Minnesota Speech Pathology State License Guide

To practice speech pathology in Minnesota, you’ll want to pursue state licensure for speech language pathologists. The process of obtaining SLP licensure in Minnesota helps ensure that candidates meet the necessary education, experience and examination requirements for licensing set by the Minnesota Department of Health. 

This guide discusses licensing requirements, exemptions and contact information for SLP State Licensure in Minnesota.Information on this page was retrieved from the Minnesota Department of Health and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Minnesota Licensing Requirements as of December 2021. Requirements for speech pathology licensure may change. Be sure to check with the licensing board for up to date information.

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Summary of Minnesota Speech Pathology State License Requirements

To meet the Minnesota speech pathology licensure requirements, you’ll want to complete a master’s in speech pathology from a Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) or a comparably accredited program. 

After you earn your degree, you may need to complete a supervised clinical experience, during which you work directly with clients, and pass an examination.

Speech Pathology Initial Licensure in Minnesota 

Before applying for speech language pathology licensure in Minnesota, ensure you meet the following criteria:

  1. Earn a master’s degree or equivalent.
  2. Complete 400 hours of supervised clinical experience as set out by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence. A minimum of 375 hours should be in direct contact with clients or patients.
  3. Pass the national exam in speech language pathology.

Speech Language Pathology Licensure Exemptions for Minnesota

Speech pathology licensure exemptions for the state of Minnesota include:

  1. Any person that is registered, certified or licensed to practice an occupation or profession that is within their area of practice. 
  2. State licensed school personnel practicing within the constraints of their school license.
  3. A student participating in supervised coursework or fieldwork that has a designated title clearly indicating they are a student trainee. 
  4. Applicants visiting Minnesota and using a protected title while in Minnesota, providing the title is associated with a state-licensed SLP or audiologist. It must be used as part of professional activity, limited in scope and duration to no more than 30 days in a calendar year.

Reciprocity for Speech Therapists in Minnesota

License reciprocity in Minnesota allows an SLP from another jurisdiction to practice if you submit evidence of your current and unrestricted certificate or license to practice as a speech language pathologist or audiologist in another state. The standards of other states need to meet or exceed those in effect in Minnesota. 

You will also need to submit verification letters to the commissioner stating that you have maintained appropriate and unrestricted licensure for the last five years.

Interim Practice for Aspiring Speech Pathologists in Minnesota 

As an SLP state license applicant, you may practice in Minnesota under a temporary license issued by the commissioner, provided you either:

  • Finish your clinical practicum or doctoral externship, meet all licensure qualifications, apply for licensure and make sure you are not facing any disciplinary action.
  • Submit to the state a copy of your current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology or audiology or ABA board certification in audiology.

Continuing Education for Speech Language Pathologists in Minnesota 

The state of Minnesota requires speech language pathologists who seek to maintain their licensure to apply for biennial renewal. 

You must either:

  • Meet continuing education (CE) requirements set forth by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology .
  • Complete 30 contact hours of CE every two years.

For dual licenses, you will need to complete 36 contact hours.

Contact Information for SLP State Licensure in Minnesota 

Address:

Minnesota Department of Health
Attn: SLP/A
Health Occupations Program
P.O. Box 64882
St. Paul, MN 55164-0882

Contact: Grace Ann Rauchwarter
Phone: (651) 201-4200
Email: Health.SLPA@state.mn.us

Website: Minnesota Department of Health

Minnesota SLP Licensing Board Oversight 

Minnesota licensure applicants who intend to work in the school system can contact the Minnesota Professional Licensing and Standards Board for information on licensing procedures.

Address:
Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
1021 Bandana Blvd. East, Suite 222
St. Paul, MN 55108

Phone: (651) 539-4200
Email:pelsb@state.mn.us
Website:Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)

Other Resources for SLP Licensure in Minnesota 

For information regarding the regulations and laws for speech language pathologists and audiologists in Minnesota, visit:

For state advocacy issues, call the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association at (800) 498-2071 to speak with the state advocacy team.

You may also want to visit the Minnesota Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Council website. 

Last updated January 2022.