To become a speech-language pathologist in South Dakota, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a CAA-accredited master’s degree, finish a 9-month clinical fellowship, pass the Praxis exam (score 162+), and obtain state licensure through the South Dakota Board of Examiners. The entire process typically takes 6 to 7 years from undergraduate studies through licensure.
- 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.
South Dakota’s speech-language pathologists work across diverse settings, from major hospital systems like Monument Health and Avera Health to school districts throughout the state. Whether you’re drawn to pediatric services in Sioux Falls, rehabilitation work in Rapid City, or rural healthcare delivery, the state offers rewarding career paths for SLPs who help patients overcome communication and swallowing disorders.
With approximately 400 practicing SLPs statewide and an average of 40 new job openings projected annually through 2030, South Dakota presents steady opportunities for new professionals entering the field. The state’s relatively small SLP workforce means your expertise will be in demand, particularly in rural communities and specialized practice areas.
This guide walks you through each step of becoming a licensed speech pathologist in South Dakota, from selecting an accredited graduate program to maintaining your professional credentials.
Step 1: Complete a CAA-Accredited Master’s Degree
Your path to becoming a South Dakota speech-language pathologist begins with earning a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). South Dakota has one CAA-accredited program: the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
If you’re looking for additional options or prefer online study, CAA-accredited online programs have become increasingly popular. These programs allow you to complete graduate coursework from anywhere while meeting the same rigorous standards as traditional campus-based programs. You’ll still need to complete in-person clinical requirements, but the flexibility can be valuable for working professionals or those living far from campus.
Undergraduate Preparation
Most students enter SLP graduate programs with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. If your undergraduate degree is in another field, you’ll need to complete prerequisite coursework before beginning graduate studies. Some programs offer these courses as part of a pre-professional year, while others require completion before admission.
| Course Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Language Acquisition | How children develop language skills from birth through adolescence |
| Phonetics | Speech sound production and the International Phonetic Alphabet |
| Speech Science | Acoustic properties of speech and voice production mechanisms |
| Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism | Structures involved in breathing, phonation, articulation, and swallowing |
Graduate Program Requirements
Your master’s program will include advanced coursework in communication disorders across the lifespan. Expect to study topics like aural rehabilitation, phonology and articulation disorders, language disorders in children and adults, fluency disorders, voice disorders, dysphagia, and diagnostic procedures. You’ll also dive into professional ethics, research methodology, and evidence-based practice.
A critical component of your graduate education is the clinical practicum. You’ll complete at least 400 supervised clinical hours working with diverse patient populations. These experiences prepare you for the independence you’ll need during your post-graduate clinical fellowship and throughout your career.
Step 2: Complete Your Clinical Fellowship
Before you can practice independently as a South Dakota speech-language pathologist, you must complete a clinical fellowship under the supervision of a licensed SLP. This supervised professional experience must last at least nine months (36 weeks) and can’t be completed until after you’ve earned your graduate degree.
You’ll need to apply for a Provisional Speech-Language Pathologist license before starting your fellowship. This provisional license costs $250 and remains valid for 24 months. If you need additional time, you can renew it once. When applying, submit a detailed plan that includes where you’ll complete your fellowship, the dates, and your supervisor’s name and South Dakota license number.
During your clinical fellowship, you’ll work under the guidance of an experienced SLP who will help you refine your clinical judgment, treatment planning skills, and professional communication. You’ll gain hands-on experience developing individualized treatment plans, conducting assessments, implementing evidence-based interventions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
At the end of your fellowship, your supervisor must complete a Verification of Supervised Post-Graduate Professional Experience form confirming you’ve met all requirements. This documentation is essential for your final licensure application.
Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination
South Dakota requires all SLP license applicants to pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Test 5331). This computer-based test is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and measures your knowledge across the full scope of speech-language pathology practice.
The exam includes 132 multiple-choice questions and has a 150-minute time limit. You’ll need to score at least 162 on a scale of 100 to 200 to pass. Testing centers are available throughout South Dakota in Aberdeen, Huron, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Vermillion. When you register through the Praxis website, you can choose your preferred test date, time, and location.
