speech language pathologist years of school

How Long Does It Take to Become a Speech Therapist?

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Speech-language pathology can be an incredibly rewarding career path . Not only do speech therapists earn a competitive salary , but they also enjoy increasing demand as the U.S. population ages and a larger percentage of the population requires their services. Many also consider speech pathology to be personally gratifying because it offers the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the quality of life for patients. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist, you’ll need to know how long it will take for you to complete your training and break into the field. 

Below, we take a look at the different steps involved in becoming a speech-language pathologist and how long it typically takes to complete each so that you will have a better understanding of the time investment required to pursue this career.

Interested in a Speech-Language Pathology Career?

Learn how an SLP degree can give you the skills you need to make a difference in educational and healthcare settings.

How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?

To become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) , you will need to:

• Earn an undergraduate degree
• Complete a master’s degree
• Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
• Complete your post-graduate clinical fellowship
• Apply for state licensure and ASHA certification

In total, this means it will take anywhere from six to nine years to become an SLP. If you take time off to work in between earning your undergraduate degree and your master’s degree, this will, of course, add to your timeline.

1. Earn an undergraduate degree.

Time commitment: 3-4 years 

The first step to becoming a speech-language pathologist is to earn an undergraduate degree. Ideally, this will be in a field of study related to speech-language pathology, such as a  Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology or a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. However, some SLPs will earn an undergraduate degree in a field unrelated to speech-language pathology. In these cases, they may need to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses before enrolling in a master’s program.

Depending on how aggressive your plan of study is and whether you are learning part-time or full-time, earning your undergraduate degree will take an average of three to four years.

2. Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. 

Time commitment: 2-4 years

The next step to becoming a speech-language pathologist is to earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology or a related degree. Your master’s program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). How long this step takes will depend on your plan of study. Full-time programs will typically take approximately two years to complete. Part-time programs can take up to four years to complete. 

While some programs allow for part-time study, many only admit full-time students, so it is important to find the right program for your specific needs. 

Additionally, it is worth noting that some universities offer a 5-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, which allows students to complete their education in an accelerated manner. At Northeastern, for example, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Audiology can continue into the MS in SLP so long as they meet the program’s requirements.

3. Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.

Time commitment: Concurrent with master’s degree

To qualify for state licensure, you will need to take and pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, which tests your proficiency and understanding of the field. This exam is typically completed concurrently with your master’s degree program, often in the final semester of your program or shortly after graduation. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you can retake it, though this will increase your time to becoming an SLP. 

4. Complete your post-graduate clinical fellowship.

Time commitment: 9 months

Upon completing your master’s degree and passing the Praxis Examination, you must complete a total of 1,260 clinical hours overseen by an ASHA-certified SLP. This work is referred to as a post-graduate clinical fellowship and is a crucial step in your journey to becoming an SLP.

These hours are typically completed over the course of 36 weeks (at 35 hours per week) or roughly nine months from start to finish. 

5. Obtain state licensure and ASHA certification.

Time commitment: 2-4 weeks

The final step to becoming an SLP is to apply for state licensure and ASHA certification. While each state will have its own requirements and processes for applying for licensure, it will typically take between two and four weeks for your application to be processed after you submit it. It, therefore, makes sense to submit your application as soon as possible once you meet the requirements so that you can receive your license and begin practicing. 

Not Necessarily a Straight Path

It’s worth noting that the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist is not always a straight one. Many aspiring SLPs choose to work between their undergraduate and graduate degrees, for example, or while earning their graduate degree. Additionally, it is not uncommon for an individual to earn an undergraduate degree in a field unrelated to SLP and then decide that they would like to enter the field. 

“Some students, for example, will earn an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and then work as a speech-language pathology assistant for a number of years,” says Lorraine Book, department chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. “Others might work in education before deciding to make a career change. So long as they’ve completed the prerequisite coursework, there’s no reason that they cannot enroll in a master’s degree program and move into speech-language pathology.”

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University.

