To become an SLP in Connecticut, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete a 36-week clinical fellowship (1,080 hours), pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and obtain state licensure through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The entire process typically takes 6-7 years, and Connecticut SLPs earn a median annual salary of $100,550.
- 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.
- 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.
Connecticut’s speech-language pathologists enjoy both professional fulfillment and substantial financial rewards. Ranking among the top-five states nationally for SLP salaries, Connecticut offers a thriving community of practitioners supported by the Connecticut Speech-Language-Hearing Association (CSHA).
Whether you’re drawn to helping children overcome communication challenges, assisting adults with speech disorders, or working with patients recovering from strokes, Connecticut’s diverse healthcare landscape provides countless opportunities. This guide walks you through every step of becoming a licensed SLP in Connecticut, from choosing your graduate program to maintaining your credentials.
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree Program
Connecticut requires a master’s or doctoral degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This accreditation ensures your education meets both Connecticut state requirements and national standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Connecticut Graduate Programs
Connecticut offers two well-established in-state programs:
- University of Connecticut (UConn) – Located in Storrs, UConn’s program is one of the longest-running in New England, with extensive clinical partnerships across the state
- Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) – Based in New Haven, SCSU provides strong connections to urban clinical settings and a diverse patient population.s
Many Connecticut students also choose accredited online master’s programs, which offer flexibility while meeting the same rigorous CAA standards. Online programs require in-person clinical practicums, which you can typically complete at facilities near your home.
Admission Requirements
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders to apply, though it helps. Most programs accept students from any bachelor’s degree background and offer prerequisite courses before graduate-level coursework begins.
Typical prerequisite courses include:
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Phonetics and Phonological Systems
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
- Language Development
- Neurological Bases of Communication
- Introduction to Audiology
Competitive application profiles typically include:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
- GRE scores (if required by program – many programs, including UConn and SCS, no longer require the GRE, but check individual program requirements)
- Clinical observation hours or volunteer experience
- Two to three strong letters of recommendation
- Personal statement explaining your interest in SLP
Graduate Coursework and Clinical Hours
Your master’s program will combine academic coursework with supervised clinical practice. CAA-accredited programs require at least 400 clinical clock hours during your graduate studies.
Core courses typically cover:
- Research Methods in Communication Disorders
- Disorders of Articulation and Phonology
- Language Disorders in Children and Adults
- Fluency Disorders and Stuttering
- Voice and Resonance Disorders
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorders)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
You’ll also choose electives to focus on specific populations or settings, such as autism spectrum disorders, pediatric language disorders, medical speech pathology, or school-based practice.
Step 2: Complete Clinical Fellowship (Supervised Professional Experience)
After graduation, you’ll complete a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) to gain supervised professional experience. Connecticut uses the term “Supervised Professional Experience” (SPE) rather than the more common “Required Professional Experience” (RPE) used in other states.
Connecticut-Specific Terminology: While most states call this requirement “RPE” (Required Professional Experience), Connecticut officially refers to it as “SPE” (Supervised Professional Experience). The requirements are similar, but knowing this terminology helps when reviewing Connecticut regulations.
SPE Requirements in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires:
- Full-time option: 36 weeks, minimum 1,080 hours
- Part-time option: 48 weeks, minimum 1,440 hours
- Supervision: At least six sessions per month, totaling 4 hours minimum
- Direct observation: At least 2 hours over overtwo2 sessions must be on-site, face-to-face supervision
Your supervisor must hold a current Connecticut SLP license. During your fellowship, you’ll work with clients across different age groups and communication disorders, building competence in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and family counseling.
Finding Fellowship Positions
Most graduate programs guide you in finding fellowship positions, but the search is ultimately your responsibility. Many fellowships are posted on general SLP job boards alongside regular positions. Connecticut’s fellowship opportunities span schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, and home health agencies.
After completing your SPE, your supervisor submits a completed evaluation form directly to the Connecticut DPH, verifying your successful completion.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination
Connecticut requires passing the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331) for licensure. You can take this exam before, during, or after your clinical fellowship, though many students prefer to take it shortly after graduation, when the material is freshest.
Exam Details
Register through ETS Praxis and schedule your exam at a testing center or through remote proctoring at home.
