To become a speech-language pathologist in Iowa, you need a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program, 400 supervised clinical hours, a passing Praxis exam score of 162 or higher, and completion of a 9-month clinical fellowship. The entire process takes 6-7 years, and Iowa SLPs earn a median salary of $82,210 annually.
- 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.
Iowa has shown a strong commitment to speech-language pathology services across all age groups. The Iowa Department of Education emphasizes comprehensive support for students with communication disorders in public schools, offering speech therapy services through age 21. This dedication, combined with growing demand in private practices, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, has created exceptional opportunities for SLPs in Iowa.
The number of SLP positions in Iowa is projected to grow by 30% through 2030, significantly outpacing the 19% national average. With competitive salaries and high job satisfaction, Iowa offers an attractive career path for aspiring speech-language pathologists.
Below, you’ll find the complete roadmap to Iowa SLP licensure, from selecting a graduate program through maintaining your professional credentials.
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Your path to becoming an Iowa SLP starts with earning a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), which operates under the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). CAA accreditation ensures your education meets the rigorous standards required for both state licensure and national certification.
CAA accredits both traditional campus-based programs and online master’s programs. Online programs have become increasingly popular among working professionals who need flexible scheduling while maintaining full-time employment. Whether you choose online or on-campus, accreditation status is what matters most for your future licensure.
If you have an undergraduate degree in communicative sciences and disorders (CSD), you’ll enter graduate programs with a strong foundation. If your bachelor’s is in another field, many programs accept students who complete prerequisite courses before beginning graduate-level work.
Common prerequisite courses include:
- Introduction to Audiology
- Clinical Phonetics
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
- Neuroanatomy and Communication
- Science of Language
Iowa Graduate Programs
Iowa offers three CAA-accredited campus-based master’s programs:
- Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa
- Master of Speech-Language Pathology at St. Ambrose University
- Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Northern Iowa
Most Iowa programs require 60-65 credits of graduate coursework. The University of Iowa’s program provides a representative example of what you can expect in your graduate studies.
Graduate-level courses typically include:
- Introduction to Hearing Science
- Language Acquisition
- Developmental Speech Disorders
- Psychology of Language
- Introduction to Stuttering
- Rehabilitative Audiology
- Swallowing Disorders
- Phonological Development and Disorders
Required Clinical Practicum
Beyond classroom learning, you’ll complete a 400-hour supervised clinical practicum during your master’s program. This hands-on experience is required for Iowa licensure, the CCC-SLP credential, and graduation from your program. You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist for your practicum hours to count toward Iowa licensure.
The practicum gives you real-world experience assessing and treating clients with various communication disorders across different settings and age groups.
Step 2: Complete a 9-Month Clinical Fellowship
After earning your master’s degree, Iowa requires at least 9 months of full-time supervised clinical experience through a Clinical Fellowship (CF). You’ll work under the mentorship of a licensed speech-language pathologist who supervises your professional development.
Students typically arrange their own fellowship placements, though graduate programs often provide valuable connections and support. Fellowship opportunities appear in the same job boards where you’ll later find regular SLP positions.
Temporary Clinical License
To practice during your fellowship, you’ll need a temporary clinical license from Iowa. The application process runs through the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Bureau of Professional Licensure online portal. You’ll need to create an account to submit your application.
The temporary license application requires:
- Validation of your graduate education
- Application fee of $120
- Clinical Experience Plan outlining your fellowship process
Fellowship Experience
Your Clinical Fellowship serves as a bridge between graduate education and independent practice. During this 9-month period, you’ll develop practical skills in real clinical settings before applying for full licensure.
The ASHA Scope of Practice for SLPs outlines the core competencies you’ll build during your fellowship:
- Leadership and research skills
- Screening, assessment, and training procedures
- Advocacy and outreach programs
CCC-SLP Pathway
If you plan to earn the CCC-SLP (Certification of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology) through ASHA, you’ll complete the Clinical Fellowship Reporting form to document your supervised experience. Otherwise, you’ll submit proof of your fellowship experience directly to IDPH when applying for full licensure.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination
The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology Exam represents the national standard for demonstrating professional knowledge and competency. Both the Iowa licensure and the CCC-SLP credential require passing this examination.
You’ll register for the exam after completing your fellowship by following the instructions on the ETS Praxis registration page. You can select from test centers located at major universities throughout Iowa, or choose the online option with remote proctoring if you prefer testing at home.
