To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Kentucky, you’ll complete a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, finish a 9-month clinical fellowship (1,260 hours), pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
A growing community of speech-language pathologists across Kentucky ensures that children and adults in the Bluegrass State have access to high-quality speech-language therapy services. Career projections reflect this flourishing community. Over the decade leading up to 2030, the number of Kentucky SLP jobs is forecast to increase by 25%, well above the national rate of 19%. That amounts to an average of 210 SLP job openings per year 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 Kentucky Children’s Hospital is one example of robust speech-language pathology services available to children in Kentucky. The Children’s Hospital team includes speech-language pathologists who provide a wide array of services, including treatments for social communication disorders, traumatic brain injury, and specialized care for complex communication needs.
To join this rapidly growing profession, you’ll need to be licensed by the state. This is where high-quality care begins. It’s not an easy path, but it offers rewards for both you and your community. You’ll follow these steps to become a speech-language pathologist in Kentucky by earning your SLP license through the state’s Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology:
Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology
To qualify for SLP licensure in Kentucky, you must earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that has been accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).
At least six universities in Kentucky have programs that meet that standard. Not everyone can relocate or rearrange their lives to complete a traditional master’s degree. Institutions across the country, including some in Kentucky, offer accredited online programs. This can be an excellent option for working professionals with busy schedules.
Foundational Courses for SLP Graduate Degrees
Completing an undergraduate program in communication sciences and disorders provides the most direct route to earning a master’s degree in the same field. You can still pursue a master’s degree in SLP if you possess an undergraduate degree in another field. You’ll need to complete several prerequisite courses or a pre-professional program before commencing your graduate studies.
Most institutions that offer SLP graduate programs accommodate incoming students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds by offering foundational courses online to facilitate an easy transition to graduate-level coursework.
Graduate Courses and Clinical Practicum
With the basics out of the way, you can get into the more advanced subjects that SLPs master. Graduate degree programs include coursework in subjects such as:
- Diagnosis of Communicative Disorders – Assessment techniques and diagnostic protocols
- Advanced Language Disorders – Complex language impairments across the lifespan
- Advanced Fluency Disorders – Stuttering, cluttering, and related conditions
- Motor Speech Disorders – Dysarthria, apraxia, and neurological conditions
- Professional Issues in Communicative Disorders – Ethics, evidence-based practice, and professional standards
Your graduate program will include a clinical practicum of at least 375 hours, which you must complete to graduate and meet state requirements for licensure. ASHA has slightly different standards for its national certification, the CCC-SLP (discussed in more detail below), requiring 400 hours. Make sure you hit the correct numbers depending on your goals.
CAA-Accredited Programs in Kentucky
Six CAA-accredited master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology are available through campus-based programs in Kentucky:
- Eastern Kentucky University – Master of Arts in Education in Communicative Disorders
- Murray State University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- University of Kentucky – Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
- University of Louisville – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- Western Kentucky University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- Brescia University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Step 2: Gain Required Professional Experience Through a Clinical Fellowship Program
You must complete at least 9 months of full-time professional experience, including at least 1,260 practice hours, through a clinical fellowship before you can become licensed in Kentucky. You can also complete your fellowship on a part-time basis, but it must be finished within a 24-month timeframe.
You’ll work under the supervision of a state-licensed speech-language pathologist during this time. You can’t perform hands-on work as an SLP, even under supervision, without legal authority. So you must complete an Application for Interim Licensure within 30 days of starting your Required Professional Experience (RPE) and submit it to the Board, along with:
- Your SLP master’s degree transcripts
- A written plan detailing your supervisor’s qualifications and job setting
- A $50 license fee payment
Your interim license is suitable for 24 months while you complete your clinical fellowship.
What You’ll Learn During Your Clinical Fellowship
During your RPE, you’ll gain firsthand experience as a professional speech-language pathologist. Many SLPs work in diverse environments, so their skills are flexible and tailored to the needs of each patient. You’ll develop these with your mentor’s feedback, mastering the hands-on concepts you first learned in class.
ASHA has drafted a Scope of Practice for SLPs that provides clarity and a framework applicable to all scenarios. Your fellowship will be spent developing leadership and research skills, assessing and diagnosing procedures, and addressing legislative and advocacy issues.
Step 3: Pass the Speech-Language Pathologist Praxis Examination
The final step to licensure is the national SLP exam, administered by Praxis and developed by ASHA. Passing this exam qualifies you for your Kentucky SLP license.
