To become an SLP in Georgia, you need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program with 75 total credit hours (36 at the graduate level), complete 400 supervised clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), finish 1,080 hours of Required Professional Experience under supervision, and obtain state licensure through the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology. Georgia SLPs earn a median salary of $91,960 and are projected to experience 34% job growth through 2030.
For most people, their first encounter with a speech therapist comes in grade school. For many, that’s the only one they’ll ever have, after being evaluated and examined.
In Georgia, the need for early screening, combined with increasing demand for treatment, has been fueling real growth in the demand for experienced Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Since 2000, Georgia has hosted a growing community of SLPs working in schools across the state.
- 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.
The Georgia Organization of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists was founded in 2000 after a survey indicated parents felt there was a need for better access to SLP services in the state’s public schools. Since the organization’s founding, over 600 SLPs have begun working in schools across Georgia. The organization also works to increase public awareness of speech disorders and provides professional support for SLPs working in the Georgia public school system.
The organization’s success and the treatment its members provide reflect the growing need for skilled SLPs. The number of jobs for SLPs in Georgia’s schools, hospitals, and clinics is expected to grow by 34% over the ten-year period leading up to 2030, significantly outpacing many other healthcare professions.
You can help fill these positions by becoming a speech therapist and earning your SLP license in Georgia. Licenses are issued by the Georgia Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology and require completing these five steps.
Step 1: Earn a Speech Therapist Degree: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology
Georgia has two paths to earning an SLP license. Both require that you complete accredited graduate-level studies to get there.
The Georgia Board of Speech and Language Pathology & Audiology requires you to hold a master’s or higher degree from a CAA (the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s [ASHA] Council on Academic Accreditation) accredited program with a focus in speech-language pathology.
If one of the SLP programs offered by Georgia universities doesn’t quite fit your needs, accredited online programs provide a flexible option for professionals looking to earn a graduate degree while working or attending to other obligations.
To meet Board requirements, you must show evidence of having completed a total of 75 credit hours of speech and language coursework, 36 of which must be in graduate-level classes.
Foundational Undergraduate Courses
Why only 36 graduate course hours? Many speech-language pathologists hold bachelor’s degrees in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, which can serve as the basis for the other coursework. This isn’t an absolute requirement for admission to an SLP graduate program.
If you hold a different undergraduate major, you’ll probably need to take additional foundational coursework through the school to meet prerequisite requirements before transitioning to graduate-level coursework. Many SLP master’s programs come with this option.
Graduate Courses and Clinical Practicum
Those lower-level courses set the stage for more advanced studies when you get to your master’s coursework. Some of the topics studied at the graduate level include:
- Speech and Swallowing Disorders
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication Methods
- Language Development and Disorders in Children
- Dysphagia in Children and Adults
- Phonological Analysis of Normal and Disordered Speech
- Multicultural Issues in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Your master’s program will include a clinical practicum that aligns with state licensing requirements. The State of Georgia requires 400 hours of experience in a clinical practicum, broken down as follows:
- 375 hours must be directly supervised
- 25 hours must be spent observing a wide variety of cases, ages, and disorders
- At least 325 hours must be gained at the graduate level
Step 2: Gain Required Professional Experience (RPE) Through a Clinical Fellowship Program
In addition to your master’s program, you need to complete 1,080 hours of Required Professional Experience (RPE) to meet state licensing requirements in Georgia.
RPE hours are completed under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who is already licensed through the Georgia Board of Speech and Language Pathology & Audiology.
Before you begin your work, you’ll need to obtain a Paid Clinical Experience temporary permit from the Board. This is a provisional license valid for up to 24 months that allows you to legally practice under supervision. It requires that you have met the academic and practicum requirements for SLP licensure, but not yet completed a clinical fellowship. The PCE application costs $30.
RPE Scheduling Options
You can complete your hours at a full-time rate or part-time according to these scheduling models:
- 30 hours a week for 36 weeks
- 25-29 hours a week for 48 weeks
- 20-24 hours a week for 60 weeks
- 15-19 hours a week for 72 weeks
Important: You cannot work for less than 15 hours a week and have the hours count towards your RPE total.
