speech language pathology

What is an SLP & What do they do?

Speech-language pathology is the scientific study of speech, fluency, feeding and swallowing, and all the mechanisms of speech and language, along with the therapeutic application of corrective and augmentative measures to help people with speech disorders speak and communicate better. It falls under the communication sciences and disorders discipline, which also include the closely aligned—but separate—study of audiology.

Speech-language pathology is focused on a range of human communication and swallowing disorders affecting people of all ages.

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Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
Calvin University - Calvin University's Online Speech and Hearing Foundations Certificate - Helps You Gain a Strong Foundation for Your Speech-Language Pathology Career.

According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association , the following disorders fall under the umbrella of speech-language pathology:

Speech Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulty producing speech sounds correctly or fluently (e.g., stuttering)
Language Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulty understanding others, sharing thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and/or using language in functional and socially appropriate ways; language disorders may also be in the written form
Communicating with others socially (e.g., greeting others, asking questions, etc.)
Changing their way of communicating depending on the listener or setting
Following socially acceptable rules of conversation and story telling
Cognitive-Communication Disorders : Occurs when individuals have difficulties paying attention, planning, problem-solving, or organizing their thoughts. Many times, these disorders occur as a result of a traumatic brain injury, stroke, or dementia.
Swallowing Disorders: Occurs when individuals have difficulty eating and swallowing. Swallowing disorders are often a result of an illness, injury, or stroke.

The practice of speech-language pathology includes those who want to learn how to communicate more effectively, such as those who want to work on accent modification or improve their communication skills. It also includes the treatment of people with tracheostomies and ventilators.

Speech-Language Pathology: The Synthesis of Two Fields of Study

Language differs from speech, which is why speech-language pathology is actually the study of two fields.

Speech is the verbal means of communication. It consists of:

Articulation: How speech sounds are made
Voice: The use of breathing and vocal cords to produce sounds
Fluency: The rhythm of speech

Speech problems often occur because a person has difficulty producing sounds due to the incorrect movement of the lips, tongue, and mouth.

Speech problems include:

Childhood speech apraxia : Neurological childhood speech sound disorder resulting from neuromuscular difficulties, such as abnormal reflexes or abnormal tone
Adult speech apraxia : Speech disorder caused by neuromuscular difficulties, such as abnormal reflexes or abnormal tone; usually as a result of stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, or other progressive neurological disorders
Dysarthia : Impaired movement of the muscles used for speech production, including the vocal cords, tongue, lips, and/or diaphragm
Stuttering : Involuntary repetition of sounds
Speech sound disorders : Includes articulation and phonological processes difficulties
Orofacial myofunctional disorders : Tongue moves forward in an exaggerated way during speech or swallowing (called tongue thrusts)
Voice disorders : Includes vocal cord nodules and polyps, vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia, and paradoxical vocal fold movement

Language consists of socially shared rules that include how to put words together, how to make new words, what words mean, and what word combinations are best in what situations. Language disorders include:

Difficulty understanding others: receptive language disorder
Difficulty sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings: expressive language disorder

Although speech and language disorders can occur by themselves, they often exist together, which is why speech-language pathology is a combined field of study.

Speech and language disorders are often a result of medical conditions, such as:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Huntington’s Disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Laryngeal and oral cancers
Right hemisphere brain injury
Traumatic brain injury

In children, this may also include selective mutism and language-based learning disabilities resulting from:

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Syndromes, such as Down’s syndrome and Fragile X syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Failure to thrive
Low birth weight or premature birth
Hearing loss
Intellectual disabilities
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Stroke/brain injury
Cleft lip/palate

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. These highly trained clinicians work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of professionals, which includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, teachers, physicians, audiologists, and psychologists, among others.

Their job duties include:

Developing and implementing treat plans based on their professional assessment and recommendation from members of the interdisciplinary team
Monitoring their patients’ progress and adjusting their treatment plans accordingly
Documenting patient care and writing reports regarding patient evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge
Ordering, conducting, and evaluating hearing, speech, and language tests and examinations
Educating patients and family members on treatment plans, communication techniques, and strategies for coping with speech/language barriers
Designing, developing, and employing diagnostic and communication devices or strategies
Developing and implementing speech and language programs

Though a majority of speech-language pathologists are involved in direct patient care, these professionals also fulfill a number of other roles in areas such as:

Program coordination and administration
Teaching at the post-secondary level
Supervision
Product development and evaluation
Consultation

Speech-Language Pathologist Education and Certification

Speech-language pathologists are highly educated and trained clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators. Speech-language pathologists, at a minimum, hold a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD).

