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by Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a highly-trained specialist in the
field of communication sciences and disorders. An SLP evaluates and treats
speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in
children and adults. An SLP may also teach at a college or university,
manage a clinic or practice, research topics in the field, supervise,
develop new methods and products, or work with corporate employees to
improve communication with their customers. An SLP often collaborates with
parents and other professionals such as occupational therapists, physical
therapists, nurses, physicians, social workers, audiologists,
psychologists, and teachers.
What Are the Steps to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Undergraduate degree - Complete a
program of study in communication sciences and disorders or related field.
Take liberal arts coursework including linguistics, psychology,
mathematics, anatomy, education, and phonetics. During undergraduate study
in communication sciences and disorders, you will acquire observation
hours by watching SLPs and/or graduate clinicians performing a variety of
diagnostic and therapy sessions.
Master's or Doctoral degree - Complete
a program of study mandated by the Council For Clinical Certification
(CFCC) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in order
to obtain a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language
Pathology. Find accredited programs using this link:
https://find.asha.org/ed/#sort=relevancy" target="_blank"
> https://find.asha.org/ed/#sort=relevancy</a
>. During your higher-education program, you will perform clinical therapy
sessions under the supervision of faculty professors and clinical
supervisors. You will also gain supervised experience by conducting
diagnostic evaluations and performing therapy in educational and medical
settings outside of the university.
Praxis National Examination - Achieve a
passing score on the speech-language pathology national examination. This
examination assesses knowledge and competency in the field of speech
language pathology across all areas of study including articulation,
language, oral-motor musculature, fluency, and voice.
Clinical FellowshipYear (CFY) -
Complete a nine-month work experience under the supervision of a qualified
and CCC-certified SLP in an educational or medical setting.
Maintenance of Continuing Education (CE)
- All speech-language pathologists must continue to develop professionally
by earning 30 contact hours of continuing education every three years to
maintain the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) with ASHA. State
licensure and teaching certificate continuing education hours may vary.
In some career domains, such as college professorship, research, and
private practice, a Ph.D. degree is desirable. In most states, SLPs and
audiologists also must comply with state regulatory (licensure) standards
to practice and/or have a state education certification.
In some career domains, such as college professorship, research, and
private practice, a Ph.D. degree is desirable. In most states, SLPs and
audiologists also must comply with state regulatory (licensure) standards
to practice and/or have a state education certification.
Where Do SLPs Work?
SLPs work in many settings including schools, private practices,
hospitals, rehabilitation centers, government agencies, research
laboratories, and home-health.
Will I Find a Job?
The future job market for speech-language pathology is expected to grow
faster than average through 2029. Members of the babyboom generation are
now entering the age of retirement when the possibility of neurological
disorders and associated speech, language, swallowing, and hearing
impairments increases. Employment in educational settings is also expected
to increase along with growth in elementary and secondary school
enrollments, including enrollment of special education students. Federal
law ensures special education and related services to all eligible
children with disabilities. The number of speech-language pathologists in
private practice will rise due to the increasing use of contract services
by hospitals, schools, and nursing facilities.
Resources
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