To become a speech-language pathologist in Maryland, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete a clinical fellowship, pass the Praxis exam, and obtain state licensure through the Maryland Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers & Speech-Language Pathologists.
- 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.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- 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.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Maryland offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring speech-language pathologists. From Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to the University of Maryland’s research programs, the state offers diverse clinical experiences with schoolchildren, adults, multilingual patients, and specialized populations. Despite its size, Maryland’s SLP community is robust and values-driven.
The Maryland Speech-Language Hearing Association (MSHA) supports professionals through regional seminars, scholarships, and legislative advocacy to expand access to SLP services. To join this community-oriented network, you’ll need to complete the state’s licensing requirements and demonstrate your commitment to helping people overcome communication disorders.
Step 1: Earn Your Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Maryland follows the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards for SLP education. You’ll need to earn a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), ASHA’s college accreditation arm.
Prerequisites and Admissions
Before starting a CAA-accredited master’s program, complete prerequisite courses in these areas:
- Statistics
- Physics or chemistry
- Social or behavioral science (anthropology, psychology, economics, or sociology)
Most programs accept courses from undergraduate degrees or AP credits. If you need prerequisites, many SLP programs offer them online or on campus. Graduate programs typically require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. While some programs require GRE scores, many have made this optional.
Core Coursework
You’ll complete at least 36 credit hours in speech-language pathology. Rather than specific required classes, programs follow ASHA’s Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. Your coursework will cover:
Service Delivery Domains: Collaboration, counseling, prevention, screening, assessment, treatment, technology applications, and work with diverse populations.
Clinical Areas: Fluency, speech production, language (spoken and written), cognition, voice, resonance, feeding and swallowing, auditory rehabilitation, and communication disorder etiologies.
Professional Practice: Advocacy, supervision, education, research, and administration.
Most two-year programs include specialized electives in areas like fluency disorders, advanced counseling techniques, and craniofacial anomalies. Many schools also offer online SLP programs for working professionals or those needing flexible schedules.
Practicum Experience
You’ll complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum before graduation. This includes 375 hours of direct client work and 25 hours of guided observation. During your practicum, you’ll work part-time with actual clients while taking classes, applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations with diverse ages, populations, and communication disorders.
Step 2: Complete Your Clinical Fellowship
After earning your master’s degree, you’ll need 1,260 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, known as a clinical fellowship. This period builds on your practicum experience and prepares you for independent practice.
Getting Your Limited License
Before starting your clinical fellowship in Maryland, apply for a limited license through the Board. Submit proof of your degree and a supervision plan (your supervisor’s name, qualifications, and work location) through their website. You can find fellowship opportunities through your university, clinics where you completed practicums, or job boards like SLPJobs.
Clinical Fellowship Timeline
Start your fellowship within two years of earning your degree. ASHA recommends a full-time schedule of 36 hours per week over nine months. If you work part-time, Maryland requires one of these timelines:
- 24 months at 14-16 hours per week
- 18 months at 17-20 hours per week
- 15 months at 21-24 hours per week
- 12 months at 25-35 hours per week
Your fellowship is divided into three segments. Your supervisor provides feedback after each segment and may adjust your plan based on your chosen specializations.
Fellowship Activities
Spend 80% of your fellowship hours in direct client work, including screenings, assessments, consultations, and treatment. The remaining 20% covers administrative tasks, in-service meetings, and training sessions.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis Exam
Once you complete your clinical fellowship, you’re eligible for the National Exam in Speech and Language Pathology through Praxis. Register online at the Praxis website.
