How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Rhode Island

Written by Sarah Keller, Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Quick Answer

To become a speech-language pathologist in Rhode Island, you need a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), complete a clinical fellowship (1,260 hours over 36 weeks full-time, or part-time equivalent), and obtain both ASHA’s CCC-SLP credential and Rhode Island state licensure. The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and approximately 9 months for the clinical fellowship. Total licensing costs are approximately $600-700, with median salaries of $91,310 in Rhode Island.

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Becoming a speech-language pathologist in Rhode Island requires dedication, specialized education, and proper licensure through the state’s regulatory board. The process typically spans 6-7 years from bachelor’s degree to full licensure: approximately 4 years for an undergraduate degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and 9 months for the clinical fellowship. Graduates have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals with communication and swallowing disorders throughout the Ocean State.

As of 2022, Rhode Island’s speech-language pathology community scored a major victory with the passage of 2022-S 2570, legislation ensuring speech-language pathology services are included as part of special education for students. This act expanded services beyond nine years of age, creating new opportunities for speech-language pathologists in Rhode Island’s school systems while ensuring children receive critical support throughout their educational journey.

Follow this comprehensive guide to understand the requirements, timeline, and opportunities for becoming a speech-language pathologist in Rhode Island.

Step 1: Complete Your Graduate Degree from an ASHA-Accredited Program

The foundation of your speech-language pathologist career begins with earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA), part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Rhode Island recognizes only degrees from CAA-accredited programs for state licensure.

Rhode Island has at least one CAA-accredited program within the state. The CAA also accredits numerous online programs, providing flexible options for students who need to balance education with work or family obligations. Online programs feature interactive modules, filmed lectures, and instructor-led discussions, with clinical experiences completed at sites near your home.

Admission Requirements

Speech-language pathology graduate programs maintain selective admission standards to ensure students demonstrate commitment to the field. Admission departments typically look for:

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in overall coursework and prerequisite courses
  • GRE scores in the 30th percentile or higher (some programs have eliminated GRE requirements)
  • Academic references from professors or supervisors familiar with your academic capabilities
  • Personal statement articulating your motivation for pursuing the field
  • Observation hours with licensed speech-language pathologists (typically 25-50 hours)

Prerequisite Coursework

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in communicative sciences and disorders, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses before beginning graduate-level work. Required prerequisites typically include:

  • Introduction to Clinical Methods
  • Neuroanatomy of Speech and Language
  • Introduction to Audiology
  • Language Development Across the Lifespan
  • Speech Science and Phonetics
  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism

Many graduate programs offer bridge courses or post-baccalaureate certificate programs, allowing non-major students to complete prerequisites before beginning their master’s degree coursework.

Core Graduate Coursework

Once admitted to a graduate program, you’ll complete approximately 60 credit hours of advanced coursework covering the full spectrum of communication disorders. Core topics include:

  • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Communicative Disorders
  • Research Methods in Communicative Disorders
  • Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Voice Disorders: Assessment and Treatment
  • Phonological Disorders in Children
  • Language Disorders in School-Aged Children
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Dysphagia: Swallowing Disorders
  • Fluency Disorders and Stuttering
  • Language Disorders in Developmentally Young Children
  • Motor Speech Disorders
  • Neurogenic Communication Disorders

Elective Specializations

Graduate programs offer elective courses allowing you to develop expertise in specific areas of interest:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities
  • Language Disorders in Infants and Toddlers (Early Intervention)
  • Medical Speech-Language Pathology in Acute Care Settings
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Literacy and Reading Development
  • Counseling Skills for Communication Disorders
  • Instrumentation and Technology in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Voice and Transgender Voice Therapy

Clinical Practicum Requirements

Your graduate program will include a minimum of 400 supervised clinical practicum hours, essential for developing hands-on diagnostic and treatment skills. These hours are divided into:

  • 25 hours of observation, shadowing licensed speech-language pathologists in various clinical settings
  • 375 hours of direct client contact under the supervision of licensed, ASHA-certified clinicians

During your clinical practicum, you’ll gain experience across diverse populations and disorder types, including pediatric and adult clients, various communication disorders, and multiple service delivery settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.

