training for a speech pathologist

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 10:29am

Human communication is astoundingly complex. Every language spoken on Earth comprises vocabularies with tens of thousands of words, built with dozens of speech sounds. Languages enable us to discuss almost any concept, and learning new languages can offer opportunities for enrichment expanding past cultural and geographical borders.

However, intervention by a speech pathologist is critical when human speech and language are impaired. Speech pathologists treat various speech, language and swallowing disorders (speech and swallowing use the same muscles). By attending speech pathologist school, you’re embarking on a journey to help people regain their ability to communicate clearly and connect with others on a human level.

Read on to learn how to become a speech pathologist.

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a clinical professional who helps patients overcome communication or swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists work to improve patients’ quality of life by fortifying their language and fluency skills, bolstering their vocabulary, and restoring their ability to enjoy foods and liquids safely.

Issues that speech pathologists treat include:

• Speech impediments: How we vocalize sounds and articulate words is crucial to our communication abilities. Speech impediments may severely hinder vocalization to the point where a person can’t speak at all or in a way others can understand. Speech pathologists help patients overcome these issues and strengthen their ability to speak and communicate clearly.
• Language disorders: People with language disorders may struggle to understand the words or sounds used by others or come up with the right words while speaking. Speech pathologists help patients expand their vocabulary and fortify their comprehension.
• Fluency issues: Fluency pertains to how well speech flows. Somebody with a stutter, for example, may seek treatment and counseling from a speech pathologist.
• Swallowing disorders: Difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) can stem from various causes, including past surgeries, radiation and neurological damage. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition if left untreated. Speech pathologists help patients strengthen and develop the muscles necessary to swallow properly.

Work Environment

Speech pathologists work in various professional settings. Most work in educational facilities, including state, local and private settings. Others work in clinical offices, hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. In rare cases, speech pathologists may be self-employed, but most work as part of a team.

Common Challenges

Speech pathologists must have a firm handle on treating and interacting with people from diverse populations. They should know how to approach people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds with a range of disorders.

Speech pathology can also be emotionally taxing. Speech pathologists must be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients; it can be challenging to witness as patients struggle with severe speech impediments or swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook

Speech pathologists take home a median annual wage of $84,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this profession is overwhelmingly positive; employment is estimated to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Becoming a speech pathologist involves earning a master’s degree, obtaining licensure and clocking several hours of supervised practice.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

While a speech pathologist ultimately needs a master’s degree, starting with your bachelor’s is a good first step. You may not have to earn your bachelor’s degree in a particular subject to qualify for admission to a speech pathology master’s program. However, it could be helpful to pursue your bachelor’s degree in a subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or another health-related field.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

Complete a Master’s Degree

You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in speech pathology next. Your program must be accredited for you to become certified, and sometimes to earn state licensure as well. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits speech-language pathology programs.

It generally takes two years to finish a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or supervised clinical work during their studies. Master’s programs cover topics such as fluency disorders, social communication development, dysphagia and language disorders in children.

Obtain Licensure

After finishing your master’s program, you’ll need a license to practice speech pathology in your state. That entails getting a master’s degree from an accredited program, clocking additional supervised clinical experience hours (even if you’ve already completed some as part of your master’s) and passing a licensure exam.

Every state has varying requirements for licensure. In California, for example, speech pathologists must complete 300 supervised hours of clinical practice in three separate clinical settings, along with 36 weeks of supervised full-time required professional experience. Alternatively, they may complete 72 weeks of part-time experience.

In Oklahoma, speech pathologists need a supervised, 400-hour clinical practicum experience. Of those hours, 375 should be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation. Pathologists should complete 325 of their practicum hours in a CAA-accredited graduate program.

Certifications for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can earn certifications to demonstrate their professional competency. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Regulatory agencies recognize this certification in most states. Some states and school districts provide pay supplements to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to earn the CCC-SLP credential. They must also pass an exam and log 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. The certification costs $511 for applicants who wish to become ASHA members; it costs $455 without the membership.

Professional Organizations for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists may also seek specialized certifications in various speech pathology concentrations. The American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders , the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders all offer specialty certifications.

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

To become certified as a specialist in child language, you must:

• Be CCC-SLP certified
• Have been employed for five years full-time as a speech pathologist
• Log 100 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing education in the realm of child language in the last 10 years

The application fee for the BCS-CL is $250.

American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Becoming a board-certified BCS-F member requires:

• Being CCC-SLP certified
• A minimum of three years of full-time employment experience in speech pathology
• 450 clinical contact service hours within the area of fluency disorders
• Submitting a portfolio of case studies to be approved.

The application fee is $250.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Speech pathologists who specialize in dysphagia can apply to become BCS-S certified. Candidates must:

• Demonstrate advanced continuing education in the dysphagia field
• Have at least three years of experience working directly with dysphagia patients
• Document advanced-level skills in treating swallowing disorders

The application fee is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become a Speech Pathologist

What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist.

These terms are interchangeable—there’s no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists help patients overcome vocalization, language, fluency and swallowing issues.

What is the best major for speech pathology?

Speech pathology doesn’t require any particular bachelor’s degree, but majoring in a related subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or communications disorders may help your chances of getting into an accredited master’s program. Most speech pathology master’s programs require undergraduate coursework in biology and health-related fields.

How much money do SLPs make?

The median annual salary for a speech pathologist in the U.S. is $84,140, as reported by the BLS. Speech pathologists who work in company and enterprise management make $127,180 on average.

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Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 13 June 2024

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: 6 Meaningful Career Steps

Communication is key to our existence as human beings. So, who do we turn to when our body or mind creates roadblocks to successful communication? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These specialists can address speech disorders and improve communication techniques for patients of all ages.

A speech-language pathologist assists and guides patients to improve their quality of life through better social interaction, educational growth and career opportunities.

Review this step-by-step guide for how to become a speech pathologist. You’ll learn the answers to questions such as:

• How do I become a speech pathologist?
• What does a speech pathologist do?
• Who do speech pathologists help?
• What degree do you need to be a speech pathologist?
• How many years of speech pathologist schooling are needed?

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat patients who struggle with speech disorders and communication issues related to speech and language, whether on the physical or cognitive level. They also address problems with swallowing and hearing. Also commonly referred to as speech therapists, these healthcare professionals work with patients across every stage of their lives, from early childhood through older adulthood.

Communication and swallowing disorders are associated with medical conditions such as developmental issues, cleft palate, autism, stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease and more. These disorders manifest as language delays, voice issues, articulation disorders, fluency challenges, social communication difficulties, and reading and writing challenges. 10

This can be rewarding work. Reflecting on experiences with stroke survivors, Meghan Savage , CCC-SLP, PhD, noted, “This population is so motivated, and I’m drawn to that. They look at you like you’re the only person who’s really trying to communicate with them.”

Step 1: Undergraduate Degree

In the process of how to become a speech pathologist, obtaining your bachelor’s degree is a critical first step. If possible, choose an undergraduate major related to your career goals , such as communication sciences and disorders (CSD), psychology, education, linguistics, English or language development.

Step 2: SLP Master’s Degree

Next, earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) from a program that’s accredited or in accreditation candidacy status by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), like USAHS’ MS-SLP program – depending on state requirements. 1 The benefit of earning a speech pathologist degree from a speech therapist school is that it usually blends an academic course load with practical clinical exposure.

MS-SLP programs incorporate 400 hours of clinical experience through clinical practica so speech-language pathology graduates meet the national certification requirements mandated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 2 Per ASHA guidelines, of the 400 clinical hours required, 25 of those hours must be in the form of guided clinical observation, often best achieved in the classroom setting . The remaining 375 hours must involve direct client/patient contact. 3

Speech pathologist degree requirements may vary. For example, MS-SLP admissions requirements typically include the following:

• Transcript of all coursework completed
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two letters of professional recommendation
• A statement of purpose or essay
• Chemistry or physics
• Behavioral or social science
• Interview, as needed
• A minimum of 25 guided observation hours in a speech-language pathology setting

Related undergraduate majors, such as CSD, generally incorporate the required core classes to advance to graduate school. However, if you don’t meet the speech pathologist requirements, take SLP leveling courses before beginning your master’s degree.

Step 3: Clinical Fellowship

After completing an advanced speech pathologist degree program, you must complete 1,260 hours of clinical experience and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) working under the guidance of a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) certified mentor within four years. 4  This transitional work experience is critical in the process of how to become a speech pathologist because it helps candidates progress from supervised to independent practice.

To gain this valuable clinical experience, you may be required to obtain a temporary license , referred to as a limited license or intern license, from the board of speech-language pathology and audiology in your state. 5 ,6 Speech pathologist requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited CAA program and a mentor-approved plan for your clinical fellowship.

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Step 4: the praxis exam.

During your clinical fellowship,  register to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 7 Students must score at least 162 points to pass the exam and move forward toward certification as an SLP . 8 Achieving this goal is a requirement to be eligible for the final steps in the process of how to become a speech therapist.

Step 5: National ASHA Certification And State Licensing

Perhaps the most important step in this journey of how to become a speech pathologist is securing your official credentials. ASHA, which oversees the certification process, lists four requirements that you must meet to obtain your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP): 9

• An official transcript from your graduate school verifying your graduation date and degree
• Your official Praxis score (sent directly from ETS)
• A Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) report documenting your completion of 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience and 36 weeks of full-time experience (or the equivalent)
• Documentation of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience , composed of 375 hours of direct patient/client contact and 25 hours of clinical observation

Each state has its own guidelines for licensure. Certain states require fewer hours of clinical experience than others. Some state-specific requirements may depend on the setting you plan to work in , such as education, telemedicine or early intervention. Check the ASHA State-by-State resource page for more information. 6

Step 6: Continuing Education Courses

Like all healthcare professionals, speech therapists can continue to learn and grow professionally throughout their health science careers . Some states may require SLPs to refresh and advance their skills by completing a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) of speech pathologist schooling. Check the state licensing information for clarification. 6

Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Help?

According to the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), “about one in six Americans have disabling (moderate-or-worse) impairments of hearing and/or other sensory or communication disorders.” 11 These disorders can be present from birth, develop over time or be brought on by sudden physiological changes. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that more than 7% of American children ages 3-17 have experienced some form of communication disorder in the past 12 months. 12

With such a spectrum of potential patients, SLPs often work directly with both children and adults, with 42% working in schools, 25% in specialist offices (e.g., with occupational therapists , physical therapists , audiologists and other speech therapists), 14% in hospitals, 4% in skilled nursing facilities and 3% in a self-employment capacity, for example as a consultant or practice owner. 13

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

Speech-language pathologists learn strategies for working with patients whose communication abilities may vary. Patients may not be able to speak at all; they may speak with difficulty (such as stuttering); they may have comprehension challenges, or they could have voice issues (such as inappropriate pitch).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies some of the typical daily duties of speech-language pathologists as: 14

• Evaluate levels of speech, language and swallowing difficulties
• Develop treatment plans to manage patient needs
• Teach patients how to improve their voice quality and create challenging sounds
• Help patients develop and strengthen the muscles needed for swallowing
• Counsel patients and their families on ways to cope with their disorders

SLPs use specialized tools and techniques to help patients recover or repair their communication capabilities.

FAQs About How to Become a Speech Therapist

There is a lot to consider before dedicating years of study and preparation to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Here are some of the most common questions for anyone wondering how to become a speech pathologist.

What is a typical salary for a speech therapist?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for speech therapists is $89,290 annually, or $42.93 per hour, as of April 2024. 15  The top 10% took home more than $129,930 annually. 16 Potential income for an SLP often depends on geographic location, experience and if they work in a specialty field.

