To become an SLP in Missouri, you need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, 400 supervised clinical hours, a passing Praxis score of 162, and completion of a 36-week clinical fellowship. The process takes 6-7 years total, with median salaries of $83,950 for Missouri SLPs as of 2024.
- 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.
Missouri is among 32 states participating in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), making it easier for licensed SLPs to practice across state lines. Whether you’re treating stroke patients, helping children with speech delays, or working with voice disorders, Missouri offers diverse career paths for speech-language pathologists.
The path to licensure in Missouri requires dedication but follows a straightforward process. You’ll earn your graduate degree, complete supervised clinical training, pass a national exam, and finish a clinical fellowship. Most students complete the entire journey in 6-7 years from undergraduate admission to full licensure.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology
A master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program is your first significant step toward SLP licensure. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), part of ASHA, ensures programs meet national quality standards.
Missouri is home to 10 CAA-accredited master’s programs. You can also pursue online master’s degrees from accredited institutions nationwide. Online programs provide the same quality instruction as traditional programs, with your program director helping you locate local clinics for required practicum hours.
Graduate Program Requirements
To gain admission to an SLP graduate program, you’ll typically need:
- Bachelor’s degree (any major accepted)
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- GRE scores
- Resume showing relevant experience
- At least two academic references
Most programs take two years of full-time study to complete. Don’t worry if you lack an SLP background. Programs accept students from all undergraduate majors, though you’ll need to complete prerequisites first.
Required Prerequisites
If your undergraduate coursework didn’t cover these topics, you’ll complete them before or during your first year:
- Fundamentals of Speech-Language Pathology
- Basics of Linguistics
- Intro to Augmentative/Alternative Communication
- Treating Dysphagia (swallowing disorders)
- SLP Services in the Medical Setting
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
Core Curriculum
Your graduate coursework will cover advanced topics in SLP, including:
- Phonetics and phonology
- Early intervention strategies
- Normal language acquisition patterns
- Common language disorders in children
- Language and speech development
- Cognitive-linguistic disorders
- Phonological disorders
- How hearing impairments affect development
Clinical Practicum Requirements
You’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical practica, typically during your final year. You’ll work with actual patients under a licensed SLP’s supervision, learning diagnostic procedures and treatment methods. You’ll complete 400 supervised clinical hours during your graduate program, which fulfills both CAA accreditation standards and Missouri’s licensure requirements.
Step 2: Pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology is a national exam required for Missouri licensure. You can register online through the Praxis website.
Exam Format and Scoring
The exam tests your knowledge of speech-language pathology principles and practices. It includes:
- 132 multiple-choice questions
- Three main content sections
- Scoring scale from 100 to 200 points
- Passing score: 162 (required by Missouri)
The Praxis exam costs approximately $120. You’ll also need to budget for application fees ($25 for provisional, $25 for full license), background check fees if required, and potential travel costs to test centers.
Content Areas Covered
The exam assesses your understanding of:
- Factors influencing communication, feeding, and swallowing
- Epidemiology and characteristics of communication disorders
- Typical language development across the lifespan
- Wellness and prevention strategies
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery
- Counseling, collaboration, and teaming approaches
- Documentation of patient reports
- Developing case histories
- Assessing speech sound production
- Assessing voice, resonance, and motor speech
Missouri Test Centers
You can take the Praxis exam at these 13 Missouri locations:
- Cape Girardeau
- Columbia
- Jefferson City
- Joplin
- Kansas City
- Kirksville
- Lees Summit
- Maryville
- Rolla
- Springfield
- St. Louis
- Warrensburg
- West Plains
The Praxis Study Companion offers practice questions and preparation materials to help you prepare.
Step 3: Apply for Provisional License and Complete Clinical Fellowship
After completing your graduate degree and passing the Praxis exam, you’ll apply for a Speech-Language Pathologist Provisional License through the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. This allows you to begin your clinical fellowship under supervision.
Application Process
While you can submit a paper application, the online process through MOPRO (Missouri Division of Professional Registration) is faster. After creating your MOPRO account, select “apply for license” and complete the online form. The application fee is $25.
Your application must include a completed Clinical Fellowship Plan signed by both you and your clinical fellowship supervisor. Your supervisor must hold a current, unrestricted Missouri SLP license. Allow six weeks for processing once the Board receives your complete application.
Clinical Fellowship Requirements
Missouri offers flexible options for completing your Clinical Fellowship (CF). You must complete ONE of these options:
| Employment Type | Minimum Hours/Week | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | 35 hours | 36 weeks |
| Part-time | 29 hours | 48 weeks |
| Part-time | 22 hours | 60 weeks |
| Part-time | 17.5 hours | 72 weeks |
Your provisional license is valid for one year and can be renewed once if needed.
Step 4: Apply for Full Licensure and Begin Practice
Once you’ve completed your clinical fellowship, you’ll apply for full licensure through your MOPRO account. The license application fee is $25. This license allows you to practice independently as a speech-language pathologist in Missouri.
ASHA Certification Option
Many SLPs also pursue the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA. While not required by Missouri, this certification demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and can enhance career opportunities.
Career Path Options
Private Practice: As a fully licensed SLP, you can open an independent practice or partnership. Running your own practice lets you focus on therapeutic approaches you find most effective and work directly with the populations you’re most passionate about serving.
Employment Opportunities: Missouri offers diverse employment settings for SLPs. Major healthcare systems hiring SLPs include:
- BJC Healthcare (St. Louis)
- CenterPoint Medical Center (Kansas City area)
- Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics (Kansas City)
- Cox Health (Springfield)
- Heartland Health
- Liberty Hospital
- Mercy Healthcare (statewide)
- Oxford Healthcare
- Saint Luke’s Health System (Kansas City)
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
Missouri requires SLPs to renew their license every two years. You must complete 30 continuing education (CE) credits during each two-year renewal period.