Through practicum experiences, you’ll develop competencies in screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention implementation, progress monitoring, and clinical documentation.

Step 2: Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

Upon graduation from your master’s program, you must pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (test code 5331), administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This standardized national examination assesses your knowledge and clinical competence across the full scope of speech-language pathology practice.

Exam Registration and Testing Centers

You’ll register directly through the Praxis website, selecting from available testing dates and locations. Rhode Island offers testing centers in:

  • Cumberland
  • Providence
  • Warwick

The examination fee is $170 (as of 2024), with scores typically available within 10-15 business days of your test date.

Passing Score Requirements

Rhode Island requires a minimum scaled score of 162 on a 100-200 scale to meet licensure requirements. This passing score aligns with ASHA’s certification requirements and is recognized in most states.

Exam Structure and Content

The Praxis examination for speech-language pathologists consists of 132 multiple-choice questions covering three primary content areas:

Content AreaNumber of QuestionsPercentage
Foundations and Professional Practice2015%
Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis4836%
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment6449%

Within these three sections, questions address specific disorder areas, including:

  • Speech sound production and articulation disorders
  • Fluency disorders and stuttering
  • Voice, resonance, and motor speech disorders
  • Receptive and expressive language disorders
  • Social communication and pragmatic language
  • Cognitive-communication disorders
  • Augmentative and alternative communication
  • Hearing and auditory processing
  • Feeding and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

Exam Preparation Resources

ETS provides official study materials, including practice questions, content outlines, and study companions. These materials offer the most accurate representation of the actual examination format and difficulty level. Many candidates also use commercial study guides, online practice exams, and study groups with fellow graduates to prepare thoroughly.

Step 3: Obtain Provisional License and Complete Clinical Fellowship

After graduating and passing the Praxis exam, you’ll enter the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), a supervised professional experience required for full licensure. Before beginning your fellowship, you must obtain a provisional license from the Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.

Provisional License Application Process

To apply for your provisional license, you’ll need to submit the following materials to the Rhode Island Department of Health:

  • Completed provisional license application (available from the Rhode Island Board of Examiners)
  • $65 application fee (check or money order payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island)
  • Official graduate transcripts sent directly from your university to the Board
  • Documentation of practicum hours verified by your graduate program
  • Praxis examination scores sent directly from ETS to the Rhode Island Board

Mail your application to:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Board of Examiners of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

The Board typically processes applications within 1-2 weeks. Your provisional license must be renewed annually and will expire 90 days after you complete your clinical fellowship, at which time you’ll transition to full licensure.

Clinical Fellowship Requirements

The Clinical Fellowship Year provides structured mentorship as you transition from student clinician to independent professional. You’ll complete a minimum of 1,260 hours over 36 weeks of full-time clinical work, or the part-time equivalent, under the supervision of an ASHA-certified, Rhode Island-licensed speech-language pathologist.

Clinical Fellowship Experience

During your fellowship, you’ll gain professional experience working with diverse populations, including children, adults, and individuals with special needs across various disorder types. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Conducting comprehensive assessments and screenings
  • Performing evaluations and making diagnostic determinations
  • Developing individualized treatment plans with your supervisor’s guidance
  • Implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions
  • Monitoring client progress and adjusting treatment approaches
  • Completing clinical documentation and maintaining client records
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary team members
  • Communicating with families and caregivers about treatment goals

Finding Clinical Fellowship Opportunities

Many clinical fellows secure positions at their graduate program’s affiliated clinical sites or through connections made during practicum experiences. Additional fellowship opportunities can be found through:

  • Your university’s graduate program director or clinical coordinator
  • ASHA’s Career Portal and job board
  • Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association (RISHA) job postings
  • Online employment platforms specializing in speech-language pathologist positions
  • Direct contact with Rhode Island healthcare facilities, school districts, and private practices

Step 4: Earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

Upon successful completion of your Clinical Fellowship Year, you’ll apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This nationally recognized credential is required for Rhode Island state licensure and demonstrates you’ve met rigorous standards for professional practice.