The exam assesses your understanding of three major content areas:
- Foundations and Professional Practice: Typical development across the lifespan, characteristics of communication and swallowing disorders, prevention and wellness strategies, research methodology, and evidence-based practice principles
- Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis: Screening procedures for identifying communication disorders, case history development, assessment protocols for various disorder types, and diagnostic decision-making processes
- Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment: Treatment planning considerations, progress monitoring methods, intervention approaches for speech sound disorders and language disorders, discharge planning, and follow-up procedures
ETS offers free preparation materials, including practice questions and study guides. Taking advantage of these resources can help you feel more confident on test day. Many candidates find it helpful to study for several weeks before their scheduled exam date.
Step 4: Apply for State Licensure
Once you’ve completed your clinical fellowship and passed the Praxis examination, you’re ready to apply for your permanent South Dakota SLP license. Complete the Application for Licensure and submit it to the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology along with the $250 application fee.
Your application will need to include proof of your graduate degree, verification of your completed clinical fellowship, and your Praxis examination scores. If you’ve already earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, you can submit that certification in lieu of some individual documentation requirements.
Optional CCC-SLP Certification
While not required for South Dakota state licensure, many SLPs choose to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This voluntary national certification demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and can enhance your career mobility. If you decide to work in another state, many accept the CCC-SLP as part of their licensure requirements.
ASHA also offers specialty certifications that can help distinguish your expertise in specific practice areas. Options include child language and language disorders, fluency and fluency disorders, swallowing and swallowing disorders, and intraoperative monitoring. These advanced credentials can be particularly valuable if you’re pursuing specialized positions or want to demonstrate expertise to colleagues and patients.
Career Opportunities
With your license in hand, you can begin practicing as a speech-language pathologist in South Dakota. Career opportunities for speech-language pathologists exist across multiple settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, private practices, and school districts. Major employers include Monument Health in Rapid City, Avera Health system locations throughout the state, Sanford Health facilities, and numerous school districts serving urban and rural communities.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Your South Dakota SLP license must be renewed every two years on October 1. The renewal fee is $150. To qualify for renewal, you’ll need to complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education during each two-year period.
The South Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SDSLHA) offers numerous continuing education opportunities throughout the year, including workshops, conferences, and online courses. ASHA also provides extensive continuing education options through webinars, online courses, and the annual ASHA Convention. Many employers offer in-service training that can count toward your CE requirements.
Maintaining current knowledge through continuing education isn’t just about meeting renewal requirements. The field of speech-language pathology continues to evolve with new research findings, treatment approaches, and technological advances. Ongoing professional development ensures you’re providing the most effective, evidence-based services to your patients.
Consider joining SDSLHA to access professional networking opportunities, legislative advocacy support, and connections with SLPs across the state. Professional associations provide valuable resources for career development, staying current with regulatory changes, and finding employment opportunities.
Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in South Dakota
Understanding the earning potential for South Dakota speech-language pathologists can help you make informed career decisions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for SLPs in South Dakota is $69,350, which translates to $33.34 per hour. Speech-language pathologists in the top 10 percent of earners (90th percentile) make approximately $92,840 annually, or $44.63 per hour. For a broader context on speech-language pathologist salaries nationwide, compensation varies significantly by region and employment setting.
Geographic location within South Dakota significantly impacts earning potential. The difference between the highest-paying and lowest-paying metro areas in the state is nearly $14,000 annually. The following table compares salary ranges across different regions of South Dakota:
| Metro Area | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | Top Earners (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Sioux City | $80,880 | $38.89 | $60,180 | $111,740 |
| Sioux Falls | $70,690 | $33.98 | $46,690 | $97,230 |
| Rural West South Dakota | $69,740 | $33.53 | $54,190 | $91,280 |
| Rural East South Dakota | $69,530 | $33.43 | $56,420 | $86,470 |
| Rapid City | $66,960 | $32.19 | $59,680 | $87,890 |
Employment Outlook and Opportunities
South Dakota’s employment outlook for speech-language pathologists remains positive. The state should see an average of 40 SLP job openings each year through 2030, driven by a combination of new position creation, retirements, and normal workforce turnover. As of 2023, approximately 400 SLPs work throughout South Dakota in various settings.
The distribution of SLPs across the state reflects population centers. Sioux Falls employs about 160 speech-language pathologists, making it the largest employment hub. Rapid City accounts for roughly 100 positions. Rural areas also offer opportunities, with about 90 SLPs working in rural East South Dakota and 50 in rural West South Dakota. The metro Sioux City area (which includes South Dakota communities near the Iowa border) employs approximately 70 SLPs.