How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?

With the amount of speech pathologist schooling and clinical hours of experience required to attain SLP certification, the effort to get there can take some time. Let’s break down the number of speech pathologist schooling years you can expect en route to your career (all times are approximate):

• Four years: Undergraduate degree
• Two years: Graduate degree (including 400 hours of supervised clinical experience)
• four years: Clinical fellowship (at least 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience over 36 weeks. A minimum of 5 hours per week is necessary, and the fellowship experience must be completed within 4 years from the date you begin) 17
• Eight years: total time to SLP certification

Do you need a degree to become a speech-language pathology assistant?

If diving into an eight-year commitment toward a career in speech-language pathology is intimidating, you can test the waters as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). As the title implies, SLPAs provide clerical and clinical support to SLPs.

Their tasks may include maintaining medical records, preparing diagnostic equipment and implementing therapeutic programs as determined by the speech therapist. Aspiring SLPAs can take three pathways towards certification. 18 One, for example, includes completing at least a two-year SLPA program degree with relevant coursework from a community college or technical training program and 100 hours of clinical care experience. 18

State regulations may vary; not all states allow speech-language pathology support staff. 19

Career Outlook

Speech-language pathology is a promising healthcare career with job security and growth potential. As of May 2024, it ranks #3 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of best healthcare jobs. 20

The national shortage of speech pathologists

Increasing awareness of communication disorders, such as stuttering and autism, continues to raise the demand for SLPs who treat young patients. However, the field has suffered from an SLP shortage for years, “ and there’s really no single answer “, according to Susan Karr, who served as ASHA’s associate director of school services for 27 years. 21 , 22

If you are an aspiring SLP, consider being open to relocating for a great job opportunity.

The Demand For Speech Therapists

With aging baby boomers living longer than previous generations, the number of seniors with sensory and communication disorders is also on the rise. There is a need for more practicing speech-language pathologists.

The projected employment rate of job openings for SLPs between 2022 and 2032 is 19%. 23 Approximately 13,200 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year over the next decade. 23

As the U.S. population simultaneously ages and becomes more educated about the impact of communication disorders, the need for speech therapists will continue to increase . From job security to an impressive salary and tremendous resources , a career in speech-language pathology is rewarding. Plus, empower others to communicate better, increase self-confidence and gain agency.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. The MS-SLP is an online program with four required on-campus residencies on the USAHS San Marcos, Austin, or Dallas campus. The program offers three intakes per year (Note: San Marcos campus only offers start dates in January and September until 2026), in January, May and September. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of clients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech therapy!

  The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

• “Council on Academic Accreditation,” CAA, https://caa.asha.org .
• “American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, January 2020, https://www.asha.org/certification/2020-slp-certification-standards .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “New York Licensing Requirements for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/ny/licensure/
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “ASHA State-by-State,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state .
• “Praxis,” Praxis, https://praxis.ets.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Praxis Scores and Score Reports,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/praxis_scores .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “SLP Certification,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/slpcertification/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Speech, Language, and Swallowing,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/public/speech .
• Association for Research in Otolaryngology, “42nd Annual MidWinter Meeting,” ARO, 2019, https://aro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2019-ARO-MWM-Abstracts-FINAL.pdf .
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Quick Statistics About Voice, Speech, Language,” NICD, March 4, 2024, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Work Environment,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-3 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: What Speech-Language Pathologists Do,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Summary,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Pay,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA),” ASHA, 2024, https://www.ashaassistants.org/pathways-speech-language-pathology-assistant .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA),” ASHA,  https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/slpa-faqs/#how-states-credential .
• U.S. News & World Report, “Best Health Care Jobs,” U.S. News & World Report, 2024, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs .
• AMN Healthcare, “What’s Driving the Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?,” AMN Healthcare, October 18, 2022, https://www.amnhealthcare.com/amn-insights/news/speech-language-pathologists .
• The ASHA Leader, “Retired,” ASHA, April 1, 2019, https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.PPL.24042019.22 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Job Outlook,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-6

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Also Known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech Therapist

• What They Do
• Conditions Treated

Training for Speech Pathologists

• When to See an SLP

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who helps you improve your speech and communication if you have been ill, injured, or have a chronic disability. Speech pathologists may also be called speech-language pathologists (SLP).

Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drink to help them stay safe while eating.

This article examines the important work that speech pathologists do as part of a rehabilitation team of professionals. You will learn what conditions they treat and when you should seek out the services of an SLP.

What a Speech Pathologist Does

A speech pathologist is a trained medical professional who works with patients who are injured or ill and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing. They work to prevent, assess, and treat these disorders in adults and children.

Speech pathologists help people communicate, and this may involve:

• Expressive communication : The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally
• Receptive communication : The ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communications

Some speech therapists work closely with audiologists (healthcare professionals who treat hearing and balance problems) to ensure that you can hear and understand language correctly. Others work with otolaryngologists , also called ear, nose, and throat physicians (ENTs), to help patients swallow food and drink safely and to assist patients with oral motor function.

Common Specialty Areas

Some speech pathologists have a more generalized practice, while others have a more narrow focus on specific areas or problems such as:

• Social communication
• Voice and vocal hygiene
• Speech sound disorders

Some of the official certifications that a speech pathologist may receive include:

•  Intraoperative monitoring
•  Fluency disorders
•  Swallowing and feeding disorders
•  Child language disorders

Speech pathologists seeking specialty certification have to meet education, experience, and clinical practice requirements as established by independent specialty certification boards.

Where Speech Therapists Work

There are a variety of settings in which speech pathologists work. This may include:

• Schools: Speech therapists working in schools help children with speech disorders learn to overcome their communication challenges.
• Nursing homes: Speech therapists in nursing homes help patients with dementia or communication issues caused by other conditions like stroke learn communication strategies. They also work with staff on ways to help residents communicate more effectively.
• Hospitals: A speech pathologist working in a hospital may help diagnose and treat language communication problems and swallowing disorders in hospitalized patients. 
• Private practices: Speech pathologists may also work in private practices where they may specialize in one or more language problems or health conditions in specific populations.

Speech pathologists can also work as educators in colleges and universities, and they may be involved in research.

Conditions Speech Therapists Treat

Speech pathologists work with people of various ages and with a variety of conditions. They sometimes work with young children who are having problems speaking properly, or they may help older adults with cognitive communication (communication that is affected by memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving, which are examples of executive functioning ).

A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and communication. Depending on the extent of the stroke, this loss of ability may be short-term or long-term. A speech pathologist can help someone who is recovering from a stroke regain their ability to speak and understand language.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition of the brain that affects how you communicate with others. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and can affect your ability to speak and understand what is being said.

Hearing Loss

A speech pathologist may work with other professionals such as audiologists and ENTs to help assess, manage, and treat someone with hearing loss. Some of the things a speech pathologist might do to help someone with hearing loss include evaluating the person's speech, helping them improve listening skills, and working with them to develop alternative communication strategies.

Vocal Damage

Vocal cords can become damaged in various ways including persistent coughing and voice overuse. A speech pathologist can teach you muscle strengthing and voice rehabilitation excercises and other strategies to help your vocal cords heal (such as cough modification). 

English Language Learners

If you are learning a new language and wish to alter your accent, you may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, as well. They can help you form words and sounds correctly to alter your normal speech in learning a new language.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head or an accident that affects the parts of the brain that control language can also lead to problems with communication. A speech therapist can help someone with this type of injury recover lost speech and language skills.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by several different medical conditions including muscular problems, a narrowed esophagus, damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or esophageal cancer. 

Untreated dysphagia can lead to problems eating and drinking including choking. A speech pathologist can help you develop strategies for safe chewing and swallowing, including exercises, correct body position, and food preparation recommendations. 

People with autism can have difficulty with both written and spoken communication as well as body-language forms of communication such as pointing and waving. Autism is also associated with difficulties relating to and socializing with other people. 

A speech pathologist can help people with autism understand communication norms and improve their written and spoken communication skills. They can also work with the families of people with autism on strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Alzheimer's Disease

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may develop communication problems as the disease progresses. A speech therapist can help the person develop memory skills and other strategies that will help them communicate.

Speech pathologists also work with the family and caregivers of people with dementia so they can help the person implement communication tools and strategies.   

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorder describes speech patterns characterized by differences in rate and rhythm compared to how most people speak. 

Stuttering is the most common example of a fluency disorder. Another example is cluttering, which describes speech that is atypically fast and irregular.

Speech pathologists usually develop an individualized treatment plan for someone with a fluency disorder, which may include strategies such as:

• Minimizing negative reactions to the problem
• Increasing the person's acceptance of the problem
• Improving confidence
• Reducing avoidance behavior

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders describe problems articulating words. People with speech sound disorders may be hard for others to understand. This can result in problems with social relationships, at work, or at school. 

Speech sound disorders are common in childhood and can be treated with the help of a speech pathologist. The pathologist will look at how the person moves their tongue, lips and jaw and help them learn the correct way to make sounds. 

People with speech sound disorders often have other problems with language; their speech therapist can also help them develop strategies to overcome these problems.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Voice therapy for transgender people can be an important part of gender-affirming healthcare. Learning to speak in ways that align with gender identity can improve a transgender person's quality of life as well as their social and psychological well-being.

A speech pathologist can help a transgender person learn to modify the pitch of their voice in ways that limit fatigue and damage to the vocal cords. They can also help the person learn nonverbal communication, articulation, and other strategies that can help their voice align with their gender identity.

To be a speech pathologist, a person must have a master's degree in communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology require time spent observing a speech therapist at work prior to admission. This satisfies the requirement for entry into school and provides a good understanding of what a speech pathologist's job is like.

The first year of work as a speech therapist is called a clinical fellowship year. During this time, aspiring speech pathologists will work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

Additional steps to becoming a speech pathologist include:

• Obtaining a certificate of clinical competence in SLP (CCC-SLP)
• Passing a national Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology
• Applying for SLP licensure in the state in which you will be working

A speech pathologist's education does not end when they leave school and pass the national examination. They must also fulfill continuing education requirements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to maintain their license.

When to See a Speech Pathologist

There are certain instances in which you may need to see a speech pathologist. For example, parents commonly notice small speech or language impairments in their children and seek out an SLP.

Adults may want to work with a speech pathologist to help with new or existing communication or language problems.

If you become hospitalized, you may have a speech pathologist come to your room and work with you at your bedside. They can help you with speech and language, swallowing and diet issues, and can work with other members of a rehab team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to return home.

When to see a medical professional

Many speech and language disorders benefit from the help of a speech therapist, but some are more urgent than others. Any sudden onset of impaired speech should be considered an emergency, as the person may be experiencing a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.

Children should be closely monitored for speech and language development. If your child does not have the language skills expected for their age, it is a good idea to see a speech pathologist as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one is having trouble communicating or understanding language, then working with a speech pathologist may be a good idea.

SLPs treat children and adults with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neurological injuries, autism, and more. They are trained to assess your condition and offer strategies to improve your expressive and receptive communication and swallowing function.

Pascoe A, Breen LJ, Cocks N. What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?: What is needed to prepare SPs to work in adult palliative care? .  International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2018;53(3):542-549. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12367

American Speech Language Hearing Association. Who are speech pathologists, and what do they do? .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Social communication .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech sound disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical specialty certification .

Reilly S, Harper M, Goldfeld S. The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just different? . J Paediatr Child Health . 2016;52(12):1057-1061. doi:10.1111/jpc.13318

National Aphasia Association. Stroke .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Aphasia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing loss in adults .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Autism (autism spectrum disorder) .