CCC-SLP Application Requirements

To earn your CCC-SLP credential, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program
  • Minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours completed during graduate study
  • Passing score on the Praxis examination (162 or higher)
  • Successful completion of Clinical Fellowship with supervisor verification

Application Process

You’ll apply for the CCC-SLP directly through ASHA’s online portal. Your clinical fellowship supervisor will submit verification of your completed fellowship experience through the same system.

ASHA typically processes applications within 6-8 weeks. Once certified, you’ll be eligible to apply for full licensure in Rhode Island and practice independently as a speech-language pathologist.

Maintaining Your CCC-SLP

The CCC-SLP credential requires renewal every three years. You’ll maintain certification by:

  • Completing 30 hours of professional development every three-year cycle
  • Paying ASHA’s annual membership and certification fees
  • Adhering to ASHA’s Code of Ethics

Step 5: Apply for Full State Licensure and Begin Professional Practice

With your CCC-SLP credential in hand, you’re ready to apply for full licensure through the Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. This license authorizes you to practice speech-language pathology independently throughout Rhode Island. Rhode Island requires both the CCC-SLP credential and state licensure to practice legally.

Full License Application Requirements

Submit the following materials to obtain your Rhode Island speech-language pathologist license:

  • Completed license application (available from the Rhode Island Board)
  • $145 license fee (check or money order payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island)
  • Recent passport photograph
  • Official transcripts sent directly from your graduate institution
  • CCC-SLP certificate verification sent directly from ASHA to the Board

Mail your application to:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Board of Examiners of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Room 104
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

The Board processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks. Once licensed, you may begin practicing independently in Rhode Island.

Career Pathways for Licensed Speech-Language Pathologists in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers diverse career opportunities for licensed speech-language pathologists across multiple settings. Consider these professional pathways:

Join Your Clinical Fellowship Site

The facility where you completed your clinical fellowship may offer full-time employment. This transition provides continuity and allows you to work in a familiar environment with established professional relationships.

School-Based Practice

Rhode Island’s public and private schools employ speech-language pathologists to provide services under special education programming. School-based positions offer academic year schedules with summers off, opportunities to work with children across grade levels, and collaborative work with teachers and education specialists.

Rhode Island school districts actively hiring speech-language pathologists include:

  • Barrington Public Schools
  • Westerly Public Schools
  • Jamestown School Department
  • Providence Public Schools
  • Warwick Public Schools

Healthcare Settings

Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities employ speech-language pathologists to work with patients recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and progressive neurological conditions. Healthcare settings offer exposure to medically complex cases, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to specialize in areas like dysphagia or acute care.

Rhode Island healthcare employers include:

  • Rhode Island Hospital (Providence)
  • Lifespan Health System
  • Rehabilitation Hospital of Rhode Island
  • Kent Hospital (Warwick)
  • South County Hospital (Wakefield)

Private Practice and Outpatient Clinics

Private practices and outpatient clinics provide flexible scheduling, diverse caseloads, and opportunities to develop specialized expertise. Many speech-language pathologists join established practices before eventually opening their own clinics.

Rhode Island therapy providers include:

  • CBS Therapy (Cranston)
  • Evergreen Rehabilitation
  • Meeting Street (Providence)
  • Fusion Therapy Solutions
  • Perspectives Corporation

Skilled Nursing and Long-Term Care

Skilled nursing facilities require speech-language pathologists to assess and treat swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication impairments, and speech disorders in elderly populations. These positions often offer higher compensation and opportunities for consultative work across multiple facilities.

Rhode Island long-term care facilities employing speech-language pathologists include:

  • Elderwood Facilities
  • Seven Hills, Rhode Island (Cumberland)
  • Briarcliffe Manor Nursing Home (Johnston)
  • Berkshire Place Nursing Home (Providence)
  • Pawtuxet Village Care & Rehab (Warwick)

Starting an Independent Practice or Partnership

Experienced speech-language pathologists may choose to open independent practices or partnerships, offering autonomy, flexible scheduling, and the ability to specialize in specific populations or treatment approaches. Independent practice requires business management skills, liability insurance, and the development of referral networks.

