To become an SLP in Louisiana, you need a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program, complete 400 clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), and complete a 36-week clinical fellowship under supervision. Louisiana SLPs earn a median salary of $65,770 annually, and the process typically takes 6-7 years from bachelor’s to licensure.
Among all the rich musical flavors of American speech, the accents from Bayou country may be the most beloved in the country. But it doesn’t come easy to everyone living here. Everything from spasmodic dysphonia to aphasia can create real challenges in communication. Worse, some conditions can result in problems with swallowing and eating, creating genuinely life-threatening conditions.
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Fortunately, these issues can be corrected or mitigated by the speech-language pathologists working across the Pelican State.
Not just anyone can practice speech therapy here, though. To become licensed as a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana, you need to meet qualifications set by the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The Board requires a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders, a 9-month clinical fellowship, and a passing score on the SLP Praxis exam. You’ll follow these steps to gain the experience needed to qualify.
Step 1. Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology
To qualify for licensure as a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana, you must hold a graduate degree from an accredited university in speech-language pathology. Your total educational preparation must consist of at least 75 semester hours specific to SLP courses, 36 of which must be at the graduate level.
There are nine master’s programs in Louisiana that are fully accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation. Each covers all the necessary coursework and practicum hours.
There are also increasing numbers of online programs offered by schools across the country that meet the same standards. Online programs provide a greater degree of flexibility in terms of course scheduling and program pacing, allowing you to complete the requirements for graduation at your own pace.
Foundational Course Requirements
Many master’s programs in the field of communication sciences and disorders do not require that you have a bachelor’s degree in the same field. If you do have such a degree, many of your undergraduate classes will count towards the state semester-hour requirement for SLP courses.
If you hold an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area, you’ll find most institutions allow you to satisfy prerequisite foundational courses online at the beginning of your program. Those classes can include:
- Introduction to Developmental Communication Disorders
- Phonetics and Phonological Systems
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Neurological Bases of Communication
These give you the fundamentals you’ll need to hit the ground running with your graduate courses.
Graduate Courses and Clinical Practicum
The actual master ‘s-level courses you’ll need are a step up in terms of the information they deliver and the skills they teach. In any fully accredited graduate program in communicative disorders and sciences, the classes offered will share similarities. Here’s a sample of the classes provided at the University of Louisiana, Monroe:
- Research in Speech-Language Pathology
- Seminar in Articulation
- Language Disorders in Children
- Augmentative/Alternative Communication
- Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist
As a part of your graduate program, you’ll also be completing a clinical practicum. The State of Louisiana requires a 400-hour practicum as a part of the licensing requirements, completed under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. This is the same number you’ll need for national certification, as well.
You’ll also have a chance to take electives to help round out your skillset for specific specializations or areas of interest in speech therapy. You may decide to zoom in on apraxia treatment, or on technologies for augmentative and alternative communication. It’s an opportunity to get a jump on your future career path in SLP and build your foundational skills.
Step 2. Gain Required Professional Experience (RPE) Through a Clinical Fellowship Program
The Louisiana Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology requires 9 months (36 weeks) of full-time postgraduate professional experience, supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist.
To complete your RPE, also called a clinical fellowship, you need to apply for a Provisional SLP License on the LBESPA website. This gives you the authority to perform practice under supervision for the duration of your fellowship. You’ll need to send in a transcript from your graduate program indicating you’ve graduated and completed a 400-hour clinical practicum.
Your provisional license can be renewed each year for up to three years. You have to complete your RPE in those three years.
After you find a fellowship position, you need to submit the Supervision Agreement Form to verify that you are beginning your RPE with a provisional license.
During your RPE, you’ll be gaining firsthand experience as a speech-language pathologist. To help with the learning process, ASHA has developed the Scope of Practice for SLPs to outline many of the basic concepts you will be expected to master, including:
- Assessment and treatment
- Counseling
- Leadership
- Client advocacy
- Application of new technologies
Step 3. Pass the National Examination and Consider Pursuing the CCC-SLP Credential
You absorb a lot of knowledge and skill between your fellowship and classroom work. You’ll have to prove it on the national standard examination.
You need to pass the national SLP exam within a year of receiving your provisional license, whether or not you complete your RPE in that period of time.
You can sign up to take the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam using the instructions on the registration page. You’ll be able to choose from test centers across the state, or in a neighboring state if that’s more convenient. There’s even an online option available with remote proctoring. The exam is national, so it doesn’t matter where you take it.
The exam has a 150-minute limit and 132 questions. The test is divided into three equal categories.
