To become a speech-language pathologist in Arkansas, you must complete a CAA-accredited master’s degree in SLP, gain 36 weeks of supervised clinical fellowship experience, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and obtain licensure through the Arkansas Board of Examiners (ABESPA). The complete process takes 6-7 years from a bachelor’s degree to full licensure.
- 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 pathology is experiencing remarkable growth in Arkansas. The projected job growth for SLPs in Arkansas is 38% through 2030, which is nearly double the national average of 19%. This demand creates significant opportunities for individuals pursuing this rewarding healthcare career.
Arkansas requires all practicing SLPs to hold an official license issued by the Arkansas Board of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). The licensure process involves completing graduate education, gaining supervised clinical experience, passing a national examination, and meeting ongoing continuing education requirements.
The path to becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Arkansas is comprehensive but straightforward. This guide walks you through each requirement, from choosing an accredited graduate program to maintaining your professional license.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a CAA-Accredited Program
Your pathway to SLP licensure begins with earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Arkansas accepts both on-campus and online CAA-accredited programs, giving you flexibility in how you complete your education.
The most direct path into a master’s program is a bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders. If you don’t have this background, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning your graduate studies.
Undergraduate Prerequisites for Non-CSD Majors
Most programs require these foundational courses:
- Introduction to Audiology
- Speech and Language Development in Children
- Science of Language (Linguistics)
- Neuroanatomy and Physiology of Communication
- Phonetics and Phonemics of American English
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and HearingMechanismsm
- Audiology Intervention Strategies
Graduate Program Application Requirements
When applying to CAA-accredited programs, you’ll typically submit:
| Application Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Transcripts | All undergraduate and graduate coursework wita h minimum 3.0 GPA |
| GRE Scores | Many programs now make this optional, but competitive scores strengthen applications. |
| Letters of Recommendation | Two to three academic references from professors or supervisors |
| Statement of Purpose | Essay explaining your career goals and interest in speech-language pathology |
| Resume/CV | Documentation of relevant experience, volunteer work, and related activities |
Core Graduate Coursework
Whether you choose an online or traditional program, your graduate education combines linguistics, psychology, physiology, and physical science. Core courses typically include:
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
- Fluency Disorders
- Motor Speech Disorders (including dysarthria)
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
- Critical Evaluation of Research in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
- Phonological Analysis of Normal and Disordered Speech
- Multi-Cultural and Professional Issues in Communicative Sciences and Disorders
Electives and Specialization Options
Elective courses allow you to develop expertise in specific areas. If you want to specialize in helping children or adults who stutter, an elective in stuttering and cluttering provides focused training. Common electives include:
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Electrical Stimulation (E-stim) Therapies
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Language and Literacy Development
Clinical Practicum Requirements
Your graduate program includes 400 hours of supervised clinical experience at approved facilities. This practicum provides hands-on experience assessing patients, developing treatment plans, and working with diverse populations across settings. You’ll work under licensed supervisors who evaluate your clinical skills and provide feedback.
Step 2: Complete a 36-Week Clinical Fellowship Program for Required Professional Experience
After earning your master’s degree, you must complete 36 weeks of supervised, full-time professional experience through a clinical fellowship. Part-time fellowships are allowed, but they must equal the full-time equivalent. ABESPA refers to this as Required Professional Experience (RPE).
Applying for Your Provisional License
Before beginning your clinical fellowship, you need a provisional license from ABESPA. Submit these materials to the board:
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed Application | Download fromthe ABESPA website |
| Clinical Fellowship Plan | Detailed outline of your fellowship placement and supervision arrangements |
| Application Fee | $100 (ABESPA has temporarily reduced this to $5; check current pricing on the ABESPA website) |
| Official Graduate Transcript | Must show a degree conferred from a CAA-accredited program |
| Proof of Clinical Practicum Hours | Signed verification from your university supervisor showing 400+ hours |
The board typically processes provisional license applications within two months. Apply immediately after graduation to avoid delays in starting your fellowship.
Finding a Clinical Fellowship Placement
While graduate programs assist with fellowship placements, securing a position is ultimately your responsibility. Clinical fellowships are commonly posted on specialized SLP job boards. Look for positions that offer diverse clinical experiences across different patient populations and settings.
What You’ll Experience During Your Fellowship
Your clinical fellowship bridges academic learning and independent practice. You’ll work under the supervision of a licensed SLP with at least 1 year of professional experience. During your fellowship, you’ll:
- Conduct comprehensive speech and language assessments
- Develop individualized treatment plans for clients
- Implement therapeutic interventions across various disorders
- Perform administrative tasks, including documentation and billing
- Meet with clients’ families to discuss progress and goals
- Participate in regular supervisory meetings for performance feedback
Completing Your Fellowship
After finishing your 36-week fellowship, you must submit proof of completion to ABESPA within 30 days. This documentation, signed by your supervising SLP, is required before the board will issue your full professional license.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology tests your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills. Arkansas requires a minimum score of 162 on a 100- 200-point scale for licensure. This is the same score required for ASHA certification.
