speech and language therapist how to become

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 10:29am

Human communication is astoundingly complex. Every language spoken on Earth comprises vocabularies with tens of thousands of words, built with dozens of speech sounds. Languages enable us to discuss almost any concept, and learning new languages can offer opportunities for enrichment expanding past cultural and geographical borders.

However, intervention by a speech pathologist is critical when human speech and language are impaired. Speech pathologists treat various speech, language and swallowing disorders (speech and swallowing use the same muscles). By attending speech pathologist school, you’re embarking on a journey to help people regain their ability to communicate clearly and connect with others on a human level.

Read on to learn how to become a speech pathologist.

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a clinical professional who helps patients overcome communication or swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists work to improve patients’ quality of life by fortifying their language and fluency skills, bolstering their vocabulary, and restoring their ability to enjoy foods and liquids safely.

Issues that speech pathologists treat include:

• Speech impediments: How we vocalize sounds and articulate words is crucial to our communication abilities. Speech impediments may severely hinder vocalization to the point where a person can’t speak at all or in a way others can understand. Speech pathologists help patients overcome these issues and strengthen their ability to speak and communicate clearly.
• Language disorders: People with language disorders may struggle to understand the words or sounds used by others or come up with the right words while speaking. Speech pathologists help patients expand their vocabulary and fortify their comprehension.
• Fluency issues: Fluency pertains to how well speech flows. Somebody with a stutter, for example, may seek treatment and counseling from a speech pathologist.
• Swallowing disorders: Difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) can stem from various causes, including past surgeries, radiation and neurological damage. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition if left untreated. Speech pathologists help patients strengthen and develop the muscles necessary to swallow properly.

Work Environment

Speech pathologists work in various professional settings. Most work in educational facilities, including state, local and private settings. Others work in clinical offices, hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. In rare cases, speech pathologists may be self-employed, but most work as part of a team.

Common Challenges

Speech pathologists must have a firm handle on treating and interacting with people from diverse populations. They should know how to approach people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds with a range of disorders.

Speech pathology can also be emotionally taxing. Speech pathologists must be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients; it can be challenging to witness as patients struggle with severe speech impediments or swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook

Speech pathologists take home a median annual wage of $84,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this profession is overwhelmingly positive; employment is estimated to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Becoming a speech pathologist involves earning a master’s degree, obtaining licensure and clocking several hours of supervised practice.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

While a speech pathologist ultimately needs a master’s degree, starting with your bachelor’s is a good first step. You may not have to earn your bachelor’s degree in a particular subject to qualify for admission to a speech pathology master’s program. However, it could be helpful to pursue your bachelor’s degree in a subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or another health-related field.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

Complete a Master’s Degree

You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in speech pathology next. Your program must be accredited for you to become certified, and sometimes to earn state licensure as well. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits speech-language pathology programs.

It generally takes two years to finish a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or supervised clinical work during their studies. Master’s programs cover topics such as fluency disorders, social communication development, dysphagia and language disorders in children.

Obtain Licensure

After finishing your master’s program, you’ll need a license to practice speech pathology in your state. That entails getting a master’s degree from an accredited program, clocking additional supervised clinical experience hours (even if you’ve already completed some as part of your master’s) and passing a licensure exam.

Every state has varying requirements for licensure. In California, for example, speech pathologists must complete 300 supervised hours of clinical practice in three separate clinical settings, along with 36 weeks of supervised full-time required professional experience. Alternatively, they may complete 72 weeks of part-time experience.

In Oklahoma, speech pathologists need a supervised, 400-hour clinical practicum experience. Of those hours, 375 should be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation. Pathologists should complete 325 of their practicum hours in a CAA-accredited graduate program.

Certifications for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can earn certifications to demonstrate their professional competency. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Regulatory agencies recognize this certification in most states. Some states and school districts provide pay supplements to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to earn the CCC-SLP credential. They must also pass an exam and log 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. The certification costs $511 for applicants who wish to become ASHA members; it costs $455 without the membership.

Professional Organizations for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists may also seek specialized certifications in various speech pathology concentrations. The American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders , the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders all offer specialty certifications.

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

To become certified as a specialist in child language, you must:

• Be CCC-SLP certified
• Have been employed for five years full-time as a speech pathologist
• Log 100 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing education in the realm of child language in the last 10 years

The application fee for the BCS-CL is $250.

American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Becoming a board-certified BCS-F member requires:

• Being CCC-SLP certified
• A minimum of three years of full-time employment experience in speech pathology
• 450 clinical contact service hours within the area of fluency disorders
• Submitting a portfolio of case studies to be approved.

The application fee is $250.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Speech pathologists who specialize in dysphagia can apply to become BCS-S certified. Candidates must:

• Demonstrate advanced continuing education in the dysphagia field
• Have at least three years of experience working directly with dysphagia patients
• Document advanced-level skills in treating swallowing disorders

The application fee is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become a Speech Pathologist

What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist.

These terms are interchangeable—there’s no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists help patients overcome vocalization, language, fluency and swallowing issues.

What is the best major for speech pathology?

Speech pathology doesn’t require any particular bachelor’s degree, but majoring in a related subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or communications disorders may help your chances of getting into an accredited master’s program. Most speech pathology master’s programs require undergraduate coursework in biology and health-related fields.

How much money do SLPs make?

The median annual salary for a speech pathologist in the U.S. is $84,140, as reported by the BLS. Speech pathologists who work in company and enterprise management make $127,180 on average.

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Speech-Language Pathology SLP

| 13 June 2024

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: 6 Meaningful Career Steps

Communication is key to our existence as human beings. So, who do we turn to when our body or mind creates roadblocks to successful communication? Speech-language pathologists (SLPs). These specialists can address speech disorders and improve communication techniques for patients of all ages.

A speech-language pathologist assists and guides patients to improve their quality of life through better social interaction, educational growth and career opportunities.

Review this step-by-step guide for how to become a speech pathologist. You’ll learn the answers to questions such as:

• How do I become a speech pathologist?
• What does a speech pathologist do?
• Who do speech pathologists help?
• What degree do you need to be a speech pathologist?
• How many years of speech pathologist schooling are needed?

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) diagnose and treat patients who struggle with speech disorders and communication issues related to speech and language, whether on the physical or cognitive level. They also address problems with swallowing and hearing. Also commonly referred to as speech therapists, these healthcare professionals work with patients across every stage of their lives, from early childhood through older adulthood.

Communication and swallowing disorders are associated with medical conditions such as developmental issues, cleft palate, autism, stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease and more. These disorders manifest as language delays, voice issues, articulation disorders, fluency challenges, social communication difficulties, and reading and writing challenges. 10

This can be rewarding work. Reflecting on experiences with stroke survivors, Meghan Savage , CCC-SLP, PhD, noted, “This population is so motivated, and I’m drawn to that. They look at you like you’re the only person who’s really trying to communicate with them.”

Step 1: Undergraduate Degree

In the process of how to become a speech pathologist, obtaining your bachelor’s degree is a critical first step. If possible, choose an undergraduate major related to your career goals , such as communication sciences and disorders (CSD), psychology, education, linguistics, English or language development.

Step 2: SLP Master’s Degree

Next, earn a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) from a program that’s accredited or in accreditation candidacy status by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), like USAHS’ MS-SLP program – depending on state requirements. 1 The benefit of earning a speech pathologist degree from a speech therapist school is that it usually blends an academic course load with practical clinical exposure.

MS-SLP programs incorporate 400 hours of clinical experience through clinical practica so speech-language pathology graduates meet the national certification requirements mandated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 2 Per ASHA guidelines, of the 400 clinical hours required, 25 of those hours must be in the form of guided clinical observation, often best achieved in the classroom setting . The remaining 375 hours must involve direct client/patient contact. 3

Speech pathologist degree requirements may vary. For example, MS-SLP admissions requirements typically include the following:

• Transcript of all coursework completed
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Two letters of professional recommendation
• A statement of purpose or essay
• Chemistry or physics
• Behavioral or social science
• Interview, as needed
• A minimum of 25 guided observation hours in a speech-language pathology setting

Related undergraduate majors, such as CSD, generally incorporate the required core classes to advance to graduate school. However, if you don’t meet the speech pathologist requirements, take SLP leveling courses before beginning your master’s degree.

Step 3: Clinical Fellowship

After completing an advanced speech pathologist degree program, you must complete 1,260 hours of clinical experience and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience (or its part-time equivalent) working under the guidance of a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) certified mentor within four years. 4  This transitional work experience is critical in the process of how to become a speech pathologist because it helps candidates progress from supervised to independent practice.

To gain this valuable clinical experience, you may be required to obtain a temporary license , referred to as a limited license or intern license, from the board of speech-language pathology and audiology in your state. 5 ,6 Speech pathologist requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited CAA program and a mentor-approved plan for your clinical fellowship.

Want to know more about our SLP program?

Step 4: the praxis exam.

During your clinical fellowship,  register to take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). 7 Students must score at least 162 points to pass the exam and move forward toward certification as an SLP . 8 Achieving this goal is a requirement to be eligible for the final steps in the process of how to become a speech therapist.

Step 5: National ASHA Certification And State Licensing

Perhaps the most important step in this journey of how to become a speech pathologist is securing your official credentials. ASHA, which oversees the certification process, lists four requirements that you must meet to obtain your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP): 9

• An official transcript from your graduate school verifying your graduation date and degree
• Your official Praxis score (sent directly from ETS)
• A Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF) report documenting your completion of 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience and 36 weeks of full-time experience (or the equivalent)
• Documentation of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience , composed of 375 hours of direct patient/client contact and 25 hours of clinical observation

Each state has its own guidelines for licensure. Certain states require fewer hours of clinical experience than others. Some state-specific requirements may depend on the setting you plan to work in , such as education, telemedicine or early intervention. Check the ASHA State-by-State resource page for more information. 6

Step 6: Continuing Education Courses

Like all healthcare professionals, speech therapists can continue to learn and grow professionally throughout their health science careers . Some states may require SLPs to refresh and advance their skills by completing a minimum number of continuing education units (CEUs) of speech pathologist schooling. Check the state licensing information for clarification. 6

Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Help?