The exam focuses on material that you will have learned during your graduate studies or in actual practice during your clinical fellowship. It falls into three categories:
- Foundations and Professional Practice – 1/3 of the exam
- Wellness and prevention
- Development of disorders
- Characteristics of common disorders
- Research methodology
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis – 1/3 of the exam
- Communication disorders
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- Assessing factors that influence disorders
- Social aspects of communication
- Causes of genetic and developmental disorders
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment – 1/3 of the exam
- Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
- Establishing methods for monitoring treatment
- Treatment of speech sound production issues
- Communication impairments related to cognition
You can study for the exam using the Praxis Preparation Materials. To pass, you need to score at least 162 on a scale of 100-200.
Certification of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Another option many Louisiana SLPs choose is to earn the CCC-SLP (Certification of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology) credential through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Earning the CCC-SLP is not required to become licensed in Louisiana. On the other hand, it’s worth considering for the respect it garners and the increased mobility it offers, since the credential is recognized nationally.
You’ll have to meet the same basic standards as for Louisiana licensure regarding education, practicum, and fellowship experience. However, that information will need to be submitted to ASHA and the state to qualify. With numerous specialty certifications that can also be stacked onto the credential, it’s a real game-changer later in your career.
Step 4. Become Licensed and Begin Your Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Louisiana
After taking the exam, you’ve completed the three major licensure requirements:
- Earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology that included a 400-hour clinical practicum
- Worked 9 months with a licensed speech-language pathologist to complete your Required Professional Experience
- Passed the national SLP exam
You can now apply for your Louisiana SLP license. Applications are made online through the LBESPA website. You’ll have to submit your transcripts, the required RPE evaluations from your mentor, and the Praxis test scores directly from the company. You will also need to undergo a criminal background check.
Louisiana may accept a current CCC-SLP as proof enough of passing your exam and clinical practicum requirements.
It’s also possible to obtain a license through reciprocity if you hold a current, in-good-standing permit issued by an AAA state with terms similar to those required by Louisiana.
Once your submission packet is complete and accepted, you’ll start immediately on a 60-day grace period during which you can begin work before the Board has made a decision. The assumption is that you will qualify and be awarded a license during those two months.
Once you’ve received your full license, you’ll find that the career options for licensed SLPs in Louisiana are vast.
Considering Your Options When Pursuing SLP Job Openings
Many SLPs have a job waiting for them at the clinic or hospital where they completed their RPE, making for an easy transition into a permanent career.
If you’re interested in pursuing different SLP Jobs in Louisiana, start by searching through the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association Career Center page. Here you’ll find local employers who have posted new job openings for SLPs and Audiologists, as well as search results from the web beyond what was posted here.
As a licensed SLP, you’ll be qualified to work in public schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and nursing homes. One of the largest clinics in Baton Rouge is the Emerge Center. Emerge is an excellent clinic founded in the 1960s to help children who had gone deaf from rubella. Today, they offer speech, hearing, and autism services, among many others.
Starting A Private Practice
Perhaps you have a different career goal in mind, though. Starting your own practice as an independent practitioner can be an excellent option for reaching that goal your own way. You can hire your own specialized team of SLPs, audiologists, and autism experts, and create an inviting and supportive atmosphere for your patients and their caregivers.
It’s a path that requires you to take on leadership and management roles as well as providing therapy, so it’s not for everyone. But it comes with a freedom and flexibility that many SLPs cherish.
Earning Specialty Certifications
Your shot at getting some jobs shoots up enormously if you can show you have particular expertise working with some specific issues or populations. You can demonstrate this by earning specialty certifications through ASHA on top of your CCC-SLP.
These certifications demonstrate to employers and clients alike that you have exceptional skill in a particular area of communicative science.
ASHA offers four specialty certification options:
- Intraoperative monitoring
- Swallowing disorders
- Fluency disorders
- Child language and language disorders
You can read more about these on the ASHA Clinical Specialty Certification page.
Step 5. Maintain SLP Licensure and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
After you earn your license, you need to renew it every year. You’ll have to complete 10 hours of continuing education each year to comply with license maintenance requirements through the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. That also meets ASHA standards for maintaining your CCC-SLP.
You can renew your license by logging onto the Board website.
The Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA) offers continuing education classes each year through its annual conference. If you become a member of the Association, various conference attendance fees are waived. Additionally, there are benefits in belonging to a national network that provides professional advocacy and client support.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Louisiana
Louisiana is a national leader in speech-language pathology. Even though it’s the 25th most populous state, it ranks fourth nationally for the highest concentration of SLP jobs. That’s an illustration of the high value the state places on its SLPs.
Rural central Louisiana mirrors this trend. Of all rural areas in the nation, Louisiana’s backroads and swamps have the third-highest concentration of SLPs.
SLP salaries in Louisiana reflect this strong demand. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024, Louisiana employs 3,110 speech-language pathologists. The statewide median salary is $65,770 annually, or $31.62 hourly. SLPs at the high end of the spectrum (90th Percentile) earn $108,070 or $51.96 per hour.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,360 | $25.65 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,780 | $40Percentile |
| ercentile | $108,070 | $51.96 |
Between 2020 and 2030, the number of SLP jobs in Louisiana is forecast to increase at a rate above the national average for this field, with a median percentile of 110 SLP jobs over this time frame.