- Questions: 132 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 3.5 hours
- Scoring: 100-200 scale
- Connecticut passing score: 162
- Cost: $150 (as of 2024)
Test Content Areas
The exam covers foundational knowledge and clinical practice across these domains:
- Speech sound production and disorders
- Language development and disorders (receptive and expressive)
- Social communication and pragmatics
- Cognitive aspects of communication
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Voice and resonance disorders
- Motor speech disorders
- Hearing and hearing disorders
- Swallowing and feeding disorders
Preparing for the Exam
The official Praxis study companion includes practice questions and test-taking strategies. Many students also use commercial study guides, form study groups with classmates, or take practice exams to identify weak areas.
Connecticut has multiple testing centers, but you’re not limited to Connecticut locations. If you live near the Massachusetts or New York border, you can test at more convenient out-of-state centers.
Optional ASHA Certification
While Connecticut doesn’t require it, passing the Praxis with a score of 162 or higher also qualifies you for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. Most Connecticut employers prefer or require the CCC-SLP, and it facilitates licensure reciprocity if you move to another state.
Important note about Medicaid billing: While many employers prefer the CCC-SLP credential, Connecticut’s Medicaid program does not require it for billing purposes as long as you maintain current state licensure. However, schools and some healthcare facilities may have their own credentialing requirements that include the CCC-SLP.
The CCC-SLP certification takes 6-8 weeks to process after you submit your application to ASHA.
Step 4: Obtain Connecticut Licensure
Once you’ve completed your degree, clinical fellowship, and Praxis exam, you’re ready to apply for Connecticut licensure through the Department of Public Health.
Application Process
Submit your application through Connecticut’s online licensing portal or by paper application (which requires notarization).
Required documents include:
- Completed application form
- $200 application fee
- Official graduate transcript sent directly from your university
- SPE verification form completed by your clinical fellowship supervisor
- Official Praxis score report
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Verification of any out-of-state SLP licenses (if applicable)
Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your Connecticut SLP license and can begin practicing independently.
Starting Your Career
Connecticut offers diverse employment opportunities for newly licensed SLPs:
School Settings: Connecticut’s public and private schools employ hundreds of SLPs to support students with communication disorders, learning disabilities, and special needs. School-based positions typically follow an academic calendar with summers off.
Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities need SLPs to work with patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and progressive neurological conditions. These settings often offer more varied schedules and higher pay.
Private Practice: In Connecticut, SLPs can establish independent practices or join existing clinics. This path offers schedule flexibility and the ability to focus on specific populations or specialties.
Home Health: Many agencies provide speech therapy services in patients’ homes, particularly for elderly clients or those with mobility limitations.
Consider earning ASHA specialty certifications in areas like child language disorders, fluency disorders, or swallowing to stand out to employers and command higher salaries.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
Connecticut SLP licenses must be renewed every two years. To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements and pay the renewal fee.
Continuing Education Requirements
- Required hours: 20 continuing education contact hours every two years
- Qualifying activities: Courses and workshops approved by ASHA, CSHA, or other recognized speech-language-hearing associations
- Online options: Many CEs can be completed online through ASHA’s CE Registry or other approved providers
- Renewal fee: $205
The Connecticut Speech-Language-Hearing Association hosts an annual conference that provides valuable continuing education opportunities while connecting you with colleagues across the state. Recent conferences have featured sessions on childhood apraxia of speech, stuttering interventions, and the PROMPT technique.
Renew your license through the Connecticut eLicense portal before your expiration date to avoid late fees or practice interruptions.
Connecticut SLP Salaries and Job Outlook
Connecticut consistently ranks among the top-paying states for speech-language pathologists, with salaries significantly above the national median. The state’s strong economy, high cost-of-living adjustments, and demand for healthcare services all contribute to competitive compensation.
Statewide Salary Data
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,330 | $30.45 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,670 | $38.78 |
| Median (50th) | $100,550 | $48.34 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,700 | $57.07 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,130 | $69.29 |
Connecticut’s median SLP salary of $100,550 ranks among the top states nationally, with only California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii offering higher median wages. Experienced SLPs with specializations or those working in high-demand settings can earn well above $120,000 annually.
Salaries by Metropolitan Area
The 2024 BLS data provides detailed salary information for Connecticut’s major southwestern metropolitan area. Salaries in this region are among the highest in the state, influenced by proximity to New York City and the high cost of living:
| Metropolitan Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury | $64,010 | $103,430 | $155,220 |
Regional Salary Trends: The Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury metropolitan area, which encompasses much of Fairfield County, offers higher-than-average salaries due to its concentration of private practices and specialized clinics, as well as its proximity to New York City’s healthcare market. Other Connecticut regions (Hartford, New Haven, Norwich-New London, and Waterbury) typically offer salaries closer to the state median of $100,550. However, individual facility types and experience levels significantly impact actual earnings.