According to the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), “about one in six Americans have disabling (moderate-or-worse) impairments of hearing and/or other sensory or communication disorders.” 11 These disorders can be present from birth, develop over time or be brought on by sudden physiological changes. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that more than 7% of American children ages 3-17 have experienced some form of communication disorder in the past 12 months. 12

With such a spectrum of potential patients, SLPs often work directly with both children and adults, with 42% working in schools, 25% in specialist offices (e.g., with occupational therapists , physical therapists , audiologists and other speech therapists), 14% in hospitals, 4% in skilled nursing facilities and 3% in a self-employment capacity, for example as a consultant or practice owner. 13

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

Speech-language pathologists learn strategies for working with patients whose communication abilities may vary. Patients may not be able to speak at all; they may speak with difficulty (such as stuttering); they may have comprehension challenges, or they could have voice issues (such as inappropriate pitch).

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies some of the typical daily duties of speech-language pathologists as: 14

• Evaluate levels of speech, language and swallowing difficulties
• Develop treatment plans to manage patient needs
• Teach patients how to improve their voice quality and create challenging sounds
• Help patients develop and strengthen the muscles needed for swallowing
• Counsel patients and their families on ways to cope with their disorders

SLPs use specialized tools and techniques to help patients recover or repair their communication capabilities.

FAQs About How to Become a Speech Therapist

There is a lot to consider before dedicating years of study and preparation to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Here are some of the most common questions for anyone wondering how to become a speech pathologist.

What is a typical salary for a speech therapist?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for speech therapists is $89,290 annually, or $42.93 per hour, as of April 2024. 15  The top 10% took home more than $129,930 annually. 16 Potential income for an SLP often depends on geographic location, experience and if they work in a specialty field.

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

With the amount of speech pathologist schooling and clinical hours of experience required to attain SLP certification, the effort to get there can take some time. Let’s break down the number of speech pathologist schooling years you can expect en route to your career (all times are approximate):

• Four years: Undergraduate degree
• Two years: Graduate degree (including 400 hours of supervised clinical experience)
• four years: Clinical fellowship (at least 1,260 hours of mentored clinical experience over 36 weeks. A minimum of 5 hours per week is necessary, and the fellowship experience must be completed within 4 years from the date you begin) 17
• Eight years: total time to SLP certification

Do you need a degree to become a speech-language pathology assistant?

If diving into an eight-year commitment toward a career in speech-language pathology is intimidating, you can test the waters as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). As the title implies, SLPAs provide clerical and clinical support to SLPs.

Their tasks may include maintaining medical records, preparing diagnostic equipment and implementing therapeutic programs as determined by the speech therapist. Aspiring SLPAs can take three pathways towards certification. 18 One, for example, includes completing at least a two-year SLPA program degree with relevant coursework from a community college or technical training program and 100 hours of clinical care experience. 18

State regulations may vary; not all states allow speech-language pathology support staff. 19

Career Outlook

Speech-language pathology is a promising healthcare career with job security and growth potential. As of May 2024, it ranks #3 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of best healthcare jobs. 20

The national shortage of speech pathologists

Increasing awareness of communication disorders, such as stuttering and autism, continues to raise the demand for SLPs who treat young patients. However, the field has suffered from an SLP shortage for years, “ and there’s really no single answer “, according to Susan Karr, who served as ASHA’s associate director of school services for 27 years. 21 , 22

If you are an aspiring SLP, consider being open to relocating for a great job opportunity.

The Demand For Speech Therapists

With aging baby boomers living longer than previous generations, the number of seniors with sensory and communication disorders is also on the rise. There is a need for more practicing speech-language pathologists.

The projected employment rate of job openings for SLPs between 2022 and 2032 is 19%. 23 Approximately 13,200 openings for speech-language pathologists are projected each year over the next decade. 23

As the U.S. population simultaneously ages and becomes more educated about the impact of communication disorders, the need for speech therapists will continue to increase . From job security to an impressive salary and tremendous resources , a career in speech-language pathology is rewarding. Plus, empower others to communicate better, increase self-confidence and gain agency.

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program. The MS-SLP is an online program with four required on-campus residencies on the USAHS San Marcos, Austin, or Dallas campus. The program offers three intakes per year (Note: San Marcos campus only offers start dates in January and September until 2026), in January, May and September. Join a collaborative cohort of peers who learn under the mentorship of expert faculty-practitioners. Prepare to make a difference in the lives of clients across the lifespan with a meaningful career in speech therapy!

  The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology {residential Austin, TX; satellite Dallas, TX; satellite San Marcos; all distance education} at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

• “Council on Academic Accreditation,” CAA, https://caa.asha.org .
• “American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, January 2020, https://www.asha.org/certification/2020-slp-certification-standards .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “New York Licensing Requirements for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state/info/ny/licensure/
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “ASHA State-by-State,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/advocacy/state .
• “Praxis,” Praxis, https://praxis.ets.org .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Praxis Scores and Score Reports,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/praxis/praxis_scores .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “SLP Certification,” ASHA, https://www.asha.org/certification/slpcertification/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Speech, Language, and Swallowing,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/public/speech .
• Association for Research in Otolaryngology, “42nd Annual MidWinter Meeting,” ARO, 2019, https://aro.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2019-ARO-MWM-Abstracts-FINAL.pdf .
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Quick Statistics About Voice, Speech, Language,” NICD, March 4, 2024, https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-voice-speech-language .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Work Environment,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-3 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: What Speech-Language Pathologists Do,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Summary,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Pay,” BLS, April 17, 2024: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-5
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “A Guide to the ASHA Clinical Fellowship Experience,” ASHA, 2024, https://www.asha.org/certification/clinical-fellowship/ .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Assistants Program, “Become a Certified Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA),” ASHA, 2024, https://www.ashaassistants.org/pathways-speech-language-pathology-assistant .
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPA),” ASHA,  https://www.asha.org/assistants-certification-program/slpa-faqs/#how-states-credential .
• U.S. News & World Report, “Best Health Care Jobs,” U.S. News & World Report, 2024, https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-healthcare-jobs .
• AMN Healthcare, “What’s Driving the Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?,” AMN Healthcare, October 18, 2022, https://www.amnhealthcare.com/amn-insights/news/speech-language-pathologists .
• The ASHA Leader, “Retired,” ASHA, April 1, 2019, https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.PPL.24042019.22 .
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Speech-Language Pathologists: Job Outlook,” BLS, April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-6

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Teach.com / Careers / Careers in Healthcare / Become a Speech Pathologist

How to Become a Speech Therapist

Most people think of overcoming speech impediments when they think of speech-language pathology, but the profession of speech therapy or, as it’s commonly called, speech-language pathology, goes much deeper than that. Fluency, the ability to express thoughts and ideas, understanding others or even swallowing properly are all issues that speech therapists might assess, diagnose and treat.

And these are not insignificant challenges. Trouble communicating makes it difficult to pick up new information in and outside the classroom. It makes forming relationships hard, and in the case of swallowing disorders, it disrupts social interactions.

Speech therapists help prevent communication disorders early on and identify at-risk students, assess and evaluate communication skills in students and develop individualized education programs for those who need them. With how crucial speech-language pathologists are to education, many SLPs opt to pursue career opportunities within school systems.

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Speech pathologists, also called speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists, are professionals who work with people of all ages to improve communication techniques and treat swallowing disorders, among many other job responsibilities.

Speech pathologists practice in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, independent practices, doctor’s offices, schools, hospitals and residential health care facilities like nursing homes.

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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

Steps to Becoming a Speech Pathologist

There are three common steps that aspiring speech therapists can take to become a practicing SLP. Below, we have outlined the process:

To begin, aspiring professionals can pursue a bachelor’s degree from a reputable higher education institution. Although it is common for speech-language pathologists to come from a wide variety of backgrounds, it doesn’t hurt to demonstrate interest in the field by earning a degree related to speech therapy. A few examples of common undergraduate majors for aspiring speech-language pathologists are communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, language development, education, psychology and English.

In a majority of states—whether you’re employed in a clinical or a school environment— a master’s degree in speech-language pathology accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is an essential requirement for individuals pursuing a career as a speech therapist.  Master’s programs typically are paired with clinical or internship experiences to ensure that students are getting a well-rounded and practical learning experience. Coursework might cover language development, and anatomy and physiology, among various other topics. Many working professionals opt for online speech pathology programs to earn an advanced degree without having to relocate or compromise their work schedule and income.

SLPs must be licensed to practice, a process that varies by state and requires supervised clinical experience. For SLPS who want to work in schools, a teaching certification may also be necessary , depending on the state.

Interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist? Read more about earning a master’s in speech-language pathology (SLP) .

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for speech-language pathologists in 2022 was $84,140 . Those who worked in educational services (state, local and private) earned a median annual salary of $77,310.

Salary prospects for speech therapists depend on several factors, including the geographical area of their practice, the extent of their experience in the field and the particular work setting in which they are employed.

Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists

Employment of speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032 , which is considerably faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

As of May 2022, the states with the highest employment levels of SLPs are California, Texas, New York, Illinois and Florida.

Last Updated August 2023.

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• Home: Explore careers

Speech and language therapist

Alternative titles for this job include.

Speech and language therapists help people with speaking and communication problems and those with eating and swallowing difficulties.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

How to become speech and language therapist.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) .

If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.

If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.

If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for degree courses and apprenticeships.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from:

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Health Careers

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

As a speech and language therapist, you could:

• observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
• plan and develop therapy programmes
• help patients regain communication after brain injuries or a stroke
• support children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
• work with children with language delays or disorders

Working environment

You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, in a nursery or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in working with:

• children with special educational needs
• people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

After further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed and run your own business.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england.

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Speech and language therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to he: health science professions.

• Provider: HULL COLLEGE
• Start date: 03 September 2024
• Location: Hull

Access To HE - Health Science Professions - Online (Distance Learning)

• Provider: BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE
• Start date: 02 September 2024
• Location: Not known

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapy is an exciting and varied career. It offers you the chance to make a difference, a high degree of flexibility and excellent employment prospects. You’ll work with patients every day to help improve their care and their lives. 

