To become an SLP in North Dakota, complete a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), and apply for state licensure through the ND State Board of Examiners. North Dakota doesn’t require a clinical fellowship for state licensure, though it’s needed for ASHA’s CCC-SLP credential. Median salary: $73,540 with strong job growth projected through 2030.
Whether you’ve got your sights set on a speech-language pathology career working with children or adults, in a hospital, school, or clinic environment, or on articulation therapy, language intervention therapy, or voice therapy, North Dakota is where career aspirations become reality. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of 2024, North Dakota has the fifth-highest concentration of SLP jobs in the nation.
- 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.
New and exciting opportunities to make your mark in speech-language pathology are commonplace in the Peace Garden State. The Altru Health System provides comprehensive speech therapy services throughout the greater Grand Forks and East Grand Forks region for children and adults with a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. The speech-language pathologists of Altru treat issues and disorders related to speaking, language, swallowing, voice, and cognition for patients of all ages and diagnoses.
Services provided include aural rehabilitation, chronic cough treatment, head and neck cancer rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, motor speech rehabilitation, stroke and brain injury rehabilitation, speech generation device training, and swallowing/dysphagia therapy.
To become a speech-language pathologist in North Dakota and begin making a difference in the lives of children and adults with speech and language disorders, you’ll need to earn licensure through the North Dakota State Board of Examiners on Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology
The first stop on your path towards SLP licensure is a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that’s accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), which is part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
There are currently three CAA-accredited master’s degree programs in North Dakota. You may also choose to pursue an online accredited program.
If you choose a traditional, in-state program, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships from state organizations such as the NDSLHA. Many working students choose to earn online master’s degrees because these programs tend to be more flexible with working schedules.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into a master’s program, you’ll usually need:
- A 3.0 GPA or higher in your undergraduate studies
- GRE scores
- A resume detailing your experience
- Two letters of academic reference
Prerequisite Courses
If you don’t already have a degree in communication sciences and disorders, you’ll need to complete prerequisites. These prerequisites, designed to lay the groundwork for the field, usually include:
- Intro to Speech Language Pathology
- Early Intervention & Interdisciplinary Studies
- Intro to Audiology
- Science of Language
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language
Core Coursework
After completing prerequisites, you’ll begin core coursework:
- Advanced Topics in Speech-Language Pathology
- Fluency Disorders
- Neurogenic Communication Disorders
- Neurologically Based Speech Disorders
- Applied Phonology
- Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
Electives and Specialization
You’ll also complete electives, which will usually narrow in on a specialty in SLP, whether that’s the treatment of children, adults, or special needs patients, or areas such as fluency or the treatment of patients with brain injuries. These courses might include:
- Adolescent Communication
- Dysphagia Treatment
- Multiple Disabilities
- Language and Literacy
- Audiology for the SLP
- Supervision and Professional Issues in SLP
- Public Schools Methods in SLP
Clinical Practicum Requirements
To graduate, you’ll be required to complete a practicum of approximately 400 clock hours. You’ll begin by shadowing a licensed SLP in a clinical setting and move to completing activities with clients under supervision. Through your practicum, you’ll learn to screen, evaluate, and diagnose patients and become familiar with SLP treatment procedures.
Step 2: Pass the National SLP Exam and Consider Earning the CCC-SLP Credential
Unlike most states, North Dakota doesn’t require SLP candidates to complete a clinical fellowship after graduation. Instead, you can apply for licensure immediately after passing the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
The Praxis Examination
You’ll register for the exam (Praxis exam 5331) through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The exam consists of 132 questions, and you’ll need a score of 162 out of 200 possible points to pass.
The registration process includes choosing a date, time, and location for the exam. You can take the exam at any of the hundreds of Praxis testing centers located throughout the U.S. In North Dakota, there are Praxis test centers located in:
- Bismarck
- Dickinson
- Fargo
- Grand Forks
- Minot
Exam Content Areas
The SLP exam covers core topics in speech-language pathology that you studied during your graduate program: foundations of professional practice, the screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis of patients, and the planning of treatment.
