How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Kansas: Expert Guide to 2025 Requirements

Want to become a speech pathologist in Kansas? The career path offers clear educational routes and specific license requirements. Kansas belongs to the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC), which lets professionals practice more easily in participating states.

Students can choose from several degree options at the University of Kansas. The university’s Intercampus Program in Communicative Disorders provides master’s degrees, clinical doctoral degrees, and Ph.D. programs. Qualified undergraduates have the option to fast-track their education through an accelerated program that combines a B.A. and M.A. in about five years. The state has set specific deadlines for getting your Kansas speech pathology license – Speech-Language Pathologist applications must reach by September 15. Those planning to work in Kansas schools must have a state license.

Let us walk you through the essential details about becoming a speech pathologist in Kansas. This piece covers everything from education requirements and licensing steps to what you can expect to earn and the job opportunities available throughout the state.

Education Requirements for Kansas SLPs

Starting a career as a speech-language pathologist in Kansas requires a master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). This educational foundation opens the door to professional practice in the state.

Kansas universities provide several accredited speech pathology programs. The University of Kansas (KU) offers three graduate-level programs: a Master of Arts, a Clinical Doctoral degree, and a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology. Students can pursue an accredited Master of Science program at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Kansas State University features a full-time, two-year Master of Science degree. Wichita State University’s Master of Arts program needs a minimum of 57 credit hours.

Your graduate education journey starts with proper undergraduate preparation. Programs typically expect a bachelor’s degree with about 26 credits in communication sciences and disorders coursework. Key prerequisite courses include:

• Physics of speech
• Principles of speech and hearing science
• Fundamentals of clinical phonetics
• Language development
• Introduction to speech-language pathology and audiology
• Research methods

Students must complete at least one course in biological sciences, physical sciences, statistics, and social/behavioral sciences.

KU welcomes graduates from other fields through an “exceptional status” option. This path requires completion of all prerequisite coursework before graduate studies, which adds about one year to the program.

Each institution has slightly different program requirements. FHSU students need 6 credit hours of research, 28 credit hours of academic courses, and 20 credit hours of clinical practicum. Kansas State University’s program includes 31 graduate credit hours in academic coursework plus additional clinical practicum credits.

Clinical experience is a vital component of your education. Students must complete 25 clock hours of directed clinical observation before their graduate clinical practicum. The total requirement reaches approximately 400 clinical hours, with 375 direct clinical contact hours.

Programs might require background checks and drug screenings for clinical settings. Your master’s degree will meet ASHA’s certification standards after graduation and prepare you for a clinical fellowship year.

Traditional on-campus education remains common, but accredited online options give students flexibility while maintaining high academic standards.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

The next significant step to become a speech pathologist in Kansas after completing your master’s degree is getting proper licensure and credentials. Kansas handles speech pathology licenses differently than other states. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) manages these licenses instead of professional associations.

You’ll need to complete several steps to get your full license. The National Teachers Specialty Exam requires a minimum score of 600. You must then complete nine months of supervised postgraduate professional experience. This experience can be done full-time at 35 hours per week or part-time.

A temporary license is required during your clinical fellowship. The license costs $65.00 and stays valid for 12 months. You can renew it once if needed. Your work schedule must include 80% direct client contact during full-time weeks. Part-time work requires 100% direct client contact.

After meeting all requirements, submit these items for full licensure:

• Completed application form with $135.00 fee
• Official academic transcripts
• Documentation of supervised postgraduate experience
• Verification of passing exam scores

Kansas belongs to the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Licensed professionals can use this compact to provide services in other member states.

Speech language pathology licenses in Kansas need renewal every two years. The renewal window opens September 15. Each two-year cycle requires 20 hours of continuing education. You can earn these hours through academic courses, workshops, seminars, or self-directed study.

The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association remains optional but valuable. This credential proves you meet certain Kansas licensure requirements. Most employers view it favorably.

Some professionals don’t need a license. These include federal government employees, healthcare providers under the Kansas Healing Arts Act, supervised students, and individuals working under licensed physicians.

Salaries for SLPs in Kansas

Speech-language pathologists in Kansas can look forward to attractive salaries. Recent data shows Kansas SLPs earn an average of $74,880 yearly. Entry-level positions start at $47,450, while experienced professionals can make up to $100,370.

The average hourly rate for Kansas SLPs stands at $47.00, adding up to $97,760 annually for full-time work. These numbers run about 9% lower than the national average. Kansas SLPs make 8% less than other healthcare professionals in the state, but they still earn more than registered dietitians.

Your location in Kansas can make a big difference in your paycheck. Olathe tops the list with $49.24 per hour, while Lansing and Salina follow at $47.98 and $47.47 respectively. Garden City offers lower rates at $41.85 per hour. Among metropolitan areas, Topeka leads with $83,260 yearly, and Kansas nonmetropolitan areas come close at $82,880.

Experience and qualifications shape an SLP’s earning power. The state’s top 10% of SLPs earn over $119,280 yearly. Lawrence stands out with some salaries reaching $140,470. Advanced degrees and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certifications often boost your pay.

The field keeps growing stronger in Kansas. Average salaries have jumped from $70,211 in 2015 to $88,527 in 2024 – a 26% increase in nine years. The job market looks bright with expected growth of 18.1% from 2022 to 2032, far above average. This growth should create about 140 new SLP positions each year.

While Kansas SLP salaries might be slightly below the national average, the steady growth, location options, and expanding job market make this career path financially rewarding in the state.

Careers in Kansas

Speech-language pathologists in Kansas can find jobs in many different settings. Schools are the most popular choice, with over 56% of all SLPs choosing educational environments. The University of Kansas’s graduates now work in school districts from Topeka to Los Angeles Unified.

Healthcare facilities offer another strong career path. KU alumni work at leading institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, Boston Medical Center, and VA facilities across the country. About 13% of SLPs choose hospital settings, and 16% work in nonresidential healthcare facilities.

Kansas’s job market looks promising. The state projects 22% growth from 2020-2030, which means about 140 new positions each year. Right now, there are many openings for both clinical and research professionals.

Experienced SLPs often start their own private practices. Some choose academic careers to focus on research and teaching. KU graduates now hold faculty positions at schools like Baylor University and Florida Atlantic University.

Speech therapists can also work remotely, especially in areas near Wichita, Lawrence, Kansas City, and Overland Park. Your Kansas speech pathology license opens doors to meaningful careers that serve people of all backgrounds throughout the state.

Start Your Journey Now

Speech pathologists in Kansas must dedicate themselves to education, licensing requirements, and professional development. In this piece, you’ve learned about everything in educational pathways through accredited master’s programs at institutions like the University of Kansas and Fort Hays State University. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services’ step-by-step licensing process includes a temporary license period that leads to full licensing requirements.

Kansas speech pathologists can earn up to $100,370 with experience. These figures represent competitive compensation in healthcare, despite being slightly below the national average. The job market looks promising with 22% growth projected between 2020-2030, creating opportunities in healthcare facilities of all types.

Kansas SLPs have career options beyond traditional school settings. Educational environments employ most professionals, yet hospitals, nonresidential healthcare facilities, private practices, and academic institutions provide viable alternatives. The state’s participation in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact lets professionals practice across state lines.

Note that speech pathology blends scientific expertise with genuine human connection when you think over this rewarding profession. You’ll make meaningful differences in clients’ lives while enjoying stable employment, professional growth, and personal satisfaction. The experience to become a Kansas speech pathologist will just need commitment, but combining educational preparation, licensing achievement, and diverse career options creates an achieving professional path.