Southwest Connecticut Salaries: The Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury region’s median SLP salary of $103,430 reflects the area’s high cost of living and competitive healthcare market. Top earners in this region can exceed $155,000 annually, particularly in specialized private practice or hospital settings.
Employment Outlook
Connecticut’s aging population and increased awareness of early intervention services drive strong demand for SLPs. The state projects 18-22% job growth through 2030, slightly above the national average. Schools face particular shortages, making school-based positions relatively easy for new graduates to secure.
Career Satisfaction
Speech-language pathology consistently ranks among the most satisfying healthcare careers. Recent surveys show:
- US News & World Report ranked SLP as the third-best healthcare job based on salary, job market, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment
- PayScale’s survey of two million workers placed speech-language pathology among the 15 most meaningful jobs that pay well.
- Connecticut SLPs report high satisfaction due to diverse practice settings, substantial salaries, and a supportive professional community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in Connecticut?
The complete process takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s degree (including 400 clinical hours), and 9-12 months for the clinical fellowship. You can take the Praxis exam during graduate school or your fellowship, and the licensure application takes 6-8 weeks to process after you submit all required documents.
Do I need ASHA certification to work as an SLP in Connecticut?
Connecticut doesn’t legally require ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) to practice; only state licensure is required. However, most employers strongly prefer or require the CCC-SLP credential. Connecticut’s Medicaid program accepts state licensure for billing purposes, though individual employers may have their own credentialing requirements. Since you’ll meet all requirements through Connecticut licensure anyway, most SLPs obtain both credentials.
What’s the difference between SPE and RPE?
Connecticut uses the term “Supervised Professional Experience” (SPE) while most other states call it “Required Professional Experience” (RPE). Both refer to the same thing: your post-graduate clinical fellowship year. Connecticut’s SPE requirements (36 weeks full-time or 48 weeks part-time) align with ASHA’s Clinical Fellowship standards, so completing one satisfies both.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship part-time in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut allows part-time clinical fellowships. The full-time option requires 36 weeks and 1,080 hours, while the part-time option extends to 48 weeks and 1,440 hours. Both options require the same supervision structure: at least six sessions per month totaling 4 hours, with 2 hours of direct observation. Part-time fellowships work well if you need to balance family responsibilities or other commitments.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an SLP in Connecticut?
Direct licensing costs include the $150 Praxis exam fee, $200 Connecticut license application fee, and $205 biennial renewal fee. If you also apply for ASHA certification, add $300 for the CCC-SLP application and $225 annual renewal. These costs don’t include graduate school tuition, which varies widely by program but averages $30,000-$80,000 for a master’s degree.
What’s the passing score for the Praxis exam in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires a minimum score of 162 on the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (test code 5331). The exam uses a 100-200 scale, and 162 is also the minimum score required by ASHA for the CCC-SLP credential. The national pass rate typically ranges from 80-85%, and you can retake the exam if needed, though you must wait 21 days between attempts.
Can I transfer my SLP license from another state to Connecticut?
Connecticut offers licensure by endorsement for SLPs already licensed in other states. You’ll need to submit the standard application, fees, and documentation, plus verification of your current license from your original state. If your previous state had similar requirements (master’s degree, Praxis score of 162+, clinical fellowship), the process is typically straightforward and faster than the initial licensure process.
Key Takeaways
- Connecticut requires a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, a 36-week clinical fellowship (SPE), a Praxis score of 162+, and state licensure through the Department of Public Health
- The complete path takes 6-7 years from a bachelor’s degree to full licensure, with most students completing the process in their late 20s
- Connecticut SLPs earn a median salary of $100,550 annually, ranking among the top states nationally and significantly above the $95,410 national median
- Connecticut uses “SPE” (Supervised Professional Experience) terminology rather than “RPE,” but requirements align with ASHA’s Clinical Fellowship standards
- While ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) isn’t legally required, most Connecticut employers prefer or require it for hiring; Connecticut Medicaid accepts state licensure for billing without requiring CCC-SLP
- License renewal every two years requires 20 continuing education hours and a $205 fee, easily completed through ASHA, CSHA, or online providers
- 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.
- 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 Connecticut?
Explore accredited graduate programs that meet Connecticut’s licensure requirements and fit your 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.