You must register for the exam by following the instructions on the registration page. You can choose any Praxis test location in Kentucky or a nearby state if that’s more convenient. Online testing is an option as well, provided a proctor can remotely monitor you as you test at home.
Exam Format and Content
The exam consists of 132 questions that must be completed in 150 minutes. The test is divided into three different categories. You can view those categories and study for the exam using study materials from Praxis:
- Foundations and Professional Practice – 1/3 of the exam
- Characteristics of everyday communication and swallowing disorders
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery
- Documentation
- Professional Ethics
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis – 1/3 of the exam
- Communication Disorders
- Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
- Developing Case Histories
- Assessing factors that influence communication and swallowing disorders
- Assessment of anatomy and physiology
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment – 1/3 of the exam
- Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
- Initiating and prioritizing treatment and development goals
- Determining appropriate treatment details
- Communicating recommendations
- Following up on referrals and treatment recommendations
The passing score on the exam is 162 out of 200.
Optional CCC-SLP Certification
After passing the Praxis SLP exam, you may also be eligible to apply for CCC-SLP certification. The CCC-SLP is not required to become a licensed SLP in Kentucky, but many SLPs find it beneficial when applying for jobs and advancing in the profession, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to the field.
You’ll have to submit all the same information to ASHA as you do to the Kentucky Board, including exam scores, clinical fellowship experience, and graduate degree transcripts.
Many SLPs also earn specialty certifications from ASHA that reflect their specific skill sets. These include:
- Intraoperative monitoring
- Swallowing disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Child language and language disorders
These can be a big help if you’re angling for positions in specific kinds of clinics or with certain populations. You can read more about the available options on the ASHA Clinical Specialty Certification page.
Step 4: Become Licensed and Begin Your Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist
With all your training and assessment steps concluded, you’re ready to push the button on your Kentucky SLP license application.
You will need to fill out the Application for License as a speech-language pathologist and submit it to the Board with your exam scores and an official transcript from your graduate program. The Board will also need a signature from your fellowship supervisor, signifying that you completed your approved plan of post-graduate professional experience.
The application fee for a Kentucky SLP license is $50, which has to be included along with the initial $100 license fee.
It’s also possible to become licensed via reciprocity if you hold a license in good standing in another state as an SLP. You will have to meet the same standards, but if you have a CCC-SLP, that may be accepted as proof that you’ve met all the requirements.
Finding a Job as an SLP in Kentucky
After earning their license, many SLPs find employment at the same clinic or hospital where they completed their RPE. The Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association (KSHA) is another resource for finding local openings. Employers post new listings from local hospitals, therapy clinics, and rehabilitation centers. KSHA is also a great networking resource where you can make personal contacts that can lead to opportunities down the road.
Many SLPs work in the public school system, providing educational support to students with communication disabilities. Working in the public school system requires additional licensure, as summarized by ASHA. Contact local school districts for job openings.
Choose to become an independent practitioner. You’ll be able to develop your own treatment programs, hire specialized speech-language pathologists and audiologists, and offer peace of mind to caregivers and patients. It’s a challenging option, requiring you to manage a business alongside providing therapy, but it often gives rewards in terms of freedom and flexibility. Explore SLP career opportunities and work settings to learn more about your options.
Step 5: Maintain SLP Licensure and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
Your SLP license must be renewed every two years, and you must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. An approved provider must provide that training. The Board provides an annual list of approved organizations.
Your license renewal must be completed online through a Kentucky Department of Professional Licensing eServices account. Licenses must be renewed by the end of January every two years.
Continuing Education Opportunities
In addition to career advantages, KSHA also offers continuing education opportunities. The organization sponsors a number of both online and in-person events that count toward continuing education requirements. The annual convention provides another chance to get up to date on LP therapy.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Kentucky
The average SLP salary in Kentucky is $86,260 annually, or $41.47 hourly (2024 data). As you gain experience and expertise in the field, you’ll find yourself moving up the ladder. At the top end of the salary spectrum, that figure jumps to at least $113,410 annually, or $54.53 per hour. For context on how Kentucky compares to other states, explore speech-language pathology salaries nationwide.
