To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Kansas, you’ll need a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program (including 400 supervised clinical hours), pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162+, and complete a 9-month clinical fellowship under supervision. The complete process takes 6-7 years from undergraduate studies through licensure, with Kansas SLPs earning a median salary of $81,360 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.
- 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.
If you’re ready to join the growing number of speech-language pathologists improving lives across Kansas, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know. From graduate program selection through licensure and career development, we’ll walk you through each requirement set by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
Speech-language pathologists in Kansas address critical communication and swallowing disorders that affect people across all age groups. Whether you’re interested in working with children managing stuttering or tongue-tie issues, or helping older adults recover speech abilities after a stroke, Kansas offers diverse professional opportunities in clinical, educational, and rehabilitation settings.
The path to licensure is substantial but straightforward. You’ll earn your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, complete supervised clinical experience, pass a national examination, and maintain ongoing professional development. This guide breaks down each requirement with specific details about timelines, costs, and career outcomes in Kansas.
Step 1: Complete an ASHA-Accredited Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology
Kansas requires all applicants to hold a master’s degree or equivalent education in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). This accreditation standard ensures your education meets national professional requirements recognized by both state licensing boards and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Program Format Options
Both online and campus-based programs meet Kansas licensure requirements when properly accredited. Online programs offer significant flexibility, allowing you to access coursework and complete assignments on your own schedule while maintaining other responsibilities. Traditional on-campus programs provide immediate access to university resources and in-person faculty interaction. Regardless of format, you’ll face the same rigorous academic standards and clinical training requirements.
Most programs require strong undergraduate preparation in the sciences. If you’re transitioning from another field, many graduate programs offer bridge courses covering essential foundational content during your first semester.
Graduate Curriculum Requirements
Your graduate program will provide comprehensive training across multiple specialty areas. Core coursework typically includes:
- Applied Phonology – Sound patterns and speech production systems
- Fluency Disorders – Assessment and treatment of stuttering and cluttering
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication – Technology solutions for severe communication impairments
- Autism Spectrum Disorders – Communication intervention strategies
- Motor Speech Disorders – Treatment of apraxia and dysarthria
- Voice Disorders – Vocal health and rehabilitation techniques
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanisms – Structural foundations of communication
- Early Language Development – Pediatric assessment and intervention
- Swallowing Disorders – Dysphagia evaluation and management
- Neurological Foundations – Brain function related to communication
Required Clinical Practicum Experience
Your graduate program includes a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours as part of your ASHA-accredited education. This hands-on experience consists of 25 hours of guided clinical observation and 375 hours of direct client contact. At least 325 of these hours must be completed at the graduate level, though some programs allow you to count up to 75 undergraduate clinical hours toward the total.
You’ll work directly with clients across diverse settings and populations under the supervision of ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists. Your clinical rotations expose you to varied practice environments, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and outpatient clinics. This supervised experience ensures you develop competency in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention before graduating.
For online students, clinical placement coordinators help identify qualified supervising SLPs in your geographic area, allowing you to complete all required clinical experiences locally while maintaining the flexibility of distance education. Supervision must meet ASHA standards, including a minimum of 25% direct observation of your clinical work.
