speech and language therapist how to become

How To Become A Speech Pathologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 10:29am

Human communication is astoundingly complex. Every language spoken on Earth comprises vocabularies with tens of thousands of words, built with dozens of speech sounds. Languages enable us to discuss almost any concept, and learning new languages can offer opportunities for enrichment expanding past cultural and geographical borders.

However, intervention by a speech pathologist is critical when human speech and language are impaired. Speech pathologists treat various speech, language and swallowing disorders (speech and swallowing use the same muscles). By attending speech pathologist school, you’re embarking on a journey to help people regain their ability to communicate clearly and connect with others on a human level.

Read on to learn how to become a speech pathologist.

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

A speech pathologist is a clinical professional who helps patients overcome communication or swallowing challenges. Speech pathologists work to improve patients’ quality of life by fortifying their language and fluency skills, bolstering their vocabulary, and restoring their ability to enjoy foods and liquids safely.

Issues that speech pathologists treat include:

• Speech impediments: How we vocalize sounds and articulate words is crucial to our communication abilities. Speech impediments may severely hinder vocalization to the point where a person can’t speak at all or in a way others can understand. Speech pathologists help patients overcome these issues and strengthen their ability to speak and communicate clearly.
• Language disorders: People with language disorders may struggle to understand the words or sounds used by others or come up with the right words while speaking. Speech pathologists help patients expand their vocabulary and fortify their comprehension.
• Fluency issues: Fluency pertains to how well speech flows. Somebody with a stutter, for example, may seek treatment and counseling from a speech pathologist.
• Swallowing disorders: Difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia) can stem from various causes, including past surgeries, radiation and neurological damage. Dysphagia can lead to malnutrition if left untreated. Speech pathologists help patients strengthen and develop the muscles necessary to swallow properly.

Work Environment

Speech pathologists work in various professional settings. Most work in educational facilities, including state, local and private settings. Others work in clinical offices, hospitals or nursing and residential care facilities. In rare cases, speech pathologists may be self-employed, but most work as part of a team.

Common Challenges

Speech pathologists must have a firm handle on treating and interacting with people from diverse populations. They should know how to approach people of various ages and ethnic backgrounds with a range of disorders.

Speech pathology can also be emotionally taxing. Speech pathologists must be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients; it can be challenging to witness as patients struggle with severe speech impediments or swallowing disorders.

Speech Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook

Speech pathologists take home a median annual wage of $84,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for this profession is overwhelmingly positive; employment is estimated to grow by 21% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all other occupations.

How to Become a Speech Pathologist

Becoming a speech pathologist involves earning a master’s degree, obtaining licensure and clocking several hours of supervised practice.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

While a speech pathologist ultimately needs a master’s degree, starting with your bachelor’s is a good first step. You may not have to earn your bachelor’s degree in a particular subject to qualify for admission to a speech pathology master’s program. However, it could be helpful to pursue your bachelor’s degree in a subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or another health-related field.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.

Complete a Master’s Degree

You’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in speech pathology next. Your program must be accredited for you to become certified, and sometimes to earn state licensure as well. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) accredits speech-language pathology programs.

It generally takes two years to finish a master’s degree. Master’s degree programs require students to complete an internship or supervised clinical work during their studies. Master’s programs cover topics such as fluency disorders, social communication development, dysphagia and language disorders in children.

Obtain Licensure

After finishing your master’s program, you’ll need a license to practice speech pathology in your state. That entails getting a master’s degree from an accredited program, clocking additional supervised clinical experience hours (even if you’ve already completed some as part of your master’s) and passing a licensure exam.

Every state has varying requirements for licensure. In California, for example, speech pathologists must complete 300 supervised hours of clinical practice in three separate clinical settings, along with 36 weeks of supervised full-time required professional experience. Alternatively, they may complete 72 weeks of part-time experience.

In Oklahoma, speech pathologists need a supervised, 400-hour clinical practicum experience. Of those hours, 375 should be in direct client contact and 25 in clinical observation. Pathologists should complete 325 of their practicum hours in a CAA-accredited graduate program.

Certifications for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists can earn certifications to demonstrate their professional competency. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Regulatory agencies recognize this certification in most states. Some states and school districts provide pay supplements to ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited program to earn the CCC-SLP credential. They must also pass an exam and log 400 hours of supervised clinical experience. The certification costs $511 for applicants who wish to become ASHA members; it costs $455 without the membership.

Professional Organizations for Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists may also seek specialized certifications in various speech pathology concentrations. The American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders , the American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders, and the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders all offer specialty certifications.

American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders (BCS-CL)

To become certified as a specialist in child language, you must:

• Be CCC-SLP certified
• Have been employed for five years full-time as a speech pathologist
• Log 100 hours of intermediate or advanced continuing education in the realm of child language in the last 10 years

The application fee for the BCS-CL is $250.

American Board of Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F)

Becoming a board-certified BCS-F member requires:

• Being CCC-SLP certified
• A minimum of three years of full-time employment experience in speech pathology
• 450 clinical contact service hours within the area of fluency disorders
• Submitting a portfolio of case studies to be approved.

The application fee is $250.

American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S)

Speech pathologists who specialize in dysphagia can apply to become BCS-S certified. Candidates must:

• Demonstrate advanced continuing education in the dysphagia field
• Have at least three years of experience working directly with dysphagia patients
• Document advanced-level skills in treating swallowing disorders

The application fee is $100.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become a Speech Pathologist

What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist.

These terms are interchangeable—there’s no difference between a speech pathologist and a speech therapist. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists help patients overcome vocalization, language, fluency and swallowing issues.

What is the best major for speech pathology?

