How to Become a Speech Pathologist – Education & Job Outlook

Our ability to communicate, speak, and swallow is a gift we shouldn’t take for granted. To relate effectively with others and be understood and listened to is an entitled communication right of all humans. But while most of us can eat and talk the way we like, others have difficulty doing so. Have you thought about how to assist people with speech problems? Are you aspiring to become a speech pathologist?

This career is enriching and comes with a high level of gratification. A significant reason for being a speech pathologist is that practitioners are forever in great demand to help millions with language or communication disabilities. They impact social change and engage in innovative research to help others grow.

With a diverse range of skills, there are numerous workplace options (nursing homes, hospitals, local health clinics) to consider as an SLP. To benefit from this set of opportunities, an aspiring professional must obtain an academic degree.

This article will explain how to become a speech pathologist. Read on to learn more!

Article Navigation: What is Speech Pathology? | What Does a Speech Pathologist Do? | Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology | How to Become a Speech Pathologist | Qualities and Skills Speech Pathologists Need | Speech-Language Pathologist Certifications | Benefits of Being a Speech Pathologist | Disadvantages of Being a Speech Pathologist? | The Job Outlook of Speech Pathology | FAQs on Speech Pathology | Start Learning How to Become a Speech Pathologist Today!

What is Speech Pathology?

Speech pathology studies language and communication problems caused by a disorder or disease. The profession focuses on the issues with swallowing and communicating. Due to the broad aspects of this field, it is called speech-language pathology (SLP).

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

Speech pathologists assess, diagnose and prevent communication disorders in adults and children. The conditions include reading, writing, speaking, listening, and understanding language difficulties. They work with those who have difficulty communicating due to brain injuries, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, dementia, stroke, and other language and speech challenges.

Job Description of Speech Pathologists

• Providing therapy and treatment plans to meet the personalized needs of the different patient populations.
• Proffer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of speech and language disorders and swallowing disorders.
• Performing regular screenings to detect speech or voice disorders.
• Enlightening patients and family members on the various causes of speech disorders and how to manage them.
• Maintaining accurate records of patient treatment plans, therapies, conditions, and advancement.
• Documenting progress and present condition to parties involved, such as members of the family, teachers, or physicians.

Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

Evidence-based practice is a valuable process utilized by speech pathologists seeking excellent clinical outcomes for patients. It is a process guiding audiologists and speech pathologists making vital decisions concerning the treatment or assessment of a given condition.

The 5 A’s of Evidence-Based Practice in Speech Pathology

The 5A’s of evidence-based practice in speech pathology are: Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Audit:

1. ASK the relevant clinical question
2. ACQUIRE the best information to answer the question
3. APPRAISE the facts critically for applicability and relevance
4. APPLY the evidence (facts) with patients’ values and preferences
5. AUDIT the overall impact

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Follow the procedure below if you are curious about the vital steps required to become a speech-language pathologist:

Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field

The first step to becoming a speech-language pathologist is to complete an undergraduate degree in the field. Ultimately, it is an essential step that prepares candidates for graduate education in speech pathology. If possible, opt for a major that correlates with your career goals, such as language development, communication sciences, and disorders (CSD).

Step 2. Complete a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

After the undergraduate degree, the next step is to obtain a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). The specific program titles include; Master of Science in Communication and Disorders and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.

The majority of the SLP curriculum at the graduate level consists of clinical and academic work. The studies enable students to learn vital concepts such as dysphagia, articulation, phonology, etc. and implement those concepts in a clinical setting.

The main prerequisites for acceptance into a graduate speech-language pathology program require a student to have a 3.0 GPA. And that’s a minimum in a related field at the undergraduate level.

Step 3. Excel in the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology

Before practicing, a candidate must pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, set up by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Candidates must score at least 162 points of 200 to pass the examination before obtaining a certification as a speech-language pathologist.

The Praxis examination test modules cover topics such as etiology, implementation of treatment, assessment, screening of patients, etc. Students can take the exam at different centers throughout the federation.

Note: The Praxis Examination happens on multiple dates in the year. Candidates are allowed to take the exam when they meet the requirements.

Step 4. Complete the Post-Graduate Clinical Fellowship

After completing your master’s degree, the next step is to complete a post-graduate clinical fellowship, a vital requirement to obtain state licensure.

Note: Candidates can choose to complete the clinical fellowship before or after passing the Praxis Exam. Therefore, the choice is yours to make.

The clinical fellowship program must meet the following requirements to qualify for the Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP):

• Be supervised and trained by a certified “American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)” professional.
• Must be at least 1,260 hours in duration, majorly earned for at least thirty-six weeks (35 hours per week).
• At least 80 percent of the clinical experience must involve direct patient contact.

Depending on where a student decides to practice, some states require that candidates get a temporary license, also known as an “Intern license” or “Limited License.” The main requirement for such a state license includes a master’s degree from a CAA-accredited program.