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How to Become a Speech Pathologist [2024 Guide]

Wondering how to become a speech pathologist?

As you fulfill the educational and licensing requirements for this career path, you may develop many needed skills in this field that can equip you to help others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts significant job growth for this field.

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With the right degree and certification, you can pursue well-paid jobs in diverse settings, such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and even research institutes.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

The first step in becoming a speech language pathologist entails earning an accredited masters in speech pathology after completing your bachelors. You might find that an online masters degree program offers the most convenient learning options. A growing number of universities even offer online speech pathology masters programs with no GRE requirement.

If you’re still on your way to getting a bachelor’s degree, you may want to consider choosing a related major, such as communication sciences or physiology. Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, here are the key steps you’re likely to follow if you want to become a certified speech-language pathologist:

• Master’s degree . Obtain a master’s degree in speech language pathology from an accredited program.
• Clinical internship . Complete a clinical internship or practicum, usually related to your master’s program.
• State board requirements . Complete any state board or other professional licensing examinations and requirements.
• Supervised internship or fellowship . Complete any supervised clinical internships and postgraduate fellowship programs required for obtaining professional licensure or certification.

Licensing requirements can vary from state to state, so it can be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the state licensing board in the state where you plan to work.

Top 3 Things You Can Do as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech language pathology is a specialized occupation, but certified speech-language pathologists can serve different kinds of clients in a range of settings.

Speech language pathologists are often needed in schools, hospitals, research centers, and rehabilitation facilities. They may be employed by community mental health agencies as well.

1. School Speech Therapist

Most school districts employ full-time speech therapists to help identified students with special needs improve vocalization and expressive speech or overcome impediments, such as stuttering.

Educational speech therapists’ responsibilities can include evaluating students, developing treatment or intervention plans, and providing one-on-one speech language therapy. They may also collaborate regularly with teachers, school psychologists, and school nurses, assisting in evaluating student progress and recommending helpful interventions.

2. Occupational Therapist

Some speech language pathologists work in a medical setting, such as a hospital or rehabilitation center, providing therapy and other rehabilitation services.

They can work alongside doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, assessing patient needs and helping patients manage a speech disorder resulting from an illness or injury.

3. Audiologist

Audiologists work in a specialized branch of speech language pathology. Audiologists study the impact of hearing deficits on speech and use their specialized training to work with patients who are deaf or hearing impaired.

They can work alongside special education staff in a school setting, work in a school for the deaf and blind, or work in any number of community health agencies or medical settings.

Speech Pathology Specialty Areas

Speech disorders can impact speech acquisition and can stem from hearing impediments or from medical conditions and aging. So, there are many areas of specialized learning and practice within the field of speech language pathology.

• Speech Fluency and Fluency Disorders . This branch of speech language pathology is focused on helping patients communicate more confidently and overcome vocalization deficits or fluency disorders, such as stammering or stuttering.
• Audiology . Since hearing and discerning vocal sounds is directly related to speech function, some speech pathologists specialize in the study of audiology and commonly help prescribe hearing devices or provide speech therapy for deaf or hard-of-hearing patients.
• Educational Speech Therapist . An educational speech therapist specializes in childhood speech development, language acquisition, speech enunciation and vocalization, and emotional, physiological, and neurological factors impacting speech and  language development.
• Medical Speech Pathology . This branch of speech language pathology focuses on medical and neurological conditions related to illness, aging, and injuries, and the practitioner’s role may include evaluating, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders in medical settings.

In your speech language pathology coursework, you’ll likely be introduced to all of these areas of practice, but you can choose to obtain specialized certification and training as well.

Speech Pathology Careers & Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , someone interested in speech language pathology careers can pursue many job opportunities by specializing in SLP. Graduates may also prepare for similar jobs in related fields, such as physical therapist, health educator, or special education teacher.

Certified speech-language pathologists can pursue many well-paid jobs in diverse settings, so it’s possible that you may find the right role for your professional interests and goals.

Speech Pathology Internship Opportunities

Graduate programs in speech language pathology typically require a supervised clinical experience, a component of your training that can pose some challenges while offering you many unique benefits.

