To become a speech-language pathologist in Utah, you’ll need a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program (3 available in Utah), complete a 9-month clinical fellowship, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, and obtain state licensure through Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). The complete process takes 6-7 years, with Utah SLPs earning a median salary of $85,320 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.
- 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.
Whether they’re working in major healthcare systems in Salt Lake City or in small private practices in rural communities dotting the Wasatch Mountains, Utah’s speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat both children and adults with communication, language, and swallowing disorders.
Recent statistics by the U.S. Department of Labor reveal that demand for SLP jobs in Utah will skyrocket in the coming years. SLP jobs in the Beehive State are projected to increase by 37% over the decade leading up to 2032—that’s the seventh-highest rate of growth among all states in the nation during this time.
With job prospects like these, there’s no better time to begin pursuing a career in speech-language therapy. But before you can begin reaping the rewards of this personally and professionally fulfilling profession, you’ll need to become licensed through the Utah Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Licensing Board, part of the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Step 1. Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
To become a speech-language pathologist in Utah, you must complete a master’s degree that’s accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). CAA-accredited SLP programs can be traditional campus-based programs or online programs.
Utah’s CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
Three CAA-accredited graduate programs in Utah offer master’s degrees in speech-language pathology:
- Brigham Young University – Master of Science in Communicative Disorders
- University of Utah – Master of Arts or Science in Speech-Language Pathology
- Utah State University – Master of Arts or Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Online programs offered by colleges and universities throughout the country provide greater flexibility for those with busy professional schedules while offering the same quality education as campus-based programs.
Undergraduate Requirements
You can enter an SLP master’s degree program with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or an unrelated field. If you have a bachelor’s degree in this field, you’ll be well-positioned to advance directly to graduate-level coursework.
If your bachelor’s degree is in another field, you may need to complete specific prerequisite courses before beginning graduate work. Typical prerequisite course requirements include:
- Speech Development and Disorders
- Language Acquisition
- Phonetics
- Introduction to Communication Disorders
- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing
Graduate Courses and Clinical Practicum
Master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology consist of five to six semesters and approximately 48 credit hours. Some of the courses you can expect to complete include:
- Phonological Assessments and Intervention
- Introduction to Research in Communicative Disorders
- Neural Bases of Communication and Motor Speech Disorders
- Adult Language Disorders
- Professional Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
- Dysphagia Assessment and Treatment
Your graduate program will include a clinical practicum (externship) that prepares you for your clinical fellowship and national exam. This 400-hour professional experience is required for graduation, state licensure through DOPL, and national certification (CCC-SLP) through ASHA if you choose to pursue it. Online students work with practicum advisors to locate a practicum site close to home.
Step 2. Complete a Nine-Month Clinical Fellowship
Upon graduation from an accredited SLP master’s degree program, you must complete a clinical fellowship of nine months (one academic year) at 30 hours per week.
You must apply for a Temporary License before you can begin your fellowship. You may apply online through the UtahID portal or by completing a paper application.
Finding a Clinical Fellowship Site
The fellowship is a paid opportunity to gain real-world exposure to the practice environment you’re most interested in, whether that’s the school system, rehabilitation, neonatal intensive care, or other acute care settings. You’re responsible for finding an employer willing to host you as a fellow.
Employers of SLPs in Utah that may facilitate a clinical fellowship include:
- Utah’s Communication Connection – Payson
- Utah Behavior Services – Salt Lake City, Riverdale, Lehi, Cedar City, and St. George
- University of Utah HealthCare, Therapy Services – Salt Lake City
- Wasatch Speech and Language Center – Holladay
- VST Online Therapy – Lehi
During your clinical fellowship, you’ll work with your supervisor to gain experience in a clinical setting. ASHA’s Scope of Practice for SLPs provides guidance on the general skills an SLP must possess, including leadership, research, advocacy, assessment, and treatment.
Step 3. Pass the Praxis Exam
You must pass the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) National Examination in Speech Language Pathology before you can become licensed. Register for the exam on the Praxis website any time during or after your clinical fellowship.
