To become a licensed SLP in Montana, you’ll need to earn an ASHA-accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162, complete a 36-week clinical fellowship (1,260 hours), and apply for state licensure through the Montana Board. The entire process typically takes 6-7 years from a bachelor’s degree to a license, with median salaries around $80,330.
- 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.
Montana’s speech-language pathologists are making meaningful differences across the state in schools, hospitals, private practices, and rehabilitation centers. Whether providing voice therapy, articulation therapy, or language intervention, these professionals help children and adults overcome communication challenges and improve their quality of life.
SLPs in Montana work in diverse settings. At Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, SLPs provide care for children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, as well as adults with degenerative neurological conditions like ALS and Parkinson’s. At Billings Clinic, SLPs collaborate with physicians to treat speech disorders, conduct swallowing evaluations, and administer cognitive assessments.
To practice as a speech-language pathologist in Montana, you must earn licensure through the Montana Board of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. The process requires graduate education, national examination, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure. Montana projects 23.8% job growth for SLPs between 2022 and 2032, creating approximately 40 annual job openings—above the national growth rate of 19%.
Step 1. Earn an ASHA-Accredited Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology is the first step to becoming a licensed SLP in Montana. To qualify for licensure, you must earn a master’s degree accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), a division of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Montana offers one CAA-accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Montana. Still, you might consider ASHA-accredited online options, which provide flexible curricula and a broader range of programs.
You’ll need proof of excellent academic performance to be accepted into an SLP program. You’ll need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, high GRE scores, and outstanding academic references.
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders, you will need to complete basic requisites. These include:
- Basics of Communication Disorders
- Articulation and Phonological Disorders
- Science of Language
- Aphasia and Neurocognitive Disorders
- Clinical and Diagnostic Procedures
Core courses usually include:
- Voice and Motor Speech Disorders
- Language Learning Disorders
- Advanced Clinical Procedures
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
- Swallowing and Fluency Disorders
- Professional Issues in SLP
Electives may include the following topics:
- Social Psychology in SLP
- Current Topics in SLP
- Treatment of Autistic Speech Patients
- Pediatric Dysphasia
- Public School SLP
- Voice Disorders in Medical Settings
The Montana SLP board will require you to complete at least 25 hours of observation and a supervised practicum of at least 375 clock hours during your graduate program. These academic clinical hours are separate from the 1,260-hour clinical fellowship required after graduation.
Step 2. Pass the National SLP Exam
Upon graduation from your SLP master’s degree, you must take the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) National Examination in Speech Language Pathology through Praxis (exam 5331).
You’ll register online for this exam. You’ll need a score of 162 on a 100-200 scale to pass the test.
The test covers:
- Typical development and performance across the lifespan
- Factors that influence communication
- Epidemiology
- Common communication/swallowing disorders
- Wellness and prevention
- Ethics
- Legislation and client advocacy
- Selecting appropriate assessment instruments
- Assessing factors
- Assessment of anatomy and physiology
- Genetic and developmental factors
- Diseases, processe,s and auditory problems
You can review the study companion or take a practice exam if you’d like extra preparation.
Praxis test centers are located throughout Montana. You can find your nearest testing location using the ETS test center search tool.
Step 3. Complete a Supervised Postgraduate Clinical Experience and Consider the Value of CCC-SLP Certification
You’ll need to complete 36 weeks of clinical experience (fellowship) to become licensed in Montana. The clinical fellowship is a transitional period between the graduate program and your career as a speech-language pathologist. Most SLPs complete their clinical fellowship in 9 to 10 months.
To begin a clinical fellowship, you must apply for a Limited Speech-Language Pathologist license through the Department of Labor and Industry Citizen Portal.
You may also complete a paper application, if desired. Your limited license application must include a completed Supervised Professional Experience Plan that details your supervision by a licensed Montana SLP. The form must be completed and signed by both you and your qualified supervisor.
The clinical fellowship must be a minimum of 36 weeks and 1,260 hours. Most of the clinical fellowship will be spent shadowing a, earning clinical procedurea, nd interacting with patients.
A minimum of 1,008 hours of your fellowship must be in direct client contact, which includes activities such as:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Evaluation
- Screening
- Treatment
- Report writing
- Family/client consultation
Your limited license is valid for 2 years and is not renewable.
Once you’ve satisfied the required hours for your fellowship, you and your supervisor will complete and sign the Supervised Professional Experience Completion Report, which will be sent to the Board.
Once you’ve completed your fellowship, you’ll have the option of applying for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). You won’t need the CCC-SLP certification to become licensed in Montana, but it may help you in your employment endeavors. You must apply for the accreditation through ASHA.
Step 4. Apply for Licensing and Begin Practicing as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Once you’ve successfully passed the national exam and completed your clinical fellowship, you are eligible to apply for licensing in Montana. Like your limited license, you’ll apply for a Speech-Language Pathologist License through the Department of Labor and Industry Citizen Portal. You can also apply using a paper application.