• Finding an internship . Some graduate programs have a network of internship providers that makes it easy to find an internship. Otherwise, you can try connecting with a professional SLP association, such as ASHA, for help finding internship opportunities.
• Career exploration . If you’re able to find an internship in a setting you want to explore, your internship can be an opportunity to experience life on the job in a setting that interests you, such as a hospital, social service agency, or school.
• Work experience . A unique benefit of an internship can be the chance to supplement your academic study with hands-on supervised clinical experience and training opportunities you can’t replicate in the classroom.
• Making the most of your internship opportunity . Once you land an internship, it’s helpful to listen carefully to what your supervisors expect from you. You can also respectfully communicate your own internship goals in order to help get the best outcome possible.

Internships may pose some challenges, but they’re also a great way to get valuable training and start building your professional network and professional resume!

Accreditation

When choosing an on-campus or online graduate speech-language pathology program, our recommendation is to choose a regionally accredited university.

Since schools have to earn accreditation from an independent, third-party entity, choosing an accredited school can help ensure the high quality of the educational content and services you’ll receive for your tuition dollars.

Regional accreditation also helps ensure that your graduate degree, course credits, and learning experiences will be honored by prospective employers, state licensing boards, and other universities.

An accreditation organization such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can provide you with more information on finding accredited schools.

CAA Accreditation for SLP Programs

Specialized and curriculum-specific accreditation, called programmatic accreditation, exists for educational programs that prepare professionals in any number of fields.

Programmatic accreditation can be important when you’re planning to work in a highly regulated profession, where up-to-date professional knowledge and ethical standards are of paramount concern to employers.

For speech language pathology programs, programmatic accreditation is offered by The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Looking for CAA-ASHA accreditation is one strategy for finding top-tier SLP graduate education and training programs. Enrolling in an CAA-ASHA accredited program may prove beneficial when you’re trying to qualify for your professional licensure or certification.

What Is a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)?

A speech language pathologist is a trained medical practitioner who helps diagnose, assess, and treat various speech challenges.

Speech challenges can include communication and swallowing disorders, speech fluency or vocalization impediments, and specific speech impediments like stammering or stuttering. Speech language pathologists specializing in audiology often work with the deaf and hard of hearing.

SLP practitioners who work primarily to support patients with treatment or rehabilitation may be referred to as speech therapists. Speech therapists can work with elderly patients whose speech function is affected by illness or aging, or they may work in a medical setting or rehabilitation facility.

They often find work in schools as well, helping students with fluency, vocalization, or other specific speech impediments.

Is It Hard to Become a Speech Pathologist?

Becoming a speech pathologist means getting a master’s degree in an accredited speech language pathology program. Sometimes an SLP will also pursue a PhD for additional specialization or to engage in more advanced research.

To graduate from your master’s program, you’ll usually take foundational courses in speech language pathology to learn about common communication disorders and their diagnosis and treatments. You may also study audiology and the science of hearing and speech, including pediatric audiology, rehabilitation audiology, and communication science.

Some courses are likely to include the study of neurology as it relates to speech while other courses may cover aphasia and voice disorders. Becoming a certified SLP also involves supervised internships, licensing examinations, and other licensing board requirements that can vary from state to state.

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

Speech pathologists help people of all ages with communication disorders. Common roles of an SLP include helping patients with rehabilitation needs due to conditions impacting speech, hearing, or communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists also help children or adults with speech fluency and vocalization challenges.

Some speech pathologists specialize in audiology and work with the hard of hearing, assisting them with hearing rehabilitation or speech challenges that resulted from hearing loss or deafness.

Specific roles include working in SLP research and science, diagnosing and assessing speech conditions and disorders, and providing speech therapy directly to patients.

Is a Speech Pathologist a Doctor?

Speech language pathologists are licensed medical professionals. So, in some settings patients or colleagues might refer to them with the title “doctor,” but they’re not actually medical doctors (MDs).