Alzheimer's Association. Strategies to support changes in memory, language and behavior in the early stages of dementia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fluency disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Gender-affirming voice therapy advocacy .

SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. How to become a speech pathologist .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Identifying speech and language concerns about your child and when should you seek help?  

Salary.com. Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States .

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

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How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Speech pathology is a growing field for people who want to help others speak and communicate more effectively. Speech pathologists are experts in the physical and cognitive elements of spoken language. They work with people of all ages who need assistance speaking more clearly. They can help children with speech delays, adults recovering from illness or injury, or individuals with special needs. 

Learn more about what a speech pathologist does and how to become a speech pathologist. 

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist, or speech-language pathologist, is a trained professional who diagnoses and treats people who have difficulty with speech, language, social communication, and cognitive communication. Speech pathologists can also assess and treat swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Speech pathologists are trained in multiple areas of speech and communication, including:

• Speech sounds: How people make sounds and put sounds together into words. Conditions that cause difficulty with making speech sounds include articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
• Language: How people comprehend written and spoken language, as well as using spoken language for communication. Difficulty finding words while speaking is called aphasia.
• Literacy: using language to read and write. Speech and language disorders may be combined with challenges in reading, spelling, and writing.
• Voice: The sound of your voice. Some people may have conditions that lead to a hoarse voice, losing their voice easily, talking too loudly, or having a nasal voice. Some people are unable to make some or all kinds of sounds.
• Fluency: How well spoken language flows. Stuttering is a common fluency disorder. 
• Cognitive communication: How well your mind manages language, speech, and communication. This may include problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, organization, and other thinking skills.
• Feeding and swallowing : The same physical structures of the mouth that allow speech also affect how you suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder such as dysphagia may co-occur with speech disorders. 

Some speech pathologists also have some training in audiology. Audiology is a separate but related field that addresses hearing and balance issues.  Audiology is particularly helpful for speech pathologists who assist people with hearing loss.

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

You may think of speech pathologists as people who work with children who have speech impairments , speech delays, or difficulty pronouncing words. That is one role speech pathologists play, but there are a variety of other therapies they provide. Speech pathologists perform comprehensive assessments to diagnose the reason for communication difficulties. They may work with clients who have speech delays and pronunciation problems. Speech pathologists assist clients with hearing loss who are trying to improve verbal communication. Some speech pathologists work with clients who have speech difficulties due to medical conditions such as stroke or injuries to the face and neck. Once they assess the cause of communication problems, they create a treatment plan that addresses the challenges an individual has.

Some of the services speech pathologists offer include: 

• Helping clients form sounds
• Teaching clients strategies to speak clearly and easily
• Prescribing exercises to strengthen muscles used to speak or swallow
• Helping clients say and understand new words
• Helping clients improve their ability to speak in sentences
• Training clients in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems 
• Working with clients' families to address daily challenges from communication or swallowing problems
• Providing aural rehabilitation for people with hearing loss

What Training Do Speech Pathologists Need?

Becoming a speech pathologist takes years of training. There are multiple levels of education involved in learning the field of speech and language, followed by clinical training. The training to become a certified speech pathologist includes: 

• Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field: Speech pathologists can start training by majoring in a subject like speech-language pathology, education, psychology, or linguistics.
• Earn a master's degree at an accredited program: You must attend a post-graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) to complete your education.  
• Pass the Praxis examination: Many states require you to pass the Praxis 2 Examination in Speech-Language Pathology to become licensed. The test includes speech-language pathology, screening and assessment of patients, etiology, planning, and implementation of treatment.
• Oversight and mentoring from a speech pathologist who is currently certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• 1,260 hours of clinical work, typically accrued over 36 weeks
• 80% percent of your clinical experience involving direct patient care
• Obtain licensure and certification: Once you have completed training, you can apply for a license to practice. Each state sets its speech pathologist license requirements. Many states' requirements are similar to the certification standards for ASHA. You may also apply for certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which is a professional organization for speech pathologists.

What Is the Speech Pathology Career Path?

Once you are fully licensed, there are a variety of career options for a practicing speech pathologist, including: 

• Private practice: Seeing clients in your own office or visiting them in their homes.
• Local government: Many counties and cities provide speech therapy services for children . 
• Schools: School systems either hire speech pathologists or contract with speech pathologists in private practice to provide services to students. 
• Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities: Healthcare facilities may provide speech therapy as part of comprehensive rehabilitation services for people recovering from illness or injury.
• College and universities: Speech pathologists may work in higher education, training future professionals in the field. 
• Research: Some speech pathologists engage in research to deepen the understanding of speech and language or innovate new therapies for people in need. 

The median speech pathologist salary was $79,060 per year in 2021. The field is expected to grow by 21% in the next few years, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. There are no geographic limitations to where speech pathologists can live and practice.

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Home / How to Become a Speech Pathologist / 8 SLP Certifications that May Help Advance Your Career

8 SLP Certifications to Help You Advance Your Career

Do you want to demonstrate in-depth knowledge around a specific area within speech language pathology (SLP)? Earning a certification can help you stand out to employers and provide you with the credentials you need to advance your speech pathology career. Explore the options available to determine which certifications make sense for your professional goals.

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in May 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school. 

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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

What Certifications Are Available in Speech Pathology?

As a speech pathologist, the certifications you pursue will depend on the types of disorders you want to specialize in treating. By incorporating certification into your speech pathologist career , you can prove to employers that you meet the rigorous standards within your area of expertise. This can even impact your salary as a speech pathologist .

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional association for speech-language pathologists. ASHA’s main SLP certification is the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) , which some employers may require.

In order to obtain your CCC-SLP, you must meet the requirements set out by ASHA . These include:

• Earning a graduate, doctoral, or other recognized post-baccalaureate degree in speech language pathology
• Demonstrating knowledge of the ASHA Code of Ethics
• Completing a minimum of 400 hours supervised clinical experience
• Passing a national examination
• Completing a supervised clinical fellowship

Which Speech Language Pathology Certifications Are Required?

Certification requirements for speech-language pathologists can vary by state and profession. That being said, a Certificate of Clinical Competence can add credibility to your knowledge by demonstrating your competence in working as a speech pathologist regardless of where or how you practice.

If you plan to open up your own practice, certification can also add legitimacy to your profession. Plan to maintain your certification through continued education, where you can build on the skills you gained and honed through an SLP master’s program and hands-on experience.

Are There Optional SLP Certifications?

In addition to the CCC-SLP certification, you may decide to obtain further credentials that validate your expertise. Some optional SLP certifications include:

• Board-Certified Specialist Certification (BCS)
• Child Language and Language Disorders Certification (BCS-CL)
• Board-Certified Specialist in Fluency and Fluency Disorders Certification (BCS-F)
• Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)
• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) certification
• PROMPT for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets certification

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

• Certification for Motor Skills for Language Development

Each credential will have its own requirements for SLPs to become specialized. Many require applicants to hold a CCC-SLP before specialized certification. Learn more about each one below.

More Speech Pathology Certifications to Explore

There are many different specializations you can pursue within speech pathology, such as fluency, feeding and swallowing, social communication, craniofacial abnormalities, and other subfields. Beyond proper speech pathology schooling and education, some employers and/or states may require professionals within these specialties to earn additional certifications or licensure, such as those listed below.

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification (LSVT LOUD)

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is a speech treatment for patients with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. With LSVT, patients can make improvements to their pitch variation and loudness when speaking through one-on-one sessions with a speech therapist. Effective treatment can lead to outcomes including:

• Improvement in loudness
• More variation in pitch
• Better articulation
• Changes in swallowing
• Improved facial expressions while talking
• Speech-related brain changes

Speech-language pathologists who use LSVT in their practice develop tailored strategies and provide sensory feedback to help increase clients’ comfort with their louder voices. Courses are available for individuals interested in LSVT LOUD certification .

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

If you plan to use behavior-analytic interventions to help clients, you may want to consider becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) . This credential from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board signifies that you have completed the required training for administering behavior-analytic interventions to help clients modify behaviors such as:

• Communication
• Instruction following
• Peer interactions
• Play and leisure skills

There are several eligibility pathways for a BCBA certification , all of which require practical fieldwork in applied behavior analysis (ABA). These include:

• Behavior analysis degree from an accredited master or doctoral program
• Graduate degree with behavior-analytic coursework
• Graduate degree with behavior-analytic faculty teaching and research
• Doctoral degree with postdoctoral experience in applied behavior analysis

PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)

PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is a speech intervention approach that combines physical-sensory, cognitive-linguistic, and social-emotional aspects of motor performance. PROMPT can be used on patients as young as six months old to develop motor skills and treat speech production disorders such as:

• Auditory processing and production disorders
• General cognitive or global delays
• Language formation
• Motor control or planning
• Phonological or “rule based” learning disorders

In order to become eligible for PROMPT training, you must be a speech pathologist or a student in your clinical fellowship year. You must also have at least one client who is an appropriate candidate for PROMPT therapy. Training includes an introductory course, practicum project, intervention training, and a self-study project.

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) uses pictures to reinforce behaviors and correct errors when working with clients who have cognitive, communication, or physical challenges. This evidence-based practice takes an ABA approach to improving communication during six key phases: 

• How to communicate
• Distance and persistence
• Picture discrimination
• Sentence structure
• Responsive requesting

There are three levels of PECS certification : PECS Level 1 Certified Implementer (PCI-1), PECS Level 2 Certified Implementer (PCI-2), and PECS Certified Manager (PCM). Parents and professionals can qualify for Level 1 and 2 certification, whereas manager certification is designed specifically for speech-language professionals.

Speech Therapy Board Certified Specialists (BCS)

While becoming board certified is not necessary to practice as a speech therapist, doing so can add to your credentials and potentially grow your speech pathology career. ASHA designates specific areas of clinical practice available for board certification :

• American Audiology Board of Intraoperative Monitoring

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders

American board of fluency and fluency disorders, american board of swallowing and swallowing disorders.

In order to apply for any of the certifications listed above, you must first be a CCC-SLP. Programs may also require at least three years of professional experience in order to become eligible. Learn about the overseeing boards responsible for specialized board certification to determine whether this is an appropriate option for your goals.

The American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders oversees the Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) certification. Swallowing disorders that cause difficulty or inability to swallow, called dysphagia, can affect a person’s ability to eat and drink enough and affect their nutrition. This board sets standards for identifying SLP experts in dysphagia.

The American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders oversees specialty certification in diagnosing and treating people with fluency disorders. Fluency disorders include cluttering, stuttering, and disruption in speech flow. The American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders approves and provides the BCS-F credential to CCC-SLPs who have demonstrated a high level of clinical expertise and knowledge in this area.  

The American Board of Child Language & Language Disorders promotes high-quality services for CCC-SLPs who specialize in working with children and adolescents up to 21 years old. This board provides the opportunity for CCC-SLPs to become a Board Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL).

Board Certified Specialist Concentrations

If you’ve chosen to specialize your speech pathology career, a BCS credential signals your expertise and adherence to strict standards set forth by the respective board. Below, you can read more about each board certification and the corresponding eligibility information.

Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Speech pathologists who work with clients with speech disorders may be interested in the BCS-F certification. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time post-CCC-SLP experience, 450 documented hours of direct clinical contact service, and 100 hours of intermediate to advanced training in fluency disorders. The American Board of Fluency and Fluency disorders also requires three letters of recommendation in the submitted application packet.

Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

A BCS-S proves a CCC-SLP’s expertise working with dysphagia and allows them to offer specialized help to clients with swallowing disorders. To become board certified, applicants must have completed three years of post-CCC-SLP clinical work with a focus on dysphagia, advanced clinical or leadership experience, and 7.5 continuing education units related to dysphagia within three years of applying.

Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

Speech pathologists who work in schools or with children and young adults may find a BCS-CL helpful in achieving their career goals. To become board certified, CCC-SLPs must have at least five years of full-time experience and 100 hours of intermediate or advanced training related to child language.

Intraoperative Monitoring (BCS-IOM)

Audiologists and speech pathologists involved in surgical procedures can benefit from earning a BCS-IOM certification. In order to qualify for certification from the American Audiology Board of Intraoperative Monitoring, applicants must have completed at least 225 IOM cases and 60 hours of continuing education. Three letters of recommendation are also required upon submission.

How Can SLP Certifications Help Advance Your Speech Pathology Career?

While speech therapist certification doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better job or salary, they may help you become eligible for a wider range of positions or advance your career outlook. 

As you browse speech pathology master’s programs , consider potential specializations you might be interested in pursuing. Your first speech pathologist job may provide opportunities to work alongside different specialists, which can provide valuable insight as you continue your career. Fellowships can also help you determine the type of SLP work setting you enjoy the most.

Regardless of whether you pursue certification, a speech pathology degree is worth it if you enjoy helping others and want to make a difference. Start exploring your options today.

Last updated: November 2023

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How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist: Step-by-Step Instructions

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April 8, 2020 

What is a speech-language pathologist? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained specialists in identifying and treating impairments related to speech, language, cognition, social skills, swallowing, and hearing. Specific communication impairments may include articulation disorders, language disorders and delays, fluency impairments, literacy challenges, cognitive-communicative impairment, differences in social communication, and voice problems.

Speech-language pathologists work with clients across the lifespan, from infants to school-age children to older adults, designing and implementing plans of care to improve, maintain, or restore skills in talking, listening, problem-solving, reading, writing, and swallowing.

SLPs may also provide clients with tips and information to prevent communication impairments. Communication impairments can have a significant effect on the way people live their lives, from social interactions to vocational endeavors. SLPs work across a variety of settings — home visits, schools, businesses, private practices, medical settings, and rehabilitation centers. The work of an SLP is key to improving overall quality of life, making SLPs valuable contributors to both educational and medical settings.

Employment of speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 27 percent from 2018 to 2028,  according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than triple the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period (5 percent, as per the BLS).

Earning the right degree and gaining hands-on experience in the field are important if you are interested in a career in speech-language pathology. The time it takes to become a practicing professional depends on a number of factors; however,  on average, it takes at least two years to complete a full-time Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.).

If you’re a student considering a career in speech-language pathology or even a working professional transitioning from an unrelated career field, below is a general list of steps you can take to enter the SLP profession.

Step 1: Complete a Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.)

• Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience as part of an Accredited Graduate Program
• Step 3: Pass the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
• Step 4: Complete Clinical Fellowsh ip (CF)

Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

SLPs can enter the field without an undergraduate degree that focuses on communication sciences and disorders. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, the  Speech@Emerson  program and post-baccalaureate programs offer foundational courses that may prepare you to earn your Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.).

A master’s degree program that is earned at a program accredited by the  Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)  is the minimum level of education required for those interested in becoming a certified SLP. In addition to certification, speech-language pathologists have to be licensed through their state licensing board. Some licensing boards may have additional requirements for licensing.

Requirements for applying to a Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.) program vary from institution to institution. For the Speech@Emerson program at Emerson College, requirements include completing a bachelor’s degree program, providing letters of recommendation, enclosing a resume and personal essay, and participating in an interview.

Once you are enrolled in the program, your coursework will include both academic and clinical learning experiences.

The  Speech@Emerson curriculum  prepares students to assess and treat people with any of the following conditions:

• autism spectrum disorders
• language and literacy disabilities
• fluency disorders
• speech sound disorders
• cognitive-communicative disorders
• voice disorders
• swallowing problems
• motor speech disorders
• deaf and hard of hearing

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Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience As Part of an Accredited Graduate Program

The clinical practicum — a critical step to becoming a speech pathologist — is part of every high-quality Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.) program. During your clinical practicum, you will see professionals at work and will have the opportunity to be supervised by them. The primary focus of clinical practicum is for students to gain hands-on experience working with individuals who have communication disorders across a variety of settings. The Speech@Emerson program enables you to complete clinical practicum requirements so that you can apply for certification.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires that all applicants for certification earn a total of 400 clinical clock hours, 25 of which are guided observation hours and 375 hours (minimum) are direct clinical clock hours. The 25 guided observation hours require students to be actively involved in debriefing the session with the professional performing the activity. These hours typically occur in the context of a class or structured learning experience and are completed prior to starting supervised clinical practicum activities.

In order to accrue at least 400 clinical clock hours,  Speech@Emerson students are required to enroll in five semesters of Clinical Practicum (CD 611, 612, 613, 614, 615) while in the program.  In the Speech@Emerson program, CD 611 is a virtual practicum experience that helps students practice clinical decision-making and clinical writing, as they earn clock hours by participating in simulated clinical activities. The other practicum courses, CD 612, CD 613, CD 614, CD 615, involve students working as graduate student clinicians in community-based placement sites.

Step 3: Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

Students in the Speech@Emerson program take the Praxis exam towards the end of their graduate program, immediately after completing Comprehensive Exams, and before their clinical fellowship. The exam assesses knowledge and skills obtained through academic coursework and supervised clinical experiences in the program.

While you can use Praxis’  Speech-Language Pathology Study Companion (PDF, 1.6 MB)  to familiarize yourself with the exam content before testing, your graduate coursework and field experience will be most applicable to the exam. To further aid in test preparation, you can also make use of study tools available on the internet and in books.

Refer to the  Praxis Bulletin and Forms resource page  if you have any questions about test day procedures, score reporting, or if you just want to find more information about the registration process.

Step 4: Complete Clinical Fellowship (CF)

Upon graduation from the Speech@Emerson master’s program, you will be required to complete a clinical fellowship. This consists of nine months of full-time employment or 12 months of part-time employment during which you are employed by a school, private practice, early intervention team, or medical facility. Completing your clinical fellowship represents the final component of training prior to becoming fully certified by the  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  (ASHA). During the months of fellowship, you will be supervised by a CF mentor. The CF mentor must be certified, must have completed their own CF at least nine months prior, and must have completed a minimum of two hours of continuing education in the area of supervision. The CF experience prepares graduates for independent practice in the field. It is the first job you will hold as a future certified speech-language pathologist.

To work as a Clinical Fellow, you may need to obtain a temporary license, also called a temporary or provisional license, from your state licensing board.

Finding a clinical fellowship means looking for a position that will hire someone who does not yet hold ASHA certification. You will need to conduct a job search to locate a CF position. Most graduate programs offer career development support to help you with your search.

Students may file an application to obtain the certificate of clinical competence immediately after graduating from an academic program. Students take the Praxis exam just prior to program completion. Typically, they then complete their clinical fellowship employment experience.

To obtain the certification, you must meet the eight standards summarized below. Select any one of the hyperlinked standards to learn more and view additional sub items.

• Standard I—Degree Applicants for the CCC-SLP must be in possession of a master’s, doctoral or other recognized post-baccalaureate degree.
• Standard II—Education Program Applicants for the CCC-SLP must have completed all graduate coursework and clinical experience in a CAA-accredited SLP program.
• Standard III—Program of Study Applicants for the CCC-SLP must have completed a program of study that includes academic course work and supervised clinical experience.
• Standard IV—Knowledge Outcomes Applicants for the CCC-SLP must have a demonstrated knowledge of biological, physical, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as basic human communication and swallowing disorders. They must have a demonstrated knowledge of the methods of assessment, prevention, and intervention for people with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Standard V—Skills Outcomes V-C: Applicants for the CCC-SLP must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience in the practice of speech-language pathology. Twenty-five hours must be spent in clinical observation, and 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact. V-D: At least 325 of the 400 clock hours must be completed while the applicant is engaged in a CAA-accredited speech-language pathology graduate program.
• Standard VI—Assessment Applicants for the CCC-SLP must pass the national examination adopted by ASHA for purposes of certification in speech-language pathology.
• Standard VII—Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship VII-A: Applicants for the CCC-SLP must have completed a clinical fellowship of no fewer than 36 weeks of full-time professional experience, or the part-time equivalent. During this time, they should have shadowed a licensed practitioner.
• Standard VIII—Maintenance of Certification Once an applicant has their certification, they must demonstrate continued professional development in order to maintain it.

Source: The  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

The  Speech@Emerson  program prepares students academically and clinically to apply for the CCC-SLP.  Applications for the CCC-SLP can be found online.

Teaching Certificate and State Licensure

A state license and teacher education license are two separate steps that may be required to work as a certified SLP in certain states, depending on your employment setting. If you are planning to practice as an SLP in the school setting, you may be required to have a teaching certificate, depending on your location.

In addition to national certification by ASHA, SLPs in most states are required to be licensed. Requirements for state licensure for SLPs vary based on your location. Some states require proof of education and clinical fellowship, passing scores on the Praxis exam, and continuing education hours. To find out more about specific state licensure and teacher credentialing requirements, refer to the state requirements resource page on the  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association  website or contact your state’s licensing board.

Citation for this content:  Speech@Emerson, Emerson College’s online Master of Sciences in Communication Disorders (M.S.)

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• How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathology is a foundational area of study within the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). As a speech-language pathologist, you will be part of a growing number of professionals that focus on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in a variety of different patient populations– from young children with speech challenges to elderly stroke victims.

• Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
• Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
• NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
• Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.

Speech-language pathologists are master’s-educated, state licensed, and often nationally certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Although licensing requirements vary slightly from one state to the next, all licensing boards require SLP professional candidates to complete pre-licensure professional experience requirements and hold a post-bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Steps to Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist

Here’s what’s involved in meeting the education, experience and examination requirements to become a speech-language pathologist:

Step 1. Complete an Undergraduate Program in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), there are more than 200 institutions offering undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

A bachelor’s degree in CSD ensures a seamless transition to a CSD master’s program. Although an undergraduate degree in CSD is not mandatory for entering a CSD graduate program, it may eliminate the need to take certain prerequisites before beginning graduate studies.

CSD undergraduate degree programs include foundational courses in statistics and the social/behavioral, physical and biological sciences, as well as courses related to:

• Normal language development
• Language disorders and phonology
• Linguistics
• Anatomy of hearing and speech mechanisms

Many undergraduate programs in CSD offer research experiences and many require students to participate in research activities designed to provide students with the skills required for future research and clinical practice.

Step 2. Complete a CAA-Accredited Graduate Degree Program in Speech-Language Pathology/Communicative Sciences and Disorders

To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete a minimum of an entry-level graduate degree (MA, MS, MEd) from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) .

Program titles may include:

• MS Communicative Sciences and Disorders
• MS Speech-Language Pathology
• MS Communication Sciences and Disorders, specialization in speech-language pathology

Many CAA graduate programs offer:

• Part-time/evening programs
• Partially or fully online delivery
• Combined degree programs (bachelors/masters)

Speech pathology graduate programs consist of about 48 credits and are located in colleges/departments of education, audiology, healthcare sciences, public health, behavioral and communication sciences, and rehabilitation, to name a few.

They include both academic and clinical coursework, and many students also supplement their program with research-related activities. A number of CAA-accredited programs offer study abroad opportunities.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

All CAA-accredited speech-language programs include supervised clinical experiences, designed to provide students with opportunities to become acquainted with the speech-language pathology profession and apply their newly acquired knowledge.