Registering for the Examination
When registering through the Educational Testing Service (ETS), you’ll need to provide:
- Official graduate transcript showing degree completion
- Proof of completed clinical fellowship (or verification you’re currently enrolled)
- Examination fee (check current pricing in the Praxis Information Bulletin)
Exam Format and Content
The Praxis SLP examination is computer-based and includes 132 selected-response questions covering:
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | 17% | Ethics, evidence-based practice, professional standards |
| Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis | 29% | Evaluation procedures, diagnostic methods, and report writing |
| Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment | 54% | Intervention strategies, treatment planning, progress monitoring |
Preparing for Success
ETS provides a free study guide with practice questions to help you prepare. Many test-takers also use commercial study materials and join study groups with fellow clinical fellows.
Testing Options
You can take the Praxis at any authorized testing center in Arkansas or choose the online proctored option. The online test allows you to take the exam at home while a proctor monitors you remotely via webcam.
Step 4: Apply for Arkansas State Licensure Through ABESPA
Once you’ve passed the Praxis examination, you’re ready to apply for your full professional license. You can begin the application before receiving your exam scores, but ABESPA won’t issue the permit until all requirements are verified.
Full License Application Requirements
Submit these materials to ABESPA (by mail or email):
| Required Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed Application | Download the application form from the ABESPA website |
| Application Fee | $100 (non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Both undergraduate and graduate, sent directly from institutions |
| Clinical Practicum Verification | Signed documentation of 400+ hours from the university director |
| Clinical Fellowship Completion | Proof of 36 weeks of supervised experience with a supervisor signature |
| Praxis Score Report | Official scores showing 162 or higher, sent directly from ETS |
Optional: ASHA CCC-SLP Certification
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association isn’t required for Arkansas licensure, but it offers significant advantages:
- Streamlines your state license application (ASHA certification verifies transcripts, clinical hours, and Praxis scores)
- Provides national recognition of your credentials
- Preferred by many employers, especially healthcare facilities and school systems
- Required for some insurance reimbursement panels
- Facilitates licensure in other states if you relocate
Beginning Your Career
After receiving your Arkansas SLP license, you have several career path options:
Continue at Your Clinical Fellowship Site
Many clinical fellows transition into permanent positions with the employer who provided their fellowship experience. You’ve already built relationships with clients and colleagues, and you understand the workplace culture. This continuity can be valuable as you develop your professional identity.
Explore Other Employment Settings
Arkansas offers diverse SLP employment opportunities across multiple settings:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Public and private schools
- Early intervention programs
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Home health agencies
- University clinics and research programs
Start an Independent Practice
As a licensed Arkansas SLP, you’re eligible to establish your own private practice or join a partnership. Independent practitioners report benefits such as flexible scheduling, client selection, and the ability to specialize in specific populations or disorders. The trade-offs include managing business operations, handling marketing, meeting tax requirements, and taking on the financial risks of small business ownership.
Step 5: Maintain Your SLP License with Continuing Education Requirements
Arkansas SLP licenses must be renewed annually. The renewal period runs from May 1 through June 30, with licenses expiring on June 30 each year. ABESPA sends renewal notices in mid-April.
Annual Renewal Process
You can renew online through the ABESPA website or submit a paper renewal form. The annual renewal fee and any continuing education documentation must be submitted by June 30 to avoid late penalties or license lapse.
Continuing Education Requirements
Arkansas requires 10 continuing education (CE) hours per renewal period. You’re exempt from CE requirements only during your first renewal period. After that, all subsequent renewals require proof of completed CE.
Content Requirements for CE Hours
At least five of your 10 annual CE hours must address these specific content areas:
| Required Content Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Anatomic and physiologic bases | Normal development and use of speech, language, communication, swallowing, hearing, and balance |
| Physical bases and processes | Production and perception of speech, language, communication, swallowing, hearing, and balance |
| Linguistic and psycholinguistic variables | Normal development and use of speech, language, and hearing |
| Technology and instrumentation | Biomedical and engineering information related to communication processes and swallowing |
| Disorders of communication | Types, manifestations, classification, and causes of communication disorders |
| Evaluation skills | Assessment procedures, techniques, and instrumentation |
| Habilitation and rehabilitation | Principles and procedures for communication disorders and swallowing |
| Balance and vestibular disorders | Diagnosis, rehabilitation, treatment, and cerumen management |
Approved CE Providers
ASHA-approved continuing education automatically meets Arkansas requirements. The Arkansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ArkSHA) annual convention is another popular option for earning CE hours while networking with colleagues and learning about current research.
