How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Oregon 2025

Written by Sarah Keller, Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Quick Answer

Becoming an SLP in Oregon requires a master’s from a CAA-accredited program, 1,260 supervised clinical hours (minimum 36 weeks), and passing the Praxis exam (162+). The process takes 6-7 years total, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees plus a clinical fellowship. Oregon SLPs average $98,900 annually with 28% projected job growth through 2030.

Featured Programs:

Oregon offers exceptional career opportunities for speech-language pathologists across diverse settings, from private clinics and hospitals to rehabilitation centers and schools. The state faces a particular shortage of school-based SLPs, especially in rural districts, where many children with communication and language disorders go undiagnosed or lack access to structured therapeutic support.

To address this critical need, the Oregon Department of Education’s Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Program provides $10,000 awards to graduate students who commit to working in rural Oregon school districts for at least two years after graduation. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, this program continues to accept applications annually, though funding amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to legislative appropriation.

Whether you’re considering Oregon’s three in-state CAA-accredited programs—University of Oregon (Eugene), Portland State University (Portland), and Pacific University (Forest Grove)—or one of many accredited online programs available to state residents, understanding the licensure pathway is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to earning your SLP license through the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (BSPA).

Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree from a CAA-Accredited Program

Your path to becoming a speech-language pathologist in Oregon begins with earning a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), which operates under the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Oregon recognizes three in-state CAA-accredited programs, and state residents may also pursue accredited online programs from institutions nationwide, provided they maintain full CAA accreditation.

Critical Requirement: Oregon’s licensing board only accepts degrees from CAA-accredited programs. Before enrolling, verify current accreditation status through ASHA’s accreditation database. Programs not maintaining CAA accreditation will not qualify you for Oregon licensure, regardless of regional institutional accreditation.

Admission Requirements

SLP graduate programs maintain selective admission standards. While you don’t need an undergraduate degree specifically in speech-language pathology, programs typically require:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (undergraduate cumulative)
  • GRE scores are typically in the 30th percentile or higher (though an increasing number of programs now waive GRE requirements)
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework in communication sciences and disorders
  • Clinical observation or volunteer hours in SLP settings (requirements vary by program, typically 25-100 hours)
  • Strong letters of recommendation from academic or clinical supervisors
  • Personal statement demonstrating commitment to the field

If your bachelor’s degree is in psychology, education, linguistics, or another related field, you can still pursue an SLP master’s degree. However, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework either before applying to graduate programs or through a “leveling semester” at the start of your master’s program. Some universities offer post-baccalaureate certificate programs specifically designed for career changers to complete these prerequisites efficiently.

Prerequisite Coursework

For applicants without an undergraduate background in communication sciences and disorders, foundational courses typically include:

Course CategoryExample Courses
Speech ScienceAcoustic Phonetics, Speech Production and Perception
Anatomy & PhysiologyAnatomy of Speech, Hearing, and Swallowing Mechanisms
Hearing ScienceAudiology Fundamentals, Hearing Science
DevelopmentLanguage Development, Lifespan Communication
Clinical FoundationsIntroduction to Clinical Methods, Clinical Observation

Core Graduate Coursework

Once you’ve completed prerequisites and been admitted to a master’s program, you’ll engage in intensive coursework covering the full spectrum of communication disorders. Your core curriculum will typically include:

  • Language Disorders in Children
  • Speech Sound Disorders and Phonological Processes
  • Fluency Disorders and Stuttering Treatment
  • Voice Disorders and Vocal Pathology
  • Aphasia and Neurogenic Communication Disorders
  • Dysphagia and Swallowing Disorders
  • School-Age Language and Literacy Disorders
  • Communication and Aging
  • Clinical Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
  • Counseling and Family-Centered Practice
  • Multicultural Issues and Diversity in Communication

Many programs also offer elective concentrations in specialized areas such as motor speech disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), progressive neurological conditions, or pediatric feeding disorders.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

Before graduating, you must complete at least 400 supervised clinical clock hours. This hands-on experience typically occurs during your final year and includes:

  • Observation hours (25 hours): Initial shadowing of licensed SLPs to understand clinical procedures and patient interactions
  • Direct clinical hours (375 hours): Supervised client interaction where you conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy across diverse populations and settings

Your clinical practicum will expose you to various age groups (infants through geriatric patients) and multiple disorder types to ensure comprehensive preparation for independent practice.