Clinical practicum requirements for licensure vary slightly depending on the state. For example, Illinois and Pennsylvania require a clinical practicum of at least 375 hours, while in Texas the clinical practicum requirement is 400 hours, and in Florida it is just 300. Some states, like Arizona and Washington State, have no specific clinical practicum requirements, instead deferring to ASHA requirements, which stipulate 350 hours.

Clinical placement advisors work with students to arrange clinical experiences in at least three settings and with a number of populations.

Before commencing their clinical practicum, students of online SLP master’s degree programs would attend a number of on-campus clinical immersion experiences where they would get to engage in practicum seminars with faculty and fellow students.

Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and processes may differ slightly from one graduate program to the next, but all require incoming students to complete foundational undergraduate coursework that supports studying speech-language pathology at the graduate level. Some programs allow new students who hold an undergraduate degree in an area other than communicative science and disorders to enter the program and then complete outstanding prerequisites prior to moving on to graduate-level courses. Other programs only admit students after they have successfully completed all prerequisite coursework. Some colleges and universities even offer prerequisite courses online, allowing students to complete all necessary courses before starting their graduate program.

Earning an undergraduate degree in communicative sciences and disorders would usually satisfy all undergraduate requirements.

Prerequisite undergraduate courses generally include:

• Biological science
• Physical science
• Behavioral and social science (2 courses)

Other admission requirements include:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Admissions essay
• Letters of recommendation

Step 3. Complete a Post-Graduate Fellowship

You would begin your post-graduate fellowship after the successful completion of your CAA-accredited graduate program.

Before beginning your clinical fellowship in speech language pathology , you may need to apply for a temporary license (also called an intern or limited license) through your state’s board of speech-language pathology and audiology.

To qualify for a temporary license, you must possess a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited program and submit a plan for your clinical fellowship, signed by a licensed supervisor.

Temporary licenses are usually valid for a year, just long enough to complete your clinical fellowship.

Practical training through a speech-language pathology clinical fellowship is necessary for state licensure. Speech-language pathology clinical fellowships consist of a period of training completed under the guidance and supervision of a licensed speech-language professional.

Clinical fellowship requirements vary from one state to the next, although most states require fellowships to last 36 weeks (1,260 hours).

Many states mirror the clinical fellowship requirements that must be met to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) credential through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which requires a clinical fellowship to:

• Be at least 36 weeks, at 35 hours per week, for a total of 1,260 hours
• Be mentored by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathology professional
• Have at least 80 percent direct clinical contact, such as through activities related to assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, counseling, etc.

Step 4. Take a National Exam in Speech-Language Pathology

You must take and pass the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology to earn state licensure. Generally, you may take this examination at any time following the successful completion of your CAA-accredited graduate program. Most students take the Praxis at some point during their clinical fellowship.

You must register directly with ETS for the Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology . The registration process allows you to choose the exam location and date that best meets your needs. There are test centers located throughout the country. You can learn more about available test centers near you here .

Each state has their own passing score requirements for the Praxis exam, although most follow the CCC-SLP certification minimum requirements for a score of 162.

The exam consists of the following topics:

• Typical development and performance across the lifespan
• Factors that influence communication, feeding, and swallowing
• Epidemiology and characteristics of common communication and swallowing disorders
• Wellness and prevention
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery
• Counseling, collaboration, and teaming
• Documentation
• Legislation and client advocacy
• Research methodology and evidence-based practice
• Communication disorders
• Feeding and swallowing disorders
• Developing case histories
• Selecting appropriate assessment instruments, procedures, and materials
• Assessing factors that influence communication and swallowing disorders
• Assessment of anatomy and physiology
• Speech sound production
• Voice, resonance, and motor speech
• Receptive and expressive language
• Social aspects of communication, including pragmatics
• Cognitive aspects of communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Feeding and swallowing
• Developmental
• Disease processes
• Auditory problems
• Neurological
• Structural and functional
• Psychogenic
• Evaluating factors that can affect treatment
• Initiating and prioritizing treatment and developing goals
• Determining appropriate treatment details
• Generating a prognosis
• Communicating recommendations
• General treatment principles and procedures
• Establishing methods for monitoring treatment progress and outcomes to evaluate assessment and/or treatment plans
• Follow-up on post-treatment referrals and recommendations
• Communication impairments related to cognition
• Treatment involving augmentative and alternative communication
• Hearing and aural rehabilitation
• Swallowing and feeding

You can learn more about the Praxis exam by studying the Speech-Language Pathology Study Companion .

Step 5. Apply for State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist

To apply for state licensure, you must complete an application and submit it to the licensing authority, along with:

• Application fee
• Graduate degree transcripts (sent directly from the CAA-accredited institution)
• Praxis exam scores (sent directly from ETS)
• Results from a criminal background check

Depending on the state, you may also be required to complete a course on HIV/AIDS and take and pass a state jurisprudence examination.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain state licensure as a speech-language pathologist , you must complete the necessary number of continuing education requirements during your renewal period. Continuing education requirements vary.

For example, in Tennessee, speech-language pathologists must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education per calendar year, while in California, speech-language pathologists must complete at least 24 clock hours of continuing education during every two-year renewal period.

Step 6. Consider Professional Certification

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (AHSA) Speech-Language Pathology Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is a nationally recognized, voluntary designation that increases opportunities for:

• Salary supplements
• Career advancement
• Job mobility
• Professional credibility

To qualify for CCC-SLP certification, you must:

• Complete a master’s or doctoral degree from a CAA-accredited institution
• Complete a clinical fellowship of at least 36 weeks that is mentored by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathology professional
• Pass the Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology

You may submit an application for CCC-SLP after you have completed your graduate degree from a CAA-accredited academic program. You must complete and submit the Application for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)-2014 Standards , along with the $461 fee for membership and certification.

To complete the application for certification, you must also submit:

• Your passing exam score (sent directly to ASHA from ETS)
• Official transcripts, sent directly from your CAA-accredited program
• Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) Report and Rating Form

To maintain your CCC-SLP credential, you must complete 30 professional development hours during every three-year certification period, which begins January 1 of the year following your initial certification.

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• Career Resources
• Both Sides of the Frenectomy Debate
• Certification
• State Licensing Overview
• Student Resources
• What is Speech-Language Pathology?
• CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
• Directory of CSD and SLP Undergraduate Programs
• Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
• SLP Clinical Fellowship
• SLP Thesis Track
• 2022 SLP Scholarship Guide
• 2022 Top SLP Master’s Programs
• Practice Settings
• Private Practice
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• Specialty Areas and Disorders
• Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Lip-Tie Issues
• Aphasia (Post Stroke)
• Apraxia of Speech
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Child Language Disorders
• Communication Competency Assessment
• Early Intervention
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• Laryngeal Imaging
• Late Talkers
• Low-Incidence Disorders
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• Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia)
• Transnasal Esophagoscopy and Pharyngeal/Esophageal Manometry
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• Voice Therapy
• Dual Certification in SLP and Lactation Consultancy
• Continuing Education is Key to Career Versatility and Longevity in This Field
• Do You Speak with an Accent? … You Can Still Be an Outstanding SLP
• The Challenges and Rewards of Working with English Language Learners
• Some Advice on How to Approach Your Clinical Fellowship
• 4 Things a Job Description Can’t Tell You About the Profession
• 5 Things I Love Most About Being an SLP
• Your Guide to Getting Started in Telepractice
• Why Team Player SLPs are Even More Effective Than Superstars
• Why Working With the Entire Family Gets the Best Results in Kids Struggling with Speech-Language Issues

• MTS Audiologist & SLP How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
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Speech-language pathologists offer critical services to a wide variety of individuals.

The primary organization associated with the speech-language pathology profession is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Guided by a vision of making effective communication accessible and achievable for all people, ASHA supports speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and related scientists by establishing standards, promoting science and professional excellence, and advocating for the patients they serve. ASHA certifies speech-language pathologists. Certification is necessary for those seeking to become practicing speech-language pathologists.

Given the diversity of speech, language, and related disorders within the general population, it is common for professionals to pursue additional specialized training and subsequent certification. A brief summary of additional certifications is provided near the bottom of this page.

This page details how to become a speech-language pathologist, including the necessary education, training, and certifications required in this profession.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist, abbreviated as SLP, is considered a communication expert. Speech-language pathologists are trained to work with people of all ages, including children and babies. SLPs treat several communication and swallowing disorders. Some of the problems SLPs treat include speech sounds, language, social communication, literacy, fluency, and feeding and swallowing.

A person interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist must complete coursework requirements culminating in an academic degree, successfully pass an examination, and complete a clinical fellowship.

Arizona State University

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts continued robust growth in opportunities for speech-language pathologists in the 2020s. Employment of SLPs is predicted to grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2031, with an average of 14,000 new openings expected.

Demand for SLPs is driven by several factors, including workforce attrition due to retirement and job transfer, the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, growing awareness of speech and language disorders that prompt more individuals to seek out treatment, and, finally, medical advances in other fields that allow more individuals to survive incidents such as injury, stroke and trauma and who subsequently need speech therapy as a form of rehabilitative care.

Steps to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists must complete several steps before having the skills and authorization to work in this discipline. These steps are enumerated below.

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree (four years).

Students may study any discipline as an undergraduate but may ultimately be more prepared for the profession if they study communication science and disorders (CSD) or a closely related subject. Those who opt not to study CSD as undergraduates may benefit from accelerated programs to help them develop any critical competencies they might otherwise miss.

Step 2: Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (two years).

Full-time students can often complete graduate-level studies in two years. Practicing SLPs must ultimately study from many disciplines, including biology, human anatomy, linguistics, mathematics, neuroscience, and psychology.

Requirements for acceptance into such programs vary by state. For example, California requires applicants to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test, the California Subject Examination for Teachers and the CSU EAP. Students must thoroughly review all programmatic and prerequisite requirements when applying for admission.

The programs listed below represent only a small fraction of the many programs operating in the United States. Given the large demand for SLPs, prospective students will often have success finding programs operating in their current state of residency.

Boston University

Boston University (BU) offers one of the nation’s top programs in speech-language pathology. BU offers a residential master of science in speech-language pathology designed to meet ASHA certification standards and Massachusetts state licensure. Located in one of America’s vibrant and historical cities, this program offers extensive academic, clinical, and research opportunities.

This 67-credit program can typically be completed within four semesters of full-time study. Students must complete a minimum of 59 credits at BU in order to receive the degree from the university. The program features several requirements, including the completion of a minimum of four credits during a summer term, completion of at least one semester focused on full-time study and successful completion of a comprehensive written examination. Some students may substitute a thesis for the written exam, depending on their qualifications. Each student crafts a study plan with their faculty advisor’s guidance and approval.

This degree program also features a clinical practicum requirement. The practicum is designed to expose students to a variety of patient populations. Given the diverse population of Boston and its neighboring communities, students will find a wealth of potential practicum placements. Students also have the option to offer individual and group treatment at the BU Academic Speech, Language, and Hearing Center or the Aphasia Resource Center. As with other placements, students complete such training under the supervision of an appropriately skilled practitioner.

• Location: Boston, MA
• Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $30,525 per semester (12-18 credits); $1,908 per credit when taking fewer than 12 credits

Maryville University

Maryville University offers a 57-credit master’s degree in speech-language pathology. The degree can be completed within a 24-month period when students complete approximately nine credit hours in the summer term between two full academic years of study. The curriculum prepares students for both ASHA certification and CCC-SLP status designation. Those seeking licensure in Missouri or another state must also complete a clinical fellowship year after completing the degree program.