That said, if SLPs decide to earn a PhD in Speech Pathology, they have earned the right to be called “doctor” as an expert in their field. They are still not an MD, though.

In the case of an SLP practitioner, getting a PhD does not denote the kind of intensive medical training and preparation that a medical doctor undergoes. Instead, a PhD degree usually means the SLP has chosen to engage in advanced academic study and research.

Where Do Speech Pathologists Work?

If you become a licensed practitioner, you can elect to pursue jobs in any number of work settings.

Many speech pathologists work in hospitals or clinics or work for community health agencies that partner with healthcare facilities. Others provide services to patients in elder care settings or in rehabilitation facilities, where patients of all ages may need speech therapy or related treatments due to illness or injury.

Some SLP practitioners work in school settings, supporting teachers and school psychologists or helping designated students with speech and language development, speech acquisition, or speech impediments. A medical speech pathology specialist in a school setting can also help schools identify communication disorders and develop treatment plans.

How Much Does a Speech Pathologist Make?

How much you make as a  professional in this field will likely depend on your level of training and education, your work history, and your areas of specialization.

If you provide routine speech and language therapy services in a school setting you might earn what other special education teachers earn, which is an average salary of$61,030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for audiologists is $77,600, and the average salary for speech-language pathologists is $79,120. If you go on to earn a doctoral degree and are engaged in specialized research or advanced medical practice or consulting, you might have an even higher earning potential.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Speech Pathologist?

The road to becoming a practicing professional typically involves graduating from an accredited master’s degree program in speech language pathology. So, you’d first have to earn your bachelors degree, which takes an average of 4 years to complete.

A master’s program in speech language pathology may take another 1 to 2 years for most people. How long you’ll need to become an SLP can depend on your specific college programs and how long it takes you to obtain the required degrees.

Another consideration is the time it will take to complete internships, other licensing requirements, and any additional fellowships in order to obtain licensure and any certifications from your state board.

What Is the Difference Between a Speech Therapist vs. Speech Pathologist?

Speech therapists are trained speech pathologists. Sometimes the titles may be used interchangeably.

In many settings, such as schools and rehabilitation centers, an SLP will often be referred to as a speech therapist if their main responsibility is to provide direct support services and interventions to students or patients.

Some SLPs may have the skills needed to provide direct therapy to patients. Speech pathologists can also serve in other roles, such as doing research in their field or focusing on diagnosing and assessing speech disorders.

What Is the Difference Between Audiology vs. Speech Pathology?

Audiology is often designated as a specialization within the study of speech-language pathology. If you elect to specialize in audiology, you can learn about hearing disorders and related speech disorders and therapies.

You can also learn about working with people who are deaf or have suffered from hearing loss. Some roles of an audiologist include helping patients with hearing devices and helping patients overcome speech challenges related to a hearing deficit.

Is Becoming a Speech Pathologist Worth It?

Yes, getting a graduate degree in speech-language pathology is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 25% job growth for speech-language pathologists through the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Common careers in this field include speech language pathologist and speech therapist, audiologist, occupational therapist, and occupational therapy assistant. Becoming a certified speech-language pathologist can open doors to well-paying job opportunities in a rapidly growing, in-demand field.

As a qualified speech language pathologist or speech therapist, you may pursue job opportunities in schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, research institutes, and community health organizations. So, a number of professionals find that speech pathology is worth it as a career.

Getting Your Speech Pathology Degree Online

With an astounding 15% job growth forecast for the healthcare industry in the coming years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), now may be a strategic time to get a masters degree in speech-language pathology.

There are many accredited online programs that help by offering flexibility, allowing you to earn your degree at your own pace and according to your own schedule. You are likely to find many accredited online masters programs ready to help you get started today.

Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs

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Speech-language pathology is a competitive field for

Speech-language pathology is a competitive field for those who wish to help people with communication disorders, swallowing difficulties, voice pitch problems and more. These are the top master’s programs in speech-language pathology. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

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The ASHA-Accredited Online Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology from NYU Steinhardt The ASHA-Accredited Online Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology from NYU Steinhardt The ASHA-Accredited Online Master’s Program in Speech-Language Pathology from NYU Steinhardt

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Speech@NYU is the online SLP master’s program offered by the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.  It is designed for aspiring speech-language pathologists who want the flexibility to pursue fulfilling careers in a variety of settings.

The online modality of the SLP master’s program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and prepares you to work toward speech-language pathology certification. The curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practice and enables you to provide person-centered care for diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders.

Online SLP Master’s Program Highlights

graduate-level credits

foundation courses offered online

direct clinical contact hours

No GRE Required. This program does not require GRE scores for admission.

Clinical Training in the Online Master’s in Speech Pathology

In the speech-language pathology program, you are assigned a dedicated placement specialist who will work with you to find NYU Steinhardt faculty-approved clinical field placement sites in or near your community.

With Speech@NYU, you will receive the in-depth training to provide forward-thinking, culturally competent care to clients of all ages without having to relocate.

As a student, you will complete a five-part sequence of on-campus clinical practicum and clinical field placement experiences at your placement site.

• Practicum I (Pre-Clinic and Immersion)
• Practicum II (Diagnostic Assessment and Immersion)
• Clinical Field Placement III (Treatment)
• Clinical Field Placement IV (Pediatrics)
• Clinical Field Placement V (Adults)

Clinical Immersions

Before beginning field placements, you will attend two immersions to help adequately prepare you to conduct clinical diagnostics in speech pathology and work more independently in your clinical experiences.

During these immersions, you will:

• Provide language, hearing, cognitive, and/or swallowing screens to diverse communities.
• Receive dedicated supervision and receive on-the-spot feedback from speech-language pathologists.
• Participate in specialized workshops relating to topics such as language screening, instrumental assessment of voice disorders, dysphagia screening, and aphasia treatment.

Learn more about clinical practicum and field training.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Ready to Take the Next Step? Ready to Take the Next Step?

Receive the clinical training you need to pursue a career as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist. Learn more about the online master’s in speech-language pathology from NYU Steinhardt. Receive the clinical training you need to pursue a career as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist. Learn more about the online master’s in speech-language pathology from NYU Steinhardt. Receive the clinical training you need to pursue a career as a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist. Learn more about the online master’s in speech-language pathology from NYU Steinhardt.

Support and Flexibility for Aspiring Speech Pathologists

Earn Your Online SLP Master’s Degree Full Time or Part Time

You have the flexibility to pursue your SLP graduate degree  full time or part time based on your scheduling needs . You can earn your master’s in speech-language pathology in as few as six or seven terms attending full time, or set a slower pace by attending part time until your field placement begins.

An academic advisor will work with you to choose the plan of study that is the best fit for your lifestyle while ensuring you continue to make appropriate academic progress.

Academic, Placement, and Career Support

As an online SLP student, you will  have access to the same resources as on-campus students , including the NYU Bobst Library, Wellness Exchange, Writing Center, and Wasserman Center for Career Development, which provides one-on-one coaching, webinars, and virtual career fairs to help you in your speech pathologist career.

In addition to continuous mentorship from faculty, you’ll also work with field placement specialists, academic advisors, and a technology support team to ensure your success as a Speech@NYU student.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students in both the on-campus and online modalities of the SLP master’s program have the opportunity to complete a  study abroad program in countries like Sweden or Ghana  to study communication disorders from a cross-cultural perspective.

The program includes participating in local site visits, studying with local guest lecturers, and immersing yourself in a linguistically and culturally distinct setting.

Apply to the Online SLP Master’s Program Throughout the Year

Speech@NYU offers multiple cohort start dates every year in January and September. The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis.  Take a look at the application requirements  to prepare what you need ahead of time.

The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admissions decision and begin planning for your career as a speech-language pathologist.

The final application deadline for the September 2024 cohort is May 15, 2024.

A Comprehensive SLP Master’s Curriculum

Speech@NYU’s curriculum prepares you to become a well-rounded speech-language pathologist and treat clients with a variety of communication disorders across the life span.

