Become a Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist Job Description

Speech pathologist teacher programs prepare you to diagnose and treat speech, voice and other related disorders. In this profession, you may work with students who have trouble producing speech sounds or have trouble communicating.

Some students may have voice disorders or stuttering problems and others may have cognitive communication impairments. Speech pathologists use different assessment methods, including standardized tests and special instruments to diagnose and treat these disorders.

If students are incapable of improving their speech or language skills, speech pathologists may help students increase their oral or written language skills.

Is a Speech Language Pathology Career Right for You?

In this major, you’ll learn how to diagnose and treat speech and language disorders. It helps to be creative and fascinated by every aspect of communication, from speaking to writing, because speech language pathologists work with a variety of students who have different disorders. A typical day may include anything from reciting different voice inflections with students to demonstrating physical therapy maneuvers to help train students how to strengthen their voice muscles.

While speech language pathology can be very rewarding, the profession can also be very challenging when working with students who have to deal with not only their speech and language disorders, but also with the scrutiny of their peers. Some of these students may have suffered injuries and others may have congenital or developmental problems. Although speech language pathology training will help you learn important career techniques and skills, it is important to have the desire and dedication to help students achieve success.

Speech Language Pathologist Credential and Certification Requirements

To become a speech language pathologist, you need to obtain a teaching certificate as well as a master's or an EdS. A master's degree in this area is the minimum requirement for clinical certification by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Most states also require accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA).

Eleven states require between 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and nine months of postgraduate professional experience. The other 39 states issue a teaching license or certificate once you have obtained your master’s degree from an approved college or university. Speech language pathologists also need to pass the national examination on speech language pathology, offered through the Praxis Series of the Educational Testing Service. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Association, is also a recommended credential.