Program Timeline and Commitment
| Program Component | Time Commitment | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Prerequisites | 4 years (if needed) | Biology, physics, statistics, phonetics |
| Graduate Coursework | 2 years full-time | 36-60 credit hours depending on program |
| Clinical Practicum (ASHA Requirement) | Throughout program | 400 supervised hours (25 observation + 375 direct contact) |
| Thesis/Capstone | Final semester | Research project or comprehensive exam |
Step 2: Complete a 9-Month Clinical Fellowship Under Supervision
After graduation, Kansas requires a minimum of nine months of supervised postgraduate professional experience through a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY). This supervised practice period bridges your academic training with independent clinical practice, allowing you to refine your skills while working with real patients under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Fellowship Structure and Requirements
Kansas offers flexibility in how you complete your fellowship:
- Full-time schedule: 35+ hours per week with 80% of time in direct patient contact (9-month minimum)
- Part-time schedule: Minimum 15 hours per week with 100% in direct patient contact
- Extended timeline: Part-time fellowships can extend up to 18 months to accumulate required experience
- Consistent commitment: You can’t work less than 15 hours weekly and have it count toward experience
Temporary License Application
You’ll need a temporary license before beginning your fellowship. Kansas issues these for 12-month periods with one renewal option for part-time fellows. The application requires:
- License application form (temporary license designation)
- Supervised Postgraduate Professional Experience Plan
- $65 application fee
- Official transcripts from your graduate program
- Documentation of your supervising SLP’s credentials
Fellowship Activities and Learning Objectives
During your clinical fellowship, you’ll engage in the full scope of professional practice while receiving regular mentorship and feedback. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient assessment: Conducting evaluations and diagnostic testing
- Treatment planning: Developing individualized therapy programs
- Therapeutic intervention: Implementing evidence-based treatment strategies
- Documentation: Maintaining clinical records and progress reports
- Professional collaboration: Working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Research application: Integrating current research into clinical practice
- Advocacy awareness: Understanding legislative and policy issues affecting the field
ASHA CCC-SLP Concurrent Pursuit
Your Kansas clinical fellowship hours count toward earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA. While not required for Kansas licensure, the CCC-SLP credential enhances employment opportunities and is often preferred by healthcare employers. Many SLPs pursue both credentials simultaneously to maximize the value of their fellowship experience.
Step 3: Pass the National Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
Kansas requires passing the Praxis examination with a minimum score of 162 on the 100-200 point scale. This standardized assessment measures your knowledge across all major areas of speech-language pathology practice and serves as the primary competency verification tool for state licensure.
Examination Structure and Content
The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam consists of 132 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 150 minutes. The test is divided into three equally weighted content areas:
- Foundations and Professional Practice (33%): Professional ethics, research methodology, evidence-based practice, cultural competence, service delivery models
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis (33%): Standardized testing procedures, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, case history analysis
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment (33%): Treatment planning, therapeutic techniques, progress monitoring, outcome measurement, discharge planning
Registration and Testing Options
You can register for the exam through the Praxis registration portal. Kansas offers multiple testing locations throughout the state, typically at universities and testing centers in major metropolitan areas. Remote online proctoring is also available, allowing you to complete the examination from home under live monitoring if you prefer this option.
ETS provides comprehensive study materials and practice tests to help you prepare. Many graduate programs also offer Praxis preparation courses or study groups to support your success.
Score Requirements and Timeline
Kansas accepts the 162 minimum score for both state licensure and ASHA’s CCC-SLP certification. Your official scores become available approximately two weeks after your test date. You can take the exam before completing your clinical fellowship, during your fellowship, or after completion, though most candidates test during or immediately after graduate school when academic content remains fresh.
Pursuing ASHA Specialty Certifications
After passing the Praxis and earning your CCC-SLP, you can pursue ASHA specialty certifications in focused practice areas. These voluntary advanced credentials demonstrate exceptional expertise in specific domains:
- Child Language and Language Disorders
- Fluency and Fluency Disorders
- Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
- Intraoperative Monitoring
Specialty certifications can lead to advanced practice roles, higher compensation, and specialized career opportunities. They require additional clinical hours in the specialty area, continuing education, and demonstrated competency through portfolio review.
Step 4: Obtain Your Kansas Speech-Language Pathology License
Once you’ve completed your fellowship and passed the Praxis examination, you’re ready to apply for full Kansas licensure. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services processes all applications and typically issues licenses within 4-6 weeks of receiving complete documentation.