Exam Format and Content
The examination allows 150 minutes to complete 132 multiple-choice questions divided across three equally weighted focus areas:
Foundations and Professional Practice (33% of exam)
- Practical ethics
- Legislation and client advocacy
- Wellness and prevention
- Development and performance across a lifespan
Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis (33% of exam)
- Genetic and developmental disorders
- Disease processes
- Communication disorders
- Assessment of disorders
- Augmentative and alternative communication
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment (33% of exam)
- Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
- Determining treatment details
- Monitoring treatment
- Treatment methods
Passing Score
You need to score 162 on a scale of 100 to 200 to pass. This applies to both IDPH licensure and the CCC-SLP credential. The passing threshold reflects rigorous professional standards, so thorough preparation is essential. ETS provides official study materials to help you prepare effectively.
CCC-SLP Credential Option
Once you’ve completed your degree, clinical fellowship, and Praxis exam, you’ll qualify for the CCC-SLP (Certification of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology) through ASHA. This national certification isn’t required for Iowa licensure, but it offers an alternative pathway to demonstrate you’ve met all licensing requirements.
When you hold the CCC-SLP, the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology recognizes that you’ve satisfied all qualifications. This means the Board doesn’t need to separately review your education, practicum, post-professional experience, or exam scores.
ASHA also offers specialty certifications you can pursue on top of your CCC-SLP:
- Child Language and Language Disorders
- Fluency and Fluency Disorders
- Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
- Intraoperative Monitoring
Step 4: Apply for Iowa Licensure
With your education, fellowship, and exam complete, you’re ready to apply for full permanent licensure. The application process runs through the IDPH online portal, with a non-refundable $120 application fee.
Two Application Pathways
Pathway 1: CCC-SLP Credential
If you hold the CCC-SLP from ASHA, submit:
- Official copy of your Certificate of Clinical Competence
Pathway 2: Direct Application
If applying without the CCC-SLP, submit:
- Official transcripts from your master’s program
- Official verification of your 400-hour supervised clinical practicum
- Official verification of 9 months of full-time clinical experience
- Praxis Examination scores
License Reciprocity
If you’ve held a license in another state for at least five years and meet all basic Iowa legal requirements, you may qualify for exam requirement waivers. You’ll need to submit verification that you currently hold an active license in good standing and have maintained licensure for a minimum of five years across one or more states.
Finding Employment
Many SLPs secure full-time positions with the clinic or hospital where they completed their fellowship. You can also search the job listings board on the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ISHA) website for opportunities throughout the state.
Public schools represent a major employment sector for Iowa SLPs due to the strong state emphasis on providing services for students. The Iowa Department of Education maintains a Speech-Language Services page with resources for education-related positions and programs.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Iowa requires license renewal every two years through the IDPH Bureau of Professional Licensing System. You must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle to maintain your license.
This requirement moves faster than the CCC-SLP renewal schedule. The CCC-SLP also requires 30 hours but renews every three years, giving you more time between renewals if you maintain both credentials.
Continuing Education Options
Many Iowa SLPs work with ASHA to find continuing education opportunities. The Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers CE hours through its yearly convention, along with additional member benefits:
- Professional networking opportunities
- Legislative support and advocacy
- Extensive online resources for clinical practice
- Professional development programs
Staying current with continuing education keeps you informed about new research, techniques, and best practices in speech-language pathology while fulfilling your licensure requirements.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Iowa
Iowa SLPs earn a median salary of $82,210 annually, translating to approximately $40 per hour. This compensation compares favorably both regionally and nationally. The top ten percent of Iowa SLPs earn $111,220 or more annually ($53.47 hourly).
Salaries vary significantly across Iowa’s regions and cities. Larger metropolitan areas generally offer higher average salaries than rural regions, though some rural areas present exceptions to this pattern. Rural Northwest Iowa, for instance, offers competitive compensation that exceeds many urban areas in the state.
