North Carolina is a great center for speech-language pathology and communication disorders because the state is home to renowned institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University, which offer innovative communication sciences and disorders programs. Recent investments in specialized research facilities, like the UNC Center for Aphasia and Related Disorders, have bolstered North Carolina’s reputation as a leader in the field. Additionally, the state’s proactive approach to addressing speech and language needs in its growing population through initiatives such as the NC Infant-Toddler Program and partnerships between universities and healthcare providers shows its commitment to advancing education and clinical practice in speech-language pathology.

According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the employment of speech-language pathologists in the state is expected to increase by 16.5% from 2018 to 2028, which is significantly higher than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth reflects the rising demand for speech and language services in various settings, including schools, early intervention programs, healthcare facilities, and private practices. North Carolina’s dedication to education, particularly in speech and language sciences, has created a strong academic environment for this field.

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks several North Carolina universities among the nation’s top speech-language pathology programs. These institutions provide top-tier education and contribute significantly to research in the field. This makes North Carolina a great location to start a career as a speech-language pathologist. This article will discuss the steps needed to become a speech therapist in North Carolina. 

Education Requirements

To become a speech therapist in North Carolina, you must have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in communication sciences and disorders from an accredited university. Whether the program is online or on-campus, you must confirm that it is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

The question that might have crossed your mind is, “Why can’t we go for a bachelor’s degree and become speech therapists?”. This is because, at the undergraduate level, communication sciences in disorders is like learning everything as an introduction so that you can understand how things work out in-depth. Speech-language pathology is a highly specialized field that requires the highest level of academic acumen and precision to deal with some very demanding and strenuous tasks, helping prospective patients in the future. This means that only the absolute best and finest preparation is acceptable, i.e., you will have to go through all of those academic hoops and internships if you want to be even considered a competitive candidate in this highly lucrative field.

This is to say that, to proceed to do a master’s in communication science and disorders, you must have studied communication and sciences disorders at an undergraduate level. If you did not study communication sciences or speech disorders at the undergraduate level, you would have to take some leveling-up courses before starting your master’s.

These leveling-up courses, also known as pre-requisites, include

• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
• Phonetics
• Speech and Language Development
• Speech Science
• Introduction to Audiology
• Neuroscience for Communication Disorders
•  Statistics
• Biological Sciences (e.g., biology, human anatomy)
• Physical Sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry)
• Social/Behavioral Sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology)

Be aware that these course requirements may vary depending on the program or school that you’re applying to. North Carolina schools that offer communication sciences and disorders mostly require a minimum of 3.0 GPA to enter the graduate program. Be sure you have met the requirements to apply. 

Clinical Observation Hours

When you finish your graduate program, you must work in clinical settings under a licensed and experienced speech therapist for your first couple of years post-graduation. You must meet your supervised work hours of 30 hours per week or part-time work for 18 months (20 hours per week).

At this stage, your supervisor will help you formulate every plan detailing the weekly hours allocated for diagnostics, assessments, evaluations, and habilitation); screening sessions, therapy, and rehabilitation services supplied to your patients or clients. Note that you can only practice with a temporary license during this time.

In addition, as a graduate student in North Carolina, you must do at least 400 hours of practicum to be licensed for speech-language pathology. At least 80 hours of this practicum must be spent in Adult Speech Disorders and another 80 hours in Child Speech Disorders. Your practicum will be monitored weekly by a licensed professional to ensure you are receiving the role-appropriate experience needed for success in this field. There should also be written evidence of nine months of full-time supervised professional experience.

How to Get a Temporary License in North Carolina

To obtain a temporary license in speech pathology in North Carolina, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Education Requirements

You must have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution.

2. Application for Temporary Licensure

• Download and Complete the Application Form: Visit the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NCBOESLPA) website and download the application for a temporary license.
• Submit Official Transcripts: Include your official transcripts demonstrating completion of your degree.
• Supervisory Plan: Submit a plan outlining the supervision provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist in North Carolina during your temporary license.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Pay the required non-refundable application fee of $30. The amount can be verified on the NCBOESLPA website.

4. Background Check

Complete a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting. Instructions for this process can be found on the NCBOESLPA website.

5. Submit the Application and wait for approval

Submit your completed application, the required documents, and fees to the NCBOESLPA. The board will review your application. If approved, you will be granted a temporary license, which allows you to practice under supervision while preparing for the national examination. If approved, you will pay a $40 license fee.

6. Complete Required Supervised Practice

 During the period of temporary licensure, you must work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist and complete the required number of supervised practice hours.

Examination Requirements

After completing your supervised practice, you must prepare and take the praxis exam. This standardized exam will evaluate your understanding of the subjects covered in your core coursework, such as foundations and professional practices, patient screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis, and your ability to create effective patient treatment plans.

A passing score is required to obtain full licensure. You can easily register for the exam through Praxis’s online platform. The exam consists of 132 questions and is scored from 100 to 200, with a minimum passing score of 162. 

Read the praxis study companion to help you prepare for the exam. 

Apply for Full Licensure

After you have passed the Praxis Exam and completed the required supervised hours, you can apply for full licensure.

Even though it is not required, you can pursue the CCC-SLP (Certificate of Clinical Competence) from ASHA. The CCC-SLP represents a high level of knowledge, skills, and expertise. It’s only awarded to speech-language pathologists who have met rigorous academic and professional standards, often exceeding those required for state licensure.

Want to move to North Carolina as a speech therapist? There is a platform to be licensed by reciprocity. The examination shall be waived for CCC holders and persons who have met the educational, practical, experience, and examination requirements of another state/jurisdiction with equivalent requirements.

Maintain Licensure

You have to keep track of renewal dates and continuing education requirements to maintain your full licensure once it is obtained. Maintaining a speech pathology license in North Carolina requires completing continuing education hours. Licensees must complete 30 CE hours every three years. This process is closely monitored by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NCBOESLPA). Always check the NCBOESLPA website for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements, as they may change over time.

You can contact the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists for more information.

P.O. Box 16885

Greensboro, NC 27416-

336-272-1828

For further information on laws and regulations for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, please visit this website: North Carolina Practice Act & Rules and Regulations.