How to Become a Speech Pathologist in North Dakota
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows speech-language pathologist jobs will grow 18% through 2033. This growth rate outpaces most other occupations. Now stands out as the perfect time to start your journey as a speech pathologist in North Dakota. The field grows faster as our population ages, and more people need professional therapy services for speech and language impairments.
Your career path in North Dakota’s speech pathology field depends on understanding specific requirements. The degree requirements change based on your practice level. Speech-Language Pathology Paraprofessionals (SLPPs) can work in schools with an associate degree. Full licensure needs a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. On top of that, you must pass the Praxis II “Speech-Language Pathology (5331)” test to get your North Dakota speech language pathology license. This complete guide shows you each step to become a certified speech language pathologist in North Dakota, from education basics to licensing steps.
Education Requirements for North Dakota SLPs
A licensed speech-language pathologist career in North Dakota starts with specific educational requirements. You need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution. This educational trip takes about six years – four years to complete your bachelor’s degree and two more years of graduate studies.
Most North Dakota institutions want these requirements to admit you into their master’s program:
- A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or post-baccalaureate coursework completion
- GPA requirements between 3.0-3.25 both overall and in CSD courses
- GRE scores with three letters of recommendation[64]
- Personal essays or statements of purpose
Your graduate program needs accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation will give a clear signal that your education meets national standards needed to get your license.
North Dakota has several accredited master’s programs available. The University of North Dakota offers a complete Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology that needs 67-70 semester credits. As with Minot State University, you can choose between residential and distance education options for their master’s program. The University of Mary provides a Communication Sciences and Disorders Certificate with five prerequisite courses if your bachelor’s degree is in a different field.
Graduate programs usually include courses about communication disorders, anatomy and physiology related to speech and hearing, language development, and clinical methods. You also need practical experience through supervised clinical practice, with most programs requiring about 400 clock hours.
A master’s degree in speech-language pathology costs between $20,000 to $60,000, depending on your chosen institution and residency status. Notwithstanding that, organizations like the North Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association offer scholarships to help with costs.
After completing your education, you must pass the Praxis II “Speech-Language Pathology (5331)” examination. This complete test covers core topics like assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and speech disorders. You need to score at least 162 out of 200 possible points.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
You’ll need to get proper licensure to practice in North Dakota after completing your master’s degree in speech-language pathology. The state provides three main pathways to licensure through the ND Teach online system.
The Original Two-Year In-State Educators License serves as the standard option for graduates of North Dakota speech-language pathology programs. You’ll need to submit an online application with a background check packet, official transcripts, and Praxis test scores.
Graduates from out-of-state programs can choose between two options:
- Original Out of State Reciprocal License – for those without an educator’s license from another state
- Original Other State Educator License (OSEL) – for those holding a valid speech-language pathology educator’s license from another state
Applicants must submit background check documentation, transcripts, and relevant test scores in both cases. The OSEL option requires additional proof of your current out-of-state license.
North Dakota requires the “Speech-Language Pathology (5331)” examination specifically for SLP licensure. The passing score requirement is 162 out of 200 possible points.
Your application materials should include a $100 fee. The review typically takes 7-10 business days, though incomplete applications may cause delays.
North Dakota’s school-based SLPs must have either a state license from the ND State Board of Examiners or a Restricted Educator’s Professional license from the Education Standards and Practices Board. Most districts prefer SLPs with both licenses because this enables Medicaid billing and provides teaching contract protections.
Licensed professionals must renew their license each year by December 31st. The renewal process requires:
- Completion of 10 clock hours of approved continuing education yearly
- Payment of a $75 annual renewal fee
- Proof of attendance for continuing education activities
The Board must preapprove continuing education courses, or they should be ASHA-approved. ASHA’s continuing education units convert as follows: 1.0 ASHA CEU equals 10 hours of instruction.
Salaries for SLPs in North Dakota
Speech-language pathologists in North Dakota receive competitive pay packages compared to many other states. Understanding the financial outlook will help you make informed decisions about your professional future.
Several factors determine salary ranges for North Dakota SLPs. Experience is vital—newcomers start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with clinical experience earn higher wages. Your workplace setting affects earnings substantially. Educational institutions, medical facilities, and private practices each offer distinct compensation structures.
The state’s location and sparse population create distinct salary considerations. Rural areas struggle to recruit qualified professionals. This often leads to salary incentives or loan forgiveness programs that attract SLPs to underserved communities. Urban centers like Fargo and Bismarck provide different compensation packages based on living costs and market needs.
Additional qualifications beyond basic requirements can increase your earning potential. Advanced certifications, specialized training in dysphagia or augmentative communication, and higher degrees often lead to better pay or promotions.
Schools follow set pay scales based on education level and years of service. Healthcare facilities might include performance bonuses with base pay. Private practice could bring higher earnings but demands both business and clinical skills.
Benefits packages enhance the base salary for most North Dakota SLPs. Standard perks include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers provide education allowances, flexible schedules, or telehealth options.
The complete compensation package matters more than just the base salary. Job satisfaction depends on benefits, work-life balance, growth opportunities, and location preferences.
Careers in North Dakota
Speech-language pathologists in North Dakota can work in a variety of settings throughout the state. Once you get your license, you’ll find job opportunities in healthcare, education, and private practice.
Schools are the biggest employers of SLPs in North Dakota. Working in school districts comes with great benefits like academic calendars and regular schedules. You’ll help children overcome their developmental communication disorders. Universities also need SLPs where you can combine hands-on clinical work with teaching.
Healthcare settings offer another promising career path. SLPs work in hospitals, rehab centers, and skilled nursing facilities. They help patients with communication disorders, swallowing problems, and cognitive-linguistic challenges. These year-round positions let you specialize in areas like stroke recovery or traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
Early intervention programs create exciting opportunities to work with children from birth to age three. You’ll team up with other specialists and take a family-centered approach to treatment.
Experienced practitioners often choose private practice to gain more independence. While this path needs both business and clinical skills, it lets you control your schedule and choose your specialty.
Telehealth has become a great option, especially given North Dakota’s rural landscape. You can help clients in remote areas who wouldn’t otherwise have access to speech-language services.
Research positions at universities and specialized centers are perfect if you want to advance the field. You’ll contribute valuable knowledge through clinical studies and publications.
Next Steps
Speech pathology in North Dakota offers a promising career path with strong growth potential through 2033. This piece outlines the educational requirements you’ll need – a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program and a Praxis II exam score of at least 162. The ND Teach online system provides three main licensing paths that fit different graduate situations.
North Dakota SLPs earn competitive salaries that vary with experience, credentials, and workplace settings. Many rural positions come with extra incentives to attract qualified professionals to areas that need them most. Your benefits package will typically include health insurance, retirement plans, and education allowances based on your employer.
Job opportunities exist in many settings throughout the state. You’ll find openings in school districts, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, early intervention programs, and private practices. Telehealth has become an excellent option given North Dakota’s rural landscape. It lets you help clients in remote areas who might not otherwise have access to speech therapy services.
License renewal happens yearly. You’ll need to complete 10 clock hours of approved continuing education and pay a $75 fee. This keeps you up to date with the latest treatment approaches and best practices throughout your career.
The growing aging population and increased awareness of communication disorders mean speech-language pathologists will be needed more than ever. This detailed roadmap shows you how to join this rewarding profession in North Dakota. Your path to helping others overcome communication challenges begins with these steps toward certification and licensure.