Speech pathology doesn’t require any particular bachelor’s degree, but majoring in a related subject like speech and hearing science, speech pathology or communications disorders may help your chances of getting into an accredited master’s program. Most speech pathology master’s programs require undergraduate coursework in biology and health-related fields.

How much money do SLPs make?

The median annual salary for a speech pathologist in the U.S. is $84,140, as reported by the BLS. Speech pathologists who work in company and enterprise management make $127,180 on average.

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Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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Teach.com / Careers / Careers in Healthcare / Become a Speech Pathologist

How to Become a Speech Therapist

Many people think of overcoming speech impediments when they think of speech-language pathology. However, the profession of speech therapy, or speech-language pathology, goes much deeper than that. Fluency, the ability to express thoughts and ideas, understanding others or even swallowing properly are all issues that speech therapists might assess, diagnose and treat.

And these are not insignificant challenges. Trouble communicating makes it difficult to pick up new information in and outside the classroom. It makes forming relationships hard, and in the case of swallowing disorders, it disrupts social interactions.

Speech therapists help prevent communication disorders early on and identify at-risk students, assess and evaluate communication skills in students and develop individualized education programs for those who need them. With how crucial speech-language pathologists are to education, many SLPs opt to pursue career opportunities within school systems.

What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Speech pathologists, also called speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech therapists, are professionals who work with people of all ages to improve communication techniques and treat swallowing disorders, among many other job responsibilities.

Speech pathologists practice in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, independent practices, doctor’s offices, schools, hospitals and residential health care facilities like nursing homes.

Jumpstart Your Career in Speech Pathology, Explore Online SLP Programs

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in March 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school .   

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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

• Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure 
• Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation 
• As few as six terms to complete 
• Full-time and part-time plans of study

Steps to Becoming a Speech Pathologist

There are three common steps that aspiring speech therapists can take to become a practicing SLP. Below, we have outlined the process:

To begin, aspiring professionals can pursue a bachelor’s degree from a reputable higher education institution. Although it is common for speech-language pathologists to come from a wide variety of backgrounds, it doesn’t hurt to demonstrate interest in the field by earning a degree related to speech therapy. A few examples of common undergraduate majors for aspiring speech-language pathologists are communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, language development, education, psychology and English.

In a majority of states—whether you’re employed in a clinical or a school environment— a master’s degree in speech-language pathology accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is an essential requirement for individuals pursuing a career as a speech therapist.  Master’s programs typically are paired with clinical or internship experiences to ensure that students are getting a well-rounded and practical learning experience. Coursework might cover language development and anatomy and physiology, among various other topics. Some working professionals may opt for online speech pathology programs to earn an advanced degree without having to relocate or compromise their work schedule and income.

SLPs must be licensed to practice, a process that varies by state and requires supervised clinical experience. For SLPs who want to work in schools, a teaching certification may also be necessary , depending on the state.

Interested in becoming a speech-language pathologist? Read more about earning a master’s in speech-language pathology (SLP) .

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for speech-language pathologists in 2023 was $ 89,290 . Those who worked in educational services (state, local and private) earned a median annual salary of $79,960.

Salary prospects for speech therapists depend on several factors, including the geographical area of their practice, the extent of their experience in the field and the particular work setting in which they are employed.

Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists

Employment of speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 19% from 2022 to 2032 , which is considerably faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

As of May 2023, the states with the highest employment levels of SLPs are Texas, California, New York, Illinois and Florida.

Last updated June 2024

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What Is a Speech Pathologist?

Also Known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) or Speech Therapist

• What They Do
• Conditions Treated

Training for Speech Pathologists

• When to See an SLP

A speech pathologist, also known as a speech therapist, is a healthcare professional who helps you improve your speech and communication if you have been ill, injured, or have a chronic disability. Speech pathologists may also be called speech-language pathologists (SLP).

Speech pathologists also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food or drink to help them stay safe while eating.

This article examines the important work that speech pathologists do as part of a rehabilitation team of professionals. You will learn what conditions they treat and when you should seek out the services of an SLP.

What a Speech Pathologist Does

A speech pathologist is a trained medical professional who works with patients who are injured or ill and are having difficulty speaking or swallowing. They work to prevent, assess, and treat these disorders in adults and children.

Speech pathologists help people communicate, and this may involve:

• Expressive communication : The ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally
• Receptive communication : The ability to understand verbal and nonverbal communications

Some speech therapists work closely with audiologists (healthcare professionals who treat hearing and balance problems) to ensure that you can hear and understand language correctly. Others work with otolaryngologists , also called ear, nose, and throat physicians (ENTs), to help patients swallow food and drink safely and to assist patients with oral motor function.

Common Specialty Areas

Some speech pathologists have a more generalized practice, while others have a more narrow focus on specific areas or problems such as:

• Social communication
• Voice and vocal hygiene
• Speech sound disorders

Some of the official certifications that a speech pathologist may receive include:

•  Intraoperative monitoring
•  Fluency disorders
•  Swallowing and feeding disorders
•  Child language disorders

Speech pathologists seeking specialty certification have to meet education, experience, and clinical practice requirements as established by independent specialty certification boards.

Where Speech Therapists Work

There are a variety of settings in which speech pathologists work. This may include:

• Schools: Speech therapists working in schools help children with speech disorders learn to overcome their communication challenges.
• Nursing homes: Speech therapists in nursing homes help patients with dementia or communication issues caused by other conditions like stroke learn communication strategies. They also work with staff on ways to help residents communicate more effectively.
• Hospitals: A speech pathologist working in a hospital may help diagnose and treat language communication problems and swallowing disorders in hospitalized patients. 
• Private practices: Speech pathologists may also work in private practices where they may specialize in one or more language problems or health conditions in specific populations.