Skills Developed During RPE
The skills you develop during your RPE will carry over to your professional career. Your time working with a licensed SLP will teach you the practical application of many SLP skills as described in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) SLP Scope of Practice. This includes:
- Collaboration
- Counseling
- Education on speech and swallowing disorders
- Assessment and Treatment
- Prevention and Wellness
As you learn these skills and work with patients, you and your supervisor will regularly discuss your progress and the cases you are caring for. It’s a critical piece of your development as a professional SLP, and the documentation of these hours will be needed when you eventually apply for a full license.
Step 3: Pass the National Examination and Apply for Your Georgia SLP License
There’s only one test to worry about on your way to SLP licensure in Georgia, whether you’re applying by certification or by examination: the ETS Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam.
The test is 150 minutes long and has 132 multiple-choice questions. Here is how the exam topics break down:
| Exam Section | Coverage | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | Development, Wellness, Ethics, Documentation, Culturally Appropriate Service | 33% |
| Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis | Communication Disorders, Case Histories, Voice and Motor Speech, Social Communication, Genetics | 33% |
| Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment | Treatment Principles, Speech Sound Production, Fluency, Swallowing and Feeding | 34% |
You need to pass the exam with a score of 162, both to qualify for the CCC-SLP and to be eligible for the Georgia SLP license.
Earning The Optional CCC-SLP Certification
Passing the exam, along with meeting the other educational and fellowship requirements outlined so far, allows you to apply for the CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology), an optional certification offered through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Although it’s not required, if you hold the CCC-SLP, you can apply for licensure in Georgia on that basis. You’ll need ASHA to verify your CCC-SLP. If you already hold a license in another state, that will also have to be verified.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure in Georgia
After being notified that you passed the exam, you can apply for your Georgia SLP license. The license costs $120. You’ll need to submit your test scores, experience verification forms, and a background check consent form along with the application.
It’s also possible to apply for licensure by endorsement if you already hold a license in another state as an SLP. You’ll need your current license board to provide proof that you hold that in good standing, with no disciplinary or other issues at the time of application.
Your license will be granted only after a full review of your qualifications and approval through the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology. It will take the board about 30 days to issue your license if your application packet is complete and includes all the required supporting documents.
Career Opportunities After Licensure
After earning your Georgia SLP license, you’re free to begin working as a professional speech-language pathologist. You have several options moving forward, including the ability to earn specialty qualifications:
- Start an Independent Practice: After earning your SLP license, you have the choice of starting your own independent practice. If there’s demand for an SLP clinic in your local community, this can be a rewarding experience. Running your own practice will allow you to craft a positive speech and language therapy experience for your clients, supervise students completing their master’s programs and RPE requirements, and hire a highly specialized team of qualified speech and language professionals.
- Pursue Job Openings: If you’re not interested in starting your own practice right after earning your license, you can pursue job openings with other organizations. This often means being hired on with the clinic through which you completed your RPE. In Georgia, there’s always a demand for SLPs in the public school systems. The Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association has a list of job openings on its site, which is updated frequently.
- Earn Specialty Certifications: You’re also now in a position to pursue specialty certifications through ASHA, indicating your exceptional skills in different areas of communication disorder studies. ASHA currently recognizes and offers specialty certification in child language and language disorders, fluency and fluency disorders, swallowing and swallowing disorders, and intraoperative monitoring.
Step 5: Maintain SLP Licensure and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Once you earn your Georgia SLP license, you need to keep it up to date by satisfying continuing education requirements.
Your SLP license needs to be renewed every odd-numbered year by March 31. You can complete your renewal online on the Georgia Online Licensing site. It will cost you only $60 to renew.
During each two-year period, you need to complete 20 continuing education hours. Hours do not carry over from one two-year licensing cycle to another.
You can take continuing education courses through the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They frequently host education courses that count towards the 20 required hours.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Georgia
Georgia offers competitive compensation for SLPs, with strong salary growth potential as you advance. According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, speech-language pathologists in Georgia earn impressive salaries across the state.
Georgia SLP Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,360 | $29.02 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,630 | $36.36 |
| Median (50th) | $91,960 | $44.21 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,630 | $50.30 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,920 | $58.13 |
| Mean (Average) | $99,100 | $47.64 |
SLPs towards the high end of the salary spectrum in Georgia earn at least $120,920 annually. You’re most likely to reach this point after several years of practice, possibly after adding specialty certifications along the way.
High Rates of Job Growth for Georgia’s Speech-Language Pathologists
The profession of speech-language pathology ranked as one of “Georgia’s Hot Careers to 2030” based on these criteria:
- Fast job growth
- Above-average wages
- At least 100 expected annual openings per year
The projected job growth rate for SLPs in the state is significantly higher than the national average. On average, there will be approximately 280 SLP job openings every year over the decade leading up to 2030, reflecting strong demand for qualified professionals.
The Atlanta area is home to an unusually large number of speech-language pathologists, at 1,890 professionals. That’s far higher than any other city in Georgia, with the next-closest runner-up being Augusta with 230 SLP professionals.
Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in Georgia’s Major Cities
While Georgia is generally high up in the SLP pay scales, you’ll notice local differences based on things like demand and cost-of-living. As you’re settling on an area to start your practice, these are important factors to consider.
| Metropolitan Area | Annual Median Salary | 10th-90th Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $101,620 | $66,230 – $122,500 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $89,060 | $60,330 – $114,450 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $84,570 | $57,090 – $104,850 |
| Columbus | $86,940 | $57,830 – $113,620 |
| Macon-Bibb County | $87,790 | $58,230 – $112,760 |
| Savannah | $88,580 | $60,900 – $113,150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an SLP in Georgia with an online degree?
Yes, you can become an SLP in Georgia with an online master’s degree, provided the program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. The Georgia Board recognizes CAA-accredited programs regardless of their delivery format. You’ll still need to complete the required 400 clinical practicum hours and 1,080 hours of Required Professional Experience (RPE) under supervision in Georgia.
How long does it take to become a licensed SLP in Georgia?
The complete timeline is typically 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program (including clinical practicum), and 9-18 months for the Required Professional Experience (RPE), depending on whether you work full-time or part-time. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can complete the process in about 3-4 years.
What’s the difference between Georgia state licensure and ASHA certification?
Georgia state licensure is required by law to practice as an SLP in the state, while ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification is optional but highly regarded in the profession. State licensure is issued by the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology and costs $120. The CCC-SLP is a national certification from ASHA that demonstrates you meet rigorous professional standards. Many employers prefer or require the CCC-SLP, and it can help with reciprocity if you move to another state.
How much does the Georgia SLP licensing process cost?
The total cost includes several fees: Praxis exam registration ($162), Paid Clinical Experience temporary permit ($30), background check (varies, typically $30-50), and the initial SLP license application ($120). The total comes to approximately $342-362, not including your graduate program tuition. License renewal every odd-numbered year costs $60, and you’ll need to budget for 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Can I work in Georgia schools with just my SLP license?
Yes, you can work in Georgia public schools with your state SLP license. Georgia doesn’t require a separate teaching certificate for SLPs working in schools. Your license from the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology & Audiology is sufficient to practice in educational settings. Many school districts in Georgia actively recruit SLPs, and the Georgia Organization of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists provides additional support and professional development for SLPs working in schools.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Georgia SLP license?
Yes, Georgia requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your SLP license. These hours must be completed during each renewal cycle and don’t carry over. The Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers numerous courses that meet this requirement. Your license must be renewed by March 31 of every odd-numbered year at a cost of $60.
What happens during the Required Professional Experience (RPE)?
The RPE is a supervised clinical fellowship where you complete 1,080 hours working under a licensed SLP. You’ll work with real patients, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy under supervision. Your supervisor will regularly observe your work and provide feedback. You must work at least 15 hours per week for the hours to count, and the experience can be completed in 36 weeks at full-time or up to 72 weeks at part-time. During this time, you’ll hold a Paid Clinical Experience temporary permit and receive compensation for your work.
- 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
- Education Requirements: Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program with 75 total credit hours (36 at the graduate level) and 400 supervised clinical practicum hours
- Clinical Fellowship: Complete 1,080 hours of Required Professional Experience (RPE) under supervision, working at least 15 hours per week
- Examination: Pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam with a score of 162 or higher
- Licensure Costs: Initial licensing process costs approximately $342-362, including exam fees, temporary permit, background check, and application fee
- Salary and Growth: Georgia SLPs earn a median salary of $91,960 annually, with projected 34% job growth through 2030, creating approximately 280 annual job openings
- Continuing Education: Maintain license with 20 CE hours every two years and biennial renewal by March 31 of odd-numbered years for $60
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Georgia?
Georgia offers exceptional opportunities for speech-language pathologists with strong job growth, competitive salaries, and diverse practice settings. With 34% projected growth and approximately 280 annual job openings, now is an excellent time to pursue your SLP license in Georgia.
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.