License Application Requirements
Your application packet must include:
- Completed license application form with permanent license designation
- Supervised Postgraduate Professional Experience Documentation form signed by your fellowship supervisor
- Official transcripts sent directly from your graduate program to KDADS
- Official Praxis examination scores sent from ETS
- $135 license application fee (payable to KDADS)
- Verification of any other state licenses held (if applicable)
Beginning Your Professional Career
After licensure, many speech-language pathologists return to the facility where they completed their clinical fellowship. This transition offers several advantages since you’re already familiar with the practice environment, patient population, and clinical team. However, Kansas provides diverse employment opportunities across multiple settings.
The Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) Career Center posts job openings throughout the state. Common positions include:
- School-based SLPs: Working with students in public and private educational settings
- Medical SLPs: Hospital-based acute care and inpatient rehabilitation
- Skilled nursing facilities: Long-term care and rehabilitation services
- Outpatient clinics: Community-based therapy services
- Early intervention programs: Birth-to-three developmental services
- Private practice: Independent clinical services
- Academic positions: University faculty and clinical educator roles
Private Practice Considerations
If you have entrepreneurial interests and sufficient capital, establishing a private practice offers significant professional autonomy. You’ll create services aligned with your clinical vision, set your own schedule, and potentially earn a higher income. However, private practice requires business management skills beyond clinical expertise, including marketing, billing, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and financial management.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Kansas licenses renew on a two-year cycle, requiring 20 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. These professional development activities ensure you remain current with evolving clinical practices, research findings, and regulatory standards throughout your career.
Approved Continuing Education Activities
KDADS maintains specific requirements for acceptable continuing education venues and formats:
- Professional conferences: State and national association meetings
- Workshops and seminars: Pre-approved educational sessions
- Academic courses: Graduate-level university coursework
- Self-study programs: Online modules and journal courses with assessment components
- Webinars: Live or recorded presentations from approved providers
Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association Resources
The Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association supports licensure maintenance through multiple channels. The annual KSHA conference provides concentrated continuing education opportunities while facilitating professional networking with colleagues across the state. KSHA also maintains a directory of approved CE providers and distributes updates about regulatory changes, reimbursement policies, and advocacy initiatives affecting Kansas practitioners.
Professional Development Strategy
Strategic continuing education advances your clinical skills while meeting licensure requirements. Focus your professional development on:
- Emerging treatment approaches in your primary practice area
- New assessment tools and diagnostic techniques
- Technology applications in clinical service delivery
- Cultural competence and health equity issues
- Business and leadership skills for career advancement
Speech-Language Pathology Salary and Career Outlook in Kansas
Speech-language pathologists in Kansas earn competitive salaries significantly above the state’s median income across all occupations. Compensation varies based on geographic location, practice setting, experience level, and specialty certifications, but Kansas SLPs consistently report high job satisfaction due to the meaningful nature of their work combined with strong financial stability.
Statewide Salary Overview
Kansas speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $81,360, with a mean salary of $84,230. Entry-level positions typically start around $55,440 annually (10th percentile), while experienced professionals in specialized settings can exceed $114,080 per year (90th percentile). The substantial salary range reflects differences in practice setting, geographic location, experience level, and additional credentials.
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Geographic location significantly impacts compensation, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher salaries than rural regions. The following table shows average annual and hourly wages across Kansas’s major employment markets:
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka | $83,260 | $40.03 |
| Metro St. Joseph | $83,200 | $40.00 |
| Rural Kansas | $82,880 | $39.85 |
| Metro Kansas City | $81,340 | $39.11 |
| Wichita | $80,680 | $38.79 |
| Lawrence | $80,680 | $38.79 |
| Manhattan | $79,640 | $38.29 |
Salary Ranges by County and Region
The following data represents the complete salary range from the 10th percentile (entry-level positions) through the 90th percentile (highly experienced specialists) across Kansas’s most populated regions:
| Region | Annual Range | Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | $53,110 – $140,470 | $25.54 – $67.54 |
| Rural Kansas | $52,740 – $131,330 | $25.36 – $63.14 |
| Topeka | $54,800 – $119,470 | $26.35 – $57.44 |
| Metro Kansas City | $52,920 – $118,040 | $25.44 – $56.75 |
| Wichita | $52,140 – $114,400 | $25.07 – $55.00 |
| Metro St. Joseph | $55,690 – $113,800 | $26.78 – $54.71 |
| Manhattan | $62,380 – $103,850 | $29.99 – $49.93 |
Employment Growth Projections
The Kansas employment outlook for speech-language pathologists remains exceptionally strong. Workforce projections indicate a 22% increase in SLP positions between 2020 and 2030, generating approximately 140 new openings annually throughout this ten-year period. This growth rate substantially exceeds the average for all occupations, driven by aging population demographics, increased awareness of developmental disorders, and expanded insurance coverage for speech therapy services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Kansas?
