To become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Maine, you’ll complete a CAA-accredited master’s degree in SLP, finish a 36-week clinical fellowship under supervision, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and apply for licensure through the Maine Board of Speech, Audiology, and Hearing.
Maine’s rural geography creates unique opportunities for speech-language pathologists who embrace innovation. With demand for SLP services growing across the Pine Tree State, professionals here are pioneering teletherapy solutions that reach children and adults in remote communities who struggle with stuttering, swallowing disorders, and fluency disorders.
- 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 number of SLP jobs in Maine is projected to increase 18% through 2030, driven by an aging population and expanded access to speech therapy services. The path to licensure requires dedication, but Maine’s licensing process through the Board of Speech, Audiology, and Hearing follows a precise sequence that takes most candidates 2.5 to 3 years to complete.
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Maine requires SLP candidates to earn a master’s or doctoral degree from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). This ensures your education meets national standards for clinical practice and prepares you for the licensing exam.
CAA-accredited online speech-language pathology programs offer particular advantages for Maine residents. Given the state’s rural geography and long distances between universities, online programs provide flexibility without requiring relocation. These programs maintain the same rigorous standards as on-campus options while accommodating students who work or have family obligations.
Undergraduate Preparation
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders to pursue SLP graduate education, though it streamlines the process. Most master’s programs in speech-language pathology accept students from various undergraduate backgrounds and offer prerequisite coursework to build foundational knowledge.
Standard prerequisite courses include:
- Speech and Language Development
- Speech Science
- Diagnostic Audiology
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
- Phonetics
Graduate Curriculum and Clinical Hours
Master’s programs typically require 48-60 credits completed over two to three years. Coursework combines theoretical knowledge with practical application through supervised clinical experiences. Core graduate courses include:
- Articulation and Phonology Disorders
- Voice Disorders
- Language Disorders in Children
- Neurocognitive Disorders in Adults
- Diagnostic Process in Speech-Language Pathology
- Seminar in Clinical Procedures
Your program must include at least 400 clinical practicum hours to meet Maine’s licensing requirements. This breaks down into 25 hours of client observation and 375 hours of direct client contact. These hours expose you to diverse communication disorders across different age groups and settings.
Step 2: Complete a 36-Week Clinical Fellowship
After earning your master’s degree, you’ll transition to supervised professional practice through a clinical fellowship. This 36-week experience bridges academic training and independent practice, allowing you to apply your knowledge under the mentorship of licensed speech-language pathologists.
Maine requires anyone providing SLP services to hold a license, including clinical fellows. You’ll need to apply for a temporary permit before starting your fellowship. The application requires completing the licensure application and paying a $71 fee.
What to Expect During Your Fellowship
Your clinical fellowship exposes you to real-world scenarios requiring assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and client advocacy. ASHA’s Scope of Practice for SLPs outlines the breadth of skills you’ll develop, from conducting comprehensive evaluations to collaborating with families and other healthcare professionals.
You’ll secure a fellowship position the same way you’d pursue any professional opportunity. Consider your career interests and long-term goals when selecting a placement. Many fellows continue with their fellowship employer after obtaining full licensure, so choose a setting that aligns with your professional aspirations, whether that’s schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination
The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology examination is the national licensing exam required for Maine licensure. You can register on the Praxis website after completing your clinical fellowship, though some candidates register before fellowship completion to schedule convenient test dates.
Exam Format and Content
The exam consists of 132 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 150 minutes. Maine requires a passing score of 162 on a scale of 100-200. The test is divided into three equal sections:
| Content Area | Percentage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | 33% | Communication factors, wellness and prevention, counseling and collaboration, research methodology |
| Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis | 33% | Developmental disorders, fluency assessment, hearing and swallowing evaluation, case history development |
| Treatment Planning and Implementation | 33% | Fluency and swallowing treatment, cognitive-communication disorders, prognosis development, and treatment recommendations |
Praxis offers official preparation materials that outline the exam structure and provide practice questions. Many candidates also use study groups, online courses, and review materials to prepare.