Speech pathologists can also work as educators in colleges and universities, and they may be involved in research.

Conditions Speech Therapists Treat

Speech pathologists work with people of various ages and with a variety of conditions. They sometimes work with young children who are having problems speaking properly, or they may help older adults with cognitive communication (communication that is affected by memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving, which are examples of executive functioning ).

A stroke can cause damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and communication. Depending on the extent of the stroke, this loss of ability may be short-term or long-term. A speech pathologist can help someone who is recovering from a stroke regain their ability to speak and understand language.

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition of the brain that affects how you communicate with others. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain responsible for language and can affect your ability to speak and understand what is being said.

Hearing Loss

A speech pathologist may work with other professionals such as audiologists and ENTs to help assess, manage, and treat someone with hearing loss. Some of the things a speech pathologist might do to help someone with hearing loss include evaluating the person's speech, helping them improve listening skills, and working with them to develop alternative communication strategies.

Vocal Damage

Vocal cords can become damaged in various ways including persistent coughing and voice overuse. A speech pathologist can teach you muscle strengthing and voice rehabilitation excercises and other strategies to help your vocal cords heal (such as cough modification). 

English Language Learners

If you are learning a new language and wish to alter your accent, you may benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist, as well. They can help you form words and sounds correctly to alter your normal speech in learning a new language.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury after a blow to the head or an accident that affects the parts of the brain that control language can also lead to problems with communication. A speech therapist can help someone with this type of injury recover lost speech and language skills.

Swallowing Disorders

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It can be caused by several different medical conditions including muscular problems, a narrowed esophagus, damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or esophageal cancer. 

Untreated dysphagia can lead to problems eating and drinking including choking. A speech pathologist can help you develop strategies for safe chewing and swallowing, including exercises, correct body position, and food preparation recommendations. 

People with autism can have difficulty with both written and spoken communication as well as body-language forms of communication such as pointing and waving. Autism is also associated with difficulties relating to and socializing with other people. 

A speech pathologist can help people with autism understand communication norms and improve their written and spoken communication skills. They can also work with the families of people with autism on strategies that can help develop communication skills.

Alzheimer's Disease

People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease may develop communication problems as the disease progresses. A speech therapist can help the person develop memory skills and other strategies that will help them communicate.

Speech pathologists also work with the family and caregivers of people with dementia so they can help the person implement communication tools and strategies.   

Fluency Disorders

Fluency disorder describes speech patterns characterized by differences in rate and rhythm compared to how most people speak. 

Stuttering is the most common example of a fluency disorder. Another example is cluttering, which describes speech that is atypically fast and irregular.

Speech pathologists usually develop an individualized treatment plan for someone with a fluency disorder, which may include strategies such as:

• Minimizing negative reactions to the problem
• Increasing the person's acceptance of the problem
• Improving confidence
• Reducing avoidance behavior

Speech Sound Disorders

Speech sound disorders describe problems articulating words. People with speech sound disorders may be hard for others to understand. This can result in problems with social relationships, at work, or at school. 

Speech sound disorders are common in childhood and can be treated with the help of a speech pathologist. The pathologist will look at how the person moves their tongue, lips and jaw and help them learn the correct way to make sounds. 

People with speech sound disorders often have other problems with language; their speech therapist can also help them develop strategies to overcome these problems.

Gender-Affirming Voice Therapy

Voice therapy for transgender people can be an important part of gender-affirming healthcare. Learning to speak in ways that align with gender identity can improve a transgender person's quality of life as well as their social and psychological well-being.

A speech pathologist can help a transgender person learn to modify the pitch of their voice in ways that limit fatigue and damage to the vocal cords. They can also help the person learn nonverbal communication, articulation, and other strategies that can help their voice align with their gender identity.

To be a speech pathologist, a person must have a master's degree in communication disorders from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).

Many undergraduate and graduate programs in speech pathology require time spent observing a speech therapist at work prior to admission. This satisfies the requirement for entry into school and provides a good understanding of what a speech pathologist's job is like.

The first year of work as a speech therapist is called a clinical fellowship year. During this time, aspiring speech pathologists will work under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

Additional steps to becoming a speech pathologist include:

• Obtaining a certificate of clinical competence in SLP (CCC-SLP)
• Passing a national Praxis examination for Speech-Language Pathology
• Applying for SLP licensure in the state in which you will be working

A speech pathologist's education does not end when they leave school and pass the national examination. They must also fulfill continuing education requirements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to maintain their license.

When to See a Speech Pathologist

There are certain instances in which you may need to see a speech pathologist. For example, parents commonly notice small speech or language impairments in their children and seek out an SLP.

Adults may want to work with a speech pathologist to help with new or existing communication or language problems.

If you become hospitalized, you may have a speech pathologist come to your room and work with you at your bedside. They can help you with speech and language, swallowing and diet issues, and can work with other members of a rehab team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you to return home.

When to see a medical professional

Many speech and language disorders benefit from the help of a speech therapist, but some are more urgent than others. Any sudden onset of impaired speech should be considered an emergency, as the person may be experiencing a life-threatening problem such as a stroke.

Children should be closely monitored for speech and language development. If your child does not have the language skills expected for their age, it is a good idea to see a speech pathologist as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one is having trouble communicating or understanding language, then working with a speech pathologist may be a good idea.

SLPs treat children and adults with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neurological injuries, autism, and more. They are trained to assess your condition and offer strategies to improve your expressive and receptive communication and swallowing function.

Pascoe A, Breen LJ, Cocks N. What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in adult palliative care?: What is needed to prepare SPs to work in adult palliative care? .  International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 2018;53(3):542-549. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12367

American Speech Language Hearing Association. Who are speech pathologists, and what do they do? .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Social communication .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Speech sound disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Clinical specialty certification .

