How to Choose a Speech and Language Pathologist Graduate Program in PA
To practice as a licensed speech and language pathologist (SLP), you need to have a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited institution that is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Within Pennsylvania, you have over a dozen options to choose from--ranging from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh to La Salle University in Philadelphia.
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Instructions
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Pull up a list of schools that offer ASHA-accredited master's degree programs in speech and language pathology through the search engine on ASHA's website. There are over 10 universities in Pennsylvania that offer accredited graduate programs in speech and language pathology.
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Eliminate any schools that are not in your geographical region or a geographical region to which you would be willing to relocate. For example, if you live in Philadelphia, you may be more interested in Temple University or La Salle University than you would be in the University of Pittsburgh.
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Check the prerequisites for the programs offered by the remaining schools on your list. Some may require specific undergraduate degrees or course sequences that are different from your own academic history. Eliminate any school for which your background doesn't meet the requirements if you are not willing to take additional courses to change that fact.
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Think about what your interests are for your future career as a speech and language pathologist. For example, if you want to work with children or if you want to be an expert in swallowing. Then spend some time reading up on the faculty at the remaining schools. Figure out if the teachers are experts or have special interests in the same fields as you do. You may be much happier learning from these teachers.
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Visit the campuses of the remaining schools on your list and attend orientation meetings to get a feel for which program would best meet your needs. Ask about the type of clinical hours to expect as a part of the program and any other concerns you may have.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply to more than one program in case you are not accepted to your first choice.
Always make sure that any program you are considering is accredited by ASHA, or you will not be able to become licensed as a speech and language pathologist in Pennsylvania.