CCC-SLP Certification
While not required for Maine licensure, you can pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) certification through ASHA after passing the Praxis. This national credential enhances professional opportunities and demonstrates your commitment to clinical excellence. If you completed your education and fellowship outside of Maine, submitting the CCC-SLP certification can simplify the state licensing application process.
Step 4: Obtain Your Maine SLP License
Maine offers multiple pathways to full licensure depending on where you completed your training and clinical fellowship.
If You Completed Your Fellowship in Maine
Converting your temporary license to permanent status is straightforward. Submit documentation of your completed fellowship and Praxis scores to the Board. The conversion costs $50 and typically processes within a few weeks.
If You Trained Outside Maine
Complete the standard Application for Licensure and submit your graduate transcripts, fellowship documentation, and Praxis scores. Alternatively, if you hold a current CCC-SLP certification, you can submit that credential along with your graduate transcript. The application fee is $71.
Licensure by Reciprocity
If you’re currently licensed in another state and not under investigation or disciplinary action, you can apply under reciprocity. You’ll need to provide proof of your current license and documentation showing your state’s standards are comparable to Maine’s requirements. The fee remains $71.
Career Opportunities for Licensed SLPs in Maine
With a license in hand, diverse professional paths open to you. Many SLPs transition directly to full-time employment after completing their clinical fellowship, building on established relationships and familiarity with the setting. Maine’s healthcare facilities, school districts, and rehabilitation centers actively recruit licensed professionals.
Independent practice offers another option. Some SLPs establish private practices, traveling to clients’ homes or offering teletherapy services. Telepractice has become increasingly popular in Maine, allowing providers to reach rural communities while maintaining flexible schedules.
ASHA offers specialty certifications that complement your CCC-SLP credential and demonstrate expertise in specific areas:
- Swallowing and feeding disorders
- Intraoperative monitoring
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Child language and language disorders
These specialty certifications enhance marketability and credibility, particularly important for independent practitioners offering specialized services. Learn more about Clinical Specialty Certification through ASHA.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Maine requires annual license renewal to maintain an active status. The Board sends renewal notifications, and you can complete the renewal process online. The yearly renewal fee is $50.
You must complete 10 continuing education hours annually to keep your license current. This requirement aligns with ASHA’s CCC-SLP maintenance standards so that you can satisfy both credentials simultaneously without duplicating effort.
Continuing Education Resources
The Maine Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSLHA) provides continuing education opportunities through its annual conference, workshops, and online courses. MSLHA membership offers additional benefits, including:
- Access to a statewide professional network
- Career advancement resources
- Professional advocacy and legislative updates
- Reduced rates on continuing education courses
Salary and Employment Outlook in Maine
Speech-language pathologists in Maine earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s growing demand for communication disorder services. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Maine employs 780 SLPs with substantial compensation across experience levels.
Statewide Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th PercentilPercentileevel) | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,550 | $33.92 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $79,440 | $38.19Percentile |
| rage) | $84,840 | $40.79 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,680 | $47.44 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $111,920 | $53.81 |
The average annual salary of $84,840 reflects Maine’s commitment to attracting and retaining qualified SLP professionals. As you build expertise and specialize in particular areas, earnings typically move toward the higher percentiles.
Employment Projections
Maine expects approximately 60 SLP job openings annually through 2030, reflecting both new positions and the replacement of retiring professionals. This steady demand creates favorable conditions for career stability and advancement.
Maine’s SLP concentration ranks among the nation’s highest per capita. The state’s 780 licensed SLPs are distributed across key regions:
- Rural Southwest Maine: 260 SLPs
- Portland metro area: 230 SLPs
- Bangor region: 110 SLPs
- Rural Northeast Maine: 100 SLPs
Regional Salary Variations
Location significantly influences earning potential in Maine. Metropolitan areas typically offer higher average salaries than rural regions, though the cost of living varies accordingly. Here’s how salaries break down across Maine’s primary employment regions:
| Region | Average AnPercPercentile | y Range (10th-90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Portsmouth | $90,280 | $58,860 – $114,810 |
| Portland | $83,030 | $67,230 – $99,870 |
| Bangor | $81,680 | $63,320 – $102,150 |
| Lewiston | $80,610 | $57,680 – $97,950 |
| Metro Dover | $78,440 | $52,360 – $102,830 |
| Rural Southwest Maine | $77,770 | $49,130 – $102,310 |
| Rural Northeast Maine | $72,020 | $35,980 – $97,100 |
Metro Portsmouth and Portland offer the highest average salaries, while rural Northeast Maine shows the widest salary range, reflecting varied practice settings and experience levels in remote areas.