In addition to foundation courses, instrumentation and research courses, and disorder courses,  Speech@NYU offers a diverse set of electives so you can tailor your educational experience to your interests.  You can take electives in specialized topics such as aphasia, and language and communication in children with autism spectrum disorders.

View the full list of Speech@NYU course descriptions .

Taught by Award-Winning Faculty

Online and on-campus students in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) are taught by scholars, published researchers, and active clinicians who constantly seek opportunities to interact with professionals from other disciplines.

CSD faculty  have extensive research funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation and have received numerous teaching awards, such as the Steinhardt Teaching Excellence Award.

Our faculty members are all  active in the field, are dedicated to supporting and mentoring students  in their collective and individual pursuits, and help create new clinical and research initiatives at the Department, School, University, and community levels.

What Students Are Saying

“If you are looking for a program that will challenge you to  pursue excellence, develop strong research-based clinical skills , and  learn from a diverse group of individuals , this is the program for you. There are so many opportunities for students to grow and become strong speech-language pathologists.” Lynlee Bates, Speech@NYU Class of 2019 Meet some of the students of Speech@NYU , and see how the program is helping them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Join the Next Cohort of the SLP Master’s Program Join the Next Cohort of the SLP Master’s Program Join the Next Cohort of the SLP Master’s Program

Learn how Speech@NYU prepares you to provide person-centered care for diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders. Take the next step today. Learn how Speech@NYU prepares you to provide person-centered care for diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders. Take the next step today. Learn how Speech@NYU prepares you to provide person-centered care for diverse populations with communication and swallowing disorders. Take the next step today.

NYU Steinhardt Prepares Leaders in Speech Pathology

Speech@NYU’s online speech pathology master’s program is delivered through the  NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

We facilitate internships and partnerships with schools and organizations across the United States,  helping our students develop their careers and pursue leadership opportunities .

Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders

The  NYU Steinhardt Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders  (CSD) aims to understand, assess, and treat speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders in people of all ages.

Alumni of the CSD Department have gone on to work in a number of settings, such as:

• Hospitals/medical centers
• Early intervention settings
• Rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers
• Specialized centers for children with autism, language impairment, and developmental disabilities
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology companies

CSD alumni have held a variety of leadership roles, including positions such as director of rehabilitation, senior speech-language pathologist, staff speech-language pathologist, full-time faculty, clinic/field placement director, clinical supervisor, and others.

Speech-Language Pathology Careers across the United States

Speech-language pathologists are needed in  cities across the United States to treat speech and swallowing disorders such as apraxia, dysphagia, cleft palate, and stuttering .

Each state has its own standards for speech-language pathology certification and licensure, and different cities have different opportunities for employment in the field.

Why Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Job Growth between 2020 and 2030 1

in 100 Best Jobs 2

in Best Health Care Jobs 3

Accreditation and Licensure

New York University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, one of six regional accrediting associations in the country. Accreditation is granted every 10 years, and NYU is accredited through 2024.

The master of science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential and distance education) at New York University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD, 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Help people in your community live healthier lives as a speech-language pathologist. Earn your master’s in speech-language pathology online from NYU Steinhardt. Have questions about Speech@NYU? Contact an admissions counselor at  888-698-0462  or  by email at  [email protected] . Help people in your community live healthier lives as a speech-language pathologist. Earn your master’s in speech-language pathology online from NYU Steinhardt. Have questions about Speech@NYU? Contact an admissions counselor at  888-698-0462  or  by email at  [email protected] . Help people in your community live healthier lives as a speech-language pathologist. Earn your master’s in speech-language pathology online from NYU Steinhardt. Have questions about Speech@NYU? Contact an admissions counselor at  888-698-0462  or  by email at  [email protected] .