The complete pathway takes 6-7 years from starting undergraduate education through licensure. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for your master’s program (including 400 clinical hours completed during the program), and 9 months minimum for your clinical fellowship. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can complete the process in approximately 3 years.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship on a part-time basis in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas allows part-time clinical fellowships with a minimum commitment of 15 hours per week. Part-time fellows must dedicate 100% of their work time to direct patient contact and can extend their fellowship up to 18 months to accumulate the required experience. You’ll need to renew your temporary license once if completing the fellowship part-time, which requires an additional application and fee.
Do I need to be a Kansas resident to obtain licensure?
No, Kansas doesn’t require state residency for licensure. You can apply for Kansas licensure regardless of where you live, though you’ll need to maintain the license through continuing education if you practice in Kansas. Many speech-language pathologists hold licenses in multiple states to maintain practice flexibility across state lines.
Are online speech-language pathology programs accepted for Kansas licensure?
Yes, online master’s programs are fully accepted for Kansas licensure as long as they hold ASHA CAA accreditation. The key requirement is accreditation status, not delivery format. Online students complete the same 400 clinical hours as campus-based students, working with local supervising SLPs arranged through the program’s clinical placement coordinator. All supervision must meet ASHA standards, including a minimum of 25% direct observation.
What’s the difference between Kansas state licensure and the ASHA CCC-SLP credential?
Kansas state licensure is a legal requirement to practice as a speech-language pathologist in Kansas, issued by the state government. The ASHA CCC-SLP is a voluntary national professional certification that demonstrates you’ve met ASHA’s clinical competency standards. While both use the same Praxis score and clinical fellowship requirements, many employers prefer or require the CCC-SLP in addition to state licensure. Most practitioners pursue both credentials simultaneously.
How much does it cost to become licensed in Kansas?
Direct licensing costs include $65 for your temporary license (during fellowship), $135 for your permanent license, and approximately $150 for the Praxis examination. Your graduate program tuition varies significantly by institution, ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000 for the complete degree. Financial aid, assistantships, and scholarships can substantially reduce these costs.
What continuing education requirements must I meet to maintain my Kansas license?
Kansas requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. These hours must come from approved sources, including professional conferences, workshops, university courses, or self-study programs. The Kansas Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual conference is an excellent resource for meeting these requirements while networking with colleagues across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Complete pathway timeline: Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Kansas takes 6-7 years, including undergraduate preparation, master’s degree, and clinical fellowship, with flexibility for part-time completion options.
- ASHA accreditation is mandatory: Your graduate program must hold CAA accreditation from ASHA for Kansas to accept your degree, regardless of whether you choose online or campus-based education.
- Clinical hours during program: The required 400 supervised clinical hours (25 observation + 375 direct contact) are completed during your master’s program, not during the post-graduate fellowship.
- Praxis score requirement: You need a minimum score of 162 on the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis examination, which also meets ASHA’s CCC-SLP requirement if you pursue that credential.
- Strong career outlook: Kansas projects 22% employment growth through 2030, creating approximately 140 new SLP positions annually with median salaries of $81,360.
- Biennial license renewal: Maintain your Kansas license through 20 hours of continuing education every two years from approved professional development sources.
- 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 Kansas SLP Career?
Explore ASHA-accredited programs that meet Kansas licensure requirements. Compare online and campus-based options to find the program that fits your schedule and career goals.
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.