You can renew your license online through your MOPRO account. The Missouri Board accepts CE credits from ASHA, the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA), or any national or state-sponsored organization.
Both ASHA and MSHA offer extensive continuing education opportunities, including online courses, conferences, and workshops covering the latest research and therapeutic techniques.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary and Career Outlook in Missouri
Missouri SLPs earn competitive salaries with strong job growth projections. Understanding salary ranges across the state can help you make informed decisions about where to practice.
Statewide Salary Overview
According to the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Missouri employs approximately 2,700 speech-language pathologists with the following salary ranges:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th) | $54,350 | $26.13 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,570 | $31.52 |
| Median (50th) | $83,950 | $40.36 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,550 | $48.34 |
| Top Earners (90th) | $113,030 | $54.34 |
Salary by Major in Missouri Cities
Salary ranges vary across Missouri’s metropolitan areas. Here’s what SLPs earn in major cities (showing median to 90th percentile ranges):
| City/Metro Area | Median Salary | Top 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $95,640 | $120,030 |
| Kansas City | $84,300 | $115,420 |
| St. Louis | $84,160 | $109,490 |
| Cape Girardeau | $84,230 | $115,010 |
| St. Joseph | $81,550 | $104,170 |
| Joplin | $81,060 | $126,790 |
| Springfield | $74,430 | $103,050 |
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
The demand for speech-language pathologists in Missouri is skyrocketing. SLP jobs in Missouri are expected to increase by 26.6% between 2022 and 2032, well above the national average growth rate. This translates to approximately 350 new job openings each year, driven by new position creation, retirements, and natural turnover.
The majority of Missouri’s SLP professionals work in the state’s major metropolitan areas, with St. Louis and Kansas City offering the most opportunities.
Practice Settings and Opportunities
Missouri SLPs work in diverse settings beyond traditional hospitals and schools. Outpatient clinics and private practices offer opportunities to work with varied patient populations. Some independent practices and clinics across Missouri include:
- Blue Springs: Billings Speech Pathology Services
- Creve Coeur: Sensory Solutions
- Kansas City: Multiple private practices
- St. Joseph: Weber Speech Clinic
- St. Louis: Speech Language Learning Systems, The Speech Spot, Walker Scottish Rite Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech pathologist in Missouri?
The complete process takes 6-7 years. This includes 4 years for your bachelor’s degree, 2 years for your master’s program (including clinical hours), and a minimum of 36 weeks for your clinical fellowship. Some students complete it faster through accelerated programs or by starting graduate school sooner.
Can I practice in other states with a Missouri SLP license?
Yes, through the ASLP Interstate Compact. Missouri is one of 32 member states, allowing you to practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses. You’ll need to apply for a compact privilege through your home state, which is typically approved quickly and allows you to practice in all member states.
What GPA do I need to get into SLP graduate programs in Missouri?
Most Missouri programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, though competitive programs may prefer 3.5 or higher. If your GPA is below 3.0, strong GRE scores, relevant experience, and compelling letters of recommendation can strengthen your application.
Do I need to pass the Praxis exam before or after graduation?
You can take the Praxis exam before or after completing your master’s degree. Many students take it during their final semester or immediately after graduation. However, you must pass it before you can apply for your provisional license to begin your clinical fellowship in Missouri.
Can I work while completing my clinical fellowship in Missouri?
Yes, your clinical fellowship hours count as employment. You’re paid for your work as a provisional SLP under supervision. Missouri offers flexible CF options from 17.5 to 35 hours per week, allowing you to balance other commitments while completing your fellowship requirements.
How much do SLP graduate programs cost in Missouri?
Costs vary by institution. In-state tuition at Missouri public universities ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for the entire two-year program. Private institutions may charge $40,000 to $80,000. Online programs often fall in the mid-range. Many students use federal loans, assistantships, or scholarships to fund their education.
What happens if I don’t pass the Praxis exam on my first try?
You can retake the Praxis exam. There’s a 21-day waiting period between attempts, and you can take it up to five times in 12 months. Most students who don’t pass on the first attempt succeed after additional studying. The Praxis Study Companion offers targeted practice for areas where you need improvement.
How competitive is admission to Missouri SLP programs?
SLP graduate programs are highly competitive, with many Missouri programs accepting only 15-30% of applicants. Strong applications typically include 3.5+ GPAs, relevant volunteer or work experience, compelling personal statements, and strong letters of recommendation. If you don’t get accepted on your first attempt, consider gaining more clinical experience and retaking the GRE.
Can I become an SLP if I’m changing careers?
Yes, many SLPs enter the field as a second career. You’ll need to complete prerequisite courses if your bachelor’s degree wasn’t in communication sciences, which typically adds one year. Your professional experience in fields like education, healthcare, or counseling can strengthen your application and bring valuable perspectives to your clinical work.
Key Takeaways
- Education path: Complete a bachelor’s degree, then earn a master’s from a CAA-accredited program (6-7 years total)
- Exam requirement: Pass the Praxis exam with a minimum score of 162 to qualify for Missouri licensure
- Clinical fellowship: Complete 36-72 weeks of supervised practice depending on your work schedule (full-time or part-time)
- Salary potential: Missouri SLPs earn a median salary of $83,950 annually, with top earners making over $113,000
- Job outlook: Missouri expects 26.6% job growth between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 350 openings per year
- Continuing education: Maintain licensure with 30 CE credits every two years through ASHA, MSHA, or approved organizations
- 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 Journey in Missouri?
Missouri offers excellent opportunities for speech-language pathologists, including diverse practice settings, competitive salaries, and strong job growth. Take the first step toward your career today.
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.