Utah Testing Locations
You can take the exam at test centers located throughout Utah, including:
- Cedar City
- Lindon
- Logan
- Ogden
- Price
- Provo
- Salt Lake City
- St. George
- Taylorsville
- Tooele
Exam Format and Content
You’ll have 150 minutes to answer 132 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into three categories:
| Exam Section | Percentage | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations and Professional Practice | 33% | Factors influencing communication, wellness and prevention, counseling and collaboration, research methodology |
| Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis | 33% | Genetic and developmental diseases, assessment of fluency and swallowing issues, and case history development |
| Planning and Treatment Implementation | 33% | Treatment of communication disorders, cognitive impairments, developing prognoses, and treatment plans |
To pass the exam, you need to score 162 on a scale of 100-200. Study using the official Praxis preparation materials.
Optional CCC-SLP Certification
Passing the SLP exam and completing your clinical fellowship also qualify you to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Although not required for licensure in Utah, many SLPs find the CCC-SLP designation beneficial when entering or advancing in the profession. It demonstrates an advanced level of professionalism and commitment to continuing education.
You’ll apply for the CCC-SLP directly through ASHA. You must provide your passing Praxis exam score, a completed SLP Clinical Fellowship Report and Rating Form, and an official transcript from your graduate program.
Step 4. Obtain Your Utah SLP License
Once you pass the SLP exam, you can apply for your Utah SLP license. You can apply online through the UtahID portal or with a paper application.
Required Application Materials
Along with your completed application, you must submit:
- Official transcript – Sent directly from your college or university
- Praxis score – Sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Verification of Clinical Fellowship/Externship form – Completed by your clinical fellowship supervisor
- Application fee – As specified by Utah DOPL
Begin Your Career
With your Utah SLP license in hand, you have several options for starting your career, including continuing with the employer that sponsored your fellowship. You may consider pursuing professional opportunities in:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Public and private schools
- Private practices
- Universities and research institutions
- Long-term care facilities
- Home health care and telepractice
Clinical Specialty Certifications
Holding one of ASHA’s Clinical Specialty Certifications displays your specific skillset to clients, colleagues, and employers. These certifications are worth considering if you’ll be working in a specialized clinic or intend to establish a specialized practice. ASHA offers three specialty certifications that complement the CCC-SLP:
- Swallowing and swallowing disorders
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Child language and language disorders
Step 5. Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
After you earn your permanent SLP license, you must keep it up to date by renewing it every two years on May 31 of odd-numbered years. You can renew your license online or with a paper application.
Continuing Education Requirements
You must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two-year cycle. These hours ensure you stay current with best practices, new research, and evolving treatment approaches in the field.
You can satisfy your education requirements through ASHA-approved courses or through Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Association (USHA)-sponsored courses or events. The association offers continuing education to its members, as well as legislative representation, networking opportunities, and recognition via awards at the yearly conference.
Speech-Language Pathology Salaries in Utah
Speech-language pathologists in Utah earn competitive salaries with strong growth potential. According to 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Utah SLPs earn a median salary of $85,320 annually, or $41.02 per hour.
Utah SLP Salary Overview
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $50,760 | $24.40 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,960 | $30.27 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $85,320 | $41.02 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,510 | $49.28 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,490 | $56.00 |
The mean (average) salary for Utah SLPs is $83,640, with approximately 1,450 speech-language pathologists employed throughout the state.
Regional Salary Variations
SLP salaries in Utah vary by region and practice setting. St. George offers particularly competitive compensation, with a mean salary of $97,520 and a median of $101,830—significantly higher than the state average.
| Area | Median Salary | Entry-Level (10th) | Experienced (90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George | $101,830 | $81,300 | $127,520 |
| Wasatch Front (Non-Metro) | $83,270 | $49,620 | $107,860 |
Employment Outlook and Job Growth
The speech-language pathology profession received a four-star ranking from Utah’s Department of Workforce Services—the second-highest possible rating. This designation is based on both a strong employment outlook and high wages.