If you enjoy science, education, languages, linguistics or medicine - speech and language therapy could be the profession for you.

Working life

Speech and language therapists provide life-changing treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing. You'll help people who, for physical or psychological reasons, have problems speaking and communicating.

Patients range from children whose speech is slow to develop, to older people whose ability to speak has been impaired by illness or injury. It also includes treatment for those who have difficulty with eating or swallowing. 

What you’ll do as a speech and language therapist

Variety is one of the most exciting things about being a speech and language therapist. As well as helping patients with a variety of conditions, you’ll work in a multi-disciplinary team in different settings from hospitals to community clinics to patients' homes.

You'll help children with a variety of conditions including:

• mild, moderate or severe learning difficulties
• specific difficulties in producing sounds
• hearing impairment
• cleft lip and palate
• voice disorders
• selective mutism
• developmental language disorder .

You'll help adults with:

• communication or eating and swallowing problems following neurological impairments and degenerative conditions, including stroke , head injury, Parkinson's disease and dementia
• voice problems
• mental health issues
• learning difficulties
• physical disabilities

You would also work closely with teachers and other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and psychologists. You may also supervise the work of speech and language therapy assistants.

Max Elswood

Speech and language therapy student.

Having an impact on someone’s quality of life makes me proud to be studying speech and language therapy.

How to become a speech and language therapist

To become a speech and language therapist, you’ll need to train and study at degree or postgraduate level. A degree apprenticeship has also been approved. 

Entry requirements

To get on to an speech and language therapy degree course you usually need:

• two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs ( grades A-C ), including English language, maths and science

or alternative qualifications, including

• BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
• relevant T level
• relevant NVQ
• science-based access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

If you already hold a relevant first degree, you can apply for an accelerated postgraduate programme in speech and language therapy. These courses usually last two years.

Each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully. 

Annual payments

If you're eligible, you’ll receive at least £5,000 a year to help fund your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news? You'll never have to pay it back. Find out more. 

Degree apprenticeship

There are a growing number of degree apprenticeships. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.

Must-have skills

Don’t forget – academic qualifications aren't everything. You'll need to be able to motivate and reassure people of all ages using your excellent communication skills. You'll also need to be able problem solve and show real leadership and organisational skills. You'll also need to be happy working alone and as part of a team.

Training and career development

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where we’ll discuss your career aspirations and plan how we can help you to achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. You may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice such as cleft and lip palate, people with swallowing difficulties or learning disability. Other options include teaching or research.

You could also do further training and an advanced clinical practitioner or move into management. As head of a local speech and language therapy service you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing a budget.

Pay and conditions

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours. As an speech and language therapist, you’ll be paid on the  Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system , typically starting on band 5.

You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

Find your course to become a speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapy.

University of Greenwich

• Qualification Bachelor of Science - BSc Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 3 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 020 8331 9000
• Region South East Admissions address Central Avenue Chatham ME4 4TB United Kingdom

Speech and Language Therapy (Including Placement Year)

University of Essex

• Qualification Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 4 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 01206 873666
• Region East of England Admissions address University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ England
• Qualification Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 3 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (with foundation year)

Manchester Metropolitan University

• Qualification Bachelor of Science - BSc Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 4 years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 0161 247 69 69
• Region North West Admissions address Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH United Kingdom

De Montfort University

• Contact details [email protected] 0116 2078443
• Region East Midlands Admissions address The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH England
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Speech-language pathologists offer critical services to a wide variety of individuals.

The primary organization associated with the speech-language pathology profession is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Guided by a vision of making effective communication accessible and achievable for all people, ASHA supports speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and related scientists by establishing standards, promoting science and professional excellence, and advocating for the patients they serve. ASHA certifies speech-language pathologists. Certification is necessary for those seeking to become practicing speech-language pathologists.

Given the diversity of speech, language, and related disorders within the general population, it is common for professionals to pursue additional specialized training and subsequent certification. A brief summary of additional certifications is provided near the bottom of this page.

This page details how to become a speech-language pathologist, including the necessary education, training, and certifications required in this profession.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist, abbreviated as SLP, is considered a communication expert. Speech-language pathologists are trained to work with people of all ages, including children and babies. SLPs treat several communication and swallowing disorders. Some of the problems SLPs treat include speech sounds, language, social communication, literacy, fluency, and feeding and swallowing.

A person interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist must complete coursework requirements culminating in an academic degree, successfully pass an examination, and complete a clinical fellowship.

Arizona State University

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts continued robust growth in opportunities for speech-language pathologists in the 2020s. Employment of SLPs is predicted to grow 21 percent from 2021 to 2031, with an average of 14,000 new openings expected.

Demand for SLPs is driven by several factors, including workforce attrition due to retirement and job transfer, the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, growing awareness of speech and language disorders that prompt more individuals to seek out treatment, and, finally, medical advances in other fields that allow more individuals to survive incidents such as injury, stroke and trauma and who subsequently need speech therapy as a form of rehabilitative care.

Steps to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists must complete several steps before having the skills and authorization to work in this discipline. These steps are enumerated below.

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree (four years).

Students may study any discipline as an undergraduate but may ultimately be more prepared for the profession if they study communication science and disorders (CSD) or a closely related subject. Those who opt not to study CSD as undergraduates may benefit from accelerated programs to help them develop any critical competencies they might otherwise miss.

Step 2: Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (two years).

Full-time students can often complete graduate-level studies in two years. Practicing SLPs must ultimately study from many disciplines, including biology, human anatomy, linguistics, mathematics, neuroscience, and psychology.

Requirements for acceptance into such programs vary by state. For example, California requires applicants to pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test, the California Subject Examination for Teachers and the CSU EAP. Students must thoroughly review all programmatic and prerequisite requirements when applying for admission.

The programs listed below represent only a small fraction of the many programs operating in the United States. Given the large demand for SLPs, prospective students will often have success finding programs operating in their current state of residency.

Boston University

Boston University (BU) offers one of the nation’s top programs in speech-language pathology. BU offers a residential master of science in speech-language pathology designed to meet ASHA certification standards and Massachusetts state licensure. Located in one of America’s vibrant and historical cities, this program offers extensive academic, clinical, and research opportunities.

This 67-credit program can typically be completed within four semesters of full-time study. Students must complete a minimum of 59 credits at BU in order to receive the degree from the university. The program features several requirements, including the completion of a minimum of four credits during a summer term, completion of at least one semester focused on full-time study and successful completion of a comprehensive written examination. Some students may substitute a thesis for the written exam, depending on their qualifications. Each student crafts a study plan with their faculty advisor’s guidance and approval.

This degree program also features a clinical practicum requirement. The practicum is designed to expose students to a variety of patient populations. Given the diverse population of Boston and its neighboring communities, students will find a wealth of potential practicum placements. Students also have the option to offer individual and group treatment at the BU Academic Speech, Language, and Hearing Center or the Aphasia Resource Center. As with other placements, students complete such training under the supervision of an appropriately skilled practitioner.

• Location: Boston, MA
• Accreditation: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $30,525 per semester (12-18 credits); $1,908 per credit when taking fewer than 12 credits

Maryville University

Maryville University offers a 57-credit master’s degree in speech-language pathology. The degree can be completed within a 24-month period when students complete approximately nine credit hours in the summer term between two full academic years of study. The curriculum prepares students for both ASHA certification and CCC-SLP status designation. Those seeking licensure in Missouri or another state must also complete a clinical fellowship year after completing the degree program.

The program is designed to prepare students to work in varied workplaces, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, clinics, and early intervention programs. Patient populations may include children experiencing autism, individuals who have speech deficits due to stroke or traumatic brain injury and people who have language delays.

Students will often first gain direct client experience on-campus in the Maryville University Speech and Language Clinic. Other potential practicum placements include the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders and within several local medical and educational institutions in the local community. ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists must supervise all practicum experiences.

• Location: St. Louis, MO
• Estimated Tuition: $797 per credit or $13,035 per semester

University of Florida

The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions features an internationally recognized faculty that offers a master of arts program in communication sciences and disorders. The program provides the necessary academic and clinical training to prepare graduates for a career in speech-language pathology. This program cultivates the development of professionals who value competence, ethical conduct, commitment to service, and a dedication to lifelong learning. Successful graduates possess the skills to design and offer effective, evidence-based clinical services that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for varied patient populations.

Students can typically complete the program over five semesters within a period of approximately two years. In addition to traditional classroom coursework, students complete both a practicum and an externship. Students typically complete a practicum valued at two credit hours every semester but the final one. Students select an externship of personal interest and complete this requirement in their final semester. Departmental support is available to students as they identify and apply to a potential externship site.

Students interested in a more research-oriented career can pursue a thesis track option within this program. Such students complete research with the mentorship of a suitable faculty member.

• Location: Gainesville, FL
• Estimated Tuition: $530.69 per credit for FL residents; $1,255.41 per credit for non-residents

University of Washington

The University of Washington offers an SLP master of science degree with the option to select one of three specialization tracks. These tracks are educational SLP, medical SLP and clinical research SLP. All three tracks feature foundational coursework that meet ASHA certification requirements and clinical and interprofessional experiences.

Student cohort size, program duration, and total credit requirements vary among the three tracks. The clinical research track features a small cohort and a larger total credit hours requirement. The medical SLP track features the highest total program tuition of the three tracks. A detailed comparison of these track options can be found on the degree program website.

Regardless of track, the curriculum is designed to prepare professionals skilled in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of various speech sound, language, fluency, voice, cognition-communication, social communication, and swallowing disorders. Students learn to work effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. The educational track also incorporates knowledge of existing and emergent research and technology relevant to treating varied disorders.

Students have several options to fulfill clinical education requirements. These include on-campus sites such as the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic and UW Center of Human Development and Disability and community-based settings, including schools, private practices, and hospitals.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Estimated Tuition: Quarterly in-state tuition rate ranges from $5,798 to $7,694; out-of-state from $8,300 to $10,098

Step 3: Apply for ASHA certification.

