To become an SLP in Minnesota, you need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete a 36-week clinical fellowship under supervision, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and obtain state licensure through the Minnesota Department of Health.
- 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.
By helping people with communication, speech, and language issues, speech-language pathologists are more than highly specialized healthcare professionals. They’re advocates who empower people to live better lives. SLPs in Minnesota take that duty very seriously. A prime example of their commitment came in 2015.
Before then, SLP services provided through telehealth platforms weren’t eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Considering that many of Minnesota’s rural communities are relatively isolated, this posed a serious problem for much of the population. But thanks to continued advocacy by Minnesota’s SLP community, there’s a new way of doing things that puts patients’ needs first. Now, Minnesotans everywhere can receive Medicaid-reimbursed telehealth services without ever leaving home.
A decade after this massive win, things are far from perfect. In 2023, Nancy A. Thul, President of the Minnesota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MNSHA), called for state legislators to create a licensing option for speech-language pathologist assistants (SLPAs) because there continues to be a severe shortage of speech-language pathologists in Minnesota, causing an emergency shortage of professionals with expertise in the effective treatment of communication disorders.
Minnesota passed SLPA licensure legislation in 2024 (SF 2982), which takes effect July 1, 2025. This is only part of the solution. The other part is filling the state with fully licensed, extensively trained speech-language pathologists. You can be a part of that effort by earning your SLP license through the Minnesota Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Advisory Council.
Step 1. Earn a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a CAA-Accredited Program
Minnesota has three pathways to licensure as a speech-language pathologist. You can either:
- Earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Meet ASHA’s qualifications for CCC-SLP certification without actually earning the CCC-SLP credential. This pathway requires the same educational standards, clinical hours, and examination as CCC-SLP certification.
- Earn your license in another state and transfer it to Minnesota through its reciprocity program.
No matter which path you choose, the first step to becoming an SLP in Minnesota is earning a Master of Speech-Language Pathology or Master of Science in Communicative Science and Disorders. SLP programs tend to be competitive and admit only a limited number of students each year. While requirements vary depending on the university, most programs will require:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
- GRE quantitative score of 144 or above
- Excellent academic references
You might also consider volunteering in an SLP clinic or working with speech patients to build credibility before applying to a program, especially if your bachelor’s degree isn’t in communicative sciences and disorders.
The Minnesota SLP board requires that you receive your master’s degree from a program that has received accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). There are five CAA-accredited programs in the state, in addition to those available online.
Prerequisites for SLP Graduate Programs
Depending on what you’ve completed during your undergraduate studies, you might need to complete prerequisite classes. According to ASHA, SLP graduate students need to have taken courses in:
- Biological sciences – Physiology, neurobiology, anatomy
- Chemistry or physics – General chemistry, physics fundamentals
- Statistics – Data analysis, research methods
- Behavioral or social sciences – Psychology, sociology, anthropology
If you need to fulfill any of the prerequisite requirements, you can take classes through a community college, online college, or through the school you’re earning your master’s in SLP from. SLP programs often offer online prerequisite courses for new students.
Core Curriculum and Coursework
Once you’re ready to take on the core speech-language pathology curriculum, your classes will be built around ASHA’s Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, one of the single most important documents in the field. This document outlines the services SLPs need to provide, the knowledge they need, and their professional responsibilities.
Each school approaches these topics a little differently, but common core SLP classes include:
- Diagnosis of Communication Disorders
- Dysphagia and Pediatric Dysphagia
- Applications in Communication Modalities
- Seminars in Augmentative Communication
- Orofacial Disorders
- Disorders in Infants and Toddlers
- Disorders in School-Age Children
- Advanced Fluency Disorders
- Neurogenic Language & Speech Disorders
- Tracheostomy, Ventilator Dependency, & Laryngectomy
- Counseling Application
After learning the fundamentals, you’ll take electives on the more advanced and nuanced aspects of the field. A few electives you might take include:
- Audiology in a School Setting
- Cleft Palate Disorders & Treatment
- Treatment within the Autistic Community
- Neurocognitive Disorders & Treatment
Clinical Practicum Requirements
You’ll also complete a clinical practicum through your graduate program. The practicum will allow you to shadow a licensed SLP and learn to perform clinical and diagnostic procedures essential to working in the field. Per ASHA regulations, you’ll complete a minimum of 400 practicum hours, but some programs require students to complete more. Most practicums are part-time, meaning you’ll work and attend classes at the same time.
Step 2. Apply for a Temporary License and Begin a 36-week Supervised Clinical Fellowship
Now that you’ve graduated, you may apply for a temporary license and begin seeking a clinical fellowship sponsor. Your clinical fellowship will be regulated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and you must obtain a temporary license from the Minnesota SLP board to practice during your clinical fellowship, even under supervision.
To apply for your temporary license, you’ll need to mail the following documents to the board:
- Temporary license application, signed by your clinical fellowship supervisor
- Official graduate transcript
You can mail the documents to the Board at:
Minnesota Department of Health
Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing
P.O. Box 64882
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your application to be processed and for you to receive your temporary license. You won’t be able to begin your clinical fellowship until you hear back from the board.