Capstone or Thesis Requirement

Most graduate programs conclude with either a research thesis or a comprehensive capstone project. This requirement demonstrates your ability to critically evaluate evidence, conduct research, and contribute to the field’s knowledge base. Common capstone topics focus on treatment efficacy, assessment tools, or specialized interventions within speech-language pathology.

Step 2: Apply for a Conditional License and Complete Clinical Fellowship

After earning your master’s degree, you’ll enter a supervised clinical fellowship (CF) period that the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology refers to as “Supervised Clinical Experience.” This critical transition phase bridges academic learning and independent clinical practice.

Conditional License Application

Before beginning your clinical fellowship, you must obtain a Conditional License through the BSPA. Submit your application through the Board’s Applicant Portal, including:

  • Completed application form
  • Official master’s degree transcript
  • Background check with fingerprints processed through Fieldprint Oregon
  • Application fee as specified by the Board

Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements

Your clinical fellowship builds directly on the skills developed during your graduate practicum. Throughout this period, you’ll perform comprehensive clinical and diagnostic procedures under supervision, including:

  • Screening and assessment of communication and swallowing disorders
  • Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
  • Treatment planning and implementation
  • Case history development and documentation
  • Progress monitoring and outcome measurement

The Oregon Board requires you to work with diverse patient populations across the lifespan to ensure broad clinical competence.

Hour and Duration Requirements

Oregon’s clinical fellowship has dual requirements that must both be satisfied:

  • Minimum total hours: 1,260 hours
  • Minimum duration: 36 weeks

You can complete these requirements through two scheduling options:

Schedule TypeHours Per WeekTotal DurationTimeline
Full-Time35+ hours/week36 weeks minimum~9 months
Part-Time15-34 hours/weekUntil 1,260 hours completed12-18 months typically

Regardless of your schedule, at least 80% of your hours (1,008 hours minimum) must involve direct client contact. The remaining 20% (252 hours maximum) may include administrative duties, consultation with your supervisor or patient families, treatment plan development, and professional documentation.

Important: Even if you accumulate 1,260 hours in less than 36 weeks through intensive full-time practice, you must still complete the full 36-week minimum duration to satisfy Oregon’s requirements.

Supervisor Qualifications

Your clinical fellowship supervisor must hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. The supervisor provides regular observation, feedback, and mentoring to ensure you develop independent clinical judgment and professional skills.

Conditional License Renewal

Your conditional license expires after one year. If you haven’t completed the full 1,260 hours and 36 weeks within this timeframe, you may apply for a one-time renewal using the renewal application form.

Step 3: Pass the Praxis Exam and Consider the CCC-SLP Credential

National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

The Praxis examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Test Code 5331) serves as Oregon’s qualifying exam for licensure. This comprehensive assessment evaluates your knowledge of foundational concepts and clinical competencies acquired through your graduate education and practicum experience.

Registration and Scheduling

Register for the exam through the ETS Praxis website. During registration, you’ll select your preferred test date, time, and location. Oregon offers testing at multiple centers throughout the state:

  • Beaverton
  • Bend
  • Eugene
  • Forest Grove
  • La Grande
  • Medford
  • Portland

Exam Structure and Passing Score

The Praxis SLP exam consists of 132 multiple-choice questions covering both foundational knowledge and clinical applications. You need to score at least 162 out of 200 possible points to pass Oregon’s licensure requirement.

The examination tests your competency across several domains:

Content AreaKey Topics
Foundations of CommunicationNormal development, anatomy and physiology, linguistics, psychosocial factors
Assessment and EvaluationScreening procedures, formal and informal assessment, differential diagnosis, and standardized testing
Treatment and InterventionTreatment planning, goal setting, evidence-based intervention, therapy techniques, progress monitoring
Disorders and ConditionsArticulation, fluency, voice, language, cognition, swallowing, hearing
Professional PracticeEthics, cultural competence, counseling, documentation, service delivery models

Exam Preparation Resources

The Educational Testing Service offers official study materials, including practice tests, study guides, and sample questions. Many candidates also use commercial study programs, join study groups with fellow graduates, and review their graduate coursework systematically.

Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)

While not required for Oregon licensure, the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) represents the profession’s gold standard credential. Issued by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the CCC-SLP is highly valued by employers and may be required for certain positions, particularly in healthcare settings.

To earn the CCC-SLP, you must complete your graduate degree, clinical fellowship, and pass the Praxis exam, then apply directly through ASHA. Many professionals pursue this credential immediately after completing their clinical fellowship, as the requirements align closely with Oregon’s licensure pathway.