Coordinating with ASHA CCC-SLP Maintenance
If you hold the CCC-SLP credential, you need 30 CE hours every three years for ASHA certification renewal. By completing 10 hours annually for your Arkansas license, you’ll stay on track for both requirements. ASHA’s CE requirements closely align with Arkansas standards, making it efficient to maintain both credentials simultaneously.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Arkansas
Arkansas offers competitive compensation for speech-language pathologists. The state also provides a strong job market with one of the highest concentrations of SLP positions in the nation. This combination of robust demand and attractive salaries makes Arkansas an appealing location for SLP careers.
Statewide Salary Data
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Arkansas SLPs earn:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $58,420 | $28.09 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,590 | $32.98 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $84,060 | $40.41 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,830 | $48.48 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,280 | $59.75 |
Regional Salary Variations
SLP salaries vary across Arkansas metropolitan areas. Urban regions typically offer higher compensation due to higher living costs and greater demand. Here’s the salary data for major Arkansas metros:
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Area
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $54,070 | $26.00 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $82,350 | $39.59 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,700 | $58.99 |
Fort Smith Metropolitan Area
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $58,100 | $27.93 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $85,440 | $41.08 |
| 90th Percentile | $119,580 | $57.49 |
Hot Springs Metropolitan Area
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,310 | $27.07 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $86,920 | $41.79 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,020 | $61.55 |
Jonesboro Metropolitan Area
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,000 | $25.48 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $81,730 | $39.29 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,840 | $59.06 |
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metropolitan Area
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,270 | $28.98 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $86,450 | $41.56 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,800 | $60.00 |
Arkansas stands out nationally for SLP employment opportunities. The state has one of the highest concentrations of SLP jobs in the nation and offers higher average salaries than five of its six neighboring states. The US Department of Labor projects an average of 220 SLP job openings annually in Arkansas between 2020 and 2030.
This combination of strong job growth (38%), high job concentration, and competitive salaries creates exceptional career prospects for licensed SLPs in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Arkansas?
The complete process takes 6-7 years from the start of your bachelor’s degree. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree (or longer if completing prerequisites), two years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and approximately one year for your clinical fellowship. Some students complete the process faster by attending accelerated programs or by entering graduate school with a CSD undergraduate degree.
What is the Praxis passing score for Arkansas SLP licensure?
Arkansas requires a minimum score of 162 on the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology. The exam is scored on a 100-200 scale. This score requirement matches ASHA’s standard for the CCC-SLP certification, so a score of 162 or higher satisfies both Arkansas licensure and ASHA certification requirements.
How much does a speech-language pathologist make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for SLPs in Arkansas is $84,060, with an average hourly wage of $40.41. Entry-level positions typically start around $58,000-$68,000 annually, while experienced SLPs in the 90th percentile earn $124Percentilere per year. Salaries vary by location, with metropolitan areas like Little Rock and Hot Springs generally offering higher compensation.
Do I need ASHA certification to practice as an SLP in Arkansas?
No, ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is not required for Arkansas state licensure. However, many employers prefer or require ASHA certification, and it can simplify your license application process. The CCC-SLP also provides national credential recognition, making it easier to obtain licensure in other states if you relocate. Most Arkansas SLPs pursue both state licensure and ASHA certification.
Can I get an Arkansas SLP license with an online degree?
Yes, Arkansas accepts master’s degrees from online programs accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The program must meet all standard requirements, including 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience. Many students choose online programs for their flexibility while completing clinical hours at approved sites near their location.
What is the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA)?
ABESPA is the state regulatory board that oversees speech-language pathology and audiology licensure in Arkansas. The board issues licenses, processes applications, enforces professional standards, and handles license renewals. All practicing SLPs in Arkansas must hold an active license issued by ABESPA. The board operates under the Arkansas Department of Health and maintains offices in Little Rock.
How much does Arkansas SLP licensure cost?
The initial application fee is $100 (ABESPA has temporarily reduced this to $5; check current pricing on the ABESPA website). Annual license renewal also costs $100. Additional costs include the Praxis examination fee (approximately $150), transcript fees, and any continuing education courses you take. Total first-year licensing costs typically range from $25 to $4,000, with annual renewal costs of $20 to $300, including required CE courses.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas requires a CAA-accredited master’s degree, a 36-week clinical fellowship, a Praxis score of 162+, and ABESPA licensure to practice as an SLP.
- The projected job growth for SLPs in Arkansas is 38% through 2030, which is nearly double the national average of 19%
- The median Arkansas SLP salary is $84,060 annually, with experienced practitioners earning $124,280 or more in the 90th percentile.e
- Both online Percentilecampus CAA-accredited programs are accepted for Arkansas licensure, providing flexibility in completing your education.
- Arkansas has one of the highest concentrations of SLP jobs nationally and offers higher salaries than most neighboring states.
- Annual license renewal requires 10 continuing education hours, with at least five hours addressing specific content areas outlined by ABESP.A
- 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 Arkansas SLP Career?
Explore CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs accepting applications now. Find the right program to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed SLP in Arkansas.
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.