How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Minnesota
Do you want to become a speech pathologist in Minnesota? The career path shows amazing results. Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates prove this with 98.6% passing the Praxis examination and 99% finding jobs in their field. Speech-language pathology gives you a chance to change people’s lives while building a strong professional career.
A speech language pathology degree requires five semesters in an accredited master’s program. Minnesota has several top-rated speech pathology programs that help you get licensed. The licensing process moves quickly. You can get a temporary license in 5-10 business days after you submit your application and fee. A full Minnesota speech pathology license takes about 30 days once they receive all your documents. On top of that, Minnesota now lets qualified people get a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license under Minnesota Statutes if they work under licensed SLPs.
This piece covers everything you need to know about becoming a speech pathologist in Minnesota. You’ll learn about education requirements, licensing steps, salary potential and career options.
Education Requirements for Minnesota SLPs
Starting your path to become a speech-language pathologist in Minnesota requires proper academic preparation. Speech pathology gives you flexibility with your undergraduate studies, which sets it apart from other healthcare professions. You don’t need a specific undergraduate major to apply for graduate programs, though communication disorder courses will give you a helpful foundation.
Getting your license as an SLP in Minnesota requires a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This accreditation will give a solid guarantee that your program meets the high standards set by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Your master’s program requires these prerequisite courses:
- Statistics (minimum 3 credits)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences (minimum 2 credits)
- Biological Sciences (minimum 2 credits)
- Physical Sciences (minimum 2 credits)
- Specialized courses like Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing, Language Acquisition, Phonetics, Speech Science, Neuroscience of Language, Clinical Methods, Hearing Assessment, and Aural Rehabilitation
Many Minnesota programs offer a three-year plan instead of the standard two-year plan if you haven’t finished these prerequisites. This lets you complete foundational coursework in your first year.
A typical speech-language pathology master’s program takes five semesters. Your graduate education combines academic coursework with clinical practicum experiences. ASHA regulations require you to complete a minimum of 400 clinical practicum hours to qualify for certification.
SLP programs in Minnesota are competitive. You’ll need a strong undergraduate GPA (often 3.0 or above) and excellent academic references. Graduating from an accredited program qualifies you for clinical positions nationwide, where you can diagnose and treat communication disorders.
Your accredited program completion makes you eligible for ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). This certification opens many employment opportunities and you’ll need it for full licensure in Minnesota.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
After completing your education, getting proper licensure is a vital step to start your speech pathology career in Minnesota. The state requires you to get a Minnesota Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) license before you can practice or use protected titles.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provides two original licensing options:
- Full License: The process takes up to 30 days after they receive all required documentation
- Temporary License: You can get approval in just 5-10 business days if you need it quickly
You can get your license through three main methods:
- Equivalency (Method 1): You can apply under Minnesota Statutes section 148.516 if you have a current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Reciprocity (Method 2): This works if you have current and unrestricted credentials from another jurisdiction that meets or exceeds Minnesota’s standards
- Meeting All Requirements (Method 3): This option suits applicants who meet all ASHA certification requirements but don’t have the certification yet
School-based positions require an educator license through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board. These licenses come in tiers:
- Tier 3 License: This three-year license requires you to complete an ASHA-accredited program, hold a valid CCC, or have an MDH speech-language pathology license
- Tier 4 License: This five-year license needs all Tier 3 requirements plus three or more years of working experience
Your license needs regular maintenance through continuing education. MDH licensure requires 30 contact hours within your two-year reporting period. At least 20 hours must directly relate to your licensure area. Educational licenses need 75 clock hours for Tier 3 and 125 clock hours for Tier 4.
The CCC credential from ASHA can replace clock hours when you renew an educational speech-language pathologist license. This doesn’t apply to mandatory requirements.
Note that MDH needs to know about any changes to your name, address, or employment within thirty days. This ensures you’ll receive renewal notices on time.