The program is designed to prepare students to work in varied workplaces, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, clinics, and early intervention programs. Patient populations may include children experiencing autism, individuals who have speech deficits due to stroke or traumatic brain injury and people who have language delays.

Students will often first gain direct client experience on-campus in the Maryville University Speech and Language Clinic. Other potential practicum placements include the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders and within several local medical and educational institutions in the local community. ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists must supervise all practicum experiences.

• Location: St. Louis, MO
• Estimated Tuition: $797 per credit or $13,035 per semester

University of Florida

The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions features an internationally recognized faculty that offers a master of arts program in communication sciences and disorders. The program provides the necessary academic and clinical training to prepare graduates for a career in speech-language pathology. This program cultivates the development of professionals who value competence, ethical conduct, commitment to service, and a dedication to lifelong learning. Successful graduates possess the skills to design and offer effective, evidence-based clinical services that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for varied patient populations.

Students can typically complete the program over five semesters within a period of approximately two years. In addition to traditional classroom coursework, students complete both a practicum and an externship. Students typically complete a practicum valued at two credit hours every semester but the final one. Students select an externship of personal interest and complete this requirement in their final semester. Departmental support is available to students as they identify and apply to a potential externship site.

Students interested in a more research-oriented career can pursue a thesis track option within this program. Such students complete research with the mentorship of a suitable faculty member.

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Estimated Tuition: $530.69 per credit for FL residents; $1,255.41 per credit for non-residents

University of Washington

The University of Washington offers an SLP master of science degree with the option to select one of three specialization tracks. These tracks are educational SLP, medical SLP and clinical research SLP. All three tracks feature foundational coursework that meet ASHA certification requirements and clinical and interprofessional experiences.

Student cohort size, program duration, and total credit requirements vary among the three tracks. The clinical research track features a small cohort and a larger total credit hours requirement. The medical SLP track features the highest total program tuition of the three tracks. A detailed comparison of these track options can be found on the degree program website.

Regardless of track, the curriculum is designed to prepare professionals skilled in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of various speech sound, language, fluency, voice, cognition-communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders. Students learn to work effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. The educational track also incorporates knowledge of existing and emergent research and technology relevant to treating varied disorders.

Students have several options to fulfill clinical education requirements. These include on-campus sites such as the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic and UW Center of Human Development and Disability and community-based settings, including schools, private practices, and hospitals.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Estimated Tuition: Quarterly in-state tuition rate ranges from $5,798 to $7,694; out-of-state from $8,300 to $10,098

Step 3: Apply for ASHA certification.

As previously mentioned, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional association responsible for the certification of speech-language pathologists. Certification is a means of demonstrating professional credibility.

Certified SLPs have successfully completed both a master’s or doctoral program from an accredited academic program and a supervised clinical experience. They have also received a passing score on their national exam. While ASHA certification is not compulsory holding, such certification indicates a practitioner has exceeded the minimum requirements for state licensure.

Certified SLPs may enjoy several benefits. including salary supplements, assurance of service reimbursement, and professional recognition as holding the qualifications to mentor clinical fellows.

Step 4: Successfully pass the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam for ASHA.

Students become eligible to apply for certification when they have completed their academic and clinical training requirements and have been determined to hold the skills and knowledge required by current certification standards. The graduate program typically makes this determination the student has studied within. Applicants must pass the national examination in the area in which they seek a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Upon initiation of the certification application, students have a period of 24 months in which they can take and pass the Praxis exam. A passing score is at least 162 on a 100 to 200 scale.

Students seeking to prepare for the exam may consult the Speech-Language Pathology Study Companion to develop familiarity with content typically included in the exam.

Step 5: Obtain a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP).

This certification requires graduation from an accredited program, passage of the Praxis Exam, and completion of a clinical fellowship supervised by a certified SLP. The fellowship consists of a minimum of 1,260 hours and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience or its part-time equivalent. The fellowship must be completed within four years.

Upon receipt of this certificate, speech-language pathologists can demonstrate they have met professional and academic standards that are often greater than those required to obtain state licensure. Certification is a testament to professional competence and continued professional development.

The CCC-SLP is only granted to graduates of programs specifically accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Maintenance of a current CCC-SLP requires SLPs to complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

Individuals seeking further study for the purposes of specialization and career advancement may complete a clinical doctoral degree (CScD, SLPD) in another two to three years.

Other Certifications for SLPs

The CCC-SLP certification is considered the primary certification within the speech-language pathology profession. Additional SLP certifications may be earned by those seeking to operate a specialized practice.

For example, certification may be sought to work with individuals experiencing Parkinson’s disease, neurological conditions, or swallowing and fluency disorders. In many cases, an SLP must first have a CCC-SLP certification before seeking a specialized certification. Specializations within these areas of practice can help professionals to advance their careers.

Three organizations offer specialty certifications. These are the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders, the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.

A listing of some specialized certifications and training appears below:

• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification (LSVT LOUD)
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Speech Therapy Board Certified Specialists (BCS) – including BCS-F, BCS-S, and BCS-CL

State Licensure for Speech-Language Pathologists

All states have a regulatory framework for the speech-language pathology profession. As previously noted, CCC-SLP certification often meets requirements more rigorous than those established for licensure in many states.

Professionals seeking to practice in a state other than that where they obtain their SLP education should consult the relevant medical or health licensure board to determine what additional requirements they must meet to secure licensure. In addition, practitioners holding specializations like those noted above may find it necessary to fulfill still more requirements to practice within their specialization.

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected] .

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Medical Speech-Language Pathologist

What does a medical speech-language pathologist do.

A medical speech-language pathologist works in health care and diagnoses and treats a wide range of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. They work with patients affected by a variety of neurological events, such as brain damage, stroke, seizure, or cancer. They may also work with patients who suffer from chronic diseases or who have experienced trauma.

Speech pathologists examine patients and create treatment plans tailored to their needs. These patients may have speech articulation issues, voice quality problems, or language disorders. Treatment could be modifying a patient’s diet or prescribing a speech-generating device.

Scope of practice

Medical speech-language pathologists work with doctors and audiologists to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. This role holds a wide range of responsibilities and can do a variety of tasks each day, including:

• Diagnosing and treating speech, language, cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders
• Evaluating swallowing ability and prescribing an appropriate diet (foods may need to be pureed or liquids may need to be thickened)
• Helping patients with aphasia find ways to communicate
• Training family members or caregivers, as well as other professionals
• Collaborating with other members of the care team
• Conducting research to develop new treatment methods

Work environment

Medical speech-language pathologists typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. They typically work 40 hours per week during normal business hours. The work they do may differ slightly depending on where they work.

Speech-language pathologists who work in a hospital may do more diagnosis, counseling, and education. Whereas medical speech-language pathologists who work in a rehabilitation facility typically work on improving skills to function more independently.

Speech-language pathologists that do not work in health care, may work in education providing services to school-age children with a wide range of disabilities. They may also work in government, or even in the corporate world.  

Becoming a medical speech-language pathologist

Compassionate, detail-oriented people with good communication skills and a passion for science might be interested in a career as a medical speech-language pathologist. This role will keep you on your toes and allow you to do something different every day. Speech-language pathologists spend a lot of time with patients evaluating and treating their conditions, as well as time with caretakers and other members of the healthcare team to explain diet changes and other care instructions.

Higher education requirements

To become a medical speech-language pathologist, you must complete:

• A bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders (or a related field with certain prerequisites completed for graduate school admission)
• A graduate degree in speech-language pathology
• A postgraduate fellowship
• A national licensing exam

Certification process

You can get certified by the  American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification once you’ve completed a speech-language pathology graduate degree and fellowship and passed the Praxis exam.

Career opportunities and outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment of speech-language pathologists to grow much faster than average. This is due to the large baby-boom population ages, there will be more instances of health conditions that cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes and hearing loss. Secondly, medical advances are improving the survival rate of premature infants and trauma victims, who may benefit from speech therapy.

With further education, some speech-language pathologists can become educators or researchers. Others can advance into management or administrative positions with greater responsibilities.

Medical speech-language pathologist programs at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers several internships and a fellowship to prepare students for a career as a medical speech-language pathologist, including:

• Speech Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (Arizona)
• Speech Pathology Internship (Arizona)
• Speech Pathology Internship (Florida)
• Speech Language Pathology Internship (Minnesota)

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Prerequisite Course Content Areas Related to SLP Certification Standards

The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) is the council that carefully writes the rules and regulations for certification in audiology and speech-language pathology (SLP). The CFCC revised the SLP Standards for Certification, which outline exactly what is needed to receive the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a voluntary certification showing that you have met rigorous academic and professional standards, and have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high quality clinical services. These requirements must be met by all applicants, whether educated in the United States or internationally. The Certification Department at ASHA ensures that all standards are equally applied to, and met by, all applicants.

In November 2017, the CFCC announced changes to the SLP certification standards, including a modification to Standard IV-A, in which the physical science requirement must be met by completing coursework in the areas of either chemistry or physics. This change pertains only to applicants who apply under the 2020 SLP standards.

Academic Coursework Requirements

All courses and classes listed in Standards IV-A through IV-C must be completed—and passed—at the undergraduate or graduate level at an accredited institution, and must appear on your undergraduate or graduate transcripts.  Classes taken at the high school level are not eligible to meet this requirement , with the exception of advanced placement (AP) courses that appear for credit on your college/university transcript .

Coursework in the areas of biological sciences, physical sciences, social/behavioral sciences, and statistics cannot be related to speech-language pathology, audiology, communication sciences, hearing sciences, or logopedia unless they fulfill a university general education requirement and are available to students who are not majoring in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). Beginning January 1, 2020: applicants' coursework in physical science must include content in either physics or chemistry.

Program directors should carefully consider the content of the prerequisite coursework rather than the course title, ID number, and/or college in which the course was taken. Program directors must evaluate course descriptions or syllabi of courses that were completed prior to students entering their programs in order to determine if the content provides foundational knowledge in physics or chemistry. Program directors from programs accredited by the Council for Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) have the authority to accept or reject previously-completed coursework.

Coursework from massive open online courses (MOOCs) are not accepted . Examples of MOOCs include, but are not limited to: Educause, MOOC.org, edX, Coursera, and Khan Academy.

The following prerequisite course content information is provided as a guide to suggest areas of content in addressing the basic sciences requirements listed in Standard IV-A.

Biological Sciences

What is biology? The study and characterization of living organisms and the investigation of the science behind living things. Broad areas include: anatomy, biology, cell and molecular biology, computational biology, ecology and evolution, environmental biology, forensic biology, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biosciences, natural science, neurobiology, neurology, physiology, and zoology.

Internationally-educated applicants: Classes evaluated by your credential evaluation agency as the equivalent of U.S. high school will not be accepted . All basic science classes must appear on your undergraduate or graduate academic transcript(s) and credential evaluation reports. 