As previously mentioned, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional association responsible for the certification of speech-language pathologists. Certification is a means of demonstrating professional credibility.

Certified SLPs have successfully completed both a master’s or doctoral program from an accredited academic program and a supervised clinical experience. They have also received a passing score on their national exam. While ASHA certification is not compulsory holding, such certification indicates a practitioner has exceeded the minimum requirements for state licensure.

Certified SLPs may enjoy several benefits. including salary supplements, assurance of service reimbursement, and professional recognition as holding the qualifications to mentor clinical fellows.

Step 4: Successfully pass the Speech-Language Pathology Praxis Exam for ASHA.

Students become eligible to apply for certification when they have completed their academic and clinical training requirements and have been determined to hold the skills and knowledge required by current certification standards. The graduate program typically makes this determination the student has studied within. Applicants must pass the national examination in the area in which they seek a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Upon initiation of the certification application, students have a period of 24 months in which they can take and pass the Praxis exam. A passing score is at least 162 on a 100 to 200 scale.

Students seeking to prepare for the exam may consult the Speech-Language Pathology Study Companion to develop familiarity with content typically included in the exam.

Step 5: Obtain a certificate of clinical competence in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP).

This certification requires graduation from an accredited program, passage of the Praxis Exam, and completion of a clinical fellowship supervised by a certified SLP. The fellowship consists of a minimum of 1,260 hours and a minimum of 36 weeks of full-time experience or its part-time equivalent. The fellowship must be completed within four years.

Upon receipt of this certificate, speech-language pathologists can demonstrate they have met professional and academic standards that are often greater than those required to obtain state licensure. Certification is a testament to professional competence and continued professional development.

The CCC-SLP is only granted to graduates of programs specifically accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Maintenance of a current CCC-SLP requires SLPs to complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

Individuals seeking further study for the purposes of specialization and career advancement may complete a clinical doctoral degree (CScD, SLPD) in another two to three years.

Other Certifications for SLPs

The CCC-SLP certification is considered the primary certification within the speech-language pathology profession. Additional SLP certifications may be earned by those seeking to operate a specialized practice.

For example, certification may be sought to work with individuals experiencing Parkinson’s disease, neurological conditions, or swallowing and fluency disorders. In many cases, an SLP must first have a CCC-SLP certification before seeking a specialized certification. Specializations within these areas of practice can help professionals to advance their careers.

Three organizations offer specialty certifications. These are the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders, the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders.

A listing of some specialized certifications and training appears below:

• Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification (LSVT LOUD)
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• PROMPTS for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT)
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Speech Therapy Board Certified Specialists (BCS) – including BCS-F, BCS-S, and BCS-CL

State Licensure for Speech-Language Pathologists

All states have a regulatory framework for the speech-language pathology profession. As previously noted, CCC-SLP certification often meets requirements more rigorous than those established for licensure in many states.

Professionals seeking to practice in a state other than that where they obtain their SLP education should consult the relevant medical or health licensure board to determine what additional requirements they must meet to secure licensure. In addition, practitioners holding specializations like those noted above may find it necessary to fulfill still more requirements to practice within their specialization.

Bernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected] .

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Also Known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech Therapist

• What They Do
• Conditions Treated

Training for Speech Pathologists

• When to See an SLP

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who helps you improve your speech and communication if you have been ill, injured, or have a chronic disability. Speech pathologists may also be called speech-language pathologists (SLP).

Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drink to help them stay safe while eating.

This article examines the important work that speech pathologists do as part of a rehabilitation team of professionals. You will learn what conditions they treat and when you should seek out the services of an SLP.

What a Speech Pathologist Does

A speech pathologist is a trained medical professional who works with patients who are injured or ill and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing. They work to prevent, assess, and treat these disorders in adults and children.

Speech pathologists help people communicate, and this may involve:

• Expressive communication : The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally
• Receptive communication : The ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communications

Some speech therapists work closely with audiologists (healthcare professionals who treat hearing and balance problems) to ensure that you can hear and understand language correctly. Others work with otolaryngologists , also called ear, nose, and throat physicians (ENTs), to help patients swallow food and drink safely and to assist patients with oral motor function.

Common Specialty Areas

Some speech pathologists have a more generalized practice, while others have a more narrow focus on specific areas or problems such as:

• Social communication
• Voice and vocal hygiene
• Speech sound disorders

Some of the official certifications that a speech pathologist may receive include:

•  Intraoperative monitoring
•  Fluency disorders
•  Swallowing and feeding disorders
•  Child language disorders

Speech pathologists seeking specialty certification have to meet education, experience, and clinical practice requirements as established by independent specialty certification boards.

Where Speech Therapists Work

There are a variety of settings in which speech pathologists work. This may include:

• Schools: Speech therapists working in schools help children with speech disorders learn to overcome their communication challenges.
• Nursing homes: Speech therapists in nursing homes help patients with dementia or communication issues caused by other conditions like stroke learn communication strategies. They also work with staff on ways to help residents communicate more effectively.
• Hospitals: A speech pathologist working in a hospital may help diagnose and treat language communication problems and swallowing disorders in hospitalized patients. 
• Private practices: Speech pathologists may also work in private practices where they may specialize in one or more language problems or health conditions in specific populations.

Speech pathologists can also work as educators in colleges and universities, and they may be involved in research.

Conditions Speech Therapists Treat

Speech pathologists work with people of various ages and with a variety of conditions. They sometimes work with young children who are having problems speaking properly, or they may help older adults with cognitive communication (communication that is affected by memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving, which are examples of executive functioning ).

A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and communication. Depending on the extent of the stroke, this loss of ability may be short-term or long-term. A speech pathologist can help someone who is recovering from a stroke regain their ability to speak and understand language.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition of the brain that affects how you communicate with others. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and can affect your ability to speak and understand what is being said.

Hearing Loss

A speech pathologist may work with other professionals such as audiologists and ENTs to help assess, manage, and treat someone with hearing loss. Some of the things a speech pathologist might do to help someone with hearing loss include evaluating the person's speech, helping them improve listening skills, and working with them to develop alternative communication strategies.

Vocal Damage

Vocal cords can become damaged in various ways including persistent coughing and voice overuse. A speech pathologist can teach you muscle strengthing and voice rehabilitation excercises and other strategies to help your vocal cords heal (such as cough modification). 

English Language Learners

If you are learning a new language and wish to alter your accent, you may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, as well. They can help you form words and sounds correctly to alter your normal speech in learning a new language.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head or an accident that affects the parts of the brain that control language can also lead to problems with communication. A speech therapist can help someone with this type of injury recover lost speech and language skills.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by several different medical conditions including muscular problems, a narrowed esophagus, damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or esophageal cancer. 

Untreated dysphagia can lead to problems eating and drinking including choking. A speech pathologist can help you develop strategies for safe chewing and swallowing, including exercises, correct body position, and food preparation recommendations. 

People with autism can have difficulty with both written and spoken communication as well as body-language forms of communication such as pointing and waving. Autism is also associated with difficulties relating to and socializing with other people. 

A speech pathologist can help people with autism understand communication norms and improve their written and spoken communication skills. They can also work with the families of people with autism on strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Alzheimer's Disease

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may develop communication problems as the disease progresses. A speech therapist can help the person develop memory skills and other strategies that will help them communicate.

Speech pathologists also work with the family and caregivers of people with dementia so they can help the person implement communication tools and strategies.   

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorder describes speech patterns characterized by differences in rate and rhythm compared to how most people speak. 

Stuttering is the most common example of a fluency disorder. Another example is cluttering, which describes speech that is atypically fast and irregular.

Speech pathologists usually develop an individualized treatment plan for someone with a fluency disorder, which may include strategies such as:

• Minimizing negative reactions to the problem
• Increasing the person's acceptance of the problem
• Improving confidence
• Reducing avoidance behavior

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders describe problems articulating words. People with speech sound disorders may be hard for others to understand. This can result in problems with social relationships, at work, or at school. 

Speech sound disorders are common in childhood and can be treated with the help of a speech pathologist. The pathologist will look at how the person moves their tongue, lips and jaw and help them learn the correct way to make sounds. 

People with speech sound disorders often have other problems with language; their speech therapist can also help them develop strategies to overcome these problems.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Voice therapy for transgender people can be an important part of gender-affirming healthcare. Learning to speak in ways that align with gender identity can improve a transgender person's quality of life as well as their social and psychological well-being.

A speech pathologist can help a transgender person learn to modify the pitch of their voice in ways that limit fatigue and damage to the vocal cords. They can also help the person learn nonverbal communication, articulation, and other strategies that can help their voice align with their gender identity.

To be a speech pathologist, a person must have a master's degree in communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology require time spent observing a speech therapist at work prior to admission. This satisfies the requirement for entry into school and provides a good understanding of what a speech pathologist's job is like.

The first year of work as a speech therapist is called a clinical fellowship year. During this time, aspiring speech pathologists will work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

Additional steps to becoming a speech pathologist include:

• Obtaining a certificate of clinical competence in SLP (CCC-SLP)
• Passing a national Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology
• Applying for SLP licensure in the state in which you will be working

A speech pathologist's education does not end when they leave school and pass the national examination. They must also fulfill continuing education requirements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to maintain their license.

When to See a Speech Pathologist

There are certain instances in which you may need to see a speech pathologist. For example, parents commonly notice small speech or language impairments in their children and seek out an SLP.

Adults may want to work with a speech pathologist to help with new or existing communication or language problems.

If you become hospitalized, you may have a speech pathologist come to your room and work with you at your bedside. They can help you with speech and language, swallowing and diet issues, and can work with other members of a rehab team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to return home.

When to see a medical professional

Many speech and language disorders benefit from the help of a speech therapist, but some are more urgent than others. Any sudden onset of impaired speech should be considered an emergency, as the person may be experiencing a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.

Children should be closely monitored for speech and language development. If your child does not have the language skills expected for their age, it is a good idea to see a speech pathologist as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one is having trouble communicating or understanding language, then working with a speech pathologist may be a good idea.

SLPs treat children and adults with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neurological injuries, autism, and more. They are trained to assess your condition and offer strategies to improve your expressive and receptive communication and swallowing function.