Clinical Fellowship Experience
Your clinical fellowship may be completed through full-time or part-time work, but it must be no less than 36 weeks or 1,260 hours of clinical experience. Through your clinical fellowship, you’ll shadow a licensed SLP and gain experience:
- Assessing patients’ needs
- Diagnosing communicative disorders
- Developing written treatment plans with your supervisor
- Completing administrative tasks
- Working with varied populations
Per ASHA, 80% of your clinical fellowship hours should be spent working directly with patients. Your remaining time can be spent on administrative duties and other professional development activities. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback as you move through the activities and can help you determine which skills you still need to complete.
At the end of the 36-week process, you’ll need to complete the Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form and submit it to ASHA through their online application portal.
Step 3. Pass the National SLP Exam and Consider Earning the CCC-SLP Credential
The next step is to pass ASHA’s National Examination on Speech-Language Pathology. The exam is hosted through Praxis, and you may register through their online portal. To register, you’ll need to provide proof of completion of an SLP master’s degree and a 36-week clinical fellowship.
The exam is scored on a 100-200 scale, and you’ll need a 162 to pass. The questions are made up of topics that you’ll have covered in your core curriculum, such as everyday speech disorders, feeding and swallowing processes, and voice and resonance issues. You can find preparation materials on ASHA’s website.
Test Centers in Minnesota
When it comes time to take the exam, you can take it at home under the supervision of a proctor or at an exam center in:
- Bloomington
- Duluth
- Rochester
- St. Cloud
- Woodbury
You’ll receive your national exam scores in about 3 weeks. Once you’ve received a passing score, you’re eligible to apply for licensure through the Minnesota SLP Board.
CCC-SLP Certification
At this point, you’re also eligible for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA. While you don’t legally need a CCC-SLP in Minnesota, this certification is the gold standard for speech-language pathologists nationwide. Holding it can broaden your job prospects and even help you get licensed in another state. If you choose to become certified, you can apply online.
Step 4. Apply for Licensing and Begin Practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist
You may now apply for licensing from the Minnesota SLP board. You’ll need to mail to the board:
- License Application
- Official graduate transcript
- Proof of completion of a supervised practicum
- Proof of completion of a supervised clinical fellowship
- Passing score on the National Examination in SLP
You’ll need to allow about 6 weeks for the board to process your application and issue your license.
Career Options for Licensed SLPs in Minnesota
Upon becoming licensed as an SLP, you have several options for how to begin your career:
Work for Your Clinical Fellowship Provider
You might consider contacting your clinical fellowship provider about job opportunities at the clinic. Your supervisor can act as a reference for you, and you may already have established relationships with clients and their families. This is often a good way to begin practicing in a familiar environment.
Consider Starting an Independent Practice
Speech-language pathologists help patients with communicative disorders meet their goals. In Minnesota, SLPs are particularly concerned with reaching students in the state’s rural school systems. As a licensed SLP, you’re able to start an independent practice or join a small partnership. If you’d like to focus on just a few clients or a specialty population, this is the route for you.
Pursue Job Openings in Minnesota
Many school systems, rehab clinics, and hospitals in Minnesota hire SLPs to provide speech therapy services. A few of these employers include:
- Family Achievement Center
- Fraser
- Fairview Health Services
- Minnetonka Pediatric Therapy Center
- Hennepin County Medical Center
- Encore Rehabilitation Services
- Intrepid Health
- Allina Health
- Wayzata Public Schools
- Big Stone Therapies
Step 5. Renew Your License Every Two Years and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
The Minnesota SLP board requires that you renew your license every two years with proof of completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education. To renew, you may use the online system.
You can earn continuing education credits through workshops, seminars, conferences, and classes hosted by ASHA, the MSHA, or another state- or nationally-recognized association related to speech-language pathology.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Minnesota
The average SLP salary in Minnesota is $83,990 per year, or $40.38 an hour. That’s higher than the average SLP wage in all neighboring states. Minnesota SLPs at the higher end of the income spectrum break six figures with an annual salary starting at $101,650 or $48.87 an hour.
The Twin Cities offer the highest average SLP salary in the state. They’re also home to 63% of the state’s total workforce of 3,640 SLPs (2,280 professionals). In fact, the St. Paul-Minneapolis area is home to more speech-language pathologists than most other metro areas in the country.
St. Cloud, Rochester, and La Crosse follow the Twin Cities in offering the highest average SLP salaries in the state. As the population of Minnesota grows between 2022 and 2032, the number of SLP jobs in Minnesota is forecast to increase by 18.6%, creating approximately 260 new job openings each year statewide.
Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in Minnesota’s Major Cities
Where you work affects how much you earn. You can compare the following locations throughout Minnesota, sorted with the highest average SLP salary first.
| Location | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Wage Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul | $85,590 – $102,100 | $41.15 – $49.09 |
| St. Cloud | $82,670 – $101,840 | $39.75 – $48.96 |
| Rochester | $82,490 – $95,710 | $39.66 – $46.02 |
| Metro La Crosse | $81,780 – $100,620 | $39.32 – $48.38 |
| Rural Southwest Minnesota | $81,090 – $100,510 | $38.99 – $48.32 |
| Rural Northeast Minnesota | $80,740 – $104,000 | $38.82 – $50.00 |
| Rural Northwest Minnesota | $80,590 – $98,510 | $38.75 – $47.36 |
| Mankato | $80,120 – $97,610 | $38.52 – $46.93 |
| Rural Southeast Minnesota | $79,150 – $98,510 | $38.05 – $47.36 |
| Duluth | $78,910 – $96,320 | $37.94 – $46.31 |
| Metro Grand Forks | $73,140 – $98,610 | $35.16 – $47.41 |
| Metro Fargo | $72,030 – $101,500 | $34.63 – $48.80 |
Respected Clinics Offering SLP Services in Minnesota
In addition to employment in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other residential care settings, private clinics offer job opportunities for speech-language pathologists. Several of these types of clinics operate across Minnesota:
| City | Clinic Name |
|---|---|
| Andover | Family Speech & Therapy Services |
| Duluth | Scottish Rite Language |
| Edina | Family Speech & Therapy Services |
| Edina | Minnesota Voice & Speech Clinic |
| Faribault | Southern Minnesota Speech Pathology |
| Hutchinson | Hutchinson Health Speech Pathology Clinic |
| Inver Grove Heights | Therapy OPS |
| Isanti | Therapy Associates, Inc. |
| Maplewood | Associated Speech and Language Specialists |
| Maplewood | Functional Kids Clinic |
| Maple Grove | Kidspeak |
| Minneapolis | Verbal Design Services, Inc. |
| Minnetonka | Bertone Speech Language & Comm |
| Oakdale | Center for Speech, Language and Learning, Inc. |
| Osseo | Speech and Language Connections |
| Otsego | Family Speech & Therapy Services |
| Plymouth | Associated Speech & Language |
| Plymouth | Minnetonka Pediatric Therapy |
| Shoreview | Associated Speech & Language |
| St. Paul | ACE Speech and Language Clinic, LLC |
| St. Paul | Center for Speech, Language and Learning, Inc. |
| Virginia | Essentia Health-Virginia Clinic: Speech & Language Therapy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Minnesota to get licensed as an SLP?
No, you don’t need to be a Minnesota resident to obtain your SLP license. The state welcomes out-of-state applicants who meet the educational and examination requirements. You can complete your degree and clinical fellowship anywhere, as long as your program is CAA-accredited.
How long does it take to become licensed in Minnesota?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree, 36 weeks for the clinical fellowship, and 6-8 weeks for license application processing. The Praxis exam can be taken during or after your clinical fellowship.
Can I work as an SLP in Minnesota without ASHA certification?
Yes. Minnesota offers three pathways to licensure: earning CCC-SLP certification, meeting ASHA qualifications without certification, or transferring an out-of-state license through reciprocity. While CCC-SLP isn’t legally required, it’s highly valued by employers and may be preferred for certain positions.
Are there online SLP programs in Minnesota?
Minnesota has five CAA-accredited in-person programs. While the state universities don’t offer fully online master’s programs, you can complete CAA-accredited online programs from other states and still qualify for Minnesota licensure, as long as you complete the required clinical hours.
What’s the job outlook for SLPs in Minnesota?
Strong. The number of SLP jobs in Minnesota is forecast to increase by 18.6% between 2022 and 2032. This translates to approximately 260 new job openings each year, particularly in rural areas and through telehealth services, where demand continues to grow.
How much does it cost to get an SLP license in Minnesota?
Licensing fees are relatively modest. The Praxis exam costs $120, and the Minnesota license application fee varies but is typically under $100. Your main costs will be tuition for your master’s program, which varies by institution. The temporary license for your clinical fellowship may have a separate small fee.
Does Minnesota participate in the ASLP Interstate Compact?
Minnesota enacted ASLP Interstate Compact legislation in May 2024, but the state is not yet issuing compact privileges. Full implementation depends on final rulemaking and administrative processes. Once active, the compact will make it easier for licensed SLPs to practice across state lines, particularly for telehealth services. Check the ASLP-IC website for current implementation status.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota offers three pathways to SLP licensure, all requiring a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program and passing the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher.
- The state’s projected job growth of 18.6% (2022-2032) will create approximately 260 new SLP job openings each year, with strong demand in rural areas and telehealth services.s
- Speech-language pathologist assistant (SLPA) licensure takes effect July 1, 2025, following passage of SF 2982 in 2024 to help address Minnesota’s shortage of speech professionals.
- Minnesota enacted ASLP Interstate Compact legislation in May 2024, with full implementation pending final rulemaking to expand telehealth opportunities. The average SLP salary in Minnesota is $83,990 per year, with the Twin Cities metro area offering the highest wages at $85,590-$102,100 annually.
- Licenses must be renewed every two two years, with 30 contact hours of continuing education from ASHA or sa tate-recognized aassociation
- 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 Minnesota?
Explore CAA-accredited speech-language pathology programs in Minnesota and take the first step toward making a difference in your community.
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.