Step 6: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education

Rhode Island requires licensed speech-language pathologists to renew their licenses every two years and complete continuing education to maintain current knowledge and clinical competencies.

License Renewal Requirements

You’ll renew your Rhode Island speech-language pathologist license online through the Rhode Island Department of Health portal every two years. Renewal requires:

  • Completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal period
  • Payment of renewal fees as determined by the Board
  • Attestation of compliance with all licensing requirements

Approved Continuing Education

The Rhode Island Board accepts continuing education activities approved by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, including:

  • ASHA-approved conferences and conventions
  • Online webinars and e-learning courses with ASHA CEUs
  • University graduate courses relevant to speech-language pathology
  • Professional seminars and workshops
  • Self-study courses with assessment components

Continuing Education Documentation

You must maintain documentation of your continuing education activities, including certificates of completion or verification letters signed by the course instructor. The Rhode Island Board may audit renewal applications and request proof of completed continuing education.

Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association

The Rhode Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association (RISHA) provides valuable continuing education opportunities through workshops, seminars, and annual conferences featuring current topics in assessment and treatment. RISHA events offer networking opportunities with fellow Rhode Island speech-language pathologists while fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Recent RISHA continuing education topics have included:

  • Innovative approaches to dysphagia assessment and treatment
  • Evaluation protocols for adults with traumatic brain injuries
  • Evidence-based interventions for childhood phonological disorders
  • Treatment strategies for preschool children who stutter
  • Culturally responsive practice in speech-language pathology
  • Telepractice and technology in service delivery

Speech-Language Pathology Salary in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers competitive compensation for speech-language pathologists, with salaries reflecting the state’s higher cost of living and strong demand for qualified clinicians. Understanding salary expectations helps you evaluate employment offers and plan your career trajectory.

Statewide Salary Overview

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Rhode Island is $91,310 annually, or $43.90 per hour, based on 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This exceeds the national median salary, positioning Rhode Island as a competitive market for clinicians.

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Wage
Entry Level (10th Percentile)$65,260$31.38
Median (50th Percentile)$91,310$43.90
Experienced (90th Percentile)$110,650$53.20

Source: 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Regional Salary Variations Within Rhode Island

Salaries vary by geographic region within Rhode Island, with some metropolitan areas offering higher compensation reflecting local demand and cost of living.

Metro AreaMedian Annual SalaryEntry LevelTop Earners (90th)
Westerly Metro Area$96,470$61,890$142,910
Providence Metro Area$90,900$65,260$111,000

Source: 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Westerly metro area offers the highest median salary for speech-language pathologists in Rhode Island at $96,470 annually, with experienced clinicians in the 90th percentile earning up to $142,910. The Providence metro area, while slightly lower, still provides competitive compensation with strong employment opportunities across diverse settings.

Salary Growth and Career Trajectory

Between 2019 and 2023, speech-language pathologist salaries in Rhode Island grew by 7%, reflecting increased demand for qualified clinicians and recognition of the profession’s value in healthcare and education systems. Salary growth continues as Rhode Island addresses workforce needs in schools, healthcare facilities, and community-based programs.

Factors Influencing Speech-Language Pathologist Salaries

Several factors affect individual salary levels:

  • Work setting: Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer higher salaries than school districts or outpatient clinics
  • Experience level: New graduates start at entry-level salaries, with increases as you gain expertise and specialized certifications
  • Geographic location: Metro areas with higher costs of living typically offer increased compensation
  • Specializations: Speech-language pathologists with expertise in high-demand areas like dysphagia or pediatric feeding disorders may command premium salaries
  • Employment type: Contract and travel speech-language pathologist positions often offer higher hourly rates than permanent positions

Job Market Outlook

The demand for speech-language pathologists in Rhode Island continues to grow at an impressive rate. The state projects a 21% increase in speech-language pathologist positions during the decade leading to 2030, significantly exceeding national average growth rates.

