To become a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in South Carolina, you must complete a master’s degree from a Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)-accredited program, finish a 9-month full-time clinical fellowship under licensed supervision (part-time options extend to 18 months), pass the Praxis SLP exam (minimum score 162), and apply for licensure through the SC Board of Examiners. South Carolina SLPs earn a median salary of $85,670 annually.
- 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.
- 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 pathologists (SLPs) are licensed healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The speech-language pathology professional community in South Carolina has grown steadily over the past decade, with the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SCSHA) serving as a central resource for all SLP professionals in the state.
The scholarship recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and commitment to the field. Beyond scholarships, SCSHA supports local professionals through advocacy initiatives, continuing education opportunities, volunteer programs, and an annual convention that brings together practitioners from across the state.
If you want to join South Carolina’s community of SLP professionals and make a difference in the lives of children and adults with speech, language, and swallowing disorders, you’ll need to earn state licensure through the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Step 1: Complete a CAA-Accredited Master’s Degree
The South Carolina Board of Examiners requires all SLP licensure candidates to earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). South Carolina is home to five CAA-accredited SLP master’s programs, though you can also complete your degree through accredited online SLP master’s programs.
Online programs offer flexibility for adults with family commitments, professional obligations, and geographical limitations. These programs maintain the same rigorous academic standards as on-campus options while accommodating diverse student needs.
Undergraduate Prerequisites
Most graduate programs don’t require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree specifically in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders. If you earned your bachelor’s degree in another field, you can complete prerequisite courses at the beginning of your graduate program to build the proper foundation for advanced SLP coursework.
Typical undergraduate requirements before beginning graduate-level courses include 14-18 credits covering:
- Phonetics – Study of speech sounds and their production
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism – Physical structures involved in communication
- Language Acquisition – How children develop language skills
- Introduction to Communication Disorders – Overview of speech and language conditions
- Diagnostic Audiology – Hearing assessment and disorders
- Aural Rehabilitation – Treatment approaches for hearing impairment
Graduate Coursework and Clinical Experience
During your master’s program, you’ll cover advanced topics in speech-language pathology, including:
- Articulation Disorders – Assessment and treatment of speech sound errors
- Child Language Disorders – Developmental language challenges in pediatric populations
- Disorders of Phonation – Voice production and quality issues
- Stuttering – Fluency disorders and intervention strategies
- Speech and Hearing Science – Acoustic and physiological aspects of communication
- Communication Problems in Aging – Age-related speech and language changes
Your master’s program includes a clinical practicum requirement of at least 375 hours under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist. This supervised clinical experience provides hands-on training with real clients across various settings and disorder types.
Step 2: Complete Your Clinical Fellowship (Supervised Professional Employment)
After graduating from your master’s program, you must complete a supervised professional employment (SPE) period, commonly called a clinical fellowship, lasting at least nine months. During this time, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist while meeting one of these work requirement schedules:
| Hours Per Week | Duration Required | Total Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| 30+ hours | 9 months | Full-time standard |
| 25-29 hours | 12 months | Three-quarter time |
| 20-24 hours | 15 months | Half-time |
| 15-19 hours | 18 months | Extended part-time |
| Less than 15 | N/A | Does not qualify |
The clinical fellowship is a paid employment period designed to provide immersive clinical experience under professional supervision. Take time to find a sponsor that aligns with your professional goals, as this opportunity often leads to full-time employment after licensure.