Step 4: Apply for Your Oregon SLP License

Once you’ve passed the Praxis examination and completed your clinical fellowship, you’re ready to convert your conditional license to a regular professional license.

License Upgrade Process

Unlike your initial conditional license application, the upgrade process uses a different form. Complete the Conditional License Renewal/Upgrade application. Do not submit this through the Applicant Portal.

Beginning Your SLP Career in Oregon

After receiving your regular license, you can launch your professional career through several pathways:

Join Your Clinical Fellowship Site

Many SLPs continue working at the facility where they completed their clinical fellowship. This option offers continuity with familiar colleagues, established patient relationships, and a known work environment. Contact your fellowship supervisor to discuss full-time employment opportunities and benefit packages.

Explore Employment Opportunities Statewide

Oregon’s diverse healthcare landscape offers SLP positions across multiple settings. Major employers hiring licensed SLPs include:

  • PPR Education Services
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Oregon Health & Science University
  • Salem Hospital
  • Sensible Speech-Language Pathology
  • Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
  • Infinity Rehab
  • Forest Grove School District
  • Life Care Centers
  • Southern Oregon ESD
  • Cumberland Therapy
  • Halcyon Rehabilitation

Consider Independent Practice

Some SLPs establish independent private practices or partner with other licensed professionals. Private practice offers flexibility in scheduling, patient population selection, and service delivery models. This path works particularly well for SLPs targeting specific populations (such as pediatric feeding disorders or adult neurogenic conditions) or providing teletherapy services to underserved rural communities.

Take Advantage of the Rural School Scholarship

If you received the Oregon Department of Education Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship, you’ll fulfill your two-year commitment by working in a qualifying rural school district. This pathway provides structured employment while addressing Oregon’s critical shortage of school-based SLPs.

Oregon SLP Scholarship Program Details

The Oregon Department of Education offers substantial financial support for aspiring school-based SLPs willing to serve rural communities:

Scholarship ComponentDetails
Award Amount$10,000 per academic year
EligibilityEnrolled in or accepted to a CAA-accredited SLP graduate program; Oregon resident preferred but not required
Service CommitmentMinimum 2 years full-time employment in a qualifying rural Oregon school district
Rural District DefinitionDistricts designated as rural by the Oregon Department of Education (typically counties outside Portland, Salem, and Eugene metro areas)
Application DeadlineVaries annually; typically March-April for fall enrollment

Important Note: Scholarship funding and program details are subject to annual legislative appropriation and Oregon Department of Education budget decisions. Verify current program status, award amounts, and application procedures directly with the Oregon Department of Education before planning your financing strategy. The commitment to serve in rural districts is legally binding; failure to fulfill this obligation may result in scholarship repayment requirements.

For additional SLP scholarship opportunities beyond Oregon’s state program, consult our comprehensive SLP Scholarship Guide, which covers national scholarships, institutional awards, and loan forgiveness programs.

Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education

Oregon requires ongoing professional development to ensure SLPs maintain current knowledge and clinical competencies throughout their careers.

License Renewal Cycle

Oregon SLP licenses operate on a two-year renewal cycle, expiring on January 30 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, and so forth). The Board mails renewal notices and applications at least 30 days before your expiration date. Plan ahead to avoid practicing on an expired license, which constitutes a violation of Oregon statutes governing professional practice.

Renewal Schedule Examples:

  • License issued in 2025 → First renewal due January 30, 2026 (less than 2 years)
  • Renewed January 2026 → Next renewal January 30, 2028 (full 2-year cycle)
  • Renewed January 2028 → Next renewal January 30, 2030 (full 2-year cycle)

Continuing Education Requirements

Complete 20 continuing education hours during each two-year renewal period. These hours must relate directly to speech-language pathology practice, communication disorders, or related professional competencies.

Oregon accepts continuing education from multiple providers:

Documentation and Compliance

When submitting your renewal application, you’ll certify that you’ve completed the required 20 hours of continuing education. The Board may audit your compliance, so maintain certificates of completion for all courses for at least three years. Store digital copies in a secure location for easy access if requested.