Reilly S, Harper M, Goldfeld S. The demand for speech pathology services for children: Do we need more or just different? . J Paediatr Child Health . 2016;52(12):1057-1061. doi:10.1111/jpc.13318

National Aphasia Association. Stroke .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Aphasia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Hearing loss in adults .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Autism (autism spectrum disorder) .

Alzheimer's Association. Strategies to support changes in memory, language and behavior in the early stages of dementia .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Fluency disorders .

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Gender-affirming voice therapy advocacy .

SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org. How to become a speech pathologist .

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Identifying speech and language concerns about your child and when should you seek help?  

Salary.com. Speech Pathologist Salary in the United States .

By Brett Sears, PT Brett Sears, PT, MDT, is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in orthopedic and hospital-based therapy.

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Speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapy is an exciting and varied career. It offers you the chance to make a difference, a high degree of flexibility and excellent employment prospects. You’ll work with patients every day to help improve their care and their lives. 

If you enjoy science, education, languages, linguistics or medicine - speech and language therapy could be the profession for you.

Working life

Speech and language therapists provide life-changing treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing. You'll help people who, for physical or psychological reasons, have problems speaking and communicating.

Patients range from children whose speech is slow to develop, to older people whose ability to speak has been impaired by illness or injury. It also includes treatment for those who have difficulty with eating or swallowing. 

What you’ll do as a speech and language therapist

Variety is one of the most exciting things about being a speech and language therapist. As well as helping patients with a variety of conditions, you’ll work in a multi-disciplinary team in different settings from hospitals to community clinics to patients' homes.

You'll help children with a variety of conditions including:

• mild, moderate or severe learning difficulties
• specific difficulties in producing sounds
• hearing impairment
• cleft lip and palate
• voice disorders
• selective mutism
• developmental language disorder .

You'll help adults with:

• communication or eating and swallowing problems following neurological impairments and degenerative conditions, including stroke , head injury, Parkinson's disease and dementia
• voice problems
• mental health issues
• learning difficulties
• physical disabilities

You would also work closely with teachers and other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses and psychologists. You may also supervise the work of speech and language therapy assistants.

Max Elswood

Speech and language therapy student.

Having an impact on someone’s quality of life makes me proud to be studying speech and language therapy.

How to become a speech and language therapist

To become a speech and language therapist, you’ll need to train and study at degree or postgraduate level. A degree apprenticeship has also been approved. 

Entry requirements

To get on to an speech and language therapy degree course you usually need:

• two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs ( grades A-C ), including English language, maths and science

or alternative qualifications, including

• BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
• relevant T level
• relevant NVQ
• science-based access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

If you already hold a relevant first degree, you can apply for an accelerated postgraduate programme in speech and language therapy. These courses usually last two years.

Each institution sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check carefully. 

Annual payments

If you're eligible, you’ll receive at least £5,000 a year to help fund your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news? You'll never have to pay it back. Find out more. 

Degree apprenticeship

There are a growing number of degree apprenticeships. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.

Must-have skills

Don’t forget – academic qualifications aren't everything. You'll need to be able to motivate and reassure people of all ages using your excellent communication skills. You'll also need to be able problem solve and show real leadership and organisational skills. You'll also need to be happy working alone and as part of a team.

Training and career development

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where we’ll discuss your career aspirations and plan how we can help you to achieve them, so you’re always moving forward. You may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice such as cleft and lip palate, people with swallowing difficulties or learning disability. Other options include teaching or research.

You could also do further training and an advanced clinical practitioner or move into management. As head of a local speech and language therapy service you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing a budget.

Pay and conditions

Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours. As an speech and language therapist, you’ll be paid on the  Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system , typically starting on band 5.

You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

Find your course to become a speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapy.

University of Greenwich

• Qualification Bachelor of Science - BSc Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 3 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 020 8331 9000
• Region South East Admissions address Central Avenue Chatham ME4 4TB United Kingdom

Speech and Language Therapy (Including Placement Year)

University of Essex

• Qualification Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 4 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 01206 873666
• Region East of England Admissions address University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ England
• Qualification Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 3 Years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (with foundation year)

Manchester Metropolitan University

• Qualification Bachelor of Science - BSc Study mode Full-time Duration of the course 4 years Leading to a career in Speech and Language Therapy
• Contact details [email protected] 0161 247 69 69
• Region North West Admissions address Academic Division Oxford Road All Saints Manchester M15 6BH United Kingdom

De Montfort University

• Contact details [email protected] 0116 2078443
• Region East Midlands Admissions address The Gateway Leicester LE1 9BH England
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Speech and language therapist

Alternative titles for this job include.

Speech and language therapists help people with speaking and communication problems and those with eating and swallowing difficulties.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

How to become speech and language therapist.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) .

If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.

If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.

If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

You'll be expected to show an understanding of the NHS values when applying for degree courses and apprenticeships.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a speech and language therapist from:

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
• Health Careers

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of psychology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

As a speech and language therapist, you could:

• observe and test patients to assess specific difficulties
• plan and develop therapy programmes
• help patients regain communication after brain injuries or a stroke
• support children and adults with eating or swallowing problems
• work with children with language delays or disorders

Working environment

You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, in a nursery or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in working with:

• children with special educational needs
• people who have eating, drinking and swallowing disorders (dysphagia)

After further training, you could move into teaching and research. You could also become self-employed and run your own business.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england.

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Speech and language therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to he: health science professions.