Registration Requirements
You’ll need:
- Official graduate transcript
- Completed and signed Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form
Exam Content
The exam covers scientific foundations from your coursework and clinical procedures from your fellowship experience. Topics include:
- Feeding and swallowing processes and therapeutic measures
- Voice, resonance, and fluency
- Speech production mechanisms
- Motor speech disorders
- Receptive and expressive language
- Social and behavioral aspects of communication
- Hearing processes
Free practice questions and paid practice exams are available through the Praxis website. You can take the exam at home with a virtual proctor or at testing sites throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Bethesda, Bowie, College Park, Columbia, Frederick, Frostburg, Hagerstown, Hanover, Hyattsville, Nottingham, Salisbury, Towson, and Woodlawn.
You’ll receive your scores within a few weeks. Once you pass, you can apply for state licensure.
Optional CCC-SLP Certification
After passing the Praxis exam, you’re eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. While Maryland doesn’t require this certification, it reduces paperwork for state licensure and helps if you want to practice in other states. The CCC-SLP is the national gold standard for speech-language pathologists.
To apply, submit your official graduate transcript, proof of practicum completion, passing Praxis score, proof of clinical fellowship completion, and the CCC-SLP application. If you pursue the CCC-SLP, submit your CF Report and Rating Form to ASHA through their website at the end of your fellowship.
Step 4: Apply for Your Maryland License
With your Praxis exam passed, you can apply for full licensure through the Maryland Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers & Speech-Language Pathologists using their online licensing portal.
Application Requirements
Submit:
- $150 application fee
- Passport photo
- Supporting documents showing your degree and clinical fellowship completion
If you earned the CCC-SLP credential, you’ll have less paperwork to submit.
Law and Regulations Examination
Complete Maryland’s Law & Regulations Examination to show familiarity with state laws governing speech-language pathologists. The exam has 42 true-or-false questions and four short-answer questions. Review Maryland’s SLP Rules and Regulations before taking the exam.
The Board typically takes several weeks to process applications and issue licenses. While waiting, you can explore job prospects.
Career Path Options
Join Your Fellowship Clinic: Apply for a full-time position where you completed your clinical fellowship. Your fellowship supervisor can serve as a reference.
Start Your Own Practice: With your CCC-SLP credential and Maryland license, you can start an independent practice and take on clients. Consider partnering with another SLP to serve more clients.
Explore Maryland Employers: Speech-language pathologists work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and schools throughout Maryland. Explore SLP career opportunities with major employers, including:
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- University of Maryland
- Kennedy Krieger Institute
- Loyola University Maryland
- Baltimore County Public Schools
- Howard County General Hospital
- Anne Arundel Medical Center
- Flagship Rehabilitation
- Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children
- HCR Manor Care
- Baltimore Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
If you’re considering practicing in nearby states, review the licensing requirements for Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware. Maryland’s CCC-SLP credential and license often facilitate reciprocity with neighboring states.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Renew your Maryland SLP license every two years through the online renewal system. You’ll need 30 continuing education hours for renewal. Newly licensed SLPs may complete fewer hours at the Board’s discretion.
ASHA and the Maryland Speech-Language Hearing Association offer approved continuing education opportunities. Other providers, including universities and online courses, may qualify. Send an approval request to the Board if you’re unsure whether a course meets requirements.
Maryland SLP Salary and Job Outlook
Maryland offers competitive salaries for speech-language pathologists. The state’s large interstate metro areas are home to some of the country’s biggest SLP networks, with strong demand across schools, hospitals, and private practices. For comparison, view SLP salaries nationwide.
Statewide Salary Overview
According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Maryland employs 3,720 speech-language pathologists. The average salary is $98,120 annually ($47.17 per hour), which exceeds the national average. Entry-level SLPs earn around $65,630, while experienced professionals in the 90th percentile make $128,910 or more.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $65,630 | $31.55 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,070 | $38.01 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $100,560 | $48.35 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,770 | $55.18 |
| Experienced (90th Percentile) | $128,910 | $61.98 |
Job Growth Projections
Maryland’s SLP workforce is growing faster than the national average. By 2030, the state expects 21% growth, creating approximately 280 new job openings annually. This strong demand reflects Maryland’s commitment to speech therapy services across educational, medical, and community settings.