Teletherapy Innovation in Maine
Maine has emerged as a leader in telepractice solutions for rural healthcare. University of Maine professor Judy Walker developed a groundbreaking videoconferencing program that connects speech-language pathologists with clients in remote areas. The initiative, funded by a $174,000 grant from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine, addresses critical gaps in service delivery for both aging residents experiencing stroke-related communication challenges and children with developmental needs like autism.
This teletherapy model has expanded internationally, partnering with schools in Fiji to demonstrate its global applicability. The success of Maine’s telepractice programs creates opportunities for SLPs interested in innovative service delivery models that overcome geographic barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed SLP in Maine?
Most candidates complete the process in 2.5 to 3 years. This includes two years for a master’s degree, 36 weeks (approximately 9 months) for the clinical fellowship, and time for the Praxis exam and license application. If you need prerequisite courses before starting graduate school, add 6-12 months to this timeline.
Can I practice as an SLP in Maine with an out-of-state license?
No, you must hold a Maine license to practice in the state. However, Maine offers licensure by reciprocity if you’re currently licensed in another jurisdiction. You’ll need to demonstrate that your state’s requirements are comparable to Maine’s standards and show you’re not under investigation or disciplinary action. The reciprocity application fee is $71.
Do I need CCC-SLP certification to work in Maine?
No, CCC-SLP certification is not required for Maine licensure. However, many employers prefer or require this credential, and it can simplify the licensing application if you completed training outside of Maine. The CCC-SLP also opens opportunities for specialty certifications and demonstrates commitment to national professional standards.
What’s the Praxis passing score for Maine?
Maine requires a score of 162 or higher on the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology examination. The exam uses a 100-200 scale, and scores are typically available within 2-3 weeks of your test date. You can retake the exam if needed, though you’ll pay the full exam fee again.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship remotely through teletherapy?
Maine allows supervised teletherapy as part of your clinical fellowship, particularly given the state’s innovative telepractice programs. However, you’ll need a temporary Maine license before providing any services, and your supervisor must hold current Maine licensure. Confirm with potential fellowship sites whether they offer teletherapy opportunities and ensure the experience meets ASHA’s Clinical Fellowship requirements.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Maine?
Direct licensing costs include the temporary license for your clinical fellowship ($71), the Praxis exam fee (approximately $170), and your permanent license application ($71 if applying from out of state, or $50 if converting your temporary license). Annual renewal costs $50. These fees don’t include graduate program tuition, which varies by institution.
What continuing education opportunities does Maine offer for SLPs?
The Maine Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSLHA) provides the primary continuing education resources for state SLPs, including an annual conference, workshops, and online courses. Many SLPs also use national ASHA resources, online platforms, and university programs to complete their required 10 annual continuing education hours. Maine accepts ASHA-approved continuing education so that you can fulfill both state and national certification requirements simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
- Education requirement: Complete a CAA-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology with at least 400 clinical practicum hours (25 observation, 375 direct client contact)
- Clinical fellowship: Complete 36 weeks of supervised professional experience under a licensed Maine SLP with a temporary license ($71 fee)
- Licensing exam: Pass the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology examination with a minimum score of 162
- Salary expectations: Maine SLPs earn an average of $84,840 annually, with experienced professionals earning $920 in the 90th percentile
- Employment outlook: Approximately 60 annual job openings projected through 2030, reflecting 18% job growth and Maine’s commitment to expanding communication disorder services
- Continuing education: Maintain licensure through annual renewal ($50) and 10 continuing education hours per year
Ready to start your path to SLP licensure in Maine? Explore CAA-accredited graduate programs that fit 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.