To get a speech language pathologist (SLP) license in Georgia, you’ll need to meet state specific educational, clinical, and testing requirements set out by the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology.
The first step to getting a Georgia SLP license is obtaining a master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. This degree must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). These programs typically require about 75 credit hours, with at least 36 hours at the graduate level.
During your graduate program, you must complete a supervised clinical practicum. Georgia requires 400 or more hours of supervised clinical experience. At least 325 of these hours must be completed while you’re in grad school.
Pass the Praxis Speech Language Pathology exam. This national test covers the fundamentals, assessment, and treatment of communication and swallowing conditions. Georgia requires a score of at least 162 points to pass. You must complete this exam for either pathway for licensure.
After passing the Praxis exam, you’ll also complete a nine-month full-time Clinical Fellowship (CF) or its part-time equivalent. The Georgia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology offers a Paid Clinical Experience (PCE) to earn these supervised hours.
This temporary permit allows you to work for up to 24 months. In this time, you’ll gain the necessary supervised hours for licensure requirements. Your PCE license can be seen as a stepping stone on your path to full licensure.
You can apply for a Georgia SLP license after meeting education, testing, and clinical supervision requirements. The Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology considers this an examination/PCE application. It requires you to submit your college transcripts, proof of your clinical hours, and test scores. You’ll also have to complete fingerprinting and a background check.
While you can get a Georgia SLP license by completing the steps above, you can also earn the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). ASHA is the national professional certifying body for SLPs.
This credential shows that you’ve met nationally recognized standards, including earning a master's degree, completing a clinical fellowship, and passing the Praxis exam. Having the ASHA CCC can help you meet employer and insurance requirements, work long-term in many settings, and make it easier to apply for licensure in other states.
If ASHA certification is your goal, you must complete a 1,260-hour Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), which typically lasts 36 weeks at 35 hours of clinical work per week. In Georgia, this CFY can often count toward the state’s PCE requirement, provided it meets the supervision and employment guidelines.
Now is a perfect time to become an SLP. This role is consistently in high demand, with a strong projected growth rate. While salaries can vary, SLPs in Georgia earn an average of $72k a year. Starting the path to SLP licensure in Georgia can open the doors to a fulfilling career with multiple growth opportunities.
SLPs work with students to help them communicate, learn, and participate successfully in the classroom. Here are some typical responsibilities for this role:
School districts across the country partner with us to resource and manage their school-based therapists. Our occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other clinicians enjoy work-life balance, mentorship, free approved professional development, and a host of other perks and benefits.
If you’re interested in becoming a school-based SLP with us, learn more about joining our team.