Introduction
A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, from infants with feeding difficulties to older adults recovering from stroke or neurological disorders.
If you’re interested in becoming a speech pathologist, you’ve chosen a rewarding and important profession. Speech pathologists play a critical role in helping people to communicate effectively and lead more fulfilling lives.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to becoming a speech pathologist. Whether you’re just starting to explore this career path or you’ve already completed some of the requirements, you’ll find valuable information and insights to help you succeed.
8 Steps to Becoming a Speech Pathologist: A Comprehensive Guide
Here’s an overview of the eight steps to becoming a speech pathologist:
- Earn an undergraduate degree
- Complete a graduate program in communication sciences and disorders
- Complete clinical practicum and internship experiences
- Complete any necessary prerequisites or non-degree coursework
- Obtain certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Obtain state licensure
- Consider additional specializations or certifications
- Maintain continuing education requirements
Step 1: Earn an undergraduate degree
To become a speech pathologist, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. While some graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders accept applicants with any undergraduate degree, others require that applicants have specific coursework or a degree in a related field, such as psychology, linguistics, or education.
Regardless of your major, it’s a good idea to take courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, and linguistics to build a strong foundation for graduate study. You’ll also need to maintain a high GPA and meet any other prerequisites for graduate programs that interest you.
Step 2: Complete a graduate program in communication sciences and disorders
After earning your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to complete a graduate program in communication sciences and disorders. Most graduate programs take around two years to complete and include coursework in areas such as speech and language development, disorders of communication and swallowing, and assessment and treatment practices.
You’ll also be required to complete several clinical practicum and internship experiences working under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist. These experiences give you hands-on experience working with clients and help you to develop the skills and confidence you’ll need to succeed in your career.
Step 3: Complete clinical practicum and internship experiences
Before becoming a licensed and certified speech pathologist, you’ll need to complete a certain number of clinical practicum and internship hours. The number of hours required varies by state and program, but is typically in the range of 300-400 hours.
During these experiences, you’ll work with clients in settings such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. You’ll be supervised by a licensed speech pathologist, who will help you to develop your clinical skills and provide feedback on your progress.
Step 4: Complete any necessary prerequisites or non-degree coursework
Depending on your undergraduate major and the graduate programs you’re interested in, you may need to complete additional coursework in areas such as statistics, research methods, or basic science courses like biology or physics.
Schools may also require non-degree courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, basic audiology, or speech and language development. These courses can help you build your knowledge and skills and prepare you for more specialized graduate coursework.
Step 5: Obtain certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the primary professional organization for speech pathologists in the United States. After completing your graduate program and clinical hours, you’ll need to obtain certification from ASHA in order to become a licensed speech pathologist.
To be eligible for certification, you’ll need to meet certain academic and clinical requirements, including passing the Praxis exam in speech-language pathology. You’ll also need to maintain ongoing continuing education requirements to keep your certification current.
Step 6: Obtain state licensure
In addition to certification from ASHA, you’ll need to obtain state licensure in order to practice as a speech pathologist. The specific requirements for licensure vary by state, but typically include passing a state-specific exam and meeting certain educational and clinical requirements.
It’s important to research the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice and ensure that you meet all of the prerequisites before applying for licensure.
Step 7: Consider additional specializations or certifications
Once you’ve completed your basic education and certification requirements, you may wish to pursue additional specializations or certifications in areas such as pediatric speech pathology, augmentative and alternative communication, or swallowing disorders.
These specializations can help you to develop greater expertise in a particular area, increase your job opportunities, and advance your career. Many employers prefer or require additional certifications or specializations, so it’s worth considering whether these options might be right for you.
Step 8: Maintain continuing education requirements
Once you’ve obtained your certification and licensure as a speech pathologist, you’ll need to maintain ongoing continuing education requirements in order to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. These requirements vary by state and organization, but typically include completing a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) each year.
Continuing education can take many different forms, including attending conferences, completing online courses, and participating in community-based activities. It’s important to choose continuing education options that are relevant to your interests and career goals and that will help you to stay current in your field.
From College to Career: How to Become a Speech Pathologist
The journey to becoming a speech pathologist begins in college. If you’re interested in this career path, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself and increase your chances of success.
Choose the right major
While many graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders accept applicants from a variety of undergraduate majors, some require that applicants have specific coursework or a degree in a related field. If you know you want to pursue speech pathology as a career, it’s a good idea to choose a major or coursework that will prepare you for graduate study.
Some suitable majors include:
- Psychology or cognitive science, which can help you build knowledge of human behavior and development
- Linguistics, which can prepare you to analyze language structures and development
- Education, which can help you build interpersonal skills and knowledge of teaching and learning
Get clinical experience
While you’re in college, try to gain as much clinical experience as possible. This can include volunteering in a speech therapy clinic, observing a speech pathologist at work, or working with special needs children or adults in a related field.
Not only will this experience help you to build your skills and knowledge, but it will also help you to clarify your interest in speech pathology and give you valuable experience to draw on when applying to graduate programs.
Research graduate programs
There are many graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders throughout the United States. Some factors to consider when choosing a program include:
- Program reputation and accreditation status
- Clinical opportunities, such as internships and practicum experiences
- Faculty expertise and research areas
- Location and cost
Once you’ve selected the programs that interest you, be sure to carefully review the application requirements, deadlines, and prerequisites for each program. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials before submitting your applications.
Breaking Down the Path to Becoming a Speech Pathologist
The path to becoming a speech pathologist can be challenging, but with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to achieve your goals. Here are some of the primary milestones you can expect along the way.
Coursework and clinical hours
The first step in becoming a speech pathologist is completing your undergraduate degree and applying to graduate programs in communication sciences and disorders. During your graduate program, you’ll complete coursework in areas such as language development, anatomy and physiology, and assessment and treatment practices.
You’ll also be required to complete clinical hours, sometimes known as practicum or internship experiences. These experiences allow you to work directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist, and help you build your clinical skills and confidence.
Certification and licensure
After completing your graduate program and clinical hours, you’ll need to obtain certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensure from your state in order to practice as a speech pathologist.
To obtain certification from ASHA, you’ll need to meet certain academic and clinical requirements, including passing the Praxis exam in speech-language pathology. You’ll also need to maintain ongoing continuing education requirements to keep your certification current.
To obtain state licensure, you’ll typically need to pass a state-specific exam and meet certain educational and clinical requirements. Be sure to research the licensure requirements in your state and ensure that you meet all of the prerequisites before applying for licensure.
Advanced certification or specialization
After becoming a licensed and certified speech pathologist, you may wish to pursue additional certifications or specializations in areas such as pediatric speech pathology, augmentative and alternative communication, or swallowing disorders. These specializations can help you to develop greater expertise and advance your career.
Continuing education and professional development
Throughout your career as a speech pathologist, it’s important to continue learning and growing in your profession. This may include attending conferences, participating in community-based activities, or pursuing further education or advanced certifications.
By staying up to date on the latest research and best practices, you’ll be better equipped to help your clients achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
Navigating the Road to Becoming a Speech Pathologist: Tips and Advice
Here are some tips and advice from speech pathologists who have navigated the road to becoming a licensed and certified professional.
Take advantage of opportunities
Throughout your education and clinical experiences, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. This might mean volunteering in a speech therapy clinic, seeking out additional clinical hours, or participating in research projects or peer mentoring programs.
These experiences can help you build your skills and knowledge, gain new perspectives, and make valuable connections in your field.
Build a network
Maintaining a strong professional network can be crucial to your success as a speech pathologist.