1  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm (accessed October 6, 2021) arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

2  100 Best Jobs of 2021, U.S. News & World Report, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs (accessed October 6, 2021) arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

3  Best Health Care Jobs of 2021, U.S. News & World Report, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs (accessed October 6, 2021) arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

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Speech therapists, also known as speech-language pathologists, diagnose and treat patients who have difficulty communicating and swallowing due to developmental problems, injuries or illnesses. Their responsibilities include helping stroke victims and patients with traumatic brain injuries speak more clearly, for example. Laws vary, but nearly all states require speech therapists to be licensed, and the standard educational level is a master's degree. The required undergraduate and graduate study for speech therapists plus post-graduate clinical practice takes approximately seven years.

Undergraduate Degree

Prospective speech therapists must complete a four-year bachelor's degree that includes the required prerequisite courses, depending on which graduate program you wish to attend. In general, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association recommends classes in linguistics, phonetics, semantics, psychology and human development. Other ASHA-recommended subjects include social sciences, math, biology, physiology and physical science. A major in communication sciences and disorders provides a solid foundation, but you can select a different major if you take the necessary prerequisites.

Master's Degree Basics

A master's degree in speech and language pathology generally takes two years after the bachelor's degree, and some states require a program accredited by ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation. Typical master's-level classes include phonetics, acoustics, anatomy, physiology and developmental psychology. At Boston University's College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, other classes include aphasia, voice disorders, models of language and speech science.

Graduate Clinical Requirements

Supervised clinical practice is an important part of master's degree programs in speech-language pathology. In fact, state licensing boards typically require 300 hours of supervised clinical work during the graduate years. For example, at Boston University, students take a one-semester introduction to clinical practicum, plus three sections of clinical practicum and two sections of hearing practicum, all over a period of four semesters.

State Licensing

State boards usually require nine months of postgraduate clinical practice for a speech-language pathology license. As a final test of professional competence, most states also require graduates to pass the Praxis exams from the Educational Testing Service. Continuing education is required to keep your license in most states. Qualifying classes and web seminars are available from ASHA, which also offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence. This certificate helps satisfy professional licensing requirements in some states.

Outlook and Wages

The future job outlook for qualified speech pathologists is favorable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23 percent increase in jobs between 2010 and 2020 because of medical advances, the aging of the population and a greater awareness of childhood speech disorders. As of 2012, the average annual wage of speech-language pathologists was $72,730, according to the BLS.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Speech-Language Pathologists Do
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Careers in Speech-Language Pathology
• DegreeDirectory.org: Speech Pathology
• CA.gov: Qualifications For Licensure Speech-Language Pathologists
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Speech-Language Pathologists -- Job Outlook
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012: Speech-Language Pathologists
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Academic Programs
• ETS: The Praxis Series
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: ASHA Certification

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Hands-On Experiences for Speech-Language Pathology Students

• 20 March 2024

Toddler Time is intended as a way for young children to explore early language skills in a fun and inclusive setting. The group is hosted at Philadelphia's We Rock The Spectrum facility, a kids gym and activity center that aims to create a neurodiverse-inclusive environment for children. Each weekly session is led by three Salus SLP students supervised by assistant professor Kimberly Cafarella, MS, CCC-SLP . 

“I think focusing on toddlers is a really big advantage. In general there's not a lot of opportunity in the first-year (of the program) to get clinical experience with children that are under three so I think that's the biggest advantage. It's nice to be giving students an opportunity to work with those younger children during their first-year,” said Cafarella. 

While aimed at toddlers, the WRTS group is open to children of all ages and abilities, and incorporates practice with interactive storytimes, table top activities, and musical experiences for young children. This gives SLP students exposure not only to working with younger age groups, but also the ability to coach caregivers on important speech-language strategies. 

“I come from an early intervention background, so I felt like it was important for students to get experience with the caregiver-coaching aspect of it. One of the things that makes this experience different from some of my other more preschool-focused practicums is that there is that focus on caregiver coaching and teaching the students about caregiver strategies and how to coach parents on facilitating language with their child,” commented Cafarella. “I feel like the students are getting a pretty well rounded experience.”

