Career and School Info for Speech Pathologists

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Degrees and Schools

A master's degree in speech language pathology is the degree required by most states in order to become a licensed Speech Pathologist. Most master's programs admit students only after they have completed specific courses related to speech and language at the undergraduate level. Bachelor's degrees in communications sciences and disorders or in speech pathology will prepare students to continue on to a master's program and in some cases, may shorten the duration of the master's program. Doctoral level degree programs are available for those who plan to teach and conduct research at the university level. Speech pathology degree programs are available at most universities as well as numerous colleges throughout the US. These programs should be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology (CAA).

Coursework

Speech language pathology programs at the master's level include field practice experiences in a variety of settings as well as coursework similar to that listed below.

• speech-language pathology and audiology
• anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
• language theory and phonetics
• neural processes and communication
• diagnostic principles and procedures
• language disorders in young children
• adult language disorders
• articulation disorders
• fluency disorders and cleft palate
• neuromotor speech disorders

Online Classes and Programs

There are a number of distance learning speech pathology programs available at online schools as well as through online programs offered by traditional schools. The field practice aspects of the program will need to be completed in person but all other requirements can typically be completed in online format. Prospective students should check with their state licensing board to make sure all requirements will be satisfied by the online program.

Employment Requirements

All but a few states require speech pathologists to be licensed but requirements vary by state. Typical licensing requirements include a master's degree in speech pathology, a passing score on the national speech language pathology exam known as NESPA, supervised clinical experience and post-graduate clinical experience. Speech therapists that work in public schools may have to meet additional state teaching requirements. Some employers prefer to hire those who have obtained a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech language pathology (CCC-SLP) credential.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

When choosing a speech pathology program, the following questions should be asked:

• Licensing Exams - What percentage of students pass the NESPA exam the first time?
• Field Practice - What field practice options are available? Do the field practice options match the type of setting the student would like to work in?
• State licensing - Does the program meet the state licensing requirements where the student plans to work?
• Prerequisites - Can the student take the course prerequisites at the same school?
• Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology (CAA)?

Speech Pathologists Job Description

The ability to communicate with others is a core component of one's social, academic and vocational success. Individuals who have difficulty speaking and communicating due to developmental or medical problems can improve their ability to communicate with help from a trained Speech Pathologist. Speech pathologists, who are often called speech therapists, typically work one-on-one with children or adults who have a wide range of language and communication problems such as stuttering, difficulty making certain sounds, cognitive impairments or voice disorders. They also work with clients who have swallowing disorders. About half of speech pathologists work in an educational institution while the rest work primarily in healthcare or social assistance settings.

A speech pathologist will typically have responsibilities such as those listed below:

• assess and diagnose clients
• create treatment plans
• teach clients how to correct speech issues
• update records and prepare reports
• advise client families on techniques for use at home

Resources

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - ASHA provides certifications for speech pathologists as well as continuing education, conferences, advocacy and research.

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association - The NSSLHA is a pre-professional membership association for students studying speech pathology and related areas with chapters at more than 300 colleges and universities.

Corporate Speech Pathology Network - CORSPAN is a non-profit organization that promotes corporate speech pathology as a specialty area where speech pathologists assist corporate employees with speech and communication difficulties.