To become a speech-language pathologist in North Carolina, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, complete 400 clinical hours, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), and finish a supervised experience year. The entire process takes 6-7 years, with median annual salaries of $84,880.
- 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.
Speech-language pathology is an evidence-based field focused on diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. Through SLP practice, speech-language pathologists work to improve the quality of life for children and adults with difficulties in articulation, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, expressive and receptive language disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, and feeding and swallowing.
North Carolina’s SLP profession is expanding rapidly. In 2024, WellCare of North Carolina and Expressable announced an expansion of their partnership to offer advanced speech therapy interventions to underserved populations throughout the state. The program identifies children ages 0-19 using advanced screening tools and provides personalized care through at-home services, creating exciting opportunities for SLPs to make a difference in communities across North Carolina.
If you want to become part of North Carolina’s growing SLP profession, you’ll need to earn state licensure through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
Step 1: Earn a Master’s Degree from a CAA-Accredited Program
The first step to becoming an SLP is earning a master’s degree accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), which is part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
You can choose from online accredited options or earn your degree from one of six CAA-accredited institutions in North Carolina. While online programs offer flexibility and the ability to complete clinical hours close to home, in-state options often provide reduced tuition and state-sponsored scholarship opportunities.
Admission Requirements
SLP graduate programs typically admit students with excellent academic records. You’ll need an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, GRE scores in the 30th percentile or higher, and several strong academic references. You don’t need an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, but you will need to complete prerequisites if you haven’t already covered basic speech therapy fundamentals in your undergraduate courses.
Prerequisites
Required prerequisite courses include biological and physical sciences, as well as social and behavioral sciences:
- Phonetics
- Anatomy of Speech and Hearing
- Neurology of Speech
- Language Development Across the Lifespan
- Acquisition of Development of Articulation
- Aural Rehabilitation
- Speech Science
Core Coursework
Core courses move into more advanced topics in speech-language pathology:
- Language Disorders
- Voice Disorders
- Articulation Disorders
- Multicultural Communication Disorders
- Methods in SLP
- Language and Learning Disabilities
- Dysphagia
- Brain, Language & Aphasia
- Linguistic/Cognitive Disorders
Electives and Specializations
Electives often focus on special patient populations or specific communication disorders:
- Craniofacial Anomalies
- Alaryngeal Rehabilitation
- Professional Issues in SLP
- Stuttering
- Motor Speech Disorders
- Research in SLP
Clinical Practicum Requirements
You’ll need to complete a practicum of at least 400 clock hours during your graduate study to be eligible for licensure in North Carolina. These hours must include at least 25 hours of guided observation and 375 hours of direct patient contact under the supervision of a licensed SLP.
Step 2: Pass the National SLP Examination (Praxis)
You’ll need to register for the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis exam 5331), ASHA’s licensure examination. You must take and pass this exam by the end of your supervised experience year.
Register online for the exam through Praxis. When you register, you’ll choose a date, time, and location. You can take this exam at any Praxis testing center throughout the U.S.
Testing Centers in North Carolina
North Carolina has testing centers located in:
- Asheville
- Boone
- Cary
- Charlotte
- Cullowhee
- Durham
- Fayetteville
- Greensboro
- Greenville
- Raleigh
- Wilmington
Exam Format and Scoring
The exam consists of 132 questions and is scored on a 100-200 scale. You’ll need a 162 to pass. The exam covers topics from your core coursework, including foundations and professional practice, screening and assessment, evaluation and diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Exam Content Areas
The test covers:
- Feeding and swallowing disorders
- Developing case histories
- Selecting appropriate assessment procedures
- Assessment of anatomy and physiology
- Speech sound production
- Voice, resonance, and motor speech
- Cognitive aspects of communication
- The etiology of communicative disorders
Exam Preparation
If you need extra preparation for the exam, browse test topics and practice questions in the Praxis Study Companion. After taking the exam, it usually takes about two weeks to receive your scores from Praxis.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Experience Year (SEY)
Once you’ve graduated from your SLP master’s program, you’ll apply for temporary licensure through the Board of Examiners’ online portal so you can begin your supervised clinical experience year (SEY), commonly referred to as a clinical fellowship.
