How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Alaska

How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Alaska

Speech-language pathologist careers will grow 18 percent from 2023 to 2033, outpacing most other occupations. A career as a speech pathologist in Alaska offers great potential, with the profession ranked as the 3rd best job in healthcare and the 10th best career overall.

Your journey to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Alaska starts with meeting specific state requirements. Alaska’s speech pathology license demands a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) that aligns with American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards. The state currently lacks qualifying SLP programs with accreditation from ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation as of 2025. Senate Bill 75 has brought changes that make fingerprinting and criminal background checks mandatory for all speech-language pathologist license applicants starting August 31, 2024.

The career outlook shows promise with impressive earning potential. Alaska’s SLPs earn an average of $96,870 yearly, while experienced professionals can make up to $123,380 annually. The state ranks 13th highest in average SLP salaries across the nation, despite being the 49th most populous state. Alaska’s SLP job market projects a 13% growth between 2020 and 2030.

We’ll guide you through the essential steps to become a licensed speech pathologist in Alaska. You’ll learn about education requirements, credential processes, and career opportunities in this rewarding field.

Education Requirements for Alaska SLPs

You’ll need higher education to become a speech-language pathologist in Alaska. The original requirement starts with earning a master’s degree or doctorate in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution. These requirements are the foundations of Alaska’s licensing process and match the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) standards.

Alaska doesn’t have any CAA-ASHA accredited speech-language pathology programs within the state. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) solved this challenge by partnering with East Carolina University (ECU). Together they offer a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program. Students can stay in Alaska while completing their practicum and coursework.

The UAA-ECU program requires:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Completed prerequisite courses with a 3.2 GPA or higher
  • 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology or audiology
  • GRE scores at the 30th percentile or higher in all sections

Students with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field must complete prerequisite courses in speech-language pathology fundamentals. These courses include Introduction to Audiology, Speech and Language Development, Neuroanatomy and Physiology of Communication, Phonetics, and Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanism.

UAA offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. This program helps students work under licensed SLPs and builds a strong foundation for advanced education. After completing the program, graduates can take ASHA’s Certification Exam for SLPAs and get Alaska state licensure.

UAA also provides an online, synchronous Minor degree and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program that meets prerequisites for graduate study. Both options prepare students for the graduate degree they need to become certified and licensed SLPs.

The master’s program covers linguistics, psychology, physiology, speech disorders, language development, audiology, and multicultural issues in communicative sciences. Students typically complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in about six years. The master’s programs cost between $20,000 and $60,000.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

Getting your license through the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development is your next big step after graduation. Alaska makes the licensing process easier than most states by accepting the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as proof you meet the core SLP licensure requirements.

You’ll need to get your Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association first. This certification shows you’ve met all educational and clinical training standards in the field. Since Alaska has no accredited schools, you must complete your master’s degree in another state before you apply.

The State of Alaska Department of Commerce requires a complete application packet. Here’s what you need as of August 31, 2024:

  • A completed, signed, and notarized application form
  • Fees totaling $345: application ($200), license ($70), and fingerprint processing ($75)
  • Fingerprints for your criminal background check
  • A certified copy of your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
  • License verification from any state where you held a previous license
  • A signed release of records form

The processing usually takes several weeks. Your license will be valid for two years and expires on September 30 of even-numbered years.

Alaska’s licensing system is flexible. You can get a temporary license if you’re licensed in another state and have submitted your application. The state also lets non-residents practice up to 60 consecutive days each calendar year with a temporary license.

You’ll need an Alaska business license if you want to practice independently.

Alaska joined the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) in 2024. This lets licensed SLPs work across state lines without extra licenses in member states. This helps practitioners who provide telepractice services to underserved areas.

Your Alaska license has a unique advantage – you don’t need continuing education hours to maintain it, unlike most other states.

Salaries for SLPs in Alaska

Speech pathology professionals in Alaska see excellent returns on their educational and licensing investments. The field offers economically rewarding career opportunities with compensation consistently exceeding national averages.

Speech-language pathologists in Alaska earn between $79,100 and $85,000 annually. Experienced professionals can earn upwards of $100,000. The hourly rate stands at approximately $51.86, which translates to around $108,000 for full-time positions annually.

The salary breakdown by experience level tells an impressive story:

  • Entry-level (25th percentile): $115,846 annually
  • Median salary: $137,051 annually
  • Top earners (75th percentile): $164,354 annually

The state’s compensation ranks 15th nationwide, with salaries running 14% above the national average. These competitive rates exist despite Alaska lacking any in-state SLP graduate programs.

Your earning potential varies substantially based on location within Alaska. The top-paying cities for speech-language pathologists include:

  • Wrangell: $69.92 per hour
  • Sitka: $64.25 per hour
  • Eagle River: $57.20 per hour
  • Anchorage: $53.55 per hour

Fairbanks offers rates of $45.77 per hour, which remains competitive compared to many other professions.

Several elements shape Alaska’s SLP salaries, from work settings to experience levels and specialized certifications. Healthcare and social assistance sectors typically offer the highest pay, particularly in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

The profession’s financial rewards align with job satisfaction. Data shows that 71% of speech-language pathologists feel satisfied with their earnings in Alaska, which proves the field delivers both personal and financial fulfillment.

Careers in Alaska

Speech-language pathologists in Alaska have excellent job prospects, with projected growth reaching 25% over the next decade. Licensed SLPs can find work in hospitals, private clinics, schools, and nursing homes across the state.

Anchorage, Wasilla, and Juneau offer the most job opportunities. These urban areas have permanent positions in various settings, while rural communities rely on traveling SLPs to fill service gaps.

Travel therapy jobs have become a key part of Alaska’s speech pathology scene. These positions typically pay an average of $2,340 per week, which is 7% above the national average. Assignments can run from just a few days to several months.

Common job openings include:

  • School positions with Monday-Friday schedules
  • Hospital outpatient clinics serving many types of patients
  • Skilled nursing facilities for elderly care
  • Home health agencies with flexible hours

Speech-language pathologists work as team members with teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. This team-based approach works well given Alaska’s unique geographic challenges.

The Alaska Speech-Language-Hearing Association (AKSHA) provides vital support to professionals across the state and recognizes trailblazing solutions from SLPs working in remote areas.

Get Started

A career as a speech-language pathologist in Alaska can be rewarding. It offers great growth potential and excellent financial benefits. This piece has shown you the detailed steps you need to practice professionally in The Last Frontier state.

Your path starts with getting a master’s degree or doctorate. This typically takes six years of dedicated study. Alaska doesn’t have in-state accredited SLP programs. However, you have options through mutually beneficial alliances like the UAA-ECU program or by studying out-of-state. The AAS in Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program gives you a starting point in this profession.

Once you complete your education, you’ll need ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence for licensure. You must then submit an application to Alaska’s Department of Commerce. The process now includes fingerprinting and background checks – a recent change worth noting. Alaska’s professional flexibility has improved since joining the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. Now you can practice across state lines without extra licenses.

The financial outlook for Alaska SLPs looks bright. Annual salaries range from $79,100 to $85,000, and experienced professionals earn well over $100,000. Some locations like Wrangell and Sitka pay even more. Your choice of location could significantly boost your earnings.

You’ll find job opportunities in healthcare facilities, schools, private clinics, and travel positions across the state. Alaska’s unique geography has created high demand for traveling SLPs. These professionals earn roughly 7% more than the national average.

Speech pathology combines job satisfaction with meaningful work. You’ll help Alaskans of all ages overcome their communication challenges while building a stable, financially secure career. This essential healthcare profession needs your skills and dedication.