• Provider: HULL COLLEGE
• Start date: 03 September 2024
• Location: Hull

Access To HE - Health Science Professions - Online (Distance Learning)

• Provider: The Bournemouth and Poole College
• Start date: 02 September 2024
• Location: Not known

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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Search further careers, related careers.

• Speech and language therapy assistant
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Speech and language therapist

A day as a speech and language therapist

You've just qualified as a therapist, and help patients with a wide variety of speech and language difficulties.

Your day begins with a 21 year old man who had a severe head injury. When he woke up from a coma he couldn't talk and had difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing. You see him at home and have been helping him to increase his vocabulary, starting with the words that mean the most to him. After working with him for seven months, he can now hold a conversation with his friends.

You then meet up with a speech and language therapy friend in a mental health team working with young offenders. She's helping an 18 year old with poor communication, memory and social skills. This leads to him misunderstanding people, leading to aggressive behaviour. Group therapy helps focus his language and social skills and address his behaviour.

After lunch, you see a 12 year old girl who has been struggling at school. She finds it hard to understand her teachers and to answer questions in tests. You have been helping her find ways and techniques to support her learning. You have also been working with her teachers so they can better support her education.

At the end of the day, you write a report for a client with cerebral palsy and manage new referrals to your team.

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• Speech and language therapist

How to become a speech and language therapist

You must complete a pre-registration degree programme to become a speech and language therapist in the NHS.

What is a speech and language therapist?

Speech and language therapists provide treatment, support, and care for children and adults with communication difficulties or eating, drinking and swallowing problems.

Starting your career as a speech and language therapist

Choosing subjects at school.

To get on a course that could lead to a career as an speech and language therapist, useful subjects include: 

• Human Biology
• Psychology 
• Childcare and Development 

Speak to your guidance teacher about subjects offered at your school.

Work placements and volunteering

You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to university, college or a new job with NHSScotland. 

Education and training pathway

You'll need a degree to become a speech and language therapist. Most universities accept a wide range of qualifications, giving you the option of applying directly from school or going to college first. 

At college, you could do an HNC in Healthcare Practice. 

Widening access

Widening participation supports adult learners who want to go to university. If you’re an adult with few or no qualifications, you could get into higher education through the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP). Many universities also provide access programmes to help you get the degree entry qualifications you need. 

Pre-registration undergraduate Speech and Language Therapy degree programmes

Two universities in Scotland offer undergraduate programmes in Speech and Language Therapy or Speech and Language Pathology approved by the HCPC: 

• Queen Margaret University 
• University of Strathclyde 

Pre-registration undergraduate programmes take 4 years full-time. 

Pre-registration postgraduate Speech and Language Therapy degree programme

If you have relevant qualifications and healthcare experience, you can do a postgraduate diploma or a master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy. A pre-registration postgraduate course usually takes 2 to 3 years. 

You should contact individual universities to find out about specific entry requirements.

After graduation, you must register with the HCPC. You can then apply as a newly qualified speech and language therapist for vacancies in the NHS.

Course search

Search for college or university programmes on My World of Work.

Get to know the role

As a speech and language therapist, you would work with people who experience communication or swallowing difficulties for various reasons. These include: 

• a developmental delay 
• learning disability 
• brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or
• cancer of the mouth and throat 
• hearing loss 

What you'll do

Tasks include: 

• assess developmental speech and communication difficulties in babies and children 
• create and implement therapy programmes and work with clients to monitor progress 
• support people,their carers, and family members to use alternative forms of communication 
• train other professionals to deliver communication support 
• assess swallowing ability 
• work with clients individually or in groups 
• write client reports 
• supervise students and healthcare support workers 

You'll need these skills:

• collaboration
• communicating
• problem-solving
• persuading and motivating people 

Who you'll work with

Speech and language therapists work with other healthcare professionals, including: 

• physiotherapists 
• occupational therapists 
• healthcare support workers 

Where you'll work

You could work in: 

• hospitals and rehabilitation units 
• health centres 
• daycare centres 
• prisons and young offenders units
• a person’s home 

Learning and development

During your career, you’ll be expected to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through Continuing Professional Development. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) provides: 

• training courses 
• conferences 

Visit the RSCLT website for more about training and CPD courses .

Professional bodies

When you become a qualified speech and language therapist, you must register with the HCPC to work in the NHS. You can also join the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists .

Navigate page

Related careers, dramatherapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist.

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Discover the range of AHP careers you can choose in the NHS.

NHSScotland Careers blog

Our blog includes how-to guides, case studies, and career resources.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Speech Therapist?

Industry Advice Healthcare

Speech-language pathology can be an incredibly rewarding career path . Not only do speech therapists earn a competitive salary , but they also enjoy increasing demand as the U.S. population ages and a larger percentage of the population requires their services. Many also consider speech pathology to be personally gratifying because it offers the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on the quality of life for patients. 

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist or speech therapist, you’ll need to know how long it will take for you to complete your training and break into the field. 

Below, we take a look at the different steps involved in becoming a speech-language pathologist and how long it typically takes to complete each so that you will have a better understanding of the time investment required to pursue this career.

Interested in a Speech-Language Pathology Career?

Learn how an SLP degree can give you the skills you need to make a difference in educational and healthcare settings.

How long does it take to become a speech-language pathologist?

To become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) , you will need to:

• Earn an undergraduate degree
• Complete a master’s degree
• Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology
• Complete your post-graduate clinical fellowship
• Apply for state licensure and ASHA certification

In total, this means it will take anywhere from six to nine years to become an SLP. If you take time off to work in between earning your undergraduate degree and your master’s degree, this will, of course, add to your timeline.