Pascoe A, Breen LJ, Cocks N. What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?: What is needed to prepare SPs to work in adult palliative care? .  International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2018;53(3):542-549. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12367

American Speech Language Hearing Association. Who are speech pathologists, and what do they do? .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Social communication .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech sound disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical specialty certification .

Reilly S, Harper M, Goldfeld S. The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just different? . J Paediatr Child Health . 2016;52(12):1057-1061. doi:10.1111/jpc.13318

National Aphasia Association. Stroke .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Aphasia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing loss in adults .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Autism (autism spectrum disorder) .

Alzheimer's Association. Strategies to support changes in memory, language and behavior in the early stages of dementia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fluency disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Gender-affirming voice therapy advocacy .

SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. How to become a speech pathologist .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Identifying speech and language concerns about your child and when should you seek help?  

Salary.com. Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States .

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

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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.

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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• Speech and language therapy
• Become a speech and language therapist

Why choose speech and language therapy?

Speech and language therapy is an exciting, flexible profession with many career paths and clinical areas. Find out whether it could be the right career for you.

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You’ll have the opportunity to work with people of all ages who have communication and swallowing difficulties. Whether it’s helping an adult who has had a stroke learn to talk again, or helping premature babies with feeding and swallowing problems, speech and language therapists (SLTs) make a huge difference to the people they work with. SLTs also have a vital role in rehabilitation and supporting patients with COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID-19 and speech and language therapy .

Working with children and young people

You could support children and young people with:

Want to learn more about the work of paediatric SLTs? Watch this video about Lucy, a student SLT , and check out these video stories from Vanessa and Shafaq .

Working with adults

You could support adults with:

Want to learn more about the work of adult SLTs? Watch this video about Claire, an SLT working in a hospital , and check out these video stories from Ilyeh and Jackie .

You could even go on to become a university lecturer.

Want to learn more about an academic career path? Watch Sean’s video story , and hear from the speech and language therapy course team at Leeds Beckett University about why they wanted to become SLTs .

Where do SLTs work?

There’s no such thing as a typical day for an SLT. You might work as part of a multidisciplinary team or as a private practitioner in any number of settings, such as:

In these settings, there are a wide variety of roles you could play. You might:

• Help a patient who has had a stroke learn to speak again.
• Help a baby struggling to feed learn how to swallow.
• Help a person with motor neurone disease speak through a communication aid.
• Support families to communicate with a family member who’s had a traumatic brain injury.
• Help someone with a mental health condition like schizophrenia understand what’s happening to them.
• Assess and support a young offender in accessing talking therapies to develop their understanding of the justice system.
• Provide training to staff in a residential home to support the communication in individuals with learning disabilities.
• Support someone who is non-verbal in making meaningful choices that affect their lives, from deciding what they want to wear to where they want to go.
• Help a young person with autism develop the skills to form friendships at school.

Want to learn more about a day in the life of an SLT?

Check out the virtual reality film from Health Education England (HEE). Created with input from SLTs and the RCSLT, the video covers a good range of settings and service users to give a vivid insight into the profession. It was filmed both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The video can be viewed with or without a virtual reality headset.

If you have a bit more time, watch this panel discussion on a career in speech and language therapy .

Still not sure if speech and language therapy is for you?

Ask yourself if you enjoy:

• Working with people of all ages and from all backgrounds
• Bringing together science, education, social sciences, languages, linguistics and medicine
• Working as part of a team
• Listening and communicating with people
• Solving problems
• Being responsible and accountable for your work
• Always learning new things and being creative
• Leading a team

If you answered yes to any of the above, speech and language therapy could be a great fit for you.

Explore routes into speech and language therapy

University degrees.

Find out how to study a university-based course

Apprenticeships

Find out if an apprenticeship is right for you

Apply for a degree

Read our tips on applying for university

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Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Career Guide

• Career guide intro
• How to become
• Specializations
• Career path

Similar job titles

• Trends and outlook
• Career tips
• Where the jobs are

What is a speech-language pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist, also known as an SLP or speech therapist, is a licensed healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to older adults, who experience speech, language, voice, fluency, or swallowing difficulties. Individualized treatment plans are developed and implemented to help patients overcome challenges and improve their overall quality of life.

SLPs are trained in therapeutic techniques and strategies to address a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. These may result from various causes, such as developmental delays, neurological disorders, brain injuries, hearing loss, or genetic conditions. They empower patients to communicate more effectively by providing targeted interventions and support, enhancing their social, academic, and professional success.

Many patients have difficulty with speech or language disorders because they prevent clear communication, so speech therapists must be compassionate. Understanding what patients are going through helps to connect with patients and succeed with treatment. 

SLPs must have a knack for scientific processes. Understanding biological and social sciences and anatomy will help with treating patients. Treatment is different for everyone, so pathologists must adapt when creating and adjusting plans for various situations or disorders. 

Duties and responsibilities

Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders. They begin by conducting comprehensive evaluations, including observing patients, administering standardized tests, and analyzing speech and language samples. Based on the findings, an individualized treatment plan is developed and tailored to a patient’s needs and goals.

Various therapeutic techniques are used to address issues such as articulation, language comprehension, expressive language, voice disorders, fluency, and swallowing difficulties. SLPs educate and support patients’ families, caregivers, and educators, offering guidance or strategies to facilitate communication and promote progress outside therapy sessions. Detailed records track progress, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals is conducted as needed to ensure comprehensive care.

Work environment

Speech therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, private practice, and research facilities. They work with a diverse range of patients, from children with speech and language development issues to adults suffering from neurological disorders or injuries.

The role can be both physically and emotionally demanding, as it involves standing for long periods and dealing with the emotional challenges of patients struggling with communication disorders. However, it can also be highly rewarding, particularly when they see their patients make significant progress.

Typical work hours

The typical hours for an SLP can vary based on the type of work performed. Most full-time pathologists work 40 hours a week during traditional business hours. Those in schools may start as early as 7:00 am and work until 3:00 pm.

Private practitioners can set work hours or schedules to fit their lifestyles. Weekend or holiday office hours garner more revenue than regular business hours.  

How to become a speech-language pathologist

In this career guide section, we cover the steps you’ll need to take to achieve your goal of becoming an SLP:

Step 1:  Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree in a field that prepares you for graduate school. Popular undergraduate majors include communication sciences and disorders, language development, education, linguistics, psychology, and English. The communication sciences and disorders major is typically the best since its requirements usually include all the prerequisites for graduate school. 

Here are the standard prerequisite courses needed for a master’s degree:

• Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism focuses on the structures and functions of systems and processes involved in speech production. This usually covers the phonatory, articulatory, resonatory, and nervous systems and how they relate to sound waves. 
• Phonetics, or the science of speech sounds, covers how sounds are produced, perceived, and classified.
• Language Development discusses different developmental periods when children understand language and communicate with speech. 
• Communication Disorders is an introductory course into the different types of communication disorders. This involves an overview of speech, language, cognitive, swallowing, and feeding disorders that pathologists help diagnose and treat. 

Step 2: Obtain a master’s degree in speech-language pathology

Once you earn a bachelor’s degree, it is time to look at universities offering a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Before admission into graduate school, ASHA requirements for undergraduate work must be completed. This involves:  

• Physical Sciences
• Behavioral/Social Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Completing 25 clinical observation hours
• Neuroscience/Neuroanatomy
• Auditory Rehabilitation
• Speech Sound Disorders

Step 3: Complete the required number of supervised clinical hours

During a graduate program, you can complete 400 hours of supervised clinical experience as a “practicing” speech-language pathologist. Twenty-five hours must be in guided clinical observation, while 375 hours must be in direct patient contact. Guided clinical observation includes activities such as viewing educational videos, discussing therapy and evaluation procedures that have been observed, and documentation practices. Direct patient contact includes time with patients and dealing with particular speech and language disorders.  

Step 4: Find a specialty

There are many different work environments for SLPs. They can work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or residential healthcare facilities. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recognizes various areas of specialization, including:

• Motor Speech Disorders
• Fluency Disorders
• Language Disorders
• Feeding & Swallowing Disorders
• Cognition-Communication Disorders
• Resonance Disorders

Speech therapists gain experience with disorders during supervised clinical hours in graduate school. It is essential to learn more about disorders before choosing a specialty. 

Step 5: Pass the Praxis exam

You must pass the Praxis examination to become licensed to work in your state as a practicing speech-language pathologist. The Praxis demonstrates competence, knowledge, and instructional skills for various situations. The exam allows 150 minutes to answer 132 questions, and the current passing score for ASHA certification is 162 based on a 100-200 scale. Some states may require lower or higher scores to become licensed. 

The Praxis examinations cover the following topics:

• Foundations and Professional Practice
• Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment 

These topics will focus on the Big Nine areas: 

• Speech sound production
• Voice, resonance, motor speech
• Receptive and expressive language
• Social aspects of communication, including pragmatics
• Communication impairments related to cognition
• Treatment involving augmentative and alternative communication
• Hearing and aural rehabilitation
• Swallowing and feeding

Step 6: Complete a clinical fellowship

A nine-month clinical fellowship must be completed after passing the Praxis examination and becoming licensed. A minimum of 1,260 hours of clinical experience must be earned. At least 80% of those hours must be direct clinical contact regarding disorders, diagnoses, and treatment. The other 20% of hours can be met through various activities, including attending training sessions or giving presentations.

Examples of direct clinical contact include: 

• Screening, response to intervention, or observations of patient
• Assessment and diagnostic evaluations
• Writing reports or notes
• patient consultation or counseling
• Individualized Education Program meetings

Step 7: Get certified through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Most states require certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to become licensed. Here are ASHA’s standards for becoming a nationally certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP):  

• Earn a graduate degree from an accredited program
• Clock 1,600+ hours of supervised clinical experience during schooling and a clinical fellowship
• Pass the Praxis examination 
• Take 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years for license renewal

Step 8: Stay up-to-date with certification, licenses, and continuing education

Continuing education requirements may vary from state to state. Most SLPs must attend additional training or courses to keep their licenses active. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years. In addition, consider taking courses to develop relevant skills.

