Are you contemplating a career path in speech-language pathology? You are in the right place!
What is an SLP?
SLP stands for speech-language pathologist. It is also commonly referred to as “speech therapist.” SLPs are trained to work with individuals who have disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, social/pragmatic skills, feeding and swallowing and cognition. Our clients come from across the lifespan – from newborns in the NICU with feeding difficulties, to elementary kids with developmental delays, to adults following a stroke, brain injury or other ailment leading acquired deficits in speech/language/swallowing and many others in between.
How do I become a speech therapist?
There are two types of speech therapists: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). Both require specialized coursework in communication, but differ in the amount of school required and the type of certification you obtain.
- SLPA: SLPAs hold an associate or a bachelors degree. They are able to provide therapy, but they do not evaluate or diagnose. Each state has different requirements to become an SLPA and not all states allow SLPAs, so it is important to check your state’s specifications before pursuing this path.
- SLP: SLPs complete bachelor level coursework in communication disorders, obtain a Master’s degree from a Speech-Language Pathology program and complete a set number of clinical practicum hours. Upon completion, you must obtain state licensure. Though it is not officially required, most employers will also request certification from the national professional association, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Both state licensure and national certification are obtained following a preliminary period called the “clinical fellowship year” (CFY) during which you will work under the supervision of a licensed SLP.
Where do SLPs work?
SLPs can be found in schools, private practices, nursing homes, hospitals, home health, and even through telepractice.
What should I study in undergrad to become an SLP?
While some schools do offer a bachelor’s degree specific to the field, this is not required to enter a Master’s program. There are certain prerequisites you must complete, but you can do these while also completing your degree in another field. Coursework in psychology, linguistics, anatomy and physiology, foreign language, education, child development, and even business or statistics can provide you with a solid foundation.
How long does it take to become a speech therapist?
Though these timeframes may vary based on how heavy your course load is, the average time is:
- SLPA: It will take 2-4 years to become an SLPA depending on whether you pursue the associates or bachelors degree.
- SLP: You must complete an undergraduate degree (~4 years), master’s degree (~2 years), and your clinical fellow year (~1 year). Some schools have begun offering an SLP Clinical Doctorate (SLPD) option which would extend your masters degree by another year. Total: 7-8 years.
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