1. Earn an undergraduate degree.

Time commitment: 3-4 years 

The first step to becoming a speech-language pathologist is to earn an undergraduate degree. Ideally, this will be in a field of study related to speech-language pathology, such as a  Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology or a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. However, some SLPs will earn an undergraduate degree in a field unrelated to speech-language pathology. In these cases, they may need to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses before enrolling in a master’s program.

Depending on how aggressive your plan of study is and whether you are learning part-time or full-time, earning your undergraduate degree will take an average of three to four years.

2. Complete a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. 

Time commitment: 2-4 years

The next step to becoming a speech-language pathologist is to earn your Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology or a related degree. Your master’s program must be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). How long this step takes will depend on your plan of study. Full-time programs will typically take approximately two years to complete. Part-time programs can take up to four years to complete. 

While some programs allow for part-time study, many only admit full-time students, so it is important to find the right program for your specific needs. 

Additionally, it is worth noting that some universities offer a 5-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, which allows students to complete their education in an accelerated manner. At Northeastern, for example, students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language and Audiology can continue into the MS in SLP so long as they meet the program’s requirements.

3. Pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.

Time commitment: Concurrent with master’s degree

To qualify for state licensure, you will need to take and pass the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, which tests your proficiency and understanding of the field. This exam is typically completed concurrently with your master’s degree program, often in the final semester of your program or shortly after graduation. If you do not pass the exam on the first try, you can retake it, though this will increase your time to becoming an SLP. 

4. Complete your post-graduate clinical fellowship.

Time commitment: 9 months

Upon completing your master’s degree and passing the Praxis Examination, you must complete a total of 1,260 clinical hours overseen by an ASHA-certified SLP. This work is referred to as a post-graduate clinical fellowship and is a crucial step in your journey to becoming an SLP.

These hours are typically completed over the course of 36 weeks (at 35 hours per week) or roughly nine months from start to finish. 

5. Obtain state licensure and ASHA certification.

Time commitment: 2-4 weeks

The final step to becoming an SLP is to apply for state licensure and ASHA certification. While each state will have its own requirements and processes for applying for licensure, it will typically take between two and four weeks for your application to be processed after you submit it. It, therefore, makes sense to submit your application as soon as possible once you meet the requirements so that you can receive your license and begin practicing. 

Not Necessarily a Straight Path

It’s worth noting that the path to becoming a speech-language pathologist is not always a straight one. Many aspiring SLPs choose to work between their undergraduate and graduate degrees, for example, or while earning their graduate degree. Additionally, it is not uncommon for an individual to earn an undergraduate degree in a field unrelated to SLP and then decide that they would like to enter the field. 

“Some students, for example, will earn an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and then work as a speech-language pathology assistant for a number of years,” says Lorraine Book, department chair and associate clinical professor at Northeastern’s MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. “Others might work in education before deciding to make a career change. So long as they’ve completed the prerequisite coursework, there’s no reason that they cannot enroll in a master’s degree program and move into speech-language pathology.”

Interested in becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist? Learn more about the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northeastern University.

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Becoming an SLP

What is an slp.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are professionals who have training and expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. SLPs work with people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. We work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, private clinics and centres, health units, child development centres, rehabilitation centres, and research facilities.

Useful Resources

The College of Health Disciplines at UBC provides information on all the healthcare professions to help prospective students choose a career.

The only speech-language pathology program in British Columbia is the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (SASS) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), which offers a “solid academic foundation, valuable opportunities for practical experience, and a stunning location in which to study.”

Speech-Language and Audiology Canada provides a list of all the Canadian University Programs in Speech-Language Pathology.

Thinking about becoming an SLP? Our members share why they became, and love being, an SLP:

“I have been an SLP for more than 23 years and I believe it is the best job on earth.”

“I had planned on being a pediatrician until I took a linguistics course in my undergraduate program at UBC and realized that the field of speech-language pathology combined my love of science, teaching, counseling and creativity all in one. Many years later, after working in a variety of settings, I discovered that this “job” is flexible, rewarding (both financially and intrinsically.) You will never get bored! I have 3 daughters who watch me work. Guess what they want to be when they grow up?”

“I was 22 and had never heard about the field ‘til a friend shared with me that she had visited a friend who was an SLP. I was captivated… that was 40 years ago. It has been the most amazing, challenging and rewarding career that I could have wished for and I’m still working and learning and contributing to others constantly. My work keeps engaging me in new ways over and over. I love it.”

“I wanted to work with children but did not want to be a teacher. I shadowed an SLP which made up my mind. That was more than 40 years ago. I still love my job.”

“The best job in the world. We are lifelong learners as are our audiology colleagues”

“I was planning to be a physiotherapist and got a summer job in the PT department of the local hospital…sitting in the hydrotherapy tub with a gentleman with aphasia, I had to find ways to communicate and we succeeded. I changed my major the following year.”

“On career day in high school my mom (a teacher) asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted a job that would challenge me, was unique and would be fun. She suggested I look into speech-language therapy …13 years into my career and it has proved to be everything I valued that day and more. Thank you, Mom.”

“As a child I had difficulties speaking and saw an SLP at school for help. He did such a great job making me feel successful and capable that I rarely felt excluded or embarrassed by the fact that I had to leave class to see the ‘speech teacher’. This positive experience stayed with me well into adulthood and when I was faced with a career change I decided to return to school to become an SLP. I have never regretted the choice to enter such a rewarding profession full of skilled, motivated, and caring individuals.”

Speech and language therapist

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• What's it like to be a speech and language therapist?

About the job

Is it for you, how to apply, what's it like to be a speech and language therapist.

As a speech and language therapist, you’ll enjoy an exciting and varied career. You will have the chance to make a real difference to every patient’s life.

Speech and communication problems can make people’s lives incredibly difficult. Helping them to overcome issues and watching them begin to thrive is incredibly rewarding. 

