To become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Oklahoma, you’ll complete a bachelor’s degree (4 years), earn a CAA-accredited master’s degree with 400 supervised clinical hours (2-3 years), pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), and complete a clinical fellowship (9-18 months). The entire process takes approximately 6-7 years. Average salaries reach $82,280 annually, with licensure granted through the Oklahoma Board of Examiners.
- 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.
Speech-language pathologists across Oklahoma are making meaningful differences in people’s lives every day. From schools and hospitals to private clinics and patients’ homes, SLPs collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide critical services for individuals with communication disorders.
The field continues to grow thanks to outstanding programs and providers throughout the state. OU Health’s SLP professionals, for example, work across outpatient rehabilitation clinics in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Tulsa, providing specialized services for aphasia, apraxia, fluency disorders, and more. They also offer teletherapy for patients in rural areas.
If you’re ready to join this rewarding profession, you’ll need to become licensed through the Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (OBESPA). This guide walks you through every step of the process.
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist in Oklahoma starts with earning a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This accreditation, managed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), ensures your education meets national standards.
Oklahoma has five CAA-accredited programs. You can also consider online CAA-accredited programs if you need more flexibility in your schedule.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply to graduate programs. If your undergraduate degree wasn’t in speech-language pathology, you’ll complete prerequisite courses before starting the master’s program. Common prerequisites include:
- Science of Language
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language
- Introduction to Audiology
- Topics Within Communication Disorders
- Phonetics
- Development of Language Across the Lifespan
Most programs require a competitive undergraduate GPA and GRE scores around the 30th percentile.
Core Coursework
Your graduate program will cover essential topics that prepare you for clinical practice. Core courses typically include:
- Diagnostics in Speech-Language Pathology
- Phonological Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
- Aphasia Treatment
- Cognitive and Neurological Communication Disorders
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Assistive Technology
- Trends and Issues in Communication Disorders
- Advanced Audiology
You’ll also choose electives to specialize in areas like professional issues, research methods, articulation disorders, brain injury treatment, or culturally appropriate service delivery.
Clinical Practicum Requirement
Before graduating from your master’s program, you must complete 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practice. During your practicum, you’ll learn to screen, evaluate, assess, and diagnose patients, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy. A licensed speech-language pathologist supervises all your clinical activities. These 400 hours are completed as part of your graduate program, separate from your post-graduation clinical fellowship.
Step 2: Complete a Clinical Fellowship
After graduation, you’ll enter a clinical fellowship (CF), which is a paid, supervised clinical employment period. This hands-on experience bridges your academic training and independent practice.
Temporary License Application
Before starting your CF, you must apply for a temporary license through the OBESPA Online Licensing portal. You’ll need to submit:
- Completed application
- Passport photo
- $85 application fee
- Academic Preparation Practicum Form
- CF Plan
- CF Letters of Agreement
- Three letters of reference on the required form
- Official transcripts
- Background check from Trak-1
Fellowship Requirements and Timeline Options
During your clinical fellowship, a licensed speech-language pathologist supervises all your activities, including screening, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. You’ll receive at least 36 supervisory visits during the fellowship period.
Oklahoma offers flexible timeline options for completing your CF:
- Full-time track: Work 30 or more hours per week for nine months
- Part-time track: Work at least 15 hours per week for 18 months
When you finish, you and your supervisor will complete the Report of Clinical Fellowship form documenting your activities and supervision.
Step 3: Pass the National SLP Exam and Consider the CCC-SLP
The Praxis Examination
You must pass the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis exam 5331) to become licensed. You’ll register directly through Praxis, choosing a convenient date, time, and location.
Oklahoma has Praxis testing centers in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Tulsa.
Exam Structure
The test covers three main sections:
- Foundations and Professional Practice
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment
You’ll answer questions about diagnostic procedures, therapeutic methods, case history development, and treatment planning. The passing score is 162 on a 100-200 scale.
Praxis offers study materials, including a study companion with practice questions, topic breakdowns, and detailed test information.
CCC-SLP Certification (Optional)
After passing the Praxis exam, you can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA. While not required for Oklahoma licensure, the CCC-SLP credential adds credibility to your resume and may open additional career opportunities.
To apply directly through ASHA, you’ll provide proof of your graduate program completion, Praxis exam results, and clinical fellowship.
Step 4: Apply for Licensing and Begin Your Career
Once you’ve completed your clinical fellowship and passed the Praxis exam, you’re ready to apply for full licensure through the OBESPA Online Licensing portal. You’ll submit your Praxis score and pay an $85 application fee.
The Board typically responds within two to three weeks. Once licensed, you can launch your career in several ways:
Join Your Clinical Fellowship Site
If you enjoyed your CF placement, you can inquire about full-time positions. You’re already familiar with the clinic’s practices, staff, and patients, which makes this a smooth transition.
Open an Independent Practice
Consider starting your own practice if you want to serve a specific patient population or set your own schedule.
Explore Oklahoma Employers
Many organizations across Oklahoma employ speech-language pathologists, including:
- Es Speech
- Excel Home Care & Hospice
- Rehab Care
- The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital
- Comfort Keepers
- Brookdale
- Oklahoma City Public Schools
- Norman Regional Hospital
- Soliant Health
- Norman Public Schools
- Therapy Management Corporation
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
Your Oklahoma speech-language pathologist license must be renewed every two years in January of odd-numbered years. To renew, you’ll complete 20 hours of continuing education, with 3 hours specifically in professional ethics.
