How to Become a Speech Pathologist in South Dakota

A career as a speech pathologist in South Dakota starts with getting the right license from the state board. Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech-language pathology assistants need a valid license to practice in SD. The state keeps this license separate from SDSLHA Membership and ASHA or AAA Certification.

The journey to become a qualified speech-language pathologist starts with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in speech-language pathology. This two-year program after your bachelor’s degree includes four semesters of hands-on clinical practice and classroom learning. The South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology plays a crucial role here. They protect public health and safety by ensuring only qualified professionals receive licenses. The process comes with some costs – you’ll need to pay a $100 application fee plus $150 for the license, which adds up to $250.

In this piece, we’ll get into each step you need to take to become a speech pathologist in South Dakota. You’ll learn about everything from education requirements to licensing procedures, and we’ll also look at what you can expect to earn and where your career could take you across the state.

Education Requirements for South Dakota SLPs

Becoming a qualified speech-language pathologist in South Dakota starts with proper education. You must earn at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an institution accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to practice in this field.

The state’s only ASHA-accredited Master of Arts (M.A.) in Speech-Language Pathology program is offered at the University of South Dakota. Students complete this two-year post-baccalaureate program through four semesters of coursework, including one summer, and two semesters of full-time external internship placements.

A bachelor’s degree is required to enter a master’s program. Students with degrees in communication sciences and disorders can directly enter graduate programs. Other degrees are often accepted when students complete prerequisite courses. Common prerequisites include:

• Language Acquisition
• Phonetics
• Speech Science
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism

The master’s program curriculum covers advanced subjects such as:

• Disorders of Phonology and Articulation
• Language Disorders of Children
• Fluency Disorders
• Acquired Disorders of Language and Cognition
• Diagnostics in Speech and Language Disorders

Your education must include at least 400 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience. This hands-on training is a vital part of developing practical skills before entering the workforce.

The complete educational path takes about six years—four years for a bachelor’s degree and two years for a master’s program. Graduate program costs vary by a lot, with tuition between $20,000 to $40,000 based on in-state or out-of-state status.

The master’s degree completion fulfills the academic requirements needed for South Dakota state licensure. Note that program accreditation matters—your degree must come from an institution accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation to meet national standards.

Getting Your Licensure and Credentials

The next significant step after finishing your education is getting your license through the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology. This board manages the licensing process to protect public health and safety by regulating qualified professionals.

You need to submit a signed and notarized application with a total fee of $250.00. This fee has a $100.00 application charge and a $150.00 license fee. You’ll also need to send your ASHA Certification directly from ASHA.

If you don’t have ASHA certification, you must submit:

• Master’s degree transcripts directly from your university
• Praxis examination scores sent directly from ETS (use code: 0279)
• Verification of completed supervised postgraduate professional experience
• License verifications from any states where you previously held licensure

The South Dakota Board provides these licensure levels:

Speech-Language Pathologist: You need a master’s or doctoral degree, supervised clinical practicum, postgraduate professional experience, and must pass the national examination.

Provisional Speech-Language Pathologist: This applies to those who completed their degree and practicum, passed the national exam, but still need to finish their postgraduate experience under mentorship. The license lasts 24 months and you can renew it once.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: You must have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders, plus 100 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum.

Once approved, your license must be renewed every two years. All licenses expire on October 1st of the second year after issuance. Speech-Language Pathologists and Provisional Speech-Language Pathologists pay a $150.00 renewal fee.

Missing your renewal deadline gives you a 30-day grace period without penalty. A $50.00 late fee applies for renewals submitted between 31 and 180 days after expiration. You’ll need to reapply for licensure completely if you don’t renew within 180 days.

You must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your license active.

Salaries for SLPs in South Dakota

Money matters a lot if you’re thinking about becoming a speech-language pathologist in South Dakota. Your paycheck will depend on where you work, how long you’ve been in the field, and which part of the state you call home.

Speech-language pathologists in South Dakota usually earn between $65,000 and $75,000 per year. These numbers can change quite a bit based on your situation. SLPs in healthcare settings tend to earn more than those working in schools. The same goes for professionals in bigger cities like Sioux Falls or Rapid City, who earn more than their rural colleagues.

Your experience as an SLP in South Dakota plays one of the most important roles in what you’ll earn. New professionals with less than five years under their belt start at the lower end of the pay scale. Those with 10+ years of experience can make up to $85,000 a year, especially in specialized areas.

Different work settings offer varying pay scales:

• School Districts: Starting pay ranges from $45,000-$55,000, with regular raises based on experience and extra certifications
• Hospitals: Better starting salaries ($60,000-$70,000) plus room to grow
• Private Practices: Pay varies, but 5+ year old practices can bring in over $80,000
• Home Health: Pays well by the hour ($40-$60) with fewer benefits

South Dakota needs more SLPs, and job prospects look bright across the state. Rural areas face the biggest shortages. Many employers offer signing bonuses, help with moving costs, or student loan forgiveness to attract talent.

Extra education can boost your earning power. Specialists with certifications in areas like dysphagia management or augmentative communication often earn premium pay. A doctoral degree could lead to better-paying jobs in universities or research centers.

South Dakota’s SLP salaries might be slightly lower than the national average. The state’s cheaper cost of living makes up for this difference. Most practitioners enjoy a comfortable lifestyle despite earning a bit less on paper.

Careers in South Dakota

Speech pathologists can find great career opportunities in South Dakota. The state has positions in big cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and your services are in high demand throughout rural communities.

Speech-language pathologists in South Dakota can work in these settings:

• Educational institutions: From elementary schools to high schools and universities
• Healthcare facilities: Including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities
• Early intervention programs: Working with children from birth to three years old
• Private practices: Either establishing your own or joining existing clinics
• Home health agencies: Providing in-home therapy services

South Dakota’s rural landscape creates special opportunities for speech pathologists who want to serve smaller communities. These positions often come with perks like loan forgiveness programs or hiring bonuses because of high demand.

Many SLPs in South Dakota specialize in areas like pediatric language disorders, adult neurological rehabilitation, or voice disorders. Telepractice has become a popular option that lets you help clients in remote locations across the state.

Your professional network plays a key role in career growth. The South Dakota Speech-Language-Hearing Association helps you connect with other professionals and access continuing education. Being part of ASHA keeps you up to date with national trends and research.

Speech pathology careers in South Dakota are a great way to help people from all walks of life. You can enjoy the state’s benefits like affordable housing and strong community ties while doing meaningful work.

Start Your Education Now

A career as a speech pathologist in South Dakota offers clear requirements and opportunities for growth. You’ll need a master’s degree from an ASHA-accredited program at the University of South Dakota. This six-year educational investment combines coursework and practical experience to prepare you for clinical practice.

The South Dakota Board of Examiners oversees the licensing process. You’ll need to submit application fees totaling $250, verify your credentials, and meet ongoing requirements. Your license needs renewal every two years, and you must complete 20 hours of continuing education.

South Dakota’s speech pathologists earn between $65,000 and $75,000 yearly. Your earnings can reach $85,000 with experience, especially when you have expertise in high-demand areas.

You can work in schools, hospitals, private practices, and home health agencies. South Dakota’s rural landscape creates unique advantages. Speech pathologists serving less populated areas often qualify for loan forgiveness programs.

You might choose to practice in cities like Sioux Falls or help rural communities through telepractice. Your work as a speech pathologist will affect many South Dakota residents’ lives while providing stable employment. The path has its challenges, but helping others communicate effectively while building an environmentally responsible career makes this experience worthwhile.