Salaries for SLPs in Minnesota
Speech-language pathologists in Minnesota can earn attractive financial rewards. The state’s average annual salary ranges from $77,830 to $83,990, based on different sources. Data shows Minnesota SLPs earn $47.70 per hour, which adds up to about $99,216 for full-time work.
Minnesota offers competitive wages compared to national standards. The national median annual salary stands at $95,410, and Minnesota ranks 23rd in the country for SLP pay. The state’s salaries are about 10% higher than the national average, making it an appealing place to practice.
Entry-level positions in Minnesota start around $54,000 and can reach $100,920 with experience. Nationwide, the bottom 10% of SLPs earn less than $60,480, while the top 10% make over $132,850.
Your location in Minnesota plays a big role in what you can earn. Here are the highest-paying cities:
- Worthington: $55.96 per hour
- Lakeville: $54.77 per hour
- Minneapolis-St. Paul: $51.72 per hour
SLPs in Northeast Minnesota’s rural areas earn a solid $80,740 per year.
Where you work makes a difference in your earnings. Nationwide, nursing and residential care facilities pay the highest median wages at $106,500, while hospitals follow at $101,560. Educational services offer a lower median of $80,280.
Your experience, education, and certifications can boost your earning potential. Medical settings tend to pay more for advanced degrees and specialized certifications.
Minnesota SLPs can look forward to a rewarding career with room to grow. The median salary provides good living standards, and additional specializations can lead to even higher earnings.
Careers in Minnesota
Speech-language pathologists in Minnesota have excellent career prospects. The state expects a projected growth rate of 18.6% from 2022 to 2032. Minnesota currently has about 3,730 SLPs, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area leads with 2,210 professionals.
SLPs work throughout Minnesota, with specific numbers by region:
- Central Minnesota: 400 SLPs
- Northwest Minnesota: 280 SLPs
- Southeast Minnesota: 250 SLPs
- Southwest Minnesota: 190 SLPs
- Northeast Minnesota: 150 SLPs
The Education and Health Services sector stands out as the largest employer with 3,640 SLPs across the state. New graduates find clinical positions easily in schools, hospitals, community clinics, and private practices. Minnesota State University Moorhead showcases this strong demand with a 100% job placement rate for their SLP graduates.
SLPs spend their days evaluating speech and language disorders, tracking patient progress, handling administrative tasks, creating treatment plans, and working with therapy teams. The state offers many private practice opportunities, especially when you have specialized interests like pediatric therapy or voice disorders.
Professionals can choose between positions in busy city centers or peaceful rural communities. The combination of strong job prospects and competitive salaries makes speech pathology a rewarding career choice in Minnesota. This field continues to offer excellent growth opportunities statewide.
Next Steps
A career as a speech pathologist in Minnesota leads to rewarding opportunities with excellent professional outcomes. This piece outlines a detailed educational path that requires a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program and 400 clinical practicum hours. The Minnesota Department of Health’s licensing process gives you flexible options. You can get a temporary license for quick approval or a full license for long-term practice.
Speech pathology proves to be a financially stable career choice in Minnesota. Average annual salaries range from $77,830 to $83,990, about 10% above the national average. Your earnings can vary based on location, experience, and practice setting. Many professionals reach six-figure incomes as they advance in their careers.
Minnesota’s SLP career outlook shows exceptional promise. The projected growth rate of 18.6% through 2032 shows strong market demand. Job placement statistics reveal that almost all graduates find positions quickly. The field offers work options in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and private practices across urban and rural areas.
On top of that, Minnesota now recognizes Speech-Language Pathology Assistants. This creates new entry points for professionals starting their careers. The state’s focus on continuing education helps you stay current with best practices.
Speech-language pathology blends meaningful patient care with professional stability. Minnesota offers excellent training programs and plenty of job opportunities. The path to becoming a speech pathologist here takes dedication and perseverance. Yet the professional satisfaction and security make every step count.