The test will also cover the following topics:
- 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
- Speech sound production
- Fluency
- Voice, resonance, and motor speech
- Receptive and expressive language
- Social aspects of communication
You can study the Praxis Study Companion to prepare for the test.
CCC-SLP Certification
After passing the examination, you might consider earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). The CCC-SLP, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is an extremely respected credential. Many clinics will require you to hold the CCC-SLP credential if you’re interested in filling senior SLP positions or if you’d like to supervise SLP students completing practicum hours. If you’d like to open an independent practice, this credential may be helpful. You must apply directly through ASHA.
If you choose to earn the CCC-SLP, you’ll need to complete a clinical fellowship of at least nine months. A clinical fellowship is designed to help you gain professional experience while working with different client populations. You’ll be able to complete your clinical fellowship by partnering with an SLP clinic in your area.
Step 3: Apply for Licensing and Begin Practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Once you’ve received a passing score on the national exam, you’ll be able to apply for licensing online through the North Dakota State Board of Examiners. You must pay the $100 application fee and provide the Board with your passing Praxis test score. Your school must also send your official transcripts directly to the Board office.
You can check the status of your application here.
Career Path Options
Once you’re licensed, you may consider the different ways to start your career:
Open an Independent Practice
As a licensed SLP, you may open an independent practice in North Dakota. You might choose to open an independent practice if you’re interested in pursuing a specific patient population, or if you’d like to travel to clients who may not have access to transportation. Independent practitioners enjoy the benefits of being able to set their own schedule and determine their own client load.
Pursue Job Openings in North Dakota
If you don’t want to open an independent practice, you might consider opportunities working in clinics, schools, hospitals, home health care, or rehabilitation centers. Employers in North Dakota who hire SLPs include:
- Reliant Health
- Catholic Health Initiatives
- Infinity Rehab
- Grand Forks Public Schools
- MTX Therapy Services
- The Enrichment Garden
- Trinity Nursing Home
- Essential Health
- Alexius Health
- Centra Healthcare Solutions
- Big Stone Therapies
- Nationwide Therapy Group
Step 4: Maintain Licensure and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
To keep your SLP license current, you’ll need to renew your license online every year by December 31 upon the completion of 10 clock hours of approved continuing education.
Proof of attendance for CE clock hours might include a registration receipt, certificate, or a letter signed by the continuing education course instructor.
If there’s a course you’d like to take that’s not pre-approved by the board, you may appeal for approval by filling out a continuing education form and mailing it to the board. Within one to two weeks, the board will let you know if the continuing education activity is approved or denied.
Professional Development Resources
SLP grad students and new SLPs in North Dakota often connect with the North Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NDSLHA). The NDSLHA offers scholarship opportunities for graduate students, provides SLPs with legislative updates, and hosts continuing education opportunities. Some of the NDSLHA’s past education activities have included how to identify social skills/pragmatic weaknesses in patients and target them, how to view reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension through the broader lens of language comprehension, and how to treat speech-sound disorders in infants and toddlers.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in North Dakota
Speech-language pathologists in North Dakota earn competitive salaries with strong job growth projections. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, North Dakota employs approximately 610 SLPs.
Statewide Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $60,190 | $28.94 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,640 | $33.48 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $73,540 | $35.36 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,170 | $39.50 |
| 90th Percentile (Highest earners) | $99,260 | $47.72 |
| Mean (Average) | $77,310 | $37.17 |
Salaries by Region
Speech-language pathologist salaries vary by region throughout North Dakota. Here’s a comparison of the major metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, sorted by average salary:
| Region | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range (10th-90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | $74,430 ($35.78/hour) | $61,360 – $97,850 |
| Grand Forks | $73,140 ($35.16/hour) | $53,430 – $98,610 |
| Fargo | $72,030 ($34.63/hour) | $49,730 – $101,500 |
| West North Dakota (Nonmetropolitan) | $70,930 ($34.10/hour) | $54,230 – $103,540 |
| East North Dakota (Nonmetropolitan) | $66,990 ($32.21/hour) | $50,240 – $92,210 |
Job Market and Growth
The SLP professional community in North Dakota is strong and growing. The state has the fifth-highest concentration of speech-language pathologist jobs in the country. Bismarck ranks as the city with the 10th-highest concentration of such jobs among all urban areas in the nation.
