How to Get Clinical Hours After Your SLPA Program: Smart Strategies to Start Your Career

Posted on April 28th, 2025

Completing your SLPA (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant) program is a huge milestone — congratulations! 🎉 But if you're like many new graduates, you might be wondering: How do I get my required clinical hours after finishing my program?Whether you're looking to complete additional hours for licensure or to strengthen your skills, this post will walk you through the different paths available.

Understanding the Requirements

Each state has different requirements for SLPA clinical hours. Some states require a specific number of supervised clinical hours post-graduation to qualify for licensure.It's important to check your state’s licensing board to know exactly what’s needed.

Typically, you’ll need:

• A certain number of direct therapy hours with clients

• Hours of indirect services (planning, documentation, collaboration)

• Supervision by a licensed SLP who meets your state's requirements

  
  

📋 Tip: Keep detailed documentation of every hour you complete, including supervisor signatures.

Options for Completing Clinical Hours After Graduation

Here are some common and realistic ways to gain the hours you need:

1. Paid SLPA Positions

Many school districts, private practices, and clinics hire new graduates under a conditional license or internship license.These jobs often allow you to complete your remaining hours on the job while getting paid!

Pros:

✅ Earn income while gaining experience

✅ Build professional references

✅ Start networking within the field

Cons:

❌ Not every employer is set up for new SLPA graduates who still need supervision

2. Volunteer Opportunities

If paid positions are limited in your area, volunteering is another great option. You can:

• Volunteer at speech clinics

• Offer support at special education programs

• Assist with early intervention or community speech-language groups

  
  

Pros:

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Exposure to different therapy models

Cons:

❌ May take longer to accumulate hours without a set caseload

3. Contract and Temp Agencies

Some staffing agencies specialize in contract placements for SLPAs.They may connect you to short-term assignments where a licensed SLP can supervise you while you gain your hours.

Pros:

✅ Potentially quicker placement

✅ Variety of settings (schools, clinics, teletherapy)

Cons:

❌ Not every assignment offers the level of supervision you need

4. Extended Practicum or Additional Coursework

Some colleges offer post-program practicum opportunities for students who need more hours.You might be able to register for an additional semester dedicated solely to clinical experiences.

Pros:

✅ Highly structured

✅ Supervised by experienced clinicians

Cons:

❌ Additional tuition or fees may apply

Important Tips for Success

• Stay organized: Track your hours with spreadsheets and keep copies of all documentation.

• Communicate with your supervisor: Make sure they understand your state’s supervision requirements.

• Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities — reach out to clinics, schools, and therapists.

• Stay informed: Join your state’s Speech-Language-Hearing Association to stay updated on licensing changes.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Earning your clinical hours after your SLPA program might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s absolutely doable! With persistence, organization, and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed SLPA.If you're strategic about your options — whether it's paid work, volunteering, or a temp agency — you can complete your hours efficiently and set yourself up for a strong start in your career.

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About the Author

Hi! I’m Kim, and I’ve been a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) for nearly a decade. I have a B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and have worked in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, providing services to students in general education and special day classes. I created this blog to share my experiences and help other SLPAs navigate their school-based speech therapy journey.