In addition to experiencing rapid job growth, New Orleans and Baton Rouge are home to nearly 42% (1,150) of Louisiana’s speech-language pathologists.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries in Louisiana by Region
Like any state, though, salaries can vary depending on where exactly you are located. Differences in demand, cost of living, and other factors drive pay rate splits. You’ll want to explore different areas of the state if you’re unsure where to start your practice.
The range of SLP salaries are listed below from average to high (90th Percentile), StarPercentilerural Central Louisiana, the area with the highest average salary:
| Louisiana Region | Annual Range | Hourly Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rural Central Louisiana | $92,530 – $130,250 | $44.49 – $62.62 |
| Rural Northeast Louisiana | $85,280 – $156,000 | $41.00 – $75.00 |
| Alexandria | $79,280 – $142,590 | $38.12 – $68.56 |
| Baton Rouge | $78,680 – $122,090 | $37.83 – $58.70 |
| New Orleans | $76,800 – $108,760 | $36.92 – $52.29 |
| Shreveport | $73,840 – $105,390 | $35.50 – $50.67 |
| Monroe | $69,900 – $101,320 | $33.61 – $48.71 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $69,520 – $101,120 | $33.43 – $48.61 |
| Lake Charles | $66,620 – $111,160 | $32.03 – $53.44 |
| Rural Southwest Louisiana | $66,560 – $98,710 | $32.00 – $47.46 |
| Hammond | $64,170 – $78,900 | $30.85 – $37.93 |
| Lafayette | $62,230 – $82,430 | $29.92 – $39.63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Louisiana?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree (with 400 clinical hours), and 9 months for your clinical fellowship. You must also pass the Praxis exam during this time. Some students complete the journey more quickly through accelerated programs or by entering graduate school with foundational coursework already completed.
Can I become an SLP in Louisiana with an online degree?
Yes, Louisiana accepts online master’s degrees as long as the program is accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). You’ll still need to complete 400 in-person clinical practicum hours and a 9-month supervised fellowship in Louisiana or another state. Many accredited universities now offer hybrid or fully online coursework with arranged clinical placements.
What’s the difference between Louisiana state licensure and ASHA certification?
Louisiana state licensure is required to practice as an SLP in Louisiana and is regulated by the Louisiana Board of Examiners. The CCC-SLP credential from ASHA is a voluntary national certification that demonstrates clinical competency and is recognized across all states. While Louisiana licensure is mandatory, the CCC-SLP offers increased job mobility and is preferred or required by many employers nationwide.
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Louisiana SLP license?
Yes, Louisiana requires 10 hours of continuing education each year to renew your license. These hours help you stay current with the latest research and techniques in speech-language pathology. The Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA) offers annual conferences and workshops that count toward this requirement, and ASHA also provides numerous continuing education opportunities.
Can I work in Louisiana schools with just my SLP license?
Yes, with your Louisiana SLP license, you can work in public schools. However, you may also need to obtain a teaching credential or educational certification, depending on the specific school district’s requirements. Many Louisiana school districts prefer or require the CCC-SLP credential as well. Check with individual districts about their particular requirements beyond state licensure.
How much does the Louisiana SLP licensing process cost?
The costs include your Praxis exam fee ($150), Louisiana license application fee (approximately $100-150), background check (around $50), and transcript fees. If you also pursue ASHA certification, add roughly $300 for the CCC-SLP application. Annual license renewal in Louisiana costs around $75-100. These fees are separate from your graduate program tuition and clinical fellowship expenses.
What happens during the clinical fellowship in Louisiana?
During your 9-month (36-week) clinical fellowship, you work full-time under the supervision of a licensed SLP while holding a provisional license. Your supervisor observes your clinical work, provides feedback, and helps you develop independent clinical skills. You’ll gain experience in assessment, treatment planning, and documentation while working with real patients. Your supervisor completes regular evaluations that you’ll submit to the Louisiana Board upon completion.
Key Takeaways
- Complete a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program with at least 400 clinical practicum hours and 75 total semester hours in SLP coursework.
- Pass the Praxis exam with a minimum score of 162 within one year of receiving your provisional license.e
- Complete a 36-week (9-month) supervised clinical fellowship under a licensed Louisiana SLP to gain the required professional experience.
- Louisiana SLPs earn a median salary of $65,770 annually, with the highest-paying regions including rural central and northeast Louisiana.a
- Job growth for Louisiana SLPs is projected at 22% through 2030, creating approximately 110 new openings per year.
- Maintain your license by completing 10 hours of continuing education annually, and consider earning the CCC-SLP credential for national recognition. tion
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Louisiana?
Explore ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs that meet Louisiana’s licensing requirements and begin your path toward helping Louisiana families communicate better.
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.