Possible Content Areas for General Biology

• General biology
• Cellular biology: the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; they may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals
• Cybernetics biology: the field of science concerned with processes of communication and control (especially the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems)
• Bioscience, life science: any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms
• Ecology: the branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their environment
• Cytology: the branch of biology that studies the structure and function of cells
• Embryology: the branch of biology that studies the formation and early development of living organisms
• Evolutionism, theory of evolution, Theory of organic evolution: a scientific theory of the origin of species of plants and animals
• Genetic science, genetics: the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms
• Microbiology: the branch of biology that studies microorganisms and their effects on humans
• Molecular biology: the branch of biology that studies the structure and activity of macromolecules essential to life (and especially with their genetic role)
• Morphology: the branch of biology that deals with the structure of animals and plants
• Neurobiology: the branch of biology that deals with the anatomy and physiology and pathology of the nervous system
• Physiology: the branch of the biological sciences dealing with the functioning of organisms
• Radiobiology: the branch of biology that studies the effects of radiation on living organisms
• Sociobiology: the branch of biology that conducts comparative studies of the social organization of animals,  including human beings, with regard to its evolutionary history 

Physical Sciences

Program directors must evaluate course descriptions or syllabi to determine if the content provides foundational knowledge in physics or chemistry. Physical science must be met through chemistry or physics only, as a broad understanding of principles in both chemistry and physics is directly applicable to many clinical domains in speech-language pathology. Program directors from programs accredited by the CAA have the authority to accept or reject any previously-completed coursework.

What is physics? The science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force. A broad survey of physics principles to enable students to appreciate the role of physics in everyday experiences in today's society and technology.  

Internationally-educated applicants: Classes evaluated by your credential evaluation agency as the equivalent of U.S. high school will not be accepted .  All basic science classes must appear on your undergraduate or graduate academic transcript(s) and credential evaluation reports. 

Possible Content Areas for General Physics

• Basic principles of physics for non-majors
• Basic principles of mechanics
• Basic principles of sound
• Basic principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
• Basic principles of electricity and magnetism
• Basic principles of energy

What is chemistry? Chemistry is the scientific study of substances and compounds composed of atoms and molecules, and their structure, properties, behavior, and the changes that occur during reactions with other compounds.

Possible Content Areas for Chemistry

• Functional groups and important biological molecules
• Chemical principles in human or animal physiology (i.e., organic chemistry)
• Atomic structure
• Chemical bonding
• Radioactivity
• Behavior of gases and solutions
• Behavior of acid and bases
• Hydrocarbons

What is statistics? As defined by the American Statistical Association (ASA), statistics is "the science of learning from data, and of measuring, controlling, and communicating uncertainty; and it thereby provides the navigation essential for controlling the course of scientific and societal advances."

A stand-alone course in statistics is required. Courses not accepted:

• any directly related to CSD
• any research methods coursework taught in lieu of, or in the absence of, basic statistics (If statistics and research methods courses were taught in conjunction with each other, you must submit a course description showing a clear delineation between the two in order for them to be accepted.)

Internationally-educated applicants: Classes evaluated by your credential evaluation agency as the equivalent of U.S. high school will not be accepted .  All basic science classes must appear on your undergraduate or graduate academic transcript(s) and credential evaluation reports.

Social Sciences and Behavioral Sciences

What are social sciences and behavioral sciences?  The systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through controlled and naturalistic observation and disciplined scientific experimentation. These areas of study attempt to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation.

Possible Content Areas for Social Sciences

• Anthropology
• Ethnic and cultural studies
• Archaeology
• Area studies
• Gender and sexuality studies
• Geography organizational studies
• Political science

Possible Content Areas for Behavioral Sciences

• Psychobiology
• Criminology and cognitive science

Coursework Deficiencies

If you are found to be deficient in any coursework, including the above-listed prerequisite courses, that coursework must be completed at an accredited college or university program prior to beginning your clinical fellowship (CF). Time spent in your CF before completing these courses will not count toward your total (1,260) CF hours.

Once the prerequisite coursework has been completed, you must (1) obtain an official transcript showing completion of these courses

Internationally-educated applicants: Once you have completed the prerequisite coursework, you must (1) obtain an official transcript showing that the courses are complete and (2) submit this transcript with your application for ASHA certification.

Options for Completing Prerequisite Coursework

• accredited colleges or universities (in-person/ live classes or distance learning)
• local community colleges
• accredited online colleges or universities
• "Examination for Credit" options: Several accredited universities offer this option. These are acceptable if the examination is through an accredited university program that issues an official transcript showing college course credit.
• CLEP exams test mastery of college-level material.
• CLEP exam scores are accepted by many US institutions in lieu of completing coursework.
• CLEP exam scores must be submitted to and accepted by your college or university program.
• You must submit an official letter or transcript showing that your college or university has accepted your CLEP exam scores in lieu of coursework. Coursework or CLEP scores that do not appear on an academic transcript will not be accepted. 

University policies and procedures must be followed when considering the acceptance of CLEP or credit by examination options. In most cases, universities will award credit and it will appear on the official university transcript.

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Speech-Language Pathology, BS

Transform Lives as a Speech-Language Pathologist

Great speech-language pathologists change their patients’ lives. You’ll learn to be a clinical problem solver and critical thinker in IUP’s highly regarded Speech-Language Pathology BS program. Get the training you need to become a leader in this vital field—you’ll support others to be healthier and happier.

Why Major in Speech-Language Pathology?

As a trained speech-language pathologist, you’ll work to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Whether you’re aiding a child in learning to speak or helping an adult re-learn how to eat their favorite food post-injury, you’ll make a massive difference in the lives of those you treat.

Speech-language pathologists work in a wide range of settings to support patients from infancy all the way through adulthood:

• Private clinics
• Rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing facilities

Graduates of the speech-language pathology program are competitive candidates for graduate school admission and leaders in their future careers. As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll enjoy:

• Work-life balance.
• A rewarding career helping others.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership.
• Collaboration with fellow health care and education professionals.
• Financial stability.

What You’ll Learn

There’s an art and a science to speech-language pathology. IUP’s expert faculty will show you how to combine evidence-based services with your creative talents right from the start. You'll participate in a student-centered experience, with clinical skill development embedded into your coursework.

• Build a solid foundational knowledge in areas that include human communication development and swallowing.
• Learn to identify and treat a variety of speech, language, and swallowing disorders using immersive simulations and collaborative case-based investigations.
• Get hands-on experience in our on-site undergraduate campus clinic.

Imagine Your Future

Your drive and passion to pursue a career in speech-language pathology will pay off in many substantial ways. The field is highly rated by those employed in it. Speech-language pathology is ranked:

• No. 31 among U.S. News & World Report ’s 100 Best Jobs.
• No. 11 among the best health care jobs (2023)

There’s a high demand for speech-language pathologists across the country.

• More than 90 percent of IUP students who graduate from our Speech-Language Pathology BS program gain admission to graduate school to continue their studies.
• Many students complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at IUP. This makes for a smooth transition into graduate education and clinical training.

Career Opportunities in Speech-Language Pathology

Job opportunities in speech-language pathology are projected to grow 29 percent by 2030, across all work settings—a faster rate than the average for all occupations.

About half of IUP’s speech-language pathology graduates enter jobs in adult health care settings and half enter jobs in pediatric education or clinical settings.

Speech-language pathologists are in high demand in:

• Early intervention programs
• For-profit and nonprofit agencies that offer speech-language services
• Hospital inpatient and outpatient facilities, including neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units
• National and international businesses and corporations (often to address accent modification)
• Private clinics and private practices
• Public and private school systems, including preschool education
• Rehabilitation centers, both pediatric and adult
• Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies

Speech-Language Pathology

Median Salary

10-year Job Outlook

Classes and Requirements

In the speech-language pathology program, you’ll take classes in the basic sciences, including:

• Speech and Hearing Science
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Neuroscience

You’ll start to lay a clinical foundation in classes that include:

• Intro to Communication Disorders
• Language Development
• Professional Practices
• Phonetics and Language

You’ll study clinical disorders in advanced courses on :

• Audiology and aural rehabilitation
• Articulation and language disorders
• Swallowing, voice, and fluency (organic) disorders

And you will select from a range of optional courses such as Sign Language, Intro to Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Behavior Management, Adult Development and Aging, Food and Nutrition, and The Performance of Caring . 

You'll find your own clinical style through hands-on experiences, including guided clinical observations, participation in the Undergraduate Clinic, and completing the Passport to Cultural Competence. 

You can decide to take a few additional courses in order to stack credentials and graduate with a certificate in Big Ideas with Transformative Texts and a certificate in Cultural Competencies. All of this means you obtain multiple skill sets and build your résumé.

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

Minors and certificates that are a good fit with this program:

• Special Education
• Deaf Studies
• Big Ideas: Transformative Culture and Professions
• Child and Adult Advocacy
• Community Health
• Cultural Anthropology
• Educational Psychology
• Human Development and Family Sciences
• Intercultural Education Certificate
• Teamwork and Leadership
• Any language or cultural minor

Watch: “Speech-Language Pathology at IUP”

Hear directly from alumni and faculty about what sets our program apart.

Watch: “Cutting-Edge Training Facilities”

You’ll gain hands-on experience right from the start in IUP’s innovative hospital simulation lab. You’ll treat mannequins and actors with increasingly complex cases as you build your knowledge—and your confidence—before entering a clinical setting.

Traditional Bachelor’s Degree

You’ll graduate in four years and experience all that college has to offer.

Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree: An Accelerated Track

You can complete your BS degree in three years with transfer credits or summer classes. Then you’ll continue on and apply for admission to our two-year (five-semester) graduate program.

Apply for Early Graduate Admission

During junior year, students can apply for  Early Graduate Admission  to start graduate coursework and clinics during their senior year. Students save time and money with courses that count toward both degrees. Here are the most frequently asked questions about the program.

When do I apply?

During your Junior year by January 1

When are admissions decisions made?

By January 15

What courses would I take during my senior year? 

Fall semester.

• SPLP 408 Organic Disorders (3cr)
• SPLP 420 Undergraduate Clinic (3cr)
• Any remaining undergraduate requirements (6cr)
• SPLP 610 Graduate Pediatric Speech and Language 1 (3cr)

Spring Semester

• SPLP 611 Graduate Pediatric Speech and Language 2 (3cr)
• SPLP 614 Graduate Swallowing Disorders (3cr)
• SPLP 615 Graduate Evidence-Based Practices in CSD (3cr)
• SPLP 661 Graduate Treatment Clinic (2cr) and Staffing
• SPLP 663 Graduate Hearing Clinic (1cr) and Staffing

Graduate courses taken during the senior year will count as both undergraduate and graduate credits on your transcript. You will pay the undergraduate tuition rate for those courses. 

What courses would I take in graduate school?

Semester 1 - fall semester.

• SPLP 618 Voice Disorders (3cr)
• SPLP 632 Neurogenic Disorders (3cr)
• SPLP 662 Diagnostic Clinic (2cr) and Staffing
• SPLP 661 Treatment Clinic (3cr) and Staffing

Semester 2 - Spring Semester

• SPLP 644 Professional Issues (2cr) online (with DE fees)
• SPLP 798 Pediatric Internship (6cr)

Semester 3 - Summer Semester

• SPLP 616 Fluency and Motor Speech Disorders (3cr)
• SPLP 635 Graduate Literacy (1cr)
• SPLP 642 Cancer and Craniofacial Disorders (2cr)
• SPLP 643 Counseling in SLP (1cr)
• SPLP 664 Simulation Clinic (1cr)

Semester 4 - Fall Semester

• SPLP 635 AAC (3cr) online (with DE fees)
• SPLP 796 Adult Healthcare Internship (6cr)

When would I graduate with my master's degree? 

The early admission program allows you to graduate in December after four semesters of graduate school. Our graduate program usually takes five semesters to complete, but you complete 15 credits while you are an undergraduate student.

What are the advantages of the Early Graduate Admission program?

Students save money: You begin graduate coursework during your senior year, paying undergraduate tuition. Because you graduate earlier, you start your start earning a salary earlier. 