If you enjoy science, education, social sciences, languages, linguistics, and medicine, then speech and language therapy could be the right profession for you.

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What does a speech and language therapist do.

As a speech and language therapist, you’ll provide life-changing treatment, support, and care for both children and adults. 

Your support will also help people with difficulties beyond communication such as eating, drinking, and safe swallowing. You'll also help people with underlying physical or psychological problems. 

You’ll meet a huge variety of patients. The people whose life you’ll have a chance to change for the better might include children whose speech is slow to develop, or older people whose ability to speak has been impaired by illness or injury. You’ll also meet people of all ages with learning difficulties, who find it difficult to communicate with others. 

What are the pay and conditions like?

Your standard working week in the NHS will be around 37.5 hours a week. Elsewhere, your hours will depend on where you work. You may work evenings and weekends to suit private clients. If you work in the NHS, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system , typically on band 5. 

You will be able to claim £2,000 a year towards childcare costs through the NHS Learning Support Fund, and there’s funding available for adult dependants and some placement travel costs too. If you have a disability, there are grants to help with essential costs while studying via the Disabled Students’ Allowance.

If working on the NHS you will have access to one of the best pension schemes in the UK, as well as access to exclusive health service discounts and benefits at some of the most popular brands.

Where could you be working?

What are your career development opportunities.

With experience, you could begin to specialise in different areas. You might focus on helping children with special needs to eat, drink, and swallow correctly. Or you may specialise in areas such as cleft lip and palate or learning disabilities. Other options include teaching or research. 

You might take courses in advanced clinical practice or move into management. As the head of a local speech and language therapy service, you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing budgets. Some speech and language therapists also set up their own practice on their own or with other professionals. They can take on private clients, sometimes alongside NHS work.

Other careers in allied medicine

Occupational therapist, physiotherapist, prosthetist and orthotist, therapeutic radiographer, diagnostic radiographer, are you a good communicator, are you compassionate, are you an innovator, are you a critical thinker, are you a patient person, are you a good listener, £5,000 annual payment to help fund your studies, you'll have a starting salary of £24,907, 94% of graduates are employed within six months, applying with a degree.

You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy that's approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) .

If you've got a degree in a science or language-based subject, you could do a two-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.

Entry requirements for an undergraduate degree include:  

• two or three A levels along with five GCSEs (grades A – C) including English language, maths, and science

Or equivalent qualifications include:

• a BTEC, HND or HNC which includes science
• a relevant NVQ
• a science-based Access course
• equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications

Every university sets its own entry requirements, so it’s important to check with them directly. 

Applying with a degree apprenticeship

A degree apprenticeship in speech and language therapy has been approved. This will offer an alternative route to registration with the HCPC . 

There are no nationally set entry requirements for degree apprenticeships – this will be down to the employer offering the apprenticeship – but you will usually need four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships will be with employers, with study at university, and vacancies will appear on the NHS Jobs website and the government's Find an Apprenticeship website .

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Speech-Language Pathology Pathway to Certification

This infographic walks you step-by-step through the process of applying for the CCC-SLP. It is partnered with the Clinical Fellowship Pathway to help you navigate your Clinical Fellowship Experience. It includes important certification and membership information as well as a Pro Tip to help save you up to $225 off your initial certification fees and membership dues. Downloadable version [PDF]

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Please read the current speech-language pathology standards to be aware of any changes.

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The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 234,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students.

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How to become a speech and language therapist

This varied role could offer you a rewarding way of helping a range of different people achieve a better quality of life. read on to discover more..

Routes to becoming a speech and language therapist

Skills you’ll need, finding work experience, how to get a job as a speech and language therapist, what it's like to be a speech and language therapist, looking for clearing advice.

The Clearing concierge has the answers

Routes to becoming a speech and language therapist  

Most people opt to do a degree to become a speech and language therapist. It is possible to work within this field without a degree by becoming a speech and language therapy assistant, working with qualified speech and language therapists. For these roles, you'll typically need GCSEs in maths and English, as well as a Level 3 care or health-related qualification (or equivalent experience).  

Undergraduate degrees

Enrolling on to an undergraduate speech and language therapy course is the most common route to becoming a speech and language therapist. Entry requirements for this type of degree usually range from 112–160 UCAS points. Speech and language therapy courses take between three and four years to complete depending on whether your course involves a foundation or placement year. Your degree must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) to practice as a speech and language therapist.  

You can learn more about what to expect from a speech and language degree in our subject guide , including what topics you’ll cover and how you’ll be assessed.

• Find an undergraduate speech and language degree

Degree apprenticeships 

If you prefer learning on the job, a degree apprenticeship could be worth considering. These courses are a mix of work-based and academic learning. A big advantage of this route is that your employer will pay for your studies, not you. To become an apprentice, you will need to find an employer who has a vacancy for an SLT apprentice. This may be your current employer or a new one. Your employer will then work with a university to secure your place as an apprentice.  

Currently, speech and language therapy apprenticeship opportunities are only available in England due to government funding. Do check that the apprenticeship meets HCPC requirements for eligibility to register to practice as an SLT in the UK, as it is a protected title. 

Search for an apprenticeship vacancy via  Find an apprenticeship and learn more about this option on the RCLST website.   

Postgraduate degrees 

A postgraduate qualification isn’t necessary to become a speech and language therapist but might be a possibility if you’re thinking of changing careers. A postgraduate degree usually takes a year to complete full time or two years part time and you’ll need an undergraduate degree as a minimum entry requirement. 