Top-Paying Employment Settings
Nationally, civic and social organizations are the top-paying employers for speech-language pathologists, followed by home health care services. In South Dakota, home health represents a growing sector with approximately 76 home health service providers employing at least one SLP. These agencies serve communities from Aberdeen to Sioux Falls, offering services that allow patients to receive therapy in familiar home environments.
Skilled nursing facilities also provide competitive salaries and employ SLPs across the state. From Belle Fourche to Yankton, these facilities offer long-term care and rehabilitation services where speech pathologists address swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication deficits, and speech impairments common among elderly populations.
School-based positions, while sometimes offering lower direct salaries, often include benefits like summers off, retirement packages, and job security that can make total compensation competitive. Hospital systems typically offer strong benefits packages along with opportunities for specialization and advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a speech pathologist in South Dakota?
The complete timeline typically takes 6 to 7 years. You’ll need a 4-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a 2-year master’s program in speech-language pathology. After graduation, you’ll complete a 9-month clinical fellowship before you can apply for full licensure. Some students complete the process slightly faster with accelerated programs or by starting their clinical fellowship immediately after graduation.
What is the only CAA-accredited SLP program in South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota in Vermillion offers the state’s only CAA-accredited Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology program. This traditional campus-based program provides the comprehensive education and clinical training required for licensure. Students who prefer online options or need additional choices can also consider CAA-accredited online programs offered by universities in other states.
Do I need to pass the Praxis exam to get licensed in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota requires all SLP license applicants to pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Test 5331). You must achieve a minimum score of 162 on a scale of 100 to 200. The exam includes 132 multiple-choice questions covering foundations of practice, assessment and diagnosis, and treatment planning and implementation. Testing centers are available in Aberdeen, Huron, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Vermillion.
How much does it cost to become licensed as an SLP in South Dakota?
The direct licensing costs in South Dakota include a $250 fee for your provisional license (required during your clinical fellowship), a $250 fee for your permanent license application, and a $150 renewal fee every two years. This totals $500 for initial licensure. These fees don’t include costs for your Praxis examination, graduate education, or optional certifications like the CCC-SLP.
Can I practice in South Dakota with an out-of-state license?
No, you must hold a South Dakota license to practice as a speech-language pathologist in the state. However, if you’re already licensed in another state and meet South Dakota’s requirements (CAA-accredited degree, completed clinical fellowship, passed Praxis exam), the application process is straightforward. You’ll submit your credentials to the South Dakota Board of Examiners along with the $250 application fee. Having the national CCC-SLP certification can sometimes streamline the process.
What continuing education is required to maintain my South Dakota SLP license?
South Dakota requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years. You can fulfill this requirement through courses, workshops, conferences, and online learning offered by organizations like the South Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SDSLHA), ASHA, and other approved providers. Your license renews on October 1 of even-numbered years, and the renewal fee is $150.
What is the average salary for speech pathologists in South Dakota?
The average annual salary for speech-language pathologists in South Dakota is $69,350, or $33.34 per hour. Salaries vary by location within the state, with Metro Sioux City offering the highest average at $80,880 and Rapid City on the lower end at $66,960. Top earners in the state make approximately $92,840 annually. Entry-level positions typically start between $46,690 and $60,180, depending on location and employment setting.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota requires a CAA-accredited master’s degree in speech-language pathology as the foundation for licensure. The University of South Dakota offers the state’s only campus-based program, though online options are also available.
- You must complete a supervised 9-month clinical fellowship under a licensed SLP before you can practice independently. A provisional license ($250) is required during this fellowship period.
- The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Test 5331) is mandatory for licensure. You need to score at least 162 out of 200 to pass.
- Total initial licensing costs are $500 ($250 provisional license + $250 permanent license application). Renewal every two years costs $150 and requires 20 contact hours of continuing education.
- The average salary for South Dakota speech-language pathologists is $69,350 annually, with regional variation from $66,960 in Rapid City to $80,880 in Metro Sioux City. The state projects 40 annual job openings through 2030.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. - This STEM program focuses on training aspiring speech-language pathologists to offer compassionate, effective services to individuals with communication disorders
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a speech pathologist? Explore accredited graduate programs that can prepare you for a rewarding career helping South Dakota residents overcome communication challenges.
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.