How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists treat people who have speech, language or voice disorders. They work in public and private facilities such as hospitals, schools and convalescent homes. A master's degree is required for entry into this field.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Speech-language Publications
• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

1. Peruse the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Web site (asha.org) for in-depth information about the speech-language pathology field.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in a communication sciences and disorders program. Research colleges offering such programs by going to the Petersons.com or Princeton Review (review.com) Web sites.

3. Maintain at least a B average in college, preferably an A. You will be facing strong competition for entry into graduate school.

4. Send for catalogs from accredited schools offering advanced degrees in speech-language pathology. Click on the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) Web page, within asha.org, for a list of the institutions.

5. Contact your top choices for their policy on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Some schools require that test and a minimum score for admission.

6. Ask your grad school advisor about the exact licensing requirements in your state. Several hundred hours of clinical experience, passing a national examination, and about nine months of postgraduate work are usual prerequisites for obtaining a license.

7. Plan to receive the ASHA's Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCC) after you gain solid experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that your grad school training will include difficult courses such as anatomy, psychology and physiology.
• Your interpersonal skills are extremely important, as you will often be communicating with family members as well as the patient.
• Read publications about the field on a regular basis.
• You must be patient to be effective in this career. A patient's progress may be frustratingly slow for both of you.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.