Professional Development Strategies

Strategic continuing education enhances your career while fulfilling licensure requirements. Consider:

  • Courses in emerging assessment tools or intervention techniques
  • Specialized training in areas like dysphagia management or AAC
  • Cultural competency training for diverse patient populations
  • Business and practice management for private practitioners
  • Research methodology and evidence-based practice seminars
  • Annual state or national SLP conferences for networking and multiple CE credits

Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Oregon

Oregon ranks among the top ten states nationally for speech-language pathology compensation, offering competitive salaries that reflect the state’s cost of living and strong demand for qualified professionals.

Statewide Salary Overview (2024 BLS Data)

According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment data, Oregon SLPs earn an average annual salary of $98,900 (mean wage), translating to $47.55 per hour. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $70,450 annually, while experienced professionals in the 90th percentile earn approximately $128,700, or $61.88 per hour.

Salary by Metropolitan Area

Compensation varies significantly across Oregon’s regions, with the Portland metropolitan area offering the highest average salaries and the most substantial salary growth potential.

City/RegionAverage Annual SalaryEntry-Level (10th Percentile)Experienced (90th Percentile)
Portland$103,310$74,340$130,340
Salem$98,360$61,500$127,770
Bend$96,910$65,210$115,960
Medford$94,690$67,790$119,160
Corvallis$92,820$65,080$118,210
Rural Oregon Coast$90,660$59,630$115,250
Rural Eastern Oregon$86,240$62,050$108,810
Albany$84,550$54,410$110,860
Eugene$83,880$60,170$106,980
Rural Central Oregon$80,880$39,470$103,180

Factors Influencing Salary

Several factors affect individual salary levels within these ranges:

  • Work setting: Medical settings typically offer higher salaries than educational institutions
  • Experience level: Each year of practice generally increases earning potential
  • Specialization: Expertise in high-demand areas like dysphagia or AAC commands premium compensation
  • Credentials: CCC-SLP certification often correlates with higher pay
  • Geographic location: Urban areas with higher costs of living typically offer elevated salaries
  • Employment type: Private practice owners may earn more, but assume business expenses and risks

Job Growth and Employment Opportunities

Exceptional Employment Outlook

Oregon’s speech-language pathology field demonstrates robust growth, significantly exceeding national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Oregon Employment Department projections, the state expects a 28% increase in SLP positions from 2020 to 2030, substantially outpacing the 19% national growth rate for this profession during the same period.

This accelerated growth stems from multiple converging factors:

  • Aging population: Oregon’s growing senior population increases demand for stroke rehabilitation, dementia care, and swallowing disorder treatment
  • Autism prevalence: Rising autism diagnoses create sustained need for pediatric SLP services
  • English Language Learners: Oregon’s diverse student population requires specialized language development support
  • Rural healthcare expansion: Telemedicine and rural clinic growth open new service delivery opportunities
  • School-based shortages: Chronic understaffing in educational settings drives continuous recruitment

Current Employment Distribution

Oregon currently employs approximately 1,620 licensed SLPs distributed across the state:

  • Portland metro: 1,070 SLPs (66% of state total)
  • Salem: 200 SLPs
  • Eugene: 130 SLPs
  • Bend: 80 SLPs
  • Medford: 60 SLPs
  • Other regions: 80 SLPs

Portland’s Leading Job Growth

Portland continues to demonstrate the strongest job growth in the state. Between 2019 and 2024, the Portland metro area experienced a 10.3% increase in SLP positions, with projections suggesting this trend will accelerate through 2030. The city’s concentration of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, specialized clinics, and school districts creates diverse employment opportunities across all SLP practice areas.

Private Practice Opportunities

Oregon supports a thriving network of private speech therapy clinics serving specialized populations and geographic areas. Notable private practices include:

  • Bend: Bend Speech & Language Clinic
  • Medford: The Speech Center Plus
  • Portland: Parkwood Clinic SW | Speech & Language Therapy
  • Portland: Portland Speech Clinic
  • Portland: The Hello Clinic
  • West Linn: Parkwood Clinic | West Linn

These established practices often hire associate clinicians and offer mentorship opportunities for newly licensed SLPs seeking private practice experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist in Oregon?
 

The complete path to SLP licensure in Oregon typically takes 6-7 years total. This breaks down as follows: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree (with SLP prerequisites completed during or after), 2 years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a CAA-accredited program, and approximately 9 months for the clinical fellowship (minimum 36 weeks). If you need to complete prerequisite courses after your bachelor’s degree through a post-baccalaureate program, add an additional 1-2 years to this timeline.

Can I use an online master’s degree to get licensed in Oregon?
 