Continuing education can include conferences, workshops, webinars, or academic courses related to speech-language pathology. The Board maintains a list of approved providers on their Continuing Education Verification form.
The Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association (OSHA) offers excellent continuing education opportunities focused on childhood apraxia of speech, multi-sensory language approaches, and academic language therapy curriculum.
Speech-Language Pathology Salaries in Oklahoma
Statewide Salary Overview
The average speech-language pathologist salary in Oklahoma is $82,280 per year ($39.56 per hour). The highest-paid SLPs in the state, those at the 90th percentile, earn approximately $121,090 annually ($58.22 per hour).
Job Growth Outlook
Oklahoma’s SLP job market is strong. Employment is projected to increase by 33% through 2030, making it the tenth-best job growth rate among all states. This growth should create an average of 170 SLP job openings each year through a combination of new positions, retirements, and turnover.
Top Employers by Region
Private outpatient clinics are major employers for speech-language pathologists in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma City:
- Baker Speech Clinic
- John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center
- Therapitas
Tulsa:
- Faith Therapy Clinic
- Prohab Therapy Specialists
- Swallowing and Neurological Rehabilitation, LLC
- Tulsa Sunshine Center Pediatric Speech, OT, PT, and Counseling
Other Cities:
- Guthrie: Guthrie Scottish Rite Clinic
- Jenks: Speech and Beyond, LLC
- McAlester: Rite Care Clinic
Regional Salary Breakdown
Salaries vary significantly across Oklahoma’s regions. Here’s how different areas compare:
| Region | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | High-End (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawton | $92,180 | $44.32 | $59,470 ($28.59/hr) | $108,330 ($52.08/hr) |
| Oklahoma City | $83,730 | $40.26 | $51,350 ($24.69/hr) | $118,040 ($56.75/hr) |
| Tulsa | $83,700 | $40.24 | $50,390 ($24.23/hr) | $124,800 ($60.00/hr) |
| Metro Fort Smith | $82,550 | $39.69 | $58,100 ($27.93/hr) | $119,580 ($57.49/hr) |
| Rural Southeast Oklahoma | $78,830 | $37.90 | $41,590 ($19.99/hr) | $133,800 ($64.33/hr) |
| Rural Southwest Oklahoma | $77,830 | $37.42 | $43,350 ($20.84/hr) | $138,070 ($66.38/hr) |
| Rural Northwest Oklahoma | $76,990 | $37.02 | $46,670 ($22.44/hr) | $118,040 ($56.75/hr) |
| Rural Northeast Oklahoma | $75,330 | $36.22 | $43,950 ($21.13/hr) | $107,120 ($51.50/hr) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific bachelor’s degree to apply to SLP programs in Oklahoma?
No, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree specifically in speech-language pathology. However, if your undergraduate degree is in another field, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework before starting the graduate program. These prerequisites typically cover topics like anatomy and physiology of speech, phonetics, language development, and introduction to audiology.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship part-time in Oklahoma?
Yes, Oklahoma allows part-time clinical fellowships. You can work at least 15 hours per week for 18 months instead of the standard 30+ hours per week for nine months. You’ll still need at least 36 supervisory visits during the extended fellowship period.
How long does it take to get licensed in Oklahoma after completing my clinical fellowship?
The Oklahoma Board of Examiners typically processes license applications within two to three weeks after you submit all required documents, including your Praxis exam scores and the $85 application fee. Make sure all your paperwork is complete to avoid delays.
Does Oklahoma require continuing education for SLP license renewal?
Yes, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to renew your Oklahoma speech-language pathologist license. Three of those hours must specifically cover professional ethics. You can fulfill these requirements through conferences, workshops, webinars, or academic courses related to speech-language pathology.
Can I practice in Oklahoma with an out-of-state license?
No, you must obtain an Oklahoma-specific license through OBESPA to practice as a speech-language pathologist in the state. However, if you’re already licensed in another state, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement, which can streamline the application process. Contact OBESPA directly to discuss your specific situation.
What’s the difference between the temporary license and the full license in Oklahoma?
The temporary license allows you to practice only during your clinical fellowship under supervision. Once you complete the CF and pass the Praxis exam, you apply for your full license, which permits independent practice as a speech-language pathologist in Oklahoma.
Do I need the CCC-SLP to work in Oklahoma schools?
The CCC-SLP isn’t required for Oklahoma state licensure or to work in schools. However, many employers prefer or require it, and it can enhance your professional credibility. Check with specific school districts about their requirements, as some may prefer candidates with the ASHA certification.
Key Takeaways
- The complete path to becoming a speech-language pathologist in Oklahoma takes approximately 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a CAA-accredited master’s program, and 9-18 months for your clinical fellowship
- You must complete 400 supervised clinical hours during your master’s program, separate from your post-graduation clinical fellowship
- Oklahoma offers flexible clinical fellowship options: full-time (30+ hours/week for 9 months) or part-time (15+ hours/week for 18 months)
- Average speech-language pathologist salaries in Oklahoma reach $82,280 annually, with Lawton offering the highest compensation at $92,180
- Oklahoma’s SLP job market is projected to grow 33% through 2030, creating approximately 170 annual job openings
- License renewal occurs every two years and requires 20 continuing education hours, including 3 hours specifically in professional ethics
- 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 Oklahoma?
Explore CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs that can help you achieve your goals. Compare online and on-campus options to find the perfect fit for your schedule and career aspirations.
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.
