pathologist Licensure
The last step in becoming a licensed SLP is to apply for licensure in the state where you plan to deliver speech-language pathology services. The requirements vary by state. Most candidates are eligible for licensure after completing steps one through four.
How Can a Speech-Language Pathologist Transition from Health Care to School
Some SLPs working in health care transition to schools to focus on serving children. Also, educational settings can provide part-time work and a summer break when schools are closed.
If you're a licensed SLP currently practicing in health care, you've already completed most of the pathway to working in schools — a graduate degree, clinical fellowship, and ASHA certification. The primary remaining step is obtaining a state teaching credential, if your state requires one.
States with Comprehensive Licensure
Eleven states have comprehensive SLP licensure. Comprehensive licensure allows SLPs to practice in health care and educational settings with a single license. If you’re a licensed SLP in one of these states, you’re qualified to deliver speech-language pathology services in public schools:
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oregon
- Texas
- Virginia
States with Teaching Requirements
States without comprehensive licensure require SLPs to obtain a separate teaching credential to provide services in public schools. The credential differs by state. For example, some require school SLPs to have a teaching certificate or license, often called a professional educator license (PEL).
The process for getting a teaching credential varies from state to state. It may involve completing additional education, clinical experience, and exams:
- An educator preparation program
- Practicum hours in a school setting
- A state or national exam, such as the New York State Teacher Certification Exam or the Praxis Exam Teaching Speech to Students with Language Impairments
Holding ASHA certification can expedite the process of obtaining a teacher credential. Fifteen states allow SLPs with ASHA certification to apply for a teaching credential without fulfilling extra requirements:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Washington
Use the ASHA State-by-State directory to explore each state’s requirements for working in schools.
Starting From Scratch: How to Become a School SLP
Whether you're a teacher considering a career change or coming from an entirely different background, the path to becoming a school-based SLP follows the same six steps. The main difference is at the teaching credential stage. Teachers may already hold credentials that satisfy or reduce what many states require of school SLPs, while those without a teaching background will need to fulfill those requirements in full.
Here are the six steps to becoming a licensed school-based SLP:
- Obtain a graduate SLP degree
- Pass the national SLP exam
- Apply for optional ASHA certification
- Complete an optional post-graduate clinical fellowship
- Obtain state SLP licensure
- Obtain additional teaching credentials as required by state law
*Teachers: Check whether your state accepts current teaching credentials toward this requirement. Many states that require a teaching credential for school SLPs will accept an existing teaching license with an SLP endorsement rather than requiring a separate certification process.
Refer to the ASHA State-by-State directory for the specific requirements where you plan to work as a school SLP.
School SLP Job Outlook and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% employment growth for speech-language pathologists through 2034, much faster than the national average, with approximately 13,300 job openings each year. School-based SLPs earn a median annual salary of $80,280 according to BLS May 2024 data — lower than some clinical settings, but school positions often come with summers off, predictable school-year hours, and strong job stability in districts with persistent SLP shortages.
Take a Supportive Educational Pathway to a School Speech-Language Pathologist Career with Ithaca College Online
With more than 100 years of SLP education, Ithaca College provides a supportive pathway to a fulfilling career as a school SLP. Ithaca’s online MS-SLP program allows working professionals to complete coursework and prerequisites entirely online. It also provides clinical placement services to ensure the practicum occurs near your home.
The online MS-SLP program delivers the same level of engagement, support, and rigor as a campus program. You’ll learn through immersive virtual simulations while receiving dedicated attention from faculty. You’ll also connect with a diverse community of peers nationwide.
When you’re ready for a meaningful new career as an SLP, explore Ithaca College’s online MS-SLP program.