Most master’s degrees in CSD are Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) programs. Master of Education (MEd) programs prepare speech-language pathology educators.

National certification and states licensure require the completion of a program that has been accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA) .

In most states, additional state licensure requirements include completing a supervised postgraduate professional experience and passing a national exam.

Language-speech pathologists can earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Certification requirements are similar to state licensing requirements, so state licensed language-speech pathologists generally qualify for the CCC-SLP designation.

The History of Speech-Language Pathology

Speech-pathology as a recognized field of study had its origins in the early part of the twentieth century, when the scientific, academic, and clinical foundations began to take shape and a number of organizations (such as the American Academy of Speech Correction in 1926) focused on speech disorders and speech correction were established.

From 1945 to 1965, speech-language pathology began to evolve, thanks to the introduction of a number of assessment and therapy approaches focused on underlying communication disorders. It was during this time that speech-language pathology researchers and clinicians began focusing their attention on the many WWII soldiers returning from war with brain injuries resulting in aphasia.

This period also gave rise to brain studies, technological advances, and the development of standardized testing procedures, including receptive and expressive language assessment and treatment techniques.

Between 1965 and 1975, advancements in linguistics spurred researchers to begin distinguishing language disorders from speech disorders. Their work enhanced the work of speech-language pathologists, allowing them to begin more effectively treating a variety of language delays and disorders.

Today, speech-language pathology continues to evolve as high-quality research evidence is integrated into practitioner expertise and clinical decision making. The increased national and international exchange of professional knowledge, information, and education in communication sciences and disorders continues to strengthen research collaboration and improve clinical services.

Speech-Language Pathology Resources

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Academy of Private Practice in Speech Pathology and Audiology
International Clinical Phonetics and Linguistics Association
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association
National Aphasia Foundation
Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America
The Cherab Foundation
The Voice Foundation
Selective Mutism Foundation
Stuttering Foundation of America
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Career Resources
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
Both Sides of the Frenectomy Debate
Certification
State Licensing Overview
Student Resources
What is Speech-Language Pathology?
CAA-Accredited Graduate Programs
Directory of CSD and SLP Undergraduate Programs
Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
SLP Clinical Fellowship
SLP Thesis Track
2022 SLP Scholarship Guide
2022 Top SLP Master’s Programs
Practice Settings
Private Practice
Telepractice
Specialty Areas and Disorders
Ankyloglossia (Tongue Tie) and Lip-Tie Issues
Aphasia (Post Stroke)
Apraxia of Speech
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Child Language Disorders
Communication Competency Assessment
Early Intervention
Fluency Disorders
Forensic Speech-Language Pathology
Laryngeal Imaging
Late Talkers
Low-Incidence Disorders
Multilingual Patients
Occupational Therapy
Otoacoustic Emissions Screening
Patients with Autism
Patients with Cochlear Implants
Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)
Public Health
Rehabilitation
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Stuttering and Cluttering
Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia)
Transnasal Esophagoscopy and Pharyngeal/Esophageal Manometry
Transgender Voice Modification Therapy
Voice Therapy
Dual Certification in SLP and Lactation Consultancy
Continuing Education is Key to Career Versatility and Longevity in This Field
Do You Speak with an Accent? … You Can Still Be an Outstanding SLP
The Challenges and Rewards of Working with English Language Learners
Some Advice on How to Approach Your Clinical Fellowship
4 Things a Job Description Can’t Tell You About the Profession
5 Things I Love Most About Being an SLP
Your Guide to Getting Started in Telepractice
Why Team Player SLPs are Even More Effective Than Superstars
Why Working With the Entire Family Gets the Best Results in Kids Struggling with Speech-Language Issues

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Speech-Language Pathologist

What is a speech-language pathologist.

Speech-language pathologists specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating people with communication problems that result from disability, surgery, or developmental disorders. They are also instrumental in preventing disorders related to speech, language, cognitive communication, voice, and fluency. This includes both understanding speech and speaking problems. They also evaluate and treat people with swallowing disorders due to stroke, brain injury, or other nervous system impairments.

Speech-language pathologists often direct care related to:

Speech, language, and swallowing disorders

Speech fluency and stuttering disorders

Voice disorders

Augmentative communication devices

Written language disorders

Cognitive (thinking, memory, and learning) disorders

Speech-language pathologists may practice in a variety of settings, including:

Early intervention—head start and other early childhood development programs

Inpatient rehabilitation centers

Outpatient rehabilitation centers

Nursing homes

Home health settings

Telepractice

Private practice

Most speech-language pathologists hold a master's degree and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology through the American Speech and Hearing Association.