You must also complete a jurisprudence exam. This exam, included with the application, includes reading the sections of statutes and rules covering the practice of speech-language pathology and signing the declaration statement attesting that you’ve completed this task.
Now that you’re licensed, it’s time to start your career as a speech-language pathologist. There are several ways to begin your career:
Join the Clinic That Provides Postgraduate Clinical Experience
The clinic that provided your required professional experience may be interested in hiring you for a full-time position. Often, clinics advertise clinical fellowship-to-full-time positions to keep clinical fellows on staff.
You may contact your clinical fellowship provider to inquire about opportunities.
Consider Starting an Independent Practice
You might wish to open an independent practice or a partnership if you’d like to manage your own schedule or pursue care of a specific patient population.
In Montana, you’re qualified to start a private practice and begin taking on clients.
Pursue Job Openings in Montana
There are many SLP employers in Montana, including:
- Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
- EDU Healthcare
- Centra Healthcare Solutions
- Vincent Healthcare
- Peter’s Hospital
- Kalispell Regional Medical Center
- Innovative Rehabilitation
- John’s Lutheran Hospital
- Big Sky Special Needs Cooperative
- Livingston Health Care
- Central Montana Medical Center
- Aureus Medical Group
Step 5. Keep Your License Current and Complete Continuing Education Requirements
In Montana, you’ll need to complete 10 hours of continuing education annually. Learn more about continuing education requirements here.
The Board does not preapprove any courses or sponsors. You’ll be responsible for taking classes within your scope of practice.
You can pursue continuing education through ASHA or the MSHA.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Montana
Montana speech-language pathologists earn competitive salaries, though slightly below the national median. Understanding salary ranges helps you make informed career decisions about where to practice and what settings offer the best compensation.
The median salary for SLPs in Montana is $80,330, compared to the national median of $95,410. Montana’s average (mean) salary is $83,830 annually, or $40.30 per hour.
Montana SLP Salary by Experience Level
Salary ranges vary significantly based on experience and specialization. Here’s what Montana SLPs can expect to earn at different career stages:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $59,120 | $28.42 |
| Mid-Career (25th percentile) | $67,350 | $32.38 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $99,910 | $48.03 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $112,510 | $54.09 |
Job Outlook and Growth
The number of SLP jobs in Montana is projected to increase by 23.8% between 2022 and 2032, above the national projected increase of 19% for this profession during this time. This translates to about 40 annual SLP job openings in Montana during this period, driven by new job growth, retirements, and natural turnover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Montana?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, plus a 36-week clinical fellowship. If you need prerequisite courses, add 1-2 semesters to your timeline.
Can I become licensed in Montana with an online SLP degree?
Yes, Montana accepts master’s degrees from CAA-accredited online programs. The degree must come from a Council on Academic Accreditation-approved institution, whether the program is online or in-person. You’ll still need to complete in-person clinical practicum hours.
What GPA do I need to get into an SLP graduate program?
Most programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, though competitive applicants typically have GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Strong GRE scores, relevant experience, and excellent recommendation letters can offset a lower GPA.
How much does it cost to become an SLP in Montana?
Total costs typically range from $45,000 to $85,000, including graduate school tuition ($40,000 to $80,000 for a master’s degree), the Praxis exam, clinical fellowship requirements, and Montana license application fees. These figures don’t include undergraduate education or living expenses.
What’s the difference between Montana state licensure and CCC-SLP certification?
Montana state licensure is required to practice as an SLP in Montana and is issued by the state board. CCC-SLP certification is a voluntary national credential from ASHA that demonstrates clinical competence. While not required in Montana, many employers prefer or require CCC-SLP certification.
Do I need to retake the Praxis exam if I move to Montana from another state?
No, Praxis scores don’t have an expiration date. Montana accepts valid Praxis scores regardless of when you took the exam. If you passed the Praxis in another state, Montana agrees with those scores. You’ll still need to apply for Montana licensure separately and meet any state-specific requirements.
How many clinical hours do I need before I can work independently in Montana?
You need a minimum of 375 supervised clinical clock hours during your graduate program, plus 1,260 hours (1,008 in direct client contact) during your 36-week clinical fellowship. After completing these requirements and obtaining full licensure, you can practice independently.
Key Takeaways
- Montana requires an ASHA-accredited master’s degree, a Praxis score of 162, and a 36-week clinical fellowship (1,260 hours) for licensure
- The complete process from bachelor’s degree to license typically takes 6-7 years and costs between $45,000-$85,000
- Montana SLPs earn a median salary of $80,330, with experienced professionals earning $99,910 or more annually.
- The state projects 23.8% job growth between 2022 and 2032, above the national average of 19%, creating approximately 40 annual job openings.s
- Montana requires 10 hours of continuing education annually to maintain active licensure.
- CCC-SLP certification is optional in Montan,a but preferred by many employers for enhanced career opportunities
- 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 Montana?
Explore ASHA-accredited graduate programs that can prepare you for Montana licensure. Compare online and on-campus options, review admission requirements, and take the first step toward your speech-language pathology career.
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.