South Carolina Clinical Fellowship Opportunities
Many employers throughout South Carolina sponsor clinical fellowships, including:
- Carolina Speech and Language (Summerville) – Private practice setting
- Palmetto Speech and Language Services (Ridgeland) – Rural community services
- Bright Start South Carolina (Greenville and Columbia) – Early intervention focus
- Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at South Carolina State University (Orangeburg) – University clinic
Applying for Your Intern License
Before beginning your SPE, apply for an intern license with the Board by completing the Application for Speech Intern License. Your application packet must include:
- Graduate transcripts – Official proof of degree completion
- Application fee – $100 payment
- Summary of Clinical Clock Hours form – Verification of 375 clinical hours
- Supervisor Agreement/Intern Plan for SPE form – Signed agreement with your supervisor
- Passport Photo Affidavit – Include one passport-style photograph
The intern license remains valid for 12 months with one renewal option available. At the end of your SPE, complete the Report of Completed Internship form and submit it to the Board before applying for your permanent license.
Clinical Fellowship Scope of Practice
During your SPE, you’ll gain hands-on experience across the full SLP Scope of Practice as defined by ASHA. This includes developing skills in administration and leadership, implementing prevention and wellness recommendations, and executing evidence-based treatment procedures across diverse client populations and settings.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis SLP Examination
You can take the national SLP examination anytime after graduating from your master’s program. The Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (test code 5331) is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), and you must register directly through the Praxis website.
When registering, you’ll select your preferred exam date, time, and location. South Carolina offers Praxis testing at centers in these cities:
- Beaufort
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Conway
- Florence
- Gaffney
- Greenville
- Rock Hill
Exam Format and Content
The Praxis SLP exam consists of 132 questions with a 150-minute time limit. ETS provides comprehensive study materials to help you prepare. The exam divides content across three equal sections:
| Content Area | Exam Weight | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | 33% | Development, influencing factors, disorder characteristics, and cultural competency |
| Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis | 33% | Screening procedures, case histories, assessment protocols, and social communication |
| Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment | 33% | Treatment planning, progress monitoring, and intervention strategies |
To pass the Praxis SLP exam and meet South Carolina licensure requirements, you need a minimum scaled score of 162 on a scale ranging from 100 to 200. This is the passing threshold established by the South Carolina Board of Examiners. Your official scores are sent directly from ETS to the Board.
Optional National Certification (CCC-SLP)
After passing the Praxis exam and completing your clinical fellowship, you can apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through ASHA. While the CCC-SLP isn’t required for South Carolina state licensure, many employers prefer or require this voluntary national certification for hiring and career advancement.
ASHA also offers specialty certifications that demonstrate advanced expertise in specific areas:
- Child Language and Language Disorders – Pediatric language specialization
- Fluency and Fluency Disorders – Stuttering and related conditions
- Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders – Dysphagia assessment and treatment
Learn more about specialty certifications on ASHA’s Clinical Specialty Certification page.
Step 4: Obtain Your SLP License
To earn your permanent South Carolina SLP license, submit a Request to Upgrade to a Permanent Speech-Language Pathologist License Package. Your application requires:
- Completed application form – Full upgrade request package
- Official Praxis scores – Sent directly from ETS to the Board
- Application fee – $220 payment
- Completed internship documentation – Report of Completed Internship form
Once the Board processes your application and verifies all requirements, you’ll receive your permanent license to practice as a speech-language pathologist in South Carolina.
Licensing Costs Summary
Understanding the complete financial investment for South Carolina SLP licensure helps you plan your budget effectively. The following table outlines all required fees throughout the licensure process:
| Fee Type | Amount | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Intern License Application | $100 | Before starting a clinical fellowship |
| Permanent License Upgrade | $220 | After completing a clinical fellowship |
| Praxis SLP Exam | ~$120 | When taking an examination |
| Total Licensing Costs | ~$440 | Throughout the licensure process |
Fees current as of November 2025. Verify with the SC Board of Examiners for the most current fee schedule. These costs don’t include graduate program tuition or living expenses during your clinical fellowship period.
Career Path Options for Licensed SLPs
After obtaining your license, several career paths become available:
Clinical and Hospital Settings – Many SLPs have employment waiting at the clinic or hospital where they completed their clinical fellowship. Returning to a familiar workplace provides continuity and immediate professional relationships as you begin your licensed career.