Step 5. Obtain ASHA certification and State Licensure

After completing the clinical fellowship, candidates can proceed to apply for state licensure, which is required to practice. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) governs the certification process. ASHA highlights four requirements to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP):

• An official transcript from the graduate school validating a student’s degree and graduation date;
• Praxis Examination Score provided by the Educational Testing Service (ETS);
• An official report from the Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLP-CF) stating a candidates completion of 1,260 hours of tutored clinical experience;
• Documentation of the 400 hours of fully-supervised clinical experience, which comprises 25 hours of mandatory clinical experience and 375 hours of direct patient interaction

Note: Some states require lesser hours of clinical observation and experience.

Step 6. Continue to Advance Your Education

After obtaining the prestigious license, it is required for speech pathologists to continue learning and growing professionally, which most states mandate. To maintain the given licensure, speech-language pathologists must complete a specific number of continuing education hours or units. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) also requires candidates to accumulate a continuing education unit to keep the certification.

Qualities and Skills Speech Pathologists Need

To function effectively in the healthcare environment, speech pathologists need to possess some essential soft and hard skills which aid them in assisting patients to reach their goals. Some necessary qualities and skills are:

Leadership Skills

Speech pathologists are widely regarded professionals with a high level of experience and in-depth knowledge to assist patients properly and help them attain their goals. It is required for speech-language pathologists to possess leadership skills to make realistic clinical decisions and effectively relate with patients to address their ongoing concerns.

Time Management Skills

Speech pathologists (SPs) must be able to plan and organize patient schedules appropriately and promptly. When done correctly, SPs can efficiently carry-out research, collate information, and virtually attend to patients’ needs without lagging in other administrative tasks.

Creative Abilities

Speech pathologists must be able to look at patients’ problems differently and find alternative ways of solving or addressing persistent issues. While creative thinking qualities are not only for ‘creative minds’ like musicians and artists, SPs must offer creative assistance during challenging times.

Enthusiasm

Speech-language pathologists must be enthusiastic about helping patients regain their physical strength and abilities during terrific moments. A positive attitude displayed by SPs will encourage patients to feel happier, resulting in quicker patient recovery.

Adaptability

Adapting to different situations and patient issues is essential for speech-language pathologists. It is a norm for most healthcare practitioners to work long hours. As such, speech pathologists must be able to deal with dynamic workplace demands.

Communication

Since a speech pathologist relates with patients and family members from time to time, the ability to effectively listen and communicate is essential. During the research, diagnosis, and analysis of patient data, SPs must be able to collaborate and converse effectively with all members of staff and patients.

Compassion

A speech pathologist must show compassion for patients undergoing treatments. SLPs must be able to show empathy for the suffering and pain of patients and an immense desire to care for co-workers, fostering the department’s growth.

Attention to Detail

A speech pathologist’s actions and behaviors on the job can have negative consequences if the information they offer is wrong. Knowing that even the slightest mistake may trigger a chaotic outcome is essential. Attention to detail should be the second nature of every speech pathologist.

Confidence

A speech pathologist must be confident in their acquired knowledge and skills to provide the best care for the patient. They must be able to get required tasks done with little or no supervision. In critical situations, a speech pathologist must be able to conquer self-doubts and deliver on the job.

Speech-Language Pathologist Certifications

Depending on the area of specialization, a speech pathologist may be required to obtain some certifications to practice. These certifications include:

• Child language and language disorders certification (BCS-CL)
  The certification allows a speech pathologist to work directly with children who have language development disorders.
• A board-certified specialist in swallowing and swallowing disorders (BCS-S)
  The certification allows Speech-language pathologists to work with patients of all ages who suffer from swallowing disorders due to trauma, injury, and other health factors.
• Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
  The PROMPT certification allows speech pathologists to assist patients in improving their motor skills, communication, and speech production by implementing phrases and words focusing on articulation, pronunciation, and diction.

Benefits of Being a Speech Pathologist

The advantages of becoming a speech pathologist are numerous. A few of these advantages are:

Job Security

According to the BLS, the employment of speech pathologists is estimated to grow 29 percent within the next eight years. About 15,000 job openings are available for speech pathologists annually. The demand for speech-language pathologists has increased because people have partial strokes and traumatic brain injuries yearly.

Ability to Specialize

A speech pathologist can advance further in their career to specializing in other healthcare practice areas. Speech-language pathologists can decide to specialize in dysphagia, literacy support, fluency disorders, and voice orders without worrying about adaptability to a new area of study.

Helping Others in Critical Situations

A countless number of persons have benefitted from the services rendered by speech-language pathologists. Speech pathologists have helped numerous persons regain their Communication abilities and swallowing disorders.

A High Paying Job with Good Prospects

Speech pathology is an enriching career with a high level of income growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a speech-language pathologist earns $79,060 per annum.

