How to Become a Speech Pathologist in Texas
Looking to become a speech pathologist in Texas? The career prospects are remarkable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 18% through 2026, which is substantially faster than other occupations. The median salary for certified SLPs reaches $89,290. This career path offers both personal fulfillment and financial stability.
Texas speech pathology programs will prepare you exceptionally well for your future career. Students at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have achieved something impressive – a 100% pass rate on the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology for sixteen consecutive years. You can get your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology in just two years. The path to getting your Texas speech pathology license requires a master’s degree, supervised clinical practicum, and supervised professional experience. This piece guides you through every step to become a licensed speech therapist in Texas, from education requirements to career opportunities.
Education Requirements for Texas SLPs
A career as a speech pathologist in Texas demands specific educational qualifications. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires all speech-language pathologists to hold a master’s degree or higher with a major in communicative sciences or disorders.
You must first complete a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders creates the smoothest path forward, though many graduate programs welcome applicants with degrees in other fields. All the same, these candidates must complete pre-professional coursework before starting their graduate studies.
Students need to attend a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Texas currently offers 19 ASHA-accredited SLP programs. Most programs require students to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Every applicant must complete these prerequisite courses:
- Biological Sciences (with lab)
- Physics or Chemistry
- Statistics (with math prerequisite)
- Social/Behavioral Sciences
Students can complete master’s programs in speech-language pathology within two years (six or seven semesters), requiring 40-60 credits. The curriculum covers assessment, diagnosis, treatment of speech disorders and supervised clinical experiences.
Your graduate program must provide a 400-hour clinical practicum under a licensed speech-language pathologist’s supervision. Students need to complete at least 25 clock hours of supervised observation before working directly with clients.
Students with foreign degrees must submit an original evaluation from an approved transcript evaluation service to prove their degree matches a master’s degree in communicative sciences. Students who earned their master’s degree more than 10 years ago must show proof of current knowledge in speech-language pathology practice.
The final steps toward full licensure in Texas require passing the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and completing a clinical fellowship.
Getting Your Licensure and Credentials
Your next crucial step after completing your education is to get proper licensure from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The journey to become a fully licensed speech-language pathologist in Texas has several important steps.
You need to get an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology license by submitting an application with a $75 fee. The internship requires at least 36 weeks of full-time supervised professional experience that adds up to 1,260 hours minimum. Your supervisor must have at least two years of professional experience. They can’t supervise more than four interns or assistants at once.
The next step involves passing two exams. You’ll need to take the written national PRAXIS exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. You must also pass the Texas Jurisprudence Examination to show you understand state and federal laws related to speech-language pathology.
After finishing your internship and passing both exams, you can apply for full licensure. This requires submitting the Intern Upgrade application with a $150 fee. TDLR might waive the internship and Praxis exam requirements if you have the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP).
Your license needs renewal every two years. This includes completing 20 clock hours of continuing education, with 2 hours focused on ethics. You must also complete an approved human trafficking prevention training course from the Health and Human Services Commission.
Extra continuing education hours can help with your next renewal period. You can carry over up to 10 additional clock hours, including two hours for your ethics requirement.
TDLR randomly audits continuing education during renewals. If they select you, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve completed all requirements.
Salaries for SLPs in Texas
Speech-language pathologists in Texas earn competitive pay that changes based on several factors. After you get your Texas speech pathology license, your earning potential depends on your work setting, where you are in the state, and how much experience you have.
Texas SLPs usually earn between $73,000 and $95,000 per year, with most making around $80,000. SLPs working in big cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin tend to earn more than those in rural areas.
Where you work plays a big role in how much you can earn. Here’s what you might make in different settings:
- School districts: $65,000-$78,000 per year (plus perks like school calendars and state retirement plans)
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers: $75,000-$90,000
- Private practice: $80,000-$100,000+ (especially if you own the practice)
- Home health agencies: $85,000-$95,000
Experience makes a huge difference in what you can earn as a speech pathologist in Texas. New graduates typically start at $65,000-$70,000, while SLPs with 5+ years of experience can make over $85,000. If you have special certifications or expertise in high-demand areas like dysphagia or neurological disorders, you might earn even more.
While becoming a speech-language pathologist takes a lot of education, the career pays well and gives you a chance to make a real difference in patients’ lives across Texas.
Careers in Texas
Speech-language pathologists can find amazing career options all over Texas. After getting your texas speech pathology license, you’ll have plenty of paths to choose from based on what interests you most.
Texas stands out as one of the top five states where SLPs work. Big cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio have lots of job openings. Schools are the biggest employers here, with approximately 60% of Texas SLPs working in educational settings or early intervention programs. The academic calendar makes these jobs great for work-life balance.
Healthcare jobs give you another solid option. Acute care hospitals, rehab centers, and skilled nursing facilities are always looking for qualified professionals. Home health agencies around Texas let you work flexibly and might pay more, but they usually want experienced clinicians.
Starting a private practice has become a popular choice for SLPs with an entrepreneurial spirit. You can join an existing practice or start your own. This path gives you more freedom and could lead to better income.
Your career value goes up when you specialize in high-demand areas like pediatric feeding disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or adult neurological conditions. Many Texas SLPs also boost their income through PRN work or telehealth services.
New graduates who want to know how to become a speech therapist in Texas should check out mentorship programs. Local professional networks are a great way to get guidance as you move from school to clinical practice.
Take the First Step Today
A career as a speech-language pathologist in Texas can be both personally fulfilling and professionally stable. This guide outlines the key steps you need to take to join this growing field. Your trip starts with the right education—a master’s degree from one of Texas’s 19 ASHA-accredited programs. You’ll then complete your clinical practicum and supervised professional experience before taking the required examinations.
The financial outlook for Texas SLPs looks bright. You can expect median salaries around $80,000, with the potential to earn over $90,000 in specific settings and locations. This career path will give you good returns on your educational investment. The job growth rate of 18% through 2026 shows a strong need for qualified professionals across Texas.
This profession offers plenty of career options. Texas has abundant opportunities for speech pathologists who want to work in educational settings, healthcare facilities, or run their own private practice. Your career prospects and earning potential can grow even more when you specialize in high-demand areas.
You’ll need 20 clock hours every two years of ongoing education to keep your license active, including ethics training. This steady professional development helps you stay up-to-date with best practices and new treatments.
Starting a speech pathology career might feel overwhelming at first. Each step builds naturally on the previous one. The comprehensive education and clinical requirements will prepare you well for a rewarding career helping others overcome communication challenges. The field’s strong outlook makes this an excellent time to become a licensed speech-language pathologist in Texas.
Want to get your texas speech pathology license? These helpful resources will point you in the right direction. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website lists all approved speech pathology programs in Texas. This comprehensive database stays current with the latest educational options.
The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) helps you build connections with practicing professionals. You’ll find networking events, educational programs, and mentoring opportunities. Their yearly convention gives you a chance to meet future employers and colleagues.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website should be your go-to resource for license details. You’ll find application forms, fees, and answers about texas slp license requirements. This official platform delivers the most up-to-date regulatory information.
Student organizations at your selected university are a great way to get peer support, study materials, and career growth opportunities. Most programs run sessions that explain how to become a speech therapist in Texas.
Clinical placement opportunities deserve your attention early. Building relationships with practicum sites can open doors to internships and full-time positions later. Many successful SLPs say their early clinical work shaped their career path and professional interests.
These resources will support your educational and professional growth in this fulfilling