Private Practice – Starting your own speech-language therapy practice allows you to control your schedule and build your own client base. Telepractice has become increasingly popular in South Carolina, enabling SLPs to provide services via the internet while maintaining flexibility. ASHA provides resources for starting a private practice.
Educational Settings – School districts throughout South Carolina employ SLPs to work with students from preschool through high school, addressing communication disorders that impact academic performance.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
South Carolina requires all licensed SLPs to renew their licenses every two years by April 30. To maintain your license, complete 16 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. Contact the Board directly to process your license renewal.
The South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers continuing education opportunities throughout the year, including workshops, webinars, and professional development seminars. SCSHA’s annual conference provides multiple continuing education credits while allowing you to network with colleagues from across the state.
For detailed renewal requirements and procedures, visit the Board’s license renewal page.
Speech-Language Pathology Salary in South Carolina
South Carolina’s speech-language pathologists earn competitive salaries with strong growth potential. The median SLP salary in the state is $85,670 annually, or $41.19 per hour. Salaries have increased significantly in recent years, with the median SLP salary rising 19% between 2019 and 2023 alone.
SLPs at the 90th percentile (top earners) in South Carolina make approximately $112,780, or $54.22 per hour. This demonstrates substantial earning potential as you gain experience and potentially pursue specialty certifications.
Note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median salaries rather than average (mean) salaries. The median represents the midpoint where half of all SLPs earn more and half earn less, providing a more accurate picture of typical earnings by minimizing the impact of extremely high or low salaries.
Job Market Growth and Opportunities
South Carolina’s SLP job market shows strong projected growth through 2034. According to 2024 projections from the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop resource, South Carolina is expected to see an average of 180 SLP annual job openings during the ten-year period from 2024 to 2034, driven by a combination of new job creation, retirements, and natural workforce turnover.
As of 2024, South Carolina employs approximately 2,250 speech-language pathologists distributed across major metropolitan areas:
- Metro Charlotte – 1,150 SLP positions (largest market)
- Greenville – 450 SLP positions
- Charleston – 400 SLP positions
- Columbia – 370 SLP positions
- Metro Augusta – 230 SLP positions
Employment Settings Beyond Schools and Hospitals
While many SLPs work in educational and hospital settings, private outpatient clinics offer additional employment opportunities throughout South Carolina. Notable outpatient clinics employing speech-language pathologists include:
- Hitchcock Healthcare (Aiken)
- Carolina Pediatric Therapy (Asheville)
- Lowcountry Therapy Center (Blufton)
- Speech Matters (Charlotte)
- TerrificTalkers (Charlotte)
- The Brain Trainer (Charlotte)
- aspire (Goose Creek)
- John I Smith Scottish Rite Center (Greenville)
- Kidnetics (Greenville)
- Therapy360 (Greenville) – Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
- Midlands Therapy Services, LLC (Lexington)
- Upstate Pediatric Speech Therapy Services, Inc. (Mauldin)
- Pediatrics Unlimited Inc. (Spartanburg)
- Columbia Speaks In-Home Speech Therapy & Clinic (West Columbia)
Regional Salary Comparison Across South Carolina
SLP salaries vary across South Carolina’s regions, with the highest median salaries concentrated in metro Charlotte, followed by Florence, Spartanburg, and Charleston. The best opportunities for high-end salaries (90th percentile) appear in Florence, metro Charlotte, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach.