Flexible Work Environment

A speech-language pathologist can work in multiple organizational settings due to the diverse nature of their professional training. A speech pathologist can work in parastatals of their choosing. They can work in rehabilitation centers, private clinics, corporations, etc.

Disadvantages of Being a Speech Pathologist

The major hurdles in a speech pathology career are the stringent requirements met before being certified. For example:

A candidate must obtain a bachelor’s degree

To practice as a speech pathologist, a candidate must obtain a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring candidates must acquire an entry-level degree in communication sciences and disorders, speech-language pathology, etc. Therefore, all aspiring candidates must go through a compulsory four-year program at the start of their careers.

A candidate must earn a master’s degree

Unlike other jobs where a Master’s degree is not required to commence practice, a speech-language pathologist must have a master’s degree. That credential enables them to apply for a fellowship since it’s a primary criterion. They are to get a Master’s of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders or other related fields. The master’s program lasts for two years.

Candidates must pass the Praxis Examination

You must pass the Praxis Examination setup by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The exam is a professional test taken by candidates who want to advance their degrees or get into clinical practice.

The essence of the Praxis is to ensure that candidates show passion, commitment, and dedication to their career and general academic excellence. These aspiring professionals will have the opportunity to specialize or take a role in the field. The Praxis Examination is a yardstick before students receive the required license to practice full-time.

Candidates must complete the required clinical hours

All speech-language pathologists must complete 400 clinical hours of supervised clinical practice during their post-graduate fellowship.

Candidates must earn a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)

Speech pathologists who intend to lecture in a school or specialize in the field must obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). After that, the student automatically becomes a qualified American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) member. Therefore, all aspiring candidates should be ready to do the necessary work and dedication to obtain all relevant certifications.

Working extra hours

Due to the enormous tasks carried out, a speech-language pathologist may work longer hours to meet the needs of patients who depend on their expertise and presence for recovery.

The Job Outlook of Speech Pathology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for speech-language pathologists averages $79,060 per annum as of May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $51,310, while the top 10 percent earned above $125,560.

The speech pathologist occupation could increase by 29 % in the next ten years, much higher than the average for all other occupations. About 15,200 job openings are available in this field each year. Increased job openings result from the need to replace those who exit the workforce, e.g., through retirement.

The salary of a speech-language pathologist depends on the education level, work environment, work experience, and geographic location. All self-employed SPs earn based on the total hours they put in daily.

FAQs on Speech Pathology

What is the difference between audiologists and speech pathologists?

• Audiologists specialize in detecting, preventing, and treating balance and hearing issues.
• Speech-language pathologists focus on accurately diagnosing and treating language, speech, and swallowing disorders.
• Audiologists must have a doctoral degree to legally practice, while speech pathologists need only a master’s degree.
• An audiologist may specialize in medical areas, including Cochlear Implant, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, etc.
• Speech-language pathologists may specialize in fluency disorders, language, and swallowing disorders.

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

There is no difference between a speech therapist and a speech pathologist. They both mean the same thing.

What bachelor’s degree is best for speech pathology?

The best bachelor’s degree or undergraduate majors for a speech therapist are language development, psychology, communication sciences and disorders, English, and education.

What is a bachelor of audiology and speech-language pathology?

Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP) is a four-year academic program covering all aspects of the “methods” and “techniques” utilized to treat and diagnose speech, balance, and hearing-related disorders.

Why is speech pathology a promising career?

Speech pathology is a promising career because it allows practitioners to work with many patient populations, aiding the average income earned. It is a career that offers an excellent opportunity to specialize in any related field of choice.

Can a teacher become a speech and language therapist?

Suppose a teacher already has a relevant first degree. In that case, they can apply for an accelerated post-graduate speech and language therapy course.

How long does it take to become a speech pathologist?

Due to the broad nature of the speech therapist course, it takes six to nine years to become a Speech-language pathologist. Those who opt for part-time courses will take longer than the stipulated duration earlier stated.

What kind of person makes a good speech pathologist?

Since a speech pathologist assists people with communication, language, and speech disorders, a good speech pathologist should be able to communicate effectively with patients. A good pathologist must be caring and compassionate.

What is the highest salary of a speech pathologist?

A speech pathologist in the top 10% earns the highest salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they make over $125,560 per annum.

Is it hard to get a job as a speech pathologist?

The answer is no. Finding a job as a speech pathologist is not tricky. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in speech pathology are in high demand, with a projected growth of 29% in the next eight years.

Start Learning How to Become a Speech Pathologist Today!

For students considering a career in speech-language pathology, this how-to article should help candidates make a well-informed decision. The job rewards people who want to practice independently or love to assist people with health challenges.

The benefits of becoming a speech-language pathologist outweigh any perceived disadvantages. And accomplishing this task will not be challenging with the right attitude and dedication. Check out our educational resources to find other available opportunities in the healthcare sector.