Hear about the WRTS experience from SLP students below:

Elizabeth Eisele ‘25SLP : My favorite part of working with WRTS was making the sessions interactive and being able to participate with the kids as well as help them during the sessions.

Danyelle Adelman ‘25SLP: My favorite part of working with WRTS was getting to see the ability levels of the different children we worked with and to see their language skills develop over the course of the semester. I also enjoyed getting to talk to the parents of the children and to provide parent coaching because that is not an experience we get in the clinic.

Eliana George ‘25SLP : My favorite part of working with WRTS was having the opportunity to work with my friends to create a fun and language enriching environment for the kids and caregivers that came to our group each week!

Eisele: It taught me how to plan activities that could be flexible to a large age group. The group was aimed towards toddlers, but the preschool group joined us for the sessions as well, so there was a large age range. It will prepare me for my future career as a SLP because I learned how to be flexible in planning the sessions for all ages.

Adelman: Working with the WRTS program taught me to be flexible in my planning for therapy sessions. We initially believed we would be working with toddlers but it ended up being a mix of toddlers and preschoolers. The ability levels of the different ages made planning a little more difficult because we had to adapt to the various levels of the children. It helped me learn how to modify an activity like a craft for children who are at different stages in their development. I also learned how to adapt an activity during a session, which is a skill that I felt I improved on as the semester progressed.

George: Through working with WRTS, I learned how to adapt activities to different developmental ages and how to foster some early language skills. It gave me some great exposure to learning about this age group of children of around zero to four-years old.

Eisele: I think this program has a large impact on the local community. It encourages speech and language among young children. Aside from increasing language, this program serves as a great means of socialization for children who have not yet entered school. It also is very nice for the parents because after they are done with the Read and Play, they can use the gym with their children. The parents were very nice and seemed very appreciative of our program.

Adelman: I think the WRTS program has a great impact on the local community. We were able to provide speech and language services to the children in the community and we were able to answer parent/family member questions related to speech and language. Exposing children to speech and language at an early age is important for speech and language development so it was great that we were able to provide that to the children who came as well as teaching families strategies to use at home with their children.

George: I think that the program impacted the community by creating a space for caregivers to come and learn some strategies to encourage language learning for their children and to ask any questions that they have.

Eisele: I think you should include how this program has a large focus on helping parents and caregivers increase speech and language in their children. The students who run the program are happy to share any tips and tricks that we have learned throughout our time as SLP grad students. It was also very beneficial to talk to and connect with the parents and learn more about their children. We also really liked the teacher of the preschool group that they run at WRTS, and think she was awesome!

Adelman: I think the WRTS program is a great way to introduce speech and language activities to young children and their families. Not only were we providing children with 45 minutes of fun activities related to books, crafts and music, we were also providing education to parents and caregivers about ways to create a language-rich environment for their children. I also think it was a great way to introduce us as future SLPs to the world of early intervention because it is such an important part of the field that is not typically seen in the SLI.

George: I thought this program was such a fun experience that taught me a lot about working on early language skills not only through carrying out activities with the children but also by incorporating parent coaching at the same time!

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High School Speech Language Pathologist for Current 2023-2024 School Year

Job posting for high school speech language pathologist for current 2023-2024 school year at clarifi staffing solutions.

Job Title: High School Speech Language Pathologist

Location: Lakewood Ranch, FL

Job Duties:

• Provide speech and language therapy services to high school students in individual and group settings.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine students communication needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support students academic and social success.
• Implement evidence-based therapy techniques and strategies to improve students speech, language, and communication skills.
• Monitor and document students progress, adjust therapy goals as needed, and communicate with stakeholders regularly.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and provide input regarding students speech and language goals and progress.
• Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure or eligibility for licensure in Florida.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Experience working with high school students preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in special education.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to conferences and workshops.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Interviews are being scheduled as soon as this week. To schedule your interview, please apply online and a hiring manager will contact you within 24 hours.

Clarifi Staffing Solutions

www.clarifistaffing.com

“Where passion meets staffing”

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