• Find a postgraduate speech and language degree
• Types of degrees in the UK

As well as being a people person with great interpersonal skills, you’ll also need to show:

patience and calm under pressure  

analytical and critical thinking 

organisation  

time management  

problem solving  

research skills 

report writing  

flexibility  

empathy 

physical and mental stamina

Competition for degree places and for jobs is high so work experience will help you show that you have a sound understanding of the role.

Try looking for work by: 

arranging some shadowing at a local speech and language therapy service; 

completing some voluntary work involving working with a particular group you might be interested in such as children, adults with a learning difference, older people; or 

you could gain experience by working as an assistant or support worker to an experienced speech and language therapist.

How to get a job as a speech and language therapist

Once qualified, most job opportunities are in the healthcare sector in the NHS or with a private health service. You may find work in a hospital, GP practices, with schools and nurseries, child development centres, residential homes, social services, or prison service amongst others. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has a useful jobs board on its website covering a wide range of vacancies. You can also check individual organisations like NHS Jobs and specialist recruitment agencies such as World Healthcare and Maxxima.

What it's like to be a speech and language therapist

Speech and language therapists help people of all ages with various communication issues, swallowing, drinking and eating difficulties.  

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

talking to patients, observing and using tests to assess specific issues 

helping a patient who has had a stroke to learn to speak again 

supporting families to communicate with loved ones who have had a brain injury 

planning and developing therapy programmes 

helping children and adults with eating difficulties to learn how to swallow 

working with children with language delays or disorders 

supporting clients through treatment 

work closely with other professionals such as doctors and teachers 

It’s a good idea to join a professional organisation like the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists  for professional development and networking opportunities.

Speech and language therapists work in a range of different settings depending on their specialism and will usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Those graduates working for the NHS usually start on Band 5, approx. £27,000 in 2023.  This could rise to as much as £55,000 with considerable experience and in a senior management role.

Is a role as a speech and language therapist right for you?

Working as a speech and language therapist can be a hugely rewarding way of helping people. Although emotionally draining you can support people in a medical capacity without having to study comprehensive Medicine.  

• Reasons to study speech and language  
• What do graduates do and earn?

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UW-Eau Claire expands speech therapy and audiology service options for community

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Center for Communication Disorders (CCD) is expanding its speech-language health care service options to respond to community needs after the announcement that multiple clinics and hospitals are closing in the Chippewa Valley.

HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls will close along with several Prevea Health clinics in the region in March and April, reducing the available speech therapy and audiology services.

“With the HSHS and Prevea closure, we, at the CCD, have experienced an increase in the number of people from the Chippewa Valley inquiring about and accessing our speech and language services,” says Lindsay Pohlen, CCD director. “This has provided our student clinicians with the opportunity to earn clinical hours and has diversified their clinical experience. The Center for Communication Disorders is grateful to be able to serve those in our community.”

The campus-based  CCD provides speech-language pathology services across all age ranges, from early childhood through late adulthood. All services are free and provided by undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology, audiology or other similar professions.

Services are supervised by UW-Eau Claire faculty members who are licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in all service-delivery areas. The CCD provides individual and group services both in person and via telehealth.

“While the CCD currently maintains a waiting list for individual services, existing groups have the capability to incorporate additional clients,” Pohlen says. “We are striving to balance the needs of our students and the health care and service needs of the community .”

UW-Eau Claire’s Communication Sciences and Disorders program also is preparing additional professionals to address the community’s long-term speech therapy and audiology service needs.

The program offers a variety of options for students to earn a degree, both at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. A master’s degree is needed to practice as a SLP, but individuals can practice as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) under the supervision of an SLP in a variety of service delivery settings. Both SLPs and SLPAs are needed across the region and state to fill numerous open positions, and especially to start new private-practice clinics to meet the growing need for services.

The department offers both an on-campus and online master’s degree. As part of this program, students gain academic and clinical experience with individuals of all ages, eventually leading to licensure as an SLP. Graduate students in the online program complete their clinical training in sites within their home community. Graduate students in the on-campus program complete their clinical training by providing services both within the CCD on campus, but also in conjunction with community SLPs throughout the Chippewa Valley.

 Partnerships with regional SLPs in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient clinics are critical for training the next generation of SLPs.

“Closures of these regional health care partners have negatively impacted this training program, in addition to reducing the health care options for people throughout the region,” says Laura Prince, CSD external placement coordinator. “We are grateful to other regional partners who have stepped in to assist students in finishing their clinical  training .”

For those seeking a bachelor’s degree, the traditional on-campus program is recognized throughout the region for high-quality education. Recently, a new certificate was added, allowing CSD students to complete the training required to become an SLPA. Starting in fall 2024, students can complete the entire bachelor’s degree, including the SLPA certificate, in a fully online format.

“We hope that adding a fully online option will allow prospective students throughout our region, and across Wisconsin, to get access to this training program without having to uproot their entire life to move to Eau Claire ,” says Dr. Abby Hemmerich, CSD department chair.

The additional SLPA option is made possible thanks to the $9.4 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. UW-Eau Claire’s multiyear award focuses on strengthening the regional workforce with new health-related career options and programming.

“The CSD program has effectively leveraged the resources of the WEDC Workforce Innovation Grant to serve the health care needs of northwest Wisconsin and beyond,” says Dr. Carmen Manning, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and co-primary investigator for the WEDC grant.

For more information about the SLPA program, on-campus bachelor’s degree and the online bachelor’s degree, visit the communication sciences and disorders academic offerings site.

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University of Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic Will Offer Telehealth Therapy to Parkinson’s Patients in D.C. Area

The University of Utah’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic will offer groundbreaking online treatment for patient with Parkinson’s in the D.C. area—for free. 

Thanks to a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project, the clinic is providing SPEAK OUT!® Therapy to patients across Utah and beyond. The program is