Here is a sample of some of the options available for continuing education:

• Hearing Loss in Children
• Introduction to Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Specialization
• Speech-Language Pathology 101
• Speech and Language Therapy for Children

How much do speech-language pathologists make?

A variety of factors can influence an SLP’s salary. Educational background plays a central role, as all professionals in this field require a master’s degree, and those with a doctoral degree may command higher salaries. Experience also heavily influences earning potential, with seasoned professionals making more than their less-experienced counterparts. Industry and area of specialty also impact salary; for instance, speech therapists in healthcare settings may earn more than those in educational services. Geographic location also plays a considerable role, with pathologists making more in urban areas or states with a higher cost of living.

Finally, the employer’s size, whether a school district, hospital, or private practice, can also affect compensation.

Highest paying industries

• Management of Companies – $100,050
• Home Healthcare – $95,460
• Residential Care Facilities – $94,680
• Health Practitioner Offices – $90,035
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals – $89,650

Highest paying states

• New Jersey – $95,100
• California – $93,510
• New York – $91,740
• Colorado – $90,980
• Connecticut – $90,550

The average national salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is:

Browse SLP salary data by market

Specializations of speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathology services fall into nine different categories. Although pathologists have experience with all nine, they may only specialize in one or two types. In this career guide section, we will explore the different specialties, shedding light on their unique responsibilities and areas of focus. 

Articulation

This area focuses on the pronunciation of speech. Pathologists teach people how to properly move their tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw to produce speech sounds. 

Fluency refers to the smoothness and effort that goes into speech production. The focus is treating disfluencies such as repetitions, prolongations, and blocks.

Voice & resonance

These types of disorders focus on the sound vibrations in the pharynx (throat), oral cavity (mouth), and nasal cavity (nose). 

These pathologists help individuals with comprehension or the use of language difficulties.

This area includes attention, concentration, orientation, and word retrieval. 

In collaboration with audiologists, patients are helped with hearing impairments to improve communication. 

These pathologists help diagnose and treat swallowing disorders by observing the patient eating and drinking and providing them with different exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles. 

Social communication

This category involves pragmatics, social interaction, social understanding, and language processing. These pathologists offer techniques and strategies to strengthen social skills and language competence.

Top skills for speech-language pathologists

SLPs draw on many skills to deliver optimal patient care. These skills comprise deep clinical knowledge and expertise in speech-language pathology, excellent communication skills, sharp observational skills, strong problem-solving capabilities, high levels of patience and compassion, and solid documentation and record-keeping abilities. Understanding a patient’s needs and tailoring treatment plans accordingly is an integral part of the role, as is maintaining ongoing professional development in an ever-evolving field.

Pathologists need extensive clinical knowledge and expertise to effectively diagnose, evaluate, and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. This involves a comprehensive understanding of physiological and developmental aspects of speech and language mechanisms. It is important to stay updated with the latest research and treatment methodologies to provide the most effective care.

Strong communication skills are necessary to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely to patients and their families. Pathologists must be able to actively listen to understand a patient’s needs, concerns, and goals. These communication abilities extend to interactions with other healthcare professionals, making it a critical skill for ensuring holistic care.

Assessing and treating speech and language disorders requires good observational skills. Pathologists must be able to closely observe a patient’s verbal and nonverbal cues to identify abnormalities, track progress, and adapt treatment strategies. Adeptness at noticing subtle changes or improvements significantly influences a patient’s therapy plan.

Speech therapists frequently encounter diverse and complex cases, making problem-solving skills essential. They need to use critical thinking to diagnose disorders, develop customized treatment plans, and modify treatment based on a patient’s progress or response to therapy.

Their work requires considerable patience and compassion. Speech and language therapy requires repetitive practice, so patience encourages patients to remain persistent. Compassion and empathy are the cornerstones of supportive, patient-centric care.

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is crucial in speech-language pathology. This includes documenting assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant information. Good record-keeping ensures continuity of care, aids in tracking progress, and supports billing and reimbursement procedures. It also forms a vital part of compliance with healthcare’s legal, ethical, and professional standards.

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Speech-language pathologist career path

A career as an SLP typically begins with an entry-level position, often in a supportive role to more experienced clinicians. In this initial phase, recent graduates can apply theoretical knowledge gained during academic training to practical, real-world scenarios. Working with experienced speech therapists promotes learning from their expertise.

After gaining some years of experience and additional certification in a chosen area of focus, speech-language pathologists often progress to more senior positions. They handle more complex cases at this stage and begin specializing in pediatrics, geriatrics, or specific speech or language disorders. These specialized roles often require additional training and certification but offer the opportunity to become an expert in a particular area.

Experienced SLPs can take on supervisory roles, overseeing the work of less experienced clinicians. They may provide training and guidance, help develop therapy plans, and ensure quality standards are met.

The next potential step on the career ladder could be a management or directorial position. These roles often involve administrative tasks and managing a team or department. Sometimes, these positions may require a higher degree, such as a doctorate or a master’s in health administration.

Alternatively, some pathologists may decide to move into academia or research. In these roles, they can contribute to the development of the field by teaching future generations of speech therapists or conducting research to advance our understanding of speech and language disorders.

• Behavior Analyst
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Assistant

Position trends and outlook for speech-language pathologists

The role of speech therapists is becoming increasingly recognized and valued in various settings such as schools, hospitals, private practice, and telehealth platforms. Increased autism diagnosis rates and a more comprehensive understanding of communication disorders have increased the demand.

Technological advancements have ushered in new forms of therapy, like computer-based articulation and voice therapy programs, providing innovative tools for intervention. Telepractice, the online delivery of speech-language pathology services, is another growing trend in the field, making services more accessible to those living in remote areas or with mobility issues.

Employment projections for SLPs

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 21% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population grows older, there may be an increase in conditions such as strokes and dementia, which can cause speech or language impairments.

Pathologists will be needed to treat more patients with these conditions. Additionally, medical advances are improving the survival rate of premature infants and victims of trauma and stroke who require assessment and possible treatment.

Speech-language pathologist career tips

Understand your patients’ perspectives.

Being an SLP involves more than understanding the technical aspects of speech and language disorders; it requires empathy and understanding patients’ experiences. Spend time understanding patients’ perspectives, feelings, and frustrations. This will help build rapport, earn trust, and better address specific needs.

Stay updated with research

Speech-language pathology is a dynamic field, with ongoing research continually unveiling new techniques and approaches for managing speech and language disorders. Stay updated with the latest research findings by subscribing to professional journals, attending webinars, and participating in workshops.

Collaborate with other professionals

Pathologists often work with other professionals, including psychologists, occupational therapists, and educators. Building solid relationships with these professionals can enhance your understanding of patient’s needs and help provide a more holistic care approach.

Build a professional network

Building a professional network can significantly benefit your practice as a speech therapist. It can lead to collaboration opportunities, job leads, learning, and more. Here are a few professional associations and networks worth exploring:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• The National Aphasia Association
• International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics
• Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Sciences
• Special Interest Group for Speech-Language Pathologists (SIG-SLP)

Continuous learning

Given the dynamic nature of speech-language pathology, continuous learning is essential. Here are a few suggestions:

• Subscribe to professional journals and attend webinars and conferences to keep updated with the latest trends and techniques in speech-language pathology
• Additional certifications in specialized areas, such as dysphagia or language literacy, can enhance skills and make you a more versatile professional
• Understanding various populations’ cultural and linguistic nuances can help serve a more diverse range of patients

Embrace technology

The role of technology in speech-language pathology is growing, with numerous apps and software programs available to assist with therapy. Being comfortable with and integrating this technology into your practice can enhance services and make treatment more engaging and accessible for patients.

Work on your communication skills

While this may seem obvious for an SLP, it’s worth reinforcing. Excellent communication skills are vital in therapy sessions and when interacting with patients’ families, other healthcare professionals, and stakeholders. Clearly and empathetically convey information and be an excellent listener.

Practice self-care

Speech-language pathology can be a demanding job, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This can help prevent burnout and ensure you can provide patients with the best care.

Be patient and persistent

Progress in speech-language pathology can sometimes be slow, and treatment plans only sometimes yield immediate results. Patience and persistence are key. Celebrate small victories, maintain a positive attitude, and reassure patients they are progressing, even when progress seems slow.

Where the SLP jobs are

Top companies.

• Kindred Healthcare
• Genesis Rehab Services
• Reliant Rehabilitation
• Mayo Clinic

Top job sites

• SimplyHired

What educational background is necessary for a speech-language pathologist?

To become an SLP, you typically need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Before this, an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field provides a good foundation. A master’s program usually involves both classroom study and clinical experience. After graduation, a period of supervised professional practice, often called a fellowship, is required before becoming fully licensed.

What are the essential skills a speech-language pathologist should possess?

An SLP should have excellent communication skills, as they need to effectively explain treatment plans to patients, their families, and other healthcare providers. They should also have strong problem-solving skills to diagnose speech and language issues and develop appropriate treatment strategies. Empathy, patience, and the ability to work well with people of different ages and backgrounds are important as well.

How important are licensing and certification for a speech-language pathologist?

Licensing is essential in this field. All states require SLPs to be licensed, though the specific requirements can vary. In many cases, this includes having a master’s degree in the field, completing a supervised clinical fellowship, and passing a national examination. Additionally, many employers prefer or require pathologists to have certification from the ASHA.

What does a typical workday look like for a speech-language pathologist?

The typical workday involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in individuals. Pathologists may work with patients one-on-one or in group settings, develop individualized treatment plans, and keep detailed records of patients’ progress. Additionally, they may consult and collaborate with other professionals, like teachers, physicians, and psychologists, to better support patients.

What role does a speech-language pathologist play in a patient’s healthcare team?

As part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, a pathologist is critical for diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. To create comprehensive patient care plans, they work closely with other healthcare providers, including doctors, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers.

Can a speech-language pathologist specialize in specific areas?

Pathologists can specialize in various areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurology, or specific types of disorders like dysphagia, voice disorders, or cognitive-communication disorders. Specialization involves gaining additional experience, training, or certification in the area of interest.

What settings do speech-language pathologists typically work in?