Students save time:  You graduate a semester earlier than your peers on the traditional graduate school path. 

Students participate in specialized experiences: You become part of a small cohort (typically eight students) with a specialized school internship and increased collaboration opportunities. You get to know a few cohorts of traditional graduate students, increasing your professional connections for the future. 

Apply for Guaranteed Graduate Admission

Who is eligible.

Any freshman applicant

What criteria are considered?

SAT scores - most competitive with a combined score of >1000 

High School GPA - most competitive with >3.70

Interview - most competitive if demonstrate strong interpersonal skills

When are the interviews?

During in-person or virtual open houses OR by appointment in the fall prior to December 1

Contact the Department Chair to schedule an appointment ( [email protected] ). 

Rolling admission interviews during spring will be scheduled as needed if spaces are available

When are decisions made?

By December 15, then rolling admissions if spaces are available 

Applicants with the highest ratings on the criteria receive guaranteed admission to our graduate program

Recipients must deposit no later than May 1 to accept the offer

What are the requirements to maintain guaranteed admission?

GPA of 3.75 or greater at the end of the junior year

Ability to secure state and federal clearances

No academic integrity violations

Students enrolled in each cohort.

Most incoming students qualify for scholarships that are renewable each year.

of students who earn a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology gain admission to an SLP or audiology graduate program.

Meet Our Faculty

IUP’s speech-language pathology faculty has a diverse range of experience working in various settings with many different populations. We all share a commitment to student-centered education and teaching in new, innovative ways.

Courses to Prepare You for the Graduate Application

IUP’s Speech-Language Pathology BS gives you the foundation to continue your studies. But if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can still pursue speech-language pathology. You’ll need the following prerequisite courses to be admitted into IUP’s graduate program in speech-language pathology:

• 25 guided observation hours in the field, signed by a certified speech-language pathologist
• Federal and state clearances
• Physics or chemistry
• Social and behavioral sciences, such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology
• Speech and hearing science
• Anatomy and physiology for speech and hearing
• Language development
• Audiology or aural rehabilitation

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than speech-language pathology or communication disorders, but you need the prerequisite coursework to prepare for admission to graduate school, you have options at IUP as a visiting/nondegree student. Learn more by calling 724-357-2573, or send us an email at [email protected] .

Student Organizations

Learning happens inside and outside the classroom. When you join IUP’s active chapter of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, you’ll have many chances to

• Meet other speech-language pathology majors.
• Deepen your professional knowledge.
• Volunteer, fund-raise, and increase awareness for speech-language and swallowing disorders.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The IUP speech-language pathology program affirms our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students. Students obtain a range of experiences so that they can enter the profession with increased awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity—and the understanding that cultural competency is a lifelong pursuit.

We do this by infusing a Passport to Culture into our courses, where you’ll acquire a range of knowledge and cultural experiences to adapt patient care for factors such as socioeconomic status, age, culture, and languages spoken.

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American School for the Deaf

Speech/language pathologist.

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THE AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF

ANNOUNCES AN OPENING FOR

SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

CLOSING DATE:  Until filled

REV:                    03/08/2023

POST:                  08/07/2024

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest permanent school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. At the American School for the Deaf, students and families are surrounded by inspiring peers, guided by dedicated and committed staff, and supported by robust technology. We foster a language-rich communication environment that maximizes each student’s potential, empowering them to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners. ASD is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), as well as the Conference of Educational Administrators of School Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

SCOPE OF DUTIES:

Under the supervision of the Assistant Executive Director or Designee, the SLP provides direct speech and language services and aural habilitation services to deaf and hard of hearing students.                                          

  PRIMARY DUTIES:

·        Administers diagnostic evaluations to students seen individually, prepares reports as requested and as per PPT Triennials;

·        Drafts individualized education programs in speech, language and hearing therapy for children with communicative disorders to include aural habilitation;

·        Gives special instruction to deaf and hard of hearing children, as per IEP, to include cochlear implanted children;

·        Confers with professional colleagues and parents concerning the educational programs and the overall communication needs of children;

·        Recommends strategies to be used in developing and correcting speech and language, auditory training, and works with teachers and other staff;

·        Maintains records, prepares reports, and participates in training;

·        Writes (and assists in the development of ) Individual Education Plans for deaf and hard of hearing students;

·        Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·        Ability to engage students in learning

·        Ability to manage student behavior

·        Designs coherent instruction

·        Assesses student learning

·        Ability to plan lessons that are developmentally appropriate

·        Skilled at maintaining accurate records

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·        Applicants must possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language area from a recognized college or university with major course work in speech pathology, communication sciences or deaf education. 

·        Applicants must have a working knowledge of Communication therapy methods and techniques utilized in serving deaf children. 

·        State of CT Public Health License in Speech and Language Pathology.

·        CT State Department of Education Certificate in Speech and Language Pathology.

·        Preference to Professional with Certificate of Clinical Competence.

·        Applicants must be proficient in ASL

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

·        Salary based on Professionals Union Pay Scale 

·        This is an Exempt, 10-Month position following the ASD Academic calendar

·        Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.

• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for new hire employees

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).     

• Request Appointment
• (800) 742-7551

Auditory Training

What is auditory training.

The professionals at Speech & Hearing Associates (SHA) have developed a unique individualized program of strategies and exercises to maximize communication for individuals with hearing loss. We work on skills that are patient and family-centered. Each session is run jointly by a speech-language pathologist and audiologist.

Research shows that individuals who participate in auditory training programs report:

• Higher satisfaction with their hearing aids.
• Improved problem-solving in difficult listening situations.
• Improved quality of life.
• Fewer troubleshooting visits with their audiologist.

Is Auditory Training Right for Me?

If you experience any of the following, auditory training may be right for you:

• Do you hear but not understand?
• Do you struggle to remember what someone just said to you?
• Do you have trouble ‘keeping up’ or think others talk too fast?
• Do you find group conversations difficult?
• Do you struggle in background noise?

How Will I Benefit from Auditory Training?

Through auditory training programs and rehabilitation, we set goals and teach compensatory strategies to:

• Understand and educate others about your hearing loss and listening needs.
• Increase the ability to process, understand, and recall rapid speech.
• Improve speech understanding in noise or other challenging listening environments.
• Learn or improve lip-reading skills.
• Assess difficult listening situations and modify environments for better communication.
• Develop strategies with family members to make communication easier.

How Do I Get Started?

First,  contact us  to discuss your hearing challenges with your audiologist who will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for auditory training. Then we will schedule an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist who will work in collaboration with your referring audiologist.

SHA offers options for:

• Individual therapy
• Weekly auditory training for small groups
• Monthly class for hard of hearing patients and their communication partners

A Time to Listen & Connect

6-week virtual group.

This group meets virtually once per week (for six total weeks), for one hour, with different topics each week. Groups are formed based on similar types of hearing loss and needs.

This program’s sessions are a covered Medicare benefit and covered by most other insurance plans.

A Time to Listen & Connect with Your Communication Partners

A monthly class for hard of hearing patients.

We offer a one-time, hour-long virtual class in the evenings. This class is casual, interactive and fun! All communication partners are encouraged to join as this class focuses more on communication between family and friends.

Our next class will be offered:

• August 22, 2024
• 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
• C ost: $100
• Upcoming Class Dates: TBD

If you are interested in joining our next class, or would like more information, please call us at  (732) 750-4660.

For College-Age or Young Working Adults (Ages 17-25)

This 6-week, virtual class will meet once per week THIS SUMMER for one hour.

• Learn advocacy in the school and work setting.
• Share experiences.
• Improve lip-reading.
• Learn to repair miscommunication.
• Learn how to modify the listening environment.

Classes are covered by most insurances. Secure your spot today by calling (973) 664-6990 .

For Individuals with Asymmetrical Hearing Loss

This 6-week, virtual class will meet once per week for one hour.

• Learn how to maximize communication.
• Learn how family and friends can help.

Meet Your Team

Laura norris, speech-language pathologist.

Laura Norris earned her Master of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the Pennsylvania State University. Through her work and internships in various settings including private clinics, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and acute rehabilitation hospitals, Laura has gained experience treating and…

Michele McGlynn

Audiologist.

Michele McGlynn received her Master’s degree in Audiology from Ithaca College and her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a Certificate for Teacher for  the Speech and Hearing Handicapped  from SUNY at Cortland College. Michele has worked over 20 years for Speech & Hearing Associates  and her work setting has included hospitals, ENT…

Connect With Us Today!

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

If you would like to request an appointment or inquire about our services or programs, please call (800) 742-7551 , or complete the form below and our team will contact you during our regular business hours.

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First MD graduates fulfill mission to serve Washington communities as doctors

SPOKANE, Wash. — Most of the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s inaugural class of doctors are choosing to practice in Washington as they complete their post-graduate training in residency programs across the country and decide where to go as fully qualified physicians.

According to a recent alumni survey, 74% of respondents plan to go into practice, with 94% planning to practice in Washington or considering it. Nearly a third plan to practice in eastern Washington or other rural areas, bringing more primary care physicians to underserved regions of the state.

“This is the realization of what we were founded to do,” said Leila Harrison, vice dean for Admissions, Student Affairs, and Alumni Engagement.

For Dr. Brent Conrad, the choice was an easy one. Raised on a small wheat farm near Colfax, Washington, he knew he wanted to be a doctor from an early age after performing basic first aid on an elementary school classmate with a skinned knee and shadowing doctors as a high school student at a Colfax clinic.

He’ll now be practicing at that same clinic as a physician. After earning his medical degree at WSU and completing Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency in Spokane, Dr. Conrad will practice at Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics in Colfax and Tekoa.

 “I used to daydream about walking around those halls and being one of the docs, and now it’s actually happening,” he said. “I’m excited to be back, and I think the community is excited too. I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for the people of Colfax and Whitman County who really encouraged me and supported me all along the way.”

After earning a medical degree, doctors complete an additional three to seven years of training in their chosen specialty through a residency program as part of the process to become a licensed physician. Approximately half of WSU’s inaugural class of 60 medical students chose the primary care specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, which require three years of training. With their residencies complete, they can now practice medicine independently or pursue additional specialized training.  

The WSU College of Medicine was established in 2015 after the Washington State Legislature authorized WSU to create an accredited medical school with the aim to train more physicians to serve the state. The MD program uses a holistic admissions process that considers applicants’ ties to Washington and commitment to serving the state’s medically underserved and historically marginalized communities.

That holistic admissions process is working. Graduates will practice in communities across Washington where they have strong personal or professional ties.

Seattle native Dr. Michaela Fallon plans to continue serving the patients she established relationships with while completing the Swedish Cherry Hill Family Medicine Residency’s rural training track, working and volunteering in Port Angeles and nearby towns.

“I was born and raised in Washington. This is my home, and these are the communities I want to give back to,” she said.

While many graduates leave the state for residency and may not return immediately, most report planning to return in the future. Dr. Charlotte Cronenweth completed her internal medicine training at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland this year and plans to practice in the area as a hospitalist while her husband, who she met as a medical student at WSU, completes his residency there.

“We’re both looking forward to eventually making our way back to Washington,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is to serve the communities that trained us.”

Successive alumni classes are also in the process of completing their training and will eventually join their peers in the health care workforce.

“I hope to see each and every one of our graduates here practicing in Washington state,” said Vice Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Chris Anderson, “but my hope is that wherever they do land that they always keep our mission close at heart, our commitment to the care of underserved and rural communities.”

Media Contacts

• Stephanie Engle , WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Communications and Marketing , 509-368-6937 , [email protected]

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