This growth will create approximately 40 annual job openings in Rhode Island, driven by a combination of new position creation, retirement of experienced clinicians, and natural workforce turnover. This robust job market provides excellent employment prospects for new graduates and experienced professionals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The complete process typically takes 6-7 years from the start of your bachelor’s degree to full licensure in Rhode Island. This includes approximately 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and 9 months (36 weeks) for the clinical fellowship requiring 1,260 hours of supervised experience. If you need to complete prerequisite courses after your bachelor’s degree, add an additional 1-2 years to this timeline.

Are there any speech-language pathology graduate programs located in Rhode Island?
 

Rhode Island has at least one CAA-accredited graduate program within the state. Many Rhode Island residents also pursue online graduate programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation, which allow students to complete coursework remotely while completing clinical practica at approved sites in Rhode Island.

How much does the Rhode Island speech-language pathologist licensing process cost?
 

The licensing process involves several fees: the Praxis examination costs $170, the provisional license application costs $65, and the full license application costs $145. You’ll also pay ASHA’s annual membership and certification fees (approximately $225 annually). In total, expect to invest around $600-700 in application and testing fees during the licensure process, not including graduate program tuition.

Can I practice in Rhode Island with a license from another state?
 

Rhode Island does not have automatic license reciprocity with other states. However, if you hold an active license and ASHA’s CCC-SLP credential from another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement in Rhode Island. You’ll submit your application, official transcripts, verification of your out-of-state license, and ASHA certification, along with the required fees. The Rhode Island Board evaluates applications individually based on equivalency of requirements.

What is the job outlook for speech-language pathologists in Rhode Island?
 

The job outlook for speech-language pathologists in Rhode Island is excellent. The state projects 21% growth in positions through 2030, creating approximately 40 annual job openings. This strong growth rate exceeds national averages and reflects increased demand in schools (following the 2022 legislation expanding services), healthcare facilities serving aging populations, and early intervention programs. Rhode Island’s compact size and strong healthcare infrastructure create abundant opportunities for new graduates and experienced clinicians.

Do I need malpractice insurance to practice as a speech-language pathologist in Rhode Island?
 

While Rhode Island does not legally require speech-language pathologists to carry malpractice insurance, professional liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by employers. ASHA offers professional liability insurance for members at competitive rates. Private practices, independent contractors, and speech-language pathologists working in multiple settings should maintain their own malpractice coverage. Many employers provide coverage for employees working within their organizations, but verify this coverage and consider supplemental personal insurance.

How often do I need to renew my Rhode Island speech-language pathologist license?
 

Rhode Island speech-language pathologist licenses must be renewed every two years. During each two-year renewal period, you must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education approved by ASHA. You’ll renew online through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s licensing portal, paying the renewal fee and attesting that you’ve completed all continuing education requirements. The Board may audit renewals and request documentation of completed continuing education activities.

Key Takeaways

  • Complete timeline: Becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist in Rhode Island takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and approximately 9 months for the clinical fellowship
  • Education requirement: You must graduate from a master’s program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), part of ASHA
  • Praxis exam: Pass the national examination with a minimum score of 162 on a 100-200 scale
  • Clinical fellowship: Complete 1,260 hours over 36 weeks of full-time supervised professional experience (or part-time equivalent) under a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist
  • Dual certification required: Rhode Island licensure requires both ASHA’s CCC-SLP credential and state licensure from the Rhode Island Board of Examiners
  • Competitive salaries: Rhode Island speech-language pathologists earn a median salary of $91,310 annually (2024 BLS data), with experienced clinicians earning over $110,000
  • Strong job growth: Rhode Island projects 21% growth in speech-language pathologist positions through 2030, creating approximately 40 annual job openings
  • Continuing education: Maintain licensure by completing 30 contact hours of ASHA-approved continuing education every two years
  • Licensing costs: Total application and testing fees are approximately $600-700, including the Praxis exam ($170), provisional license ($65), and full license application ($145)

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Ready to Start Your Speech-Language Pathologist Career in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s growing demand for speech-language pathologists creates excellent opportunities for aspiring clinicians. With competitive salaries, diverse practice settings, and strong job growth, now is the ideal time to pursue your speech-language pathology education.

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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.

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.