The following table compares salaries across South Carolina’s major metropolitan areas, sorted by highest median salary:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (10th Percentile) | High End (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Charlotte | $90,250 | $43.39 | $62,470 | $119,410 |
| Florence | $89,380 | $42.97 | $50,300 | $121,620 |
| Spartanburg | $89,020 | $42.80 | $60,690 | $108,820 |
| Charleston | $87,060 | $41.85 | $53,600 | $112,780 |
| Metro Hilton Head Island | $87,000 | $41.83 | $62,850 | $114,460 |
| Columbia | $85,370 | $41.05 | $58,740 | $109,020 |
| Greenville | $83,730 | $40.26 | $34,040 | $118,520 |
| Myrtle Beach | $83,410 | $40.10 | $60,510 | $117,610 |
| Augusta | $82,870 | $39.84 | $56,680 | $106,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in South Carolina?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years total. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, two years for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and 9-18 months for the clinical fellowship (depending on whether you work full-time or part-time). You can take the Praxis exam during or after your master’s program, and the licensure application process takes several weeks once you’ve completed all requirements.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology to get into a master’s program?
No, most graduate programs accept students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders, you’ll complete prerequisite coursework (typically 14-18 credits) at the beginning of your graduate program. These prerequisites cover foundational topics like phonetics, anatomy of the speech mechanism, and language acquisition.
What’s the passing score for the Praxis SLP exam?
South Carolina requires a scaled score of 162 on the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (test 5331). The Praxis uses a scale from 100 to 200, and your score is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly, which is then converted to the scaled score. The exam consists of 132 questions with a 150-minute time limit.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an SLP in South Carolina?
The direct licensing costs include a $100 application fee for your intern license and a $220 fee for your permanent license upgrade, totaling $320 in state fees. You’ll also pay the Praxis exam fee of approximately $120 (check current ETS pricing). These costs don’t include graduate program tuition or the time investment required for your clinical fellowship, which is paid employment.
Can I complete my clinical fellowship part-time?
Yes, South Carolina allows part-time clinical fellowships with extended duration requirements. You can complete your supervised professional employment working 20-24 hours per week over 15 months, or 15-19 hours per week over 18 months. Working less than 15 hours per week doesn’t count toward your clinical fellowship requirement. Most candidates complete the full-time option (30+ hours per week for 9 months).
Do I need the CCC-SLP to work in South Carolina?
No, the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA is not required for South Carolina state licensure. However, many employers prefer or require the CCC-SLP for hiring, and it can enhance your career advancement opportunities. The CCC-SLP is recognized nationally, which is beneficial if you plan to practice in multiple states or seek certain positions.
What’s the salary difference between Charleston and Columbia for SLPs?
Charleston SLPs earn a median of $87,060 annually ($41.85 per hour), while Columbia SLPs earn a median of $85,370 annually ($41.05 per hour). This represents about a $1,700 annual difference, or approximately $0.80 per hour. However, both markets offer similar high-end earning potential at the 90th percentile, with Charleston at $112,780 and Columbia at $109,020. Cost of living differences between these cities should factor into your location decision.
How many continuing education hours do I need to maintain my South Carolina SLP license?
South Carolina requires 16 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal. Your renewal deadline is April 30 of your renewal year. The South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SCSHA) offers numerous CE opportunities throughout the year, including workshops, webinars, and an annual conference that provides multiple continuing education credits while allowing you to network with colleagues statewide.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires a CAA-accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology and completion of a 9-month full-time clinical fellowship (or part-time equivalent up to 18 months) for SLP licensure
- The Praxis SLP exam requires a minimum scaled score of 162 out of 200, and you can take it anytime after completing your graduate degree
- Median SLP salary in South Carolina is $85,670 annually, with metro Charlotte offering the highest median pay at $90,250, and top earners reaching $112,780 statewide
- The South Carolina Board of Examiners manages all licensure applications, with total licensing costs of approximately $440 (including $100 intern license, $220 permanent license, and $120 Praxis exam fee)
- License renewal occurs every two years by April 30, requiring completion of 16 continuing education hours during each renewal period
- South Carolina’s job market projects 180 annual SLP openings from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 2,250 SLPs currently employed across the state
- 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.
- 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.
Start Your SLP Journey in South Carolina
Ready to explore accredited graduate programs? Compare online and campus-based options to find the right fit for your career goals and lifestyle needs.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics median 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.