Regional Salary Variations
Salaries vary by region within Maryland. The highest-paying areas include the metro DC area, rural Maryland, and the California-Lexington Park region.
| Region | Average Annual Salary | Entry-Level Salary | High-End Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $91,530 | $59,990 | $127,300 |
| Metro DC | $104,320 | $66,940 | $146,590 |
| Metro Philadelphia | $94,170 | $63,590 | $122,700 |
| California-Lexington Park | $97,760 | $64,850 | $145,600 |
| Cumberland | $91,590 | $60,450 | $123,870 |
| Hagerstown | $84,620 | $47,750 | $119,310 |
| Salisbury | $93,020 | $62,900 | $135,620 |
Private Practice Opportunities
Many speech-language pathologists work in schools, but private clinics offer another employment avenue. Maryland private practices focusing on SLP services include:
- Annapolis: Erica L. Prentice, MS
- Bel Air: The Maryland Therapy Network
- Damascus: Nancy Thorner, CCC-SLP
- Lanham: Connections Therapy Center
- Lutherville-Timonium: Learning and Therapy Center
- Potomac: Sharon Coale, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Maryland?
The complete process takes approximately 6-7 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree, and 9-24 months for the clinical fellowship (depending on full-time or part-time status). You can take the Praxis exam and apply for licensure once you complete your fellowship.
What is the passing score for the Praxis exam in Maryland?
Maryland accepts the ASHA standard passing score for the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam, currently 162 on a scale of 100-200. The exam covers both foundational knowledge and clinical application skills. Most candidates take 2-4 months to prepare using practice materials available through the Praxis website.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an SLP in Maryland?
The Maryland state license application fee is $150. Additional costs include the Praxis exam fee (approximately $170) and your master’s degree tuition (varies by program). Many students also invest in Praxis study materials ($50-200) and ASHA membership (professionals: $225 annually, less for students).
Do I need the CCC-SLP certification to work in Maryland?
No, Maryland doesn’t require ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification. You can practice with just the state license. That said, most employers prefer or require the CCC-SLP, and it simplifies licensing paperwork. While not legally required for all school-based roles in Maryland, many school districts prefer or need it. It also facilitates interstate reciprocity.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship part-time in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows part-time clinical fellowships with specific time requirements. You can complete your fellowship in 12-24 months, depending on your weekly hours (14-35 per week). You must start within two years of earning your master’s degree and maintain consistent supervision throughout the fellowship period.
What continuing education hours do I need to maintain my Maryland SLP license?
Maryland requires 30 continuing education hours every two years for license renewal. The Maryland Speech-Language Hearing Association and ASHA offer approved courses. Newly licensed SLPs may qualify for a reduced requirement. You can request pre-approval from the Board for courses from other providers.
What is the job outlook for SLPs in Maryland?
Maryland’s job outlook for speech-language pathologists is excellent. The state projects 21% growth by 2030, creating approximately 280 new positions annually. This exceeds the national average growth rate. Metro areas like Baltimore, DC, and Philadelphia offer the most opportunities, but demand is strong throughout the state.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, 1,260 clinical fellowship hours, passing the Praxis exam, and state licensure to practice as an SLP.
- The average salary for speech-language pathologists in Maryland is $98,120 annually, with experienced professionals earning up to $128,910
- Maryland’s SLP workforce is projected to grow by 21% by 2030, creating approximately 280 new jobs each year.
- You must complete 30 continuing education hours every two years to maintain your Maryland license.
- The CCC-SLP certification from ASHA isn’t required in Maryland, but it simplifies licensing and is preferred by most employers.
- Clinical fellowships can be completed full-time (9 months) or part-time (12-24 months), depending on your work schedule.e
- 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.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- 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.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Maryland?
Explore accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs in Maryland and take the first step toward your career helping others communicate effectively.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Speech-Language Pathologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.