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How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Speech pathology is a growing field for people who want to help others speak and communicate more effectively. Speech pathologists are experts in the physical and cognitive elements of spoken language. They work with people of all ages who need assistance speaking more clearly. They can help children with speech delays, adults recovering from illness or injury, or individuals with special needs.

Learn more about what a speech pathologist does and how to become a speech pathologist.

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist, or speech-language pathologist, is a trained professional who diagnoses and treats people who have difficulty with speech, language, social communication, and cognitive communication. Speech pathologists can also assess and treat swallowing disorders in children and adults.

Speech pathologists are trained in multiple areas of speech and communication, including:

Speech sounds: How people make sounds and put sounds together into words. Conditions that cause difficulty with making speech sounds include articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, or dysarthria.
Language: How people comprehend written and spoken language, as well as using spoken language for communication. Difficulty finding words while speaking is called aphasia.
Literacy: using language to read and write. Speech and language disorders may be combined with challenges in reading, spelling, and writing.
Voice: The sound of your voice. Some people may have conditions that lead to a hoarse voice, losing their voice easily, talking too loudly, or having a nasal voice. Some people are unable to make some or all kinds of sounds.
Fluency: How well spoken language flows. Stuttering is a common fluency disorder.
Cognitive communication: How well your mind manages language, speech, and communication. This may include problems with memory, attention, problem-solving, organization, and other thinking skills.
Feeding and swallowing : The same physical structures of the mouth that allow speech also affect how you suck, chew, and swallow food and liquid. A swallowing disorder such as dysphagia may co-occur with speech disorders.

Some speech pathologists also have some training in audiology. Audiology is a separate but related field that addresses hearing and balance issues. Audiology is particularly helpful for speech pathologists who assist people with hearing loss.

What Does a Speech Pathologist Do?

You may think of speech pathologists as people who work with children who have speech impairments , speech delays, or difficulty pronouncing words. That is one role speech pathologists play, but there are a variety of other therapies they provide. Speech pathologists perform comprehensive assessments to diagnose the reason for communication difficulties. They may work with clients who have speech delays and pronunciation problems. Speech pathologists assist clients with hearing loss who are trying to improve verbal communication. Some speech pathologists work with clients who have speech difficulties due to medical conditions such as stroke or injuries to the face and neck. Once they assess the cause of communication problems, they create a treatment plan that addresses the challenges an individual has.

Some of the services speech pathologists offer include:

Helping clients form sounds
Teaching clients strategies to speak clearly and easily
Prescribing exercises to strengthen muscles used to speak or swallow
Helping clients say and understand new words
Helping clients improve their ability to speak in sentences
Training clients in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
Working with clients' families to address daily challenges from communication or swallowing problems
Providing aural rehabilitation for people with hearing loss

What Training Do Speech Pathologists Need?

Becoming a speech pathologist takes years of training. There are multiple levels of education involved in learning the field of speech and language, followed by clinical training. The training to become a certified speech pathologist includes:

Earn a bachelor's degree in a relevant field: Speech pathologists can start training by majoring in a subject like speech-language pathology, education, psychology, or linguistics.
Earn a master's degree at an accredited program: You must attend a post-graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) to complete your education.
Pass the Praxis examination: Many states require you to pass the Praxis 2 Examination in Speech-Language Pathology to become licensed. The test includes speech-language pathology, screening and assessment of patients, etiology, planning, and implementation of treatment.
Oversight and mentoring from a speech pathologist who is currently certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
1,260 hours of clinical work, typically accrued over 36 weeks
80% percent of your clinical experience involving direct patient care
Obtain licensure and certification: Once you have completed training, you can apply for a license to practice. Each state sets its speech pathologist license requirements. Many states' requirements are similar to the certification standards for ASHA. You may also apply for certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which is a professional organization for speech pathologists.

What Is the Speech Pathology Career Path?

Once you are fully licensed, there are a variety of career options for a practicing speech pathologist, including:

Private practice: Seeing clients in your own office or visiting them in their homes.
Local government: Many counties and cities provide speech therapy services for children .
Schools: School systems either hire speech pathologists or contract with speech pathologists in private practice to provide services to students.
Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities: Healthcare facilities may provide speech therapy as part of comprehensive rehabilitation services for people recovering from illness or injury.
College and universities: Speech pathologists may work in higher education, training future professionals in the field.
Research: Some speech pathologists engage in research to deepen the understanding of speech and language or innovate new therapies for people in need.

The median speech pathologist salary was $79,060 per year in 2021. The field is expected to grow by 21% in the next few years, making it one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. There are no geographic limitations to where speech pathologists can live and practice.