SLP Salaries in Kentucky by Region
What SLPs make is subject to market forces like any other position. It can vary according to local demand and the cost of living. You’ll want to check out the ranges in different areas before you decide where to begin your career.
| Region | Annual Mean Salary | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (Statewide) | $86,260 | $41.47 |
| Louisville | $94,500 | $45.43 |
| Metro Cincinnati | $92,630 | $44.53 |
| Lexington | $82,460 | $39.64 |
| Owensboro | $84,709 | $40.76 |
| Bowling Green | $80,800 | $38.85 |
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
You can also compare the following salary figures that range from the 10th to 90th percentiles for speech-language pathologists in Kentucky:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,080 | $29.37 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,140 | $32.28 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $82,910 | $39.86 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,190 | $49.13 |
| 90th Percentile | $113,410 | $54.53 |
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
Between 2020 and 2024, the number of SLP jobs in Kentucky increased by more than 21% to 2,520 professionals. Rural Central Kentucky has the 5th-highest number of SLP jobs of any nonmetropolitan area in the country. More than 12% of Kentucky’s speech-language pathologists practice in this area.
Private clinics offer SLPs opportunities to practice in specialized areas of treatment. Many small, specialized clinics and individual practices operate across the state to provide services directly to clients with speech and swallowing difficulties. There’s also a steady stream of opportunities at larger healthcare providers, such as hospitals, rehab facilities, or retirement communities.
Schools are a major employer of SLPs, with demand for screening and early-childhood treatment in nearly every community. No matter where you end up, it’s a job that offers high levels of personal satisfaction and a healthy paycheck.
Notable Private Practices in Kentucky:
- Crestwood: Chatter Box
- Florence: NKY Speech Therapy.com
- Louisville: Associates in Pediatric Therapy
- Louisville: Shamrock Speech Therapy, LLC
- Owensboro: Medical Speech Pathology, Inc.
- Owensboro: Simply Therapy
- Shepherdsville: Associates in Pediatric Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in Kentucky?
It typically takes 6-7 years to become a licensed SLP in Kentucky. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and 9 months for your clinical fellowship. If you need prerequisite courses before starting your master’s program, it may take longer.
What GPA do I need to get into SLP grad school in Kentucky?
Most SLP graduate programs in Kentucky require a minimum GPA of 3.0, though competitive programs often look for GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Programs consider your overall GPA and performance in prerequisite courses. Strong GRE scores, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation can help offset a lower GPA.
Can I get my SLP license in Kentucky with an out-of-state degree?
Yes, you can get your Kentucky SLP license with a degree from any CAA-accredited program in the United States. Your program doesn’t have to be in Kentucky. The Kentucky Board accepts graduates from any accredited program who meet the state’s other requirements, including the clinical fellowship, Praxis exam, and application process.
How much does the Kentucky SLP license cost?
The initial Kentucky SLP license costs $150 total: a $50 application fee plus a $100 license fee. You’ll also pay $50 for an interim permit while completing your clinical fellowship. License renewal every two years costs approximately $100. These fees don’t include costs for the Praxis exam ($150) or your graduate education.
What’s the difference between state licensure and CCC-SLP?
Kentucky state licensure is required to practice as an SLP in Kentucky, while the CCC-SLP is a national certification from ASHA that’s optional but recommended. State licensure allows you to work legally in Kentucky. At the same time, CCC-SLPs demonstrate a higher level of professional commitment and are often preferred or required by employers, especially in medical settings.
Do I need a doctoral degree to practice in Kentucky?
No, you don’t need a doctoral degree to practice as an SLP in Kentucky. A master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program is sufficient for licensure and most clinical positions. Doctoral degrees (PhD or EdD) are typically pursued by those interested in research, university teaching, or advanced clinical specialization.
Can I practice as an SLP in Kentucky while completing my clinical fellowship?
Yes, but you must obtain an interim license within 30 days of starting your clinical fellowship. This interim license allows you to practice under supervision while completing your Required Professional Experience (RPE). The interim permit is valid for 24 months and costs $50. You cannot practice without this interim license, even under supervision.
Key Takeaways
- Master’s degree required: Complete a CAA-accredited program in speech-language pathology (2 years, six universities in Kentucky offer programs)
- Clinical fellowship: Complete 9 months minimum (1,260 hours) of supervised professional experience with an interim license
- Pass Praxis exam: Score 162 or higher on the national SLP examination (132 questions, 150 minutes)
- License costs: $150 initial license ($50 application + $100 license fee), renewed every 2 years for $100
- Continuing education: 30 hours required every two years from approved providers
- Strong career outlook: Average salary $86,260 (2024), 25% job growth projected through 2030, 210 new positions annually
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Kentucky?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Kentucky. Explore accredited programs, compare options, and find the path that fits your 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.