Application Requirements
Along with your application and application/licensure fee of $70, you’ll need to:
- Take an open-book quiz on North Carolina’s laws and rules (located at the end of the application)
- Submit official transcripts sent directly from your school to [email protected]
- Submit your passing Praxis score (if completed)
- Submit a completed and signed Clinical/Program Director page sent directly to [email protected]
- Submit a completed and signed SEY Plan sent directly to [email protected]
SEY Experience Requirements
During your supervised experience year, you’ll be supervised by a licensed SLP in North Carolina in a clinical setting as you learn to complete the clinical and diagnostic procedures required of an SLP in day-to-day practice.
The director of your university’s communicative sciences and disorders program may help you find a clinic where you can gain your supervised experience, or you can browse opportunities through professional job boards.
You may complete your SEY through full-time work (nine months of 30 hours per week) or part-time work (18 months of at least 20 hours per week). Your SEY plan, developed with your supervisor, will break down the hours you’ll spend in assessment, diagnosis and evaluation, screening, habilitation and rehabilitation, therapy, counseling, staff meetings, and record keeping.
CCC-SLP Certification
After passing the Praxis exam and completing your clinical fellowship, you’ll be eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). While it’s not required for licensure, it adds credibility to your resume, especially if you plan on practicing independently. Apply directly to ASHA for this certification.
Step 4: Apply for Full Licensure
Once you’ve completed your SEY and passed the Praxis exam, you’ll transition from a temporary to permanent license by submitting your SEY Report (which can also be completed through the online portal) and paying the $60 licensure fee.
Career Path Options
Once you’re licensed, you’ll have several options available for launching your career:
Work for Your Supervised Experience Year Provider
Your supervised experience year provider may offer you a full-time opportunity after observing your clinical practice firsthand. This is often an excellent way to jump-start your career, since you’ll already have built strong relationships with patients and their families at this clinic.
Consider Starting an Independent Practice
If you want to work independently, you may open your own practice or start a partnership with another qualified SLP.
Pursue Job Openings in North Carolina
You’ll find a variety of job opportunities in North Carolina, as the state has a strong demand for qualified SLPs. North Carolina employers include:
- Speech Center, Inc.
- Therapy Playground
- Venture Rehab Group
- The People Link Corporation
- Carolina Pediatric Dysphagia Group
- Kinetic Physical Therapy and Wellness
- Wake County Public Schools
- Carolinas Public Health Care System
- Therapeutic Outreach
- Transitions Life Care
- Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services
- Centra Healthcare Solutions
- Little Bug Speech Therapy
- Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
You’ll need to renew your license annually for a $60 fee through the Board of Examiners’ online portal. You must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education during every three-year licensure period.
Continuing Education Requirements
Proof of continuing education is not required at renewal. Instead, you’ll sign a statement confirming that you’re in compliance with CE standards. However, you may be subjected to a random audit of your continuing education documentation, so maintain accurate records.
Professional Development Resources
When seeking continuing education opportunities, consider attending conferences and courses offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the North Carolina Speech, Hearing, and Language Association.
Many new SLPs join the North Carolina Speech Hearing & Language Association (NCSHLA) to boost their professional development. Through the NCSHLA, you can learn how to incorporate toys and play to enhance sessions with children, treat motor speech disorders, establish vocal-verbal skills for children with childhood apraxia, and enhance feeding therapy through a sensory-motor approach.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in North Carolina
Speech-language pathologists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $84,880 annually, or $40.81 per hour. SLPs at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile) earn about $123,270, or $59.26 hourly.
North Carolina is home to 4,980 SLPs, making it the ninth-largest state for SLP employment in the nation. Greenville has one of the highest concentrations of SLPs per capita of any city in the country, demonstrating the strong demand for speech-language pathology services throughout the state.
