QLD Allied JobsHow to become a speech pathologist in Queensland
Speech pathology is not registered through Ahpra. Instead, the profession is self-regulated by Speech Pathology Australia, and most employers, Medicare and the NDIS expect Certified Practising membership. You get there with a degree accredited by Speech Pathology Australia.
Facts checked against the linked sources on 21 October 2026. Requirements change, so confirm with the source.
Steps
1. Complete an accredited speech pathology degree
A four-year bachelor (often with honours), or a two-year graduate-entry masters if you already have a degree. Graduates of accredited programs can be certified by Speech Pathology Australia.
2. Join Speech Pathology Australia as a Certified Practising member
New graduates join and complete the association’s early-career requirements to hold Certified Practising status. Check job ads: most ask for CPSP or eligibility.
3. Choose a setting
Speech pathologists work in paediatric clinics, schools, early intervention and NDIS services, hospitals (including swallowing and adult acquired disorders) and aged care. Queensland Health pays on the HP scale; private employers must pay at least the award.
Queensland universities
| University | Program | Campus |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Queensland | Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours); Master of Speech Pathology Studies | Brisbane |
| Griffith University | Master of Speech Pathology | Gold Coast |
| James Cook University | Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) | Townsville |
| Central Queensland University | Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) | Rockhampton |
| Australian Catholic University | Bachelor of Speech Pathology | Brisbane |
| Southern Cross University | Bachelor of Speech Pathology | Gold Coast |
| University of Southern Queensland | Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), accredited with conditions | Ipswich |
Queensland programs and accreditation status as listed by Speech Pathology Australia. Bond University lists speech pathology programs as planned for commencement, not yet accredited. Source: Speech Pathology Australia, University programs, checked 21 October 2026.
Typical pay
Queensland Health’s health practitioner scale starts at $42.28 an hour (HP3, pay point 0, $83,824 a year). In the private and not-for-profit sector the award minimum for a first-year bachelor graduate is $34.44 an hour, and most employers pay above it. See the Queensland Allied Health Pay Report 2026 for all pay points, sources and what live ads state.