SLP career prospects are excellent. Jobs for North Dakota SLPs are projected to increase by 27% in the years leading up to 2030, significantly outpacing the national average growth rate of 19% during this time.
School-Based Opportunities
North Dakota schools face a documented shortage of speech-language pathologists. The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University has noted the state’s significant population growth, around 15% over the past decade, which has increased demand for special education services.
According to state studies, speech-language pathologists are among the most in-demand roles in North Dakota schools. This shortage creates excellent employment opportunities for SLPs interested in educational settings, with positions consistently available across the state.
Private Clinic Opportunities
Some of North Dakota’s private clinics that specialize in speech-language pathology include:
- Bismarck: Scottish Rite Speech Therapy
- Fargo: Anne Carlsen Center
- Fargo: Beyond Boundaries Speech Language Therapy, Inc.
- Fargo: Kids First Therapy
- Fargo: Onword Therapy
- Grand Forks: Quotable Kids Speech & Language Clinic, PLLC
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an SLP in North Dakota with an online degree?
Yes, you can become a licensed SLP in North Dakota with an online master’s degree, provided the program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Many working professionals choose online programs for their flexibility while maintaining the same rigorous standards required for licensure. You’ll still need to complete 400 clinical practicum hours and pass the Praxis exam.
Does North Dakota require a clinical fellowship for SLP licensure?
No, North Dakota is unique in that it doesn’t require a clinical fellowship (CFY) for state licensure. You can apply for your license immediately after passing the Praxis exam. However, if you want to earn your CCC-SLP credential from ASHA, you’ll need to complete a nine-month clinical fellowship.
How long does it take to become licensed in North Dakota?
The typical timeline is 6-7 years total: four years for a bachelor’s degree (often in communication sciences and disorders), two to three years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, plus time to pass the Praxis exam. Since North Dakota doesn’t require a clinical fellowship for licensure, you can begin practicing as soon as you’re licensed, which can be faster than in many other states.
What’s the difference between North Dakota SLP licensure and ASHA certification?
North Dakota state licensure is required to practice as an SLP in the state, while ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification is a voluntary professional credential. State licensure allows you to legally work in schools, clinics, and hospitals in North Dakota. The CCC-SLP credential is nationally recognized and may be required by some employers for senior positions or supervisory roles, and it’s necessary if you want to open an independent practice.
How much does the Praxis exam cost?
The Praxis 5331 Speech-Language Pathology exam costs $146. The exam consists of 132 questions, and you’ll need a score of 162 out of 200 points to pass. Praxis scores are typically accepted for several years, but check with the North Dakota State Board of Examiners for current score validity requirements. Test centers are available in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot.
What continuing education is required in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires 10 clock hours of approved continuing education annually. You must complete these hours and renew your license by December 31 each year. Proof of attendance can include a registration receipt, certificate, or letter signed by the course instructor. If you want to take a course that’s not pre-approved, you can submit it to the board for approval.
Can I work in North Dakota schools with just my SLP license?
Yes, your North Dakota SLP license allows you to work in schools, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices throughout the state. North Dakota schools have a documented shortage of SLPs, making school-based positions readily available. The state doesn’t require separate teaching certification for SLPs working in educational settings.
- 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.
Key Takeaways
- No Clinical Fellowship Required: North Dakota is unique in allowing immediate licensure after passing the Praxis exam, without requiring a clinical fellowship.
- Educational Requirements: You’ll need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program with 400 clinical practicum hours and a Praxis score of 162 or higher.
- Competitive Salaries: The median salary for North Dakota SLPs is $73,540, with experienced professionals earning up to $99,260 annually.
- Strong Job Market: North Dakota has the fifth-highest concentration of SLP jobs nationally, with projected 27% growth through 2030, far exceeding the national average.
- Manageable Continuing Education: License renewal requires just 10 clock hours of CE annually, due by December 31.
- High Demand in Schools: North Dakota schools have a documented shortage of SLPs, creating excellent employment opportunities in educational settings.
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in North Dakota?
Explore accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs and take the first step toward your North Dakota SLP license. Find programs that match your career goals and schedule.
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.