Between 2022 and 2032, Utah’s SLP employment is projected to increase by 37%, creating approximately 130 job openings annually due to a blend of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover. The state currently has about 1,450 SLP positions, largely distributed among:
- 390 in the Ogden area
- 380 in Salt Lake City
- 220 in Provo-Orem
- 140 in St. George
- 70 in rural Eastern Utah
- 50 in Logan
Top Employers and Practice Settings
Civic and social organizations are top-paying industries for SLPs in Utah, followed by home health care services. The largest number of SLP jobs in the state is with home health service providers, with significant concentrations in the Salt Lake City region.
Additional employers include outpatient clinics such as:
- Bountiful: Summit Speech Therapy, Inc.
- Herriman: Browning Speech Therapy, LLC
- Highland: Timpanogos Speech Clinic
- Orem: CompleteSpeech
- Payson: Utah’s Communication Connection
- Pleasant Grove: Utah Pediatric Speech
- Salt Lake City: Wasatch Speech & Language Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an SLP in Utah?
The complete process typically takes 6-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and 9 months for the clinical fellowship. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields may need additional prerequisite courses, which can add 1-2 semesters to the timeline.
What’s the difference between Utah’s three SLP graduate programs?
Brigham Young University offers an MS in Communicative Disorders, while the University of Utah and Utah State University both offer MA or MS options in Speech-Language Pathology. All three are CAA-accredited and meet Utah licensure requirements. Program focus areas, clinical placement opportunities, research specializations, and tuition may vary, so it’s important to research each program’s specific strengths.
Can I practice as an SLP in Utah with only a bachelor’s degree?
No, Utah requires a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program to practice as a speech-language pathologist. You must also complete 400 clinical hours during graduate school, pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher, complete a 9-month clinical fellowship, and obtain state licensure through Utah’s DOPL.
What score do I need on the Praxis exam for Utah licensure?
You need a score of 162 or higher on the Praxis Speech-Language Pathology exam (scale of 100-200) to qualify for licensure in Utah. The exam consists of 132 multiple-choice questions divided equally among three content areas: Foundations and Professional Practice, Screening and Assessment, and Treatment Planning and Implementation.
Is the CCC-SLP certification required to work in Utah?
No, the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is optional for Utah licensure. However, many employers prefer or require it, and it demonstrates an advanced level of professionalism and commitment to continuing education. The CCC-SLP can enhance your employment opportunities and is often required for certain positions in medical and educational settings.
How much do SLPs earn in different parts of Utah?
SLP salaries vary by region in Utah. St. George offers the highest compensation with a median salary of $101,830 annually. The statewide median is $85,320, with the Wasatch Front non-metropolitan areas averaging $83,270. Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo-Orem also offer competitive salaries, typically ranging from $80,000 to $90,000 for mid-career professionals.
Do I need to live in Utah to attend one of the state’s SLP programs?
While Utah’s three CAA-accredited programs (BYU, University of Utah, and Utah State) are campus-based and require attending in-person classes, several online SLP master’s programs are also available from out-of-state universities. Online students complete coursework remotely but arrange clinical practica locally with the help of program advisors. Both formats are accepted for Utah licensure as long as the program is CAA-accredited.
Key Takeaways: Becoming an SLP in Utah
- Utah requires a master’s degree from one of three in-state CAA-accredited programs (BYU, University of Utah, Utah State) or from an accredited online program
- The complete pathway takes 6-7 years and includes 400 clinical hours during graduate school and a 9-month clinical fellowship before full licensure
- You must pass the Praxis exam with a score of 162 or higher on a scale of 100-200, covering three main content areas
- Utah SLPs earn a median salary of $85,320 annually, with St. George offering the highest regional salaries at $101,830
- The profession is growing rapidly in Utah with a projected 37% increase through 2032, creating approximately 130 job openings annually—the seventh-highest growth rate in the nation
- You must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your Utah SLP license, which renews on May 31 of odd-numbered years
- 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 SLP Career in Utah?
Explore CAA-accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs in Utah and nationwide. Compare program options, specializations, and formats to find the right fit for your career goals and lifestyle.
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.