How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist in Lubbock, TX

A speech language pathologist diagnoses and evaluates language, speech, communication and swallowing disorders. They work in hospital settings, nursing homes and schools. Becoming a speech language pathologist in Lubbock, Texas, involves earning a master's degree in speech language pathology or communication disorders and completing internship requirements. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to become a speech language pathologist, depending on the program.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's degree in communication disorders or speech language pathology from an accredited 4-year college or university in the United States or Canada. If your undergraduate major was in something other than speech language pathology or communication disorders, take 30 credits of undergraduate courses in communication disorders to make you competitive for graduate school admission. Texas Tech University in Lubbock offers undergraduate coursework in speech, language and hearing sciences. You can also take the coursework online from your home in Texas. The University of Wyoming and Colorado Technical University offer undergraduate online coursework to prepare you for master's-level programs in speech language pathology.

2. Apply to the speech language pathology master's program at Texas Tech University (see Resources). You must provide transcripts of your undergraduate coursework as well as letters of recommendations from a professor, employer or someone else who can speak to your potential for success in a graduate program.

3. Consider applying to an online or distance learning program if your schedule doesn't allow you to work on a master's degree full time. Make sure that the program you're applying for is accredited by the American Speech Language Hearing Association, or ASHA (see Resources).

4. Apply for a license that allows you to intern in Lubbock, Texas. The application for the license can be found at the Texas Department of State Health Services (see Resources). Complete your clinical internship in Lubbock by working for 9 months in a medical facility or school setting.

5. Pass the Praxis exam with a score of at least 600. Taking the Praxis exam will allow you to become licensed to practice speech language pathology in Lubbock, Texas. Register for the exam at least 6 months in advance.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan on spending 2 to 3 years working towards your master's degree in speech language pathology.

Resources

• Speech Language Pathology Praxis Testing Information
• American Speech Hearing Association: List of universities offering master's degrees
• Texas Tech Speech Language Pathology Program
• Texas Tech online application
• Texas Department of State Health Services

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