North Carolina SLP Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| Early Career (25th Percentile) | $69,640 | $33.48 |
| Mid-Career (Median) | $84,880 | $40.81 |
| Experienced (75th Percentile) | $102,960 | $49.50 |
| Senior-Level (90th Percentile) | $123,270 | $59.26 |
Salaries for Speech-Language Pathologists in North Carolina’s Major Cities
Charlotte, Greenville, metro Hickory, and Raleigh are home to the highest average salaries for SLPs in North Carolina. The top salaries (90th percentile) for North Carolina SLPs are found in New Bern, Jacksonville, and Raleigh.
| City/Metro Area | Median Annual Salary | Salary Range (10th-90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $90,250 | $62,470 – $119,410 |
| Greenville | $87,480 | $72,170 – $103,740 |
| Metro Hickory | $86,160 | $59,240 – $114,790 |
| Raleigh | $85,320 | $57,580 – $126,890 |
| Burlington | $84,550 | $53,000 – $124,820 |
| Myrtle Beach | $83,410 | $60,510 – $117,610 |
| Fayetteville | $83,210 | $50,720 – $117,510 |
| New Bern | $82,090 | $51,550 – $137,420 |
| Greensboro | $82,070 | $47,810 – $108,590 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $81,960 | $59,070 – $113,840 |
| Wilmington | $80,790 | $44,050 – $121,390 |
| Winston-Salem | $80,570 | $51,430 – $109,100 |
| Asheville | $80,550 | $57,140 – $108,110 |
| Rocky Mount | $80,409 | $56,830 – $112,320 |
Job Growth and Market Outlook
SLP jobs in North Carolina are projected to increase by 31% over the decade leading up to 2030, far surpassing the national increase of 19% during this period. During this ten-year period, the state should see about 510 annual job openings for SLPs, driven by new job growth, retirements, and natural turnover.
Between 2019 and 2023, the North Carolina cities with the highest increases in SLP employment included:
- Charlotte: 1,150 SLPs (up 5.5%)
- Raleigh: 730 SLPs (up 28.1%)
- Metro Virginia Beach: 560 SLPs (static growth)
- Durham-Chapel Hill: 400 SLPs (up 5.3%)
- Winston-Salem: 400 SLPs (up 8.1%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in North Carolina?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s degree (including clinical hours), and one year for the supervised experience year (SEY). You’ll also need to pass the Praxis exam during this time.
Do I need to take the Praxis exam to practice in North Carolina?
Yes, passing the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher is required for licensure in North Carolina. You must pass this exam by the end of your supervised experience year to transition from temporary to permanent licensure.
Can I practice in North Carolina with an out-of-state license?
North Carolina doesn’t have automatic reciprocity with other states. However, if you hold a current license from another state and have passed the Praxis exam, you may qualify for licensure by endorsement. Contact the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for specific requirements.
How much does SLP licensure cost in North Carolina?
The initial temporary license application fee is $70. Once you complete your supervised experience year, you’ll pay an additional $60 for permanent licensure. Annual license renewals cost $60. You’ll also need to budget for the Praxis exam fee (approximately $120) and continuing education costs.
What’s the difference between ASHA certification and state licensure?
State licensure is legally required to practice as an SLP in North Carolina. ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is a national credential that demonstrates you’ve met ASHA’s professional standards. While the CCC-SLP isn’t required in North Carolina, it’s highly valued by employers and often required for independent practice or work in medical settings.
Where can I complete my clinical fellowship in North Carolina?
You can complete your supervised experience year in various settings throughout North Carolina, including hospitals, private practices, schools, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Many university programs help students connect with clinical fellowship opportunities. You can also search professional job boards or contact the North Carolina Speech, Hearing, and Language Association for leads.
How many continuing education hours do North Carolina SLPs need?
North Carolina requires 30 hours of continuing education during every three-year licensure period. While you don’t need to submit proof at renewal, you must maintain documentation in case of a random audit. ASHA and the North Carolina Speech, Hearing, and Language Association offer many approved continuing education 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.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming an SLP in North Carolina requires a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program, 400 clinical hours, passing the Praxis exam (162+), and completing a supervised experience year.
- The entire process takes 6-7 years from starting your bachelor’s degree to obtaining full licensure, but the career path offers excellent job security and competitive salaries.
- North Carolina SLPs earn a median salary of $87,420 annually, with experienced professionals earning up to $125,430 at the 90th percentile.
- The state is experiencing strong job growth with a projected 31% increase in SLP positions through 2030, creating approximately 510 annual job openings.
- North Carolina requires 30 hours of continuing education every three years and charges $60 for annual license renewal.
- Major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greenville offer the highest salaries and the most job opportunities for speech-language pathologists.
Ready to Start Your SLP Career in North Carolina?
Explore CAA-accredited programs in North Carolina and take the first step toward becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in one of the nation’s fastest-growing markets for SLP professionals.
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.