SLPs work in various settings depending on the population they serve. These include schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, residential healthcare facilities, private practices, and research institutions. Some provide home health services or virtual therapy sessions.

Is continuing education necessary for a speech-language pathologist?

Continuing education is vital for maintaining licensure and staying updated with the latest research and treatment techniques. This ongoing learning can be achieved through workshops, conferences, webinars, and formal continuing education courses.

How physically demanding is the job of a speech-language pathologist?

While the job is not typically physically strenuous, it can involve physical demands, such as standing for extended periods during therapy sessions and possibly assisting patients with physical disabilities. Additionally, pathologists may need to move equipment or materials used in therapy.

Do speech-language pathologists often work with other professionals?

Collaboration is a crucial part of the role. Pathologists often work with teams of professionals, including educators, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and physicians, to provide comprehensive care for patients. Effective communication and teamwork skills are essential for therapy. 

Reviewed and verified by Pete Newsome

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Speech and language therapist

What's on this page.

• What's it like to be a speech and language therapist?

About the job

Is it for you, how to apply, what's it like to be a speech and language therapist.

As a speech and language therapist, you’ll enjoy an exciting and varied career. You will have the chance to make a real difference to every patient’s life.

Speech and communication problems can make people’s lives incredibly difficult. Helping them to overcome issues and watching them begin to thrive is incredibly rewarding. 

If you enjoy science, education, social sciences, languages, linguistics, and medicine, then speech and language therapy could be the right profession for you.

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What does a speech and language therapist do.

As a speech and language therapist, you’ll provide life-changing treatment, support, and care for both children and adults. 

Your support will also help people with difficulties beyond communication such as eating, drinking, and safe swallowing. You'll also help people with underlying physical or psychological problems. 

You’ll meet a huge variety of patients. The people whose life you’ll have a chance to change for the better might include children whose speech is slow to develop, or older people whose ability to speak has been impaired by illness or injury. You’ll also meet people of all ages with learning difficulties, who find it difficult to communicate with others. 

What are the pay and conditions like?

Your standard working week in the NHS will be around 37.5 hours a week. Elsewhere, your hours will depend on where you work. You may work evenings and weekends to suit private clients. If you work in the NHS, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system , typically on band 5. 

You will be able to claim £2,000 a year towards childcare costs through the NHS Learning Support Fund, and there’s funding available for adult dependants and some placement travel costs too. If you have a disability, there are grants to help with essential costs while studying via the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If working on the NHS you will have access to one of the best pension schemes in the UK, as well as access to exclusive health service discounts and benefits at some of the most popular brands.

Where could you be working?

What are your career development opportunities.

With experience, you could begin to specialise in different areas. You might focus on helping children with special needs to eat, drink, and swallow correctly. Or you may specialise in areas such as cleft lip and palate or learning disabilities. Other options include teaching or research. 

You might take courses in advanced clinical practice or move into management. As the head of a local speech and language therapy service, you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing budgets. Some speech and language therapists also set up their own practice on their own or with other professionals. They can take on private clients, sometimes alongside NHS work.

Other careers in allied medicine

Occupational therapist, physiotherapist, prosthetist and orthotist, therapeutic radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, are you a good communicator, are you compassionate, are you an innovator, are you a critical thinker, are you a patient person, are you a good listener, £5,000 annual payment to help fund your studies, you'll have a starting salary of £24,907, 94% of graduates are employed within six months, applying with a degree.

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy that's approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) .

If you've got a degree in a science or language-based subject, you could do a two-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.

Entry requirements for an undergraduate degree include:  

• two or three A levels along with five GCSEs (grades A – C) including English language, maths, and science

Or equivalent qualifications include:

• a BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
• a relevant NVQ
• a science-based Access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

Every university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check with them directly. 

Applying with a degree apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship in speech and language therapy has been approved. This will offer an alternative route to registration with the HCPC . 

There are no nationally set entry requirements for degree apprenticeships – this will be down to the employer offering the apprenticeship – but you will usually need four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships will be with employers, with study at university, and vacancies will appear on the NHS Jobs website and the government's Find an Apprenticeship website .

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How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Speech pathology is a growing field for people who want to help others speak and communicate more effectively. Speech pathologists are experts in the physical and cognitive elements of spoken language. They work with people of all ages who need assistance speaking more clearly. They can help children with speech delays, adults recovering from illness or injury, or individuals with special needs. 

Learn more about what a speech pathologist does and how to become a speech pathologist. 

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist, or speech-language pathologist, is a trained professional who diagnoses and treats people who have difficulty with speech, language, social communication, and cognitive communication. Speech pathologists can also assess and treat swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Speech pathologists are trained in multiple areas of speech and communication, including:

• Speech sounds: How people make sounds and put sounds together into words. Conditions that cause difficulty with making speech sounds include articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
• Language: How people comprehend written and spoken language, as well as using spoken language for communication. Difficulty finding words while speaking is called aphasia.
• Literacy: using language to read and write. Speech and language disorders may be combined with challenges in reading, spelling, and writing.
• Voice: The sound of your voice. Some people may have conditions that lead to a hoarse voice, losing their voice easily, talking too loudly, or having a nasal voice. Some people are unable to make some or all kinds of sounds.
• Fluency: How well spoken language flows. Stuttering is a common fluency disorder. 
• Cognitive communication: How well your mind manages language, speech, and communication. This may include problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, organization, and other thinking skills.
• Feeding and swallowing : The same physical structures of the mouth that allow speech also affect how you suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder such as dysphagia may co-occur with speech disorders. 

Some speech pathologists also have some training in audiology. Audiology is a separate but related field that addresses hearing and balance issues.  Audiology is particularly helpful for speech pathologists who assist people with hearing loss.

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

You may think of speech pathologists as people who work with children who have speech impairments , speech delays, or difficulty pronouncing words. That is one role speech pathologists play, but there are a variety of other therapies they provide. Speech pathologists perform comprehensive assessments to diagnose the reason for communication difficulties. They may work with clients who have speech delays and pronunciation problems. Speech pathologists assist clients with hearing loss who are trying to improve verbal communication. Some speech pathologists work with clients who have speech difficulties due to medical conditions such as stroke or injuries to the face and neck. Once they assess the cause of communication problems, they create a treatment plan that addresses the challenges an individual has.

Some of the services speech pathologists offer include: 

• Helping clients form sounds
• Teaching clients strategies to speak clearly and easily
• Prescribing exercises to strengthen muscles used to speak or swallow
• Helping clients say and understand new words
• Helping clients improve their ability to speak in sentences
• Training clients in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems 
• Working with clients' families to address daily challenges from communication or swallowing problems
• Providing aural rehabilitation for people with hearing loss

What Training Do Speech Pathologists Need?

Becoming a speech pathologist takes years of training. There are multiple levels of education involved in learning the field of speech and language, followed by clinical training. The training to become a certified speech pathologist includes: 

• Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field: Speech pathologists can start training by majoring in a subject like speech-language pathology, education, psychology, or linguistics.
• Earn a master's degree at an accredited program: You must attend a post-graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) to complete your education.  
• Pass the Praxis examination: Many states require you to pass the Praxis 2 Examination in Speech-Language Pathology to become licensed. The test includes speech-language pathology, screening and assessment of patients, etiology, planning, and implementation of treatment.
• Oversight and mentoring from a speech pathologist who is currently certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• 1,260 hours of clinical work, typically accrued over 36 weeks
• 80% percent of your clinical experience involving direct patient care
• Obtain licensure and certification: Once you have completed training, you can apply for a license to practice. Each state sets its speech pathologist license requirements. Many states' requirements are similar to the certification standards for ASHA. You may also apply for certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which is a professional organization for speech pathologists.

What Is the Speech Pathology Career Path?

Once you are fully licensed, there are a variety of career options for a practicing speech pathologist, including: 

• Private practice: Seeing clients in your own office or visiting them in their homes.
• Local government: Many counties and cities provide speech therapy services for children . 
• Schools: School systems either hire speech pathologists or contract with speech pathologists in private practice to provide services to students. 
• Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities: Healthcare facilities may provide speech therapy as part of comprehensive rehabilitation services for people recovering from illness or injury.
• College and universities: Speech pathologists may work in higher education, training future professionals in the field. 
• Research: Some speech pathologists engage in research to deepen the understanding of speech and language or innovate new therapies for people in need. 

The median speech pathologist salary was $79,060 per year in 2021. The field is expected to grow by 21% in the next few years, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. There are no geographic limitations to where speech pathologists can live and practice.

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Guided by assessment and intervention within an evidence-based, ethical, and multicultural framework, the MS in Speech Language Pathology program equips students to serve the needs of our culturally and linguistically diverse community through a blend of rigorous coursework and clinical practicum.

Immerse yourself in the multifaceted realm of speech, language and communication sciences through our comprehensive MS in Speech Language Pathology online program. With a focus on articulation and phonological disorders, fluency disorders like stuttering, augmentative and alternative communication methods, voice disorders, dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, as well as the social and cognitive aspects of communication, our program equips you with the expertise to make a profound impact. 

Blend theoretical knowledge with clinical practice as you learn to assess, diagnose, and treat a diverse range of communication challenges, fostering effective communication and empowering individuals to thrive. Join SJSU Speech-Language Pathology Education and Applied Knowledge and Skills (SPEAKS) and become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those you serve.

Program Snapshot

Fall and spring, program features, unique experience.

Students have clinical opportunities in a variety of settings and will take academic courses online with a small cohort.

As one of the first Communicative Disorders and Sciences programs in California, SJSU has prepared students for careers in speech-language pathology and related fields for over 50 years.

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Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Career Opportunities

• Speech language pathologists have the opportunity to work in schools, hospitals, private practices, nursing facilities.
• California employers post the highest number of related jobs among all states.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , careers for Speech Language Pathologists are growing at a rate of 19%, and 13,200 job openings are expected to be generated each year over the next decade.

Apply To The Program

Learn more about how to apply below.

Applicants who completed an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate program in communication disorders and sciences may apply to this program. All program prerequisites need to be completed before the program start date.

