How to Become a Speech Therapist
Speech therapists do more than help individuals speak more clearly. They work with young and old to improve the way they communicate whether it is overcoming a stutter, recovering the ability to speak following a stroke, or simply achieving a better quality of speech. Becoming a speech therapist requires years of schooling and extensive training. If that's your goal be prepared to stay the course.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Master's degree
- Clinical experience
- Field experience
- Licensure (in most states)
- Certification
- Internet access
Instructions
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Read the job description. Speech therapists are required to diagnose and treat a wide range of communication disorders. Interaction with psychiatrists, counselors and therapists may be required.
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Earn advanced degrees. To become a speech therapist you are required to have a master's degree in speech-language patholog, a specified number of supervised hours of clinical experience and one year of field experience.
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Contact your state's licensing board for licensing and educational requirements. State departments of education provide information on certification requirements for those who wish to work in public schools.
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Acquire certification. Being certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is recommended for career advancement. Visit the association's website to learn the requirements for obtaining their Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.
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Explore all options. Jobs for speech therapists are available in all educational institutions, government agencies, the health care environment and private and non-profit industries. Search the Internet for positions in your area.
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Tips & Warnings
Doctoral degrees generally are pursued for more specific areas of study and extensive research is required.
Speech therapy is expected to be one of the fastest growing professions for the next several years.