Yes, Oregon accepts master’s degrees from online programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) for licensure purposes. The critical requirement is CAA accreditation—the same standard that applies to on-campus programs. Many Oregon residents successfully complete online programs from institutions nationwide while fulfilling their clinical practicum requirements at Oregon-based facilities. Always verify the current CAA accreditation status through ASHA’s database before enrolling in any program.

What’s the Oregon Speech-Language Pathology Scholarship Program?
 

The Oregon Department of Education offers $10,000 scholarships to graduate SLP students who commit to working in rural Oregon school districts for at least two years after graduation. This program addresses the critical shortage of school-based SLPs in underserved areas. To qualify, you must be enrolled in or accepted to a CAA-accredited graduate program and agree to the rural placement requirement. However, scholarship funding is subject to annual legislative appropriation, so verify current program status, award amounts, and application procedures directly with the Oregon Department of Education before planning your financing strategy.

Do I need the CCC-SLP credential to practice in Oregon?
 

No, Oregon does not require the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) for state licensure. However, the CCC-SLP is highly valued by employers and may be required or strongly preferred for certain positions, particularly in medical settings and some school districts. Many Oregon SLPs pursue the CCC-SLP immediately after completing their clinical fellowship since the requirements closely align with state licensing requirements. The credential also facilitates license reciprocity if you later practice in other states.

How much do speech-language pathologists earn in different parts of Oregon?
 

According to May 2024 BLS data, Oregon SLP salaries vary significantly by region. Portland offers the highest average salary at $103,310 annually, while rural central Oregon averages $80,880. Statewide, Oregon SLPs earn an average of $98,900 per year. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,450 statewide, while experienced practitioners in the 90th percentile can earn $128,700 or more. Urban areas with higher costs of living generally offer elevated compensation, though some rural positions provide incentives like housing assistance or loan repayment programs to attract qualified professionals.

How often do I need to renew my Oregon SLP license?
 

Oregon requires license renewal every two years on January 30 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030, etc.). You must complete 20 continuing education hours during each two-year renewal period. The Oregon Board of Examiners mails renewal notices at least 30 days before expiration. Practicing on an expired license violates state law, so mark your calendar well in advance and begin accumulating CE credits early in each renewal cycle to avoid last-minute stress.

What happens if I fail the Praxis exam?
 

If you don’t achieve the required score of 162 on your first attempt, you can retake the Praxis SLP exam. ETS allows you to take the test once every 21 days, though most candidates benefit from additional study time between attempts. Review your score report to identify weak areas, then focus your preparation on those specific content domains. Many test-takers find that targeted review of clinical applications and case studies improves their second-attempt performance. There’s no limit on the number of times you can take the exam, though each attempt requires a new registration fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Timeline: Becoming a licensed SLP in Oregon takes 6-7 years total: approximately 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree, and 9 months for the clinical fellowship
  • Education path: Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program (Oregon has three in-state options—University of Oregon, Portland State University, and Pacific University—plus numerous accredited online programs) with a minimum of 400 clinical hours during graduate school
  • Clinical fellowship: Complete 1,260 supervised hours over a minimum of 36 weeks after graduation, with at least 80% (1,008 hours) in direct client contact. Both the hour requirement AND duration requirement must be satisfied
  • Licensure requirements: Pass Praxis exam (score 162+), complete clinical fellowship, and apply through the Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (BSPA)
  • Salary and growth: Average salary of $98,900 annually according to May 2024 BLS data (Portland averages $103,310), with projected 28% job growth from 2020-2030, exceeding the 19% national average
  • License maintenance: Renew every two years on January 30 of even-numbered years by completing 20 continuing education hours per renewal cycle
  • Financial incentive: $10,000 scholarship available for graduate students committing to two years of service in rural Oregon school districts (subject to annual funding appropriation)

Featured Programs:

Ready to Start Your SLP Career in Oregon?

Explore CAA-accredited graduate programs, compare online and on-campus options, and find the path that fits your goals and timeline.

Find Your Program

Salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and Employment Projections (2020-2030) for Speech-Language Pathologists. Figures reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.

author avatar
Sarah Keller
Sarah M. Keller, MS, CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist with 15 years of experience in pediatric clinics and university training programs. She earned her master’s in speech-language pathology from a CAHPS-accredited program in the Midwest and supervised clinical practicums for online and hybrid SLP cohorts. Sarah now advises students on graduate school applications, clinical fellowships, and state licensure. She lives in Colorado with her family and golden retriever.