Speech therapists are formally know as speech-language pathologists (SLP’s). There are several paths to becoming a speech therapist. All of these paths require specific training through an accredited program. Fortunately, there are a few tricks of the trade that can help you shine when it comes to finding the right program for you.
How do I prepare for a degree in speech therapy?
- Request speech therapy program information. There are hundreds of speech-language pathology programs across the United States. Though many programs share some of the same requirements for admission, each program will offer different learning options. Some programs are geared more for traditional students, while others will involve more online coursework. Requesting information from the speech and language pathology program you want to explore helps you make a wise, informed decision about your education.
- Gain hands-on experience. To truly understand what a speech therapist does, it is really helpful to spend time with an SLP. One way this can be achieved is observing a speech therapist as they provide patient care. Often, you can contact a local speech therapist to see if they will allow you to observe them. Another way this can be achieved is to volunteer with a speech therapy department in a hospital, clinic, or school. Be sure to record all your hours as many speech therapy programs require observation hours for acceptance. A good number to aim for is about 50 hours of job shadowing in a variety of settings.
- Interview a speech therapist. Most speech therapists would be more than happy to spend a few minutes talking to you about what they do. This is a great way to open doors for future job shadows and become connected with healthcare professionals.
- Maintain relationships with professors and speech therapists you shadow. Most SLP schools require you to have 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors you’ve had and speech therapists you’ve shadowed. Frequently checking in with them helps them remember you and write a stronger letter of recommendation.
- Begin completing prerequisite courses. Prerequisites can vary from program to program but generally includes classes like: human anatomy, psychology, physics, chemistry, statistics, and medical terminology. You might need to take some specific speech and hearing classes as well. Typically, SLP programs like to see you’ve taken these courses in the last 5 years and gotten a “B” grade or better.
- Choose a major that meets necessary prerequisites. Whether the schools you are interested in require a completed bachelor’s degree or not, choosing a major that aligns with the prerequisite coursework is a time-saver. One option that meets the prerequisites for all speech programs is earning a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology-Hearing Science. This degree streamlines the process to get into a Master’s degree program of your choice.
- Take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Many speech programs require passing the GRE. For this step, be sure to check program requirements where you hope to apply.
What are my speech therapy degree options?
- Speech Pathology-Hearing Science: A bachelor’s degree in SPHS is specifically designed to prepare you to enter a Masters program in speech-language pathology.
- Masters of Speech-Language Pathology: By far this is the most recognized degree earned by speech therapists. Most programs are 4-5 semesters and take 2 years to complete. The curriculum often includes courses and labs in speech and hearing, online coursework, and two 10 week externships. As part of your externship you work under the direction of a speech therapist evaluating and treating patients.
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant: This unique certificate allows you to work as an assistant to a speech therapist in the school setting. Due to the high demand for speech therapists in elementary and secondary education this degree was created to assist speech therapists meet the needs of their students. Many programs require that you have a bachelor’s degree to become an assistant. Coursework is one semester in length and focuses on providing speech services in a school setting only.
- PhD in Communication Science & Disorders: SLP’s who want to be involved in research or teaching at the University level earn this degree.
Wherever you choose to go, be sure the program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation for SLP’s.
After completing my speech therapy degree, what’s next?
The final step to becoming a speech therapist is passing the Praxis Exam for speech & language pathologists. Typically, you become licensed in your state by passing the Praxis.
Many speech therapists go on to earn their “C’s”. This means you complete a 36 week fellowship under the supervision of a speech therapist. Upon finishing your fellowship have a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology. Speech therapists who have earned this certification use the abbreviations “CCC-SLP”.
Finally, you are ready to begin your rewarding career as a speech therapist!
Where will a speech therapy degree take me?
A degree in speech therapy will open your world to a meaningful career helping people overcome illness, injury, or disability. You’ll enjoy meeting your career goals as you see your patients meeting their goals. In addition, projected job growth is 25% over the next 10 years, so finding a job that’s just right for you should be a snap. Lastly, you’ll earn on average $80,000 a year doing something that you love.
Online Speech Pathologist Degree Programs
Below is a list of ASHA-accredited online graduate speech pathology programs.
| University and Program Name | Format | Enrollment Type | Study Length (months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences – Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology | Hybrid | Full-Time Part-Time | 18 |
| Baylor University – Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders | Online | Full-Time and Part-Time | 20 |
| Emerson College – Master of Science in Communication Disorders | Online | Full-Time and Part-Time | 20 |
| East Carolina University – Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders | On-Campus | Full-Time | 24 |
| East Tennessee State University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | On-Campus | Full-Time | 24 |
| University of Montana – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time | 24 |
| University of Northern Colorado – Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time | 24 |
| Western Kentucky University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time and Part-Time | 24 |
| New York University – Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders | Online | Full-Time and Part-Time | 24 |
| Cincinnati University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time | 30 |
| James Madison University –Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time | 36 |
| Idaho State University – Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology | Online | Full-Time | 36 |
| University of Wisconsin Eau Claire – Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders | Online | Full-Time | 36 |