• A Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher
• Official transcripts
• Personal essay, resume and letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency exam is required for applicants who come from a country where English is not the primary language and who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction.
• GRE is not required
• California residency is required

For more information visit MS-SLP program website .

The program requires a two-step application process. Both applications must be completed by the deadline to be considered for admission:

• Apply to the university through Cal State Apply
• Apply to the department through Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS)  

For details on the application process, visit the MS-SLP program website

Spring 2025

• Application opens: July 15, 2024
• Application deadline: October 1, 2024
• Application opens: October 1, 2024
• Application deadline: January 15, 2025

*These dates are not final and are subject to change.

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Speech-Language Pathology Post-bacc Students Discuss the Career Pivot to SLP

• 21 June 2024

In this episode, Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Post-bacc Program Coordinator Kimberly Cafarella, MS, CCC-SLP , talks to students Lina "LJ" Jaquez-Ly '24PBSL and Fatmira "Mira" Gobeljic '24PBSL about why they chose the SLP Post-bacc program and how it has prepared them for graduate school.

Cafarella: What is your background and how did you decide to pursue the field of SLP?

Gobeljic: In undergrad, I originally majored in Russian studies. I started that with the plan of going into teaching or interpreting Russian or foreign languages. As I was nearing the completion of my bachelor's degree, I started thinking that maybe I didn't want to go into interpretation or foreign language teaching, and I found the SLP profession. After doing some research, I realized this was a way that I could use the skills I have with foreign languages to be able to help others communicate in various ways. I fell in love with the SLP profession and decided that this is what I wanted to pursue a degree in and do for the rest of my life.

Jaquez-Ly : I got my bachelor's degree in psychology and social sciences and I thought I was going to be a psychiatrist or in the field of psychology. The semester before I was about to graduate, I had a family emergency that needed my attention, so I couldn't continue my education. I was kind of forced into the workforce. I did a year and a half in human resources, customer service and recruiting jobs. After a year and a half, my family member was able to get back on their feet and didn't need me anymore. I was thinking of going back to school but was wondering if I still wanted to go back to school for psychology. Something in me changed; I still respect that profession but I wanted something else, something still having to do with therapy, just a little more hands-on. When I was doing my research, I came across SLP and thought it sounded very cool. After doing more research, I fell in love with it more and more and decided to just go for it and enroll in the Post-bacc program at Salus. 

Cafarella: The great thing about our Post-bacc program is that we get students from such diverse undergraduate experiences. How has the Post-bacc program prepared you for a graduate SLP program?

Gobeljic:   I just felt going into this that I knew so little. Being able to learn from professionals in the field, I feel like I'm prepared to enter graduate school and I won't be behind compared to my classmates who have those communication science disorders backgrounds. I feel like the education that we received here, especially with how the classes are structured, puts you into a similar schedule [as graduate school]. That's one of the reasons that I chose it other than an online program. I wanted to experience that first step into postgraduate rather than creating my schedule through online courses. 

Cafarella: It's great to hear how the program has increased both of your confidence levels. That was one of our goals when we developed the program, we wanted it to parallel the structure of our graduate program, both in terms of the scheduling and the rigor of the courses, but also just with individual support.

What has been your favorite part about the SLP Post-bacc program?

Gobeljic: I love the connections that I've made with my cohort. I've loved watching all of us grow throughout the year and increasing our understanding and ability within the communication sciences disorders field. [It has been exciting] seeing all the different paths that we're going to go on now with regards to which graduate schools we’ll be attending. I also loved the observations at the Speech-Language Institute (SLI) , Salus University’s on-campus clinical facility. It gave me a look into what I would be doing once I started graduate school at Salus. It has also prepared me for what I will be experiencing once I start working in the clinic. I liked having in-person observations and getting to see the clinical educators and students. It has been a wonderful experience and I love all the people that I've met through it.

Jaquez-Ly : Being able to have my cohort, the relationships we built together, and the support that we've created for each other [has been great]. If one person was struggling, we'd all try to help them as much as possible. It was amazing that Salus provided the observation opportunities for us, especially since I didn't have enough coming into the program. Being able to get those hours through SLI was very important for me. The observations were very fun, and I love that we were able to talk to students and the supervisors before or after observations. It was so nice to be able to just have that communication with them and ask them questions; they were very open to talking with us. 

Cafarella: What do you hope to do in the future within the field of SLP?

Gobeljic:  Right now I'm not entirely sure which sort of setting I want to go into, but I know that I want to work with helping refugee and immigrant populations get the therapy and the resources that they and their children need. Whether that be within the schools or possibly doing early intervention, I want to make sure that there aren't any children left behind because their parents weren't aware that these sorts of therapies existed or that they're being misunderstood because they don't speak English well. And maybe people assume that they have speech language disorder when in reality it's just a difference.

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Assessment Tools, Techniques, and Data Sources

Following is a list of assessment tools, techniques, and data sources that can be used to assess speech and language ability. Clinicians select the most appropriate method(s) and measure(s) to use for a particular individual, based on his or her age, cultural background, and values; language profile; severity of suspected communication disorder; and factors related to language functioning (e.g., hearing loss and cognitive functioning).

Standardized Assessments

Standardized assessments are empirically developed evaluation tools with established statistical reliability and validity. A standardized test is one that requires all test takers to answer the same items/questions in the same way and that is scored in a standard or consistent way, thus making it possible to compare the relative performance of individuals or groups of individuals. There are two types of standardized assessment instruments: norm-referenced and criterion-referenced.

Norm-Referenced Tests

Norm-referenced tests are standardized tests designed to compare and rank test takers in relation to one another. Using a norm-referenced test makes it possible to compare an individual's score(s) with those of a large group of statistically selected individuals—usually of the same age or grade level—who have already taken the test. A norm-referenced score is typically reported as a percentile ranking. For example, an individual who scores in the 90th percentile has performed as well as or better than 90% of other test takers of the same age or grade level (i.e., those in the norming group).

Criterion-Referenced Tests

Criterion-referenced tests are standardized tests that measure an individual's performance against a set of predetermined criteria or performance standards (e.g., descriptions of what an individual is expected to know or be able to do at a specific stage of development or level of education). In educational settings, criterion-referenced tests may be used to assess whether the student has learned a specific body of knowledge. It is possible, and in fact desirable, for an individual to pass or earn a perfect score on a criterion-referenced test.

Criterion-referenced procedures can also be developed informally to address specific questions (e.g., understanding of wh- questions, automatic recognition of grade-appropriate words in print) and to assess response to intervention (RTI).

Selecting and Interpreting Standardized Assessments

Coexisting disorders or diagnoses are considered when selecting standardized assessment tools, as deficits may vary from population to population (e.g., ADHD, TBI, ASD). In addition, standardized tests should be culturally and linguistically appropriate.  Standard scores should not be determined if the norming sample does not adequately represent the individual being assessed. It is essential to consider the language spoken and/or dialect used by the child before selecting a standardized assessment. Translation of a standardized assessment invalidates the results. Standard scores cannot be reported when the assessment has been translated. See Cultural Responsiveness and Multilingual Service Delivery in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology . In such cases a clinician can use available standardized language assessments for children who speak languages other than English.

Parent/Teacher/Self-Report Measures

Parent, teacher, and self-report measures include rating scales, checklists, inventories, and questionnaires completed by the family members/caregiver, teacher, or individual. Findings from multiple sources (e.g., family vs. teacher vs. self-report) may be compared to obtain a comprehensive profile of communication skills. For individuals who speak a language other than English in the home, the clinician needs to gather detailed information about use of the primary language and English. When possible, checklists should be made available in the person's native language to obtain the most accurate information.

Ethnographic Interviewing

Ethnographic interviewing is a technique that uses open-ended questions, restatement, and summarizing for clarification for obtaining information from the perspective of the individual and other people in his or her environment (e.g., family members/caregiver, teacher). The technique avoids the use of leading questions and "why" questions. Ethnographic interviewing can be used to validate other assessment findings.

Clinicians should refrain from creating assumptions about individuals or families based on general cultural, ethnic, or racial information. Ethnographic interviewing can be used to gather specific knowledge of the views of clients and their families, including cultural and linguistic variables. See Westby, Burda, and Mehta (2003) and cultural responsiveness .

Observation Techniques

Analog tasks.

Analog tasks involve observation of the individual in simulated or staged communication contexts that mimic real-world events, including peer group activities and simulated workplace interactions.

Naturalistic Observation

Naturalistic observation is observation of the individual in everyday social settings with others, including academic settings. Criterion-referenced assessments may be used during naturalistic observations to document an individual's functional use of language across social situations.

Systematic Observation and Contextual Analysis

Systematic observation and contextual analysis involve observation across a variety of contexts (e.g., settings and tasks) to obtain descriptions of language functioning and identify specific problem areas and contextual variables that play a part in the individual's communication abilities. Systematic observation along with contextual analysis can be used to complement findings from other assessment procedures.

Language Sampling

Language sampling techniques are used to elicit spontaneous language in various communication contexts (e.g., free play, conversation/dialogue, narration, expository speech) and then derive measures (e.g., Mean Length of Utterance [MLU], Type-Token Ratio [TTR], Developmental Sentence Scoring [DSS], clausal density, use of subordinate clauses) to complement data obtained from standardized language assessments.

Dynamic Assessment

Dynamic assessment is a method in which an individual is tested, skills are addressed, and then the individual is retested to determine treatment outcome (i.e., test, teach and retest). Dynamic assessment can help distinguish between a language difference and a language disorder and can be used in conjunction with standardized assessments and language sampling.

Curriculum-Based Assessment

Curriculum-based assessment is used to determine the language demands of the curriculum and to assess the student's ability to meet those demands. The technique is based on the curriculum the student is currently mastering and may utilize materials being used in the student's classroom. The assessment can come directly from a textbook (e.g., a chapter test), or it can involve the use of probes or other types of direct assessment. Curriculum-based assessment results can be used to develop instructional goals and to evaluate the student's progress in developing competence with the language of the curriculum.

Westby, C., Burda, A., & Mehta, Z. (2003, April 29). Asking the right questions in the right ways: Strategies for ethnographic interviewing. The ASHA Leader .

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