Iowa Regional Salary Comparison
| Location | Median Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $87,350 ($42.00/hr) | $64,630 ($31.07/hr) | $121,620 ($58.47/hr) |
| Dubuque | $86,320 ($41.50/hr) | $72,540 ($34.88/hr) | $110,560 ($53.16/hr) |
| Iowa City | $84,240 ($40.50/hr) | $60,960 ($29.31/hr) | $116,340 ($55.94/hr) |
| Ames | $83,730 ($40.25/hr) | $61,590 ($29.61/hr) | $116,390 ($55.96/hr) |
| Sioux City | $80,880 ($38.89/hr) | $60,180 ($28.93/hr) | $111,740 ($53.72/hr) |
| Cedar Rapids | $80,710 ($38.81/hr) | $64,930 ($31.22/hr) | $111,220 ($53.47/hr) |
| Rural Northwest Iowa | $80,620 ($38.76/hr) | $59,450 ($28.58/hr) | $103,950 ($49.97/hr) |
| Davenport | $80,510 ($38.71/hr) | $54,650 ($26.28/hr) | $113,420 ($54.53/hr) |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $80,200 ($38.56/hr) | $62,040 ($29.83/hr) | $109,700 ($52.74/hr) |
| Metro Council Bluffs | $78,600 ($37.79/hr) | $53,910 ($25.92/hr) | $109,580 ($52.68/hr) |
Job Growth and Career Satisfaction
The number of speech-language pathologist positions in Iowa is forecast to increase by 30% between 2020 and 2030. This growth rate should generate approximately 130 new jobs annually across the state.
Currently, the largest concentrations of Iowa SLPs work in:
- Metro Council Bluffs – 630 professionals (13% increase from 2019)
- Des Moines – 340 professionals (6% increase from 2019)
- Davenport – 210 professionals (133% increase from 2019)
US News & World Report ranked the SLP profession as the 3rd best job in healthcare based on survey responses showing exceptionally high job satisfaction. Forbes also highlighted speech-language pathology in the top 15 most meaningful jobs with high salaries, based on a survey of 2 million workers.
Iowa SLPs find employment in diverse settings. Licensed professionals work in schools and university audiology and communicative disorder clinics, helping children understand and overcome speech disorders. Iowa also supports a network of private clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities where SLPs assist patients of all ages in recovering communication and feeding abilities.
When you bring independence and connection to people through your work, job satisfaction naturally follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Iowa?
The complete process takes 6-7 years. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree (4 years), completing a master’s program (2-3 years including your 400-hour practicum), and finishing a 9-month clinical fellowship. If you need prerequisite courses before starting your master’s program, add several months to a year to this timeline.
Can I become an SLP in Iowa without a CSD undergraduate degree?
Yes. Many graduate programs accept students from other undergraduate backgrounds. You’ll need to complete prerequisite courses in areas like audiology, clinical phonetics, anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms, and language science before beginning graduate-level coursework. Contact specific programs to understand their prerequisite requirements.
What’s the difference between Iowa licensure and the CCC-SLP credential?
Iowa licensure is your legal requirement to practice in the state, issued by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology. The CCC-SLP is a national credential from ASHA that demonstrates you’ve met professional standards. Iowa accepts the CCC-SLP as proof you’ve satisfied all licensing requirements, but you can also apply directly to Iowa without holding the CCC-SLP. Many SLPs maintain both credentials.
How much do speech-language pathologists earn in Iowa?
The median salary for Iowa SLPs is $82,210 annually ($40/hour). Des Moines offers the highest median pay at $87,350, while Dubuque follows at $86,320. The top 10% of Iowa SLPs earn $111,220 or more per year. Salaries vary by region, experience level, and work setting.
Where do Iowa SLPs typically work?
Iowa SLPs work in diverse settings, including public schools, private practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and university clinics. Public schools represent a significant employment sector due to Iowa’s emphasis on supporting students with communication disorders. Many SLPs also work in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and telepractice positions.
Is the Iowa SLP license portable to other states?
Each state has its own licensing requirements, so Iowa licensure doesn’t automatically transfer. However, if you hold the CCC-SLP credential, many states recognize it as meeting their basic requirements. Some states also offer reciprocity or expedited licensure for professionals who have held licenses in other states for several years. Check specific state requirements before relocating.
What continuing education is required to maintain Iowa licensure?
Iowa requires 30 continuing education hours every two years for license renewal. You can earn CE hours through ASHA courses, the Iowa Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s annual convention, online programs, and approved professional development activities. The requirement helps ensure you stay current with research, techniques, and best practices in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Iowa requires an ASHA-accredited master’s degree plus 400 supervised clinical hours completed during your graduate program
- A 9-month full-time clinical fellowship under licensed supervision is mandatory after graduation
- You must pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher
- Iowa SLPs earn a median salary of $82,210, with Des Moines offering the highest pay at $87,350
- License renewal occurs every two years and requires 30 continuing education hours
- The field is projected to grow 30% through 2030, creating approximately 130 new positions annually
- 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 Iowa?
Explore ASHA-accredited graduate programs and take the first step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Iowa.
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.