The power of speech and language is often underestimated. It is the medium through which we understand others as well as communicate our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It allows us to connect with others and build relationships. For many people, difficulties with speech and language can be a source of frustration, embarrassment, and isolation.
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a professional who is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing/feeding disorders in children and adults.
In this blog post, we will discuss the steps required in order to become a speech-language pathologist so that you can start serving the people in your community!
What Is a Speech Language Pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist, also known as an SLP, is a professional who evaluates and treats people with communication and swallowing/feeding disorders. These disorders can include difficulties with:
- Speech sounds (e.g., articulation)
- Fluency (e.g., stuttering)
- Voice (e.g., pitch, loudness, vocal quality)
- Language (e.g., understanding and using words to communicate)
- Cognition (e.g., memory, attention, reasoning, executive functioning)
- Social skills
- Swallowing/feeding
An SLP will first assess an individual in order to determine the nature and severity of the communication disorder or feeding/swallowing disorder. They will then develop a treatment plan to help the individual improve their communication and/or feeding/swallowing skills. This may involve individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both.
Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Help?
Speech-language pathologists work with individuals across the lifespan who have difficulties with communication and swallowing/feeding. This includes children with developmental delays and genetic disorders as well as individuals who have suffered a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological injury.
SLPs also work with people who do not have any diagnosed communication disorder but would like to improve their communication skills for personal or professional reasons. For example, an SLP may work with someone who wants to learn how to speak more clearly or confidently or modify their accent.
Steps To Become a Speech Language Pathologist
Here are the steps you need to take to become an SLP:
Complete a Bachelor’s Degree In a Related Field
The first step is to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as speech-language pathology, communication sciences, and disorders, or education.
Complete a Master’s Degree In Speech-Language Pathology
After you have completed your speech pathology degree, you will need to complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
To be eligible for certification, you will need to pass the Praxis examination in speech-language pathology.
Complete Your Post-Graduate Clinical Fellowship
After you have completed your master’s degree, you will need to complete a post-graduate clinical fellowship. This is a supervised clinical experience that will provide you with the opportunity to put into practice the skills you have learned. A clinical fellowship typically lasts one year.
Obtain State Licensure and ASHA Certification
To work as an SLP, you will need to obtain state licensure and ASHA certification.
Continuing Education Courses
It is important to continue your education even after you have obtained your license and certification. This will ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field of speech-language pathology. You will need to complete 30 professional development hours for each 3 year certification interval throughout ASHA with additional continuing education requirements that vary depending on your state licensure.
Where Can You Work as a Speech Therapist?
There are many different settings in which you can work as an SLP. These include schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices, universities and research centers.
School speech therapy staffing is a crucial part of providing children with the best education possible. School speech therapists work with students of all ages, from early childhood education through high school and beyond. They provide direct services to students as well as support for teachers and staff.
We at KC Therapy are committed to building a community of knowledgeable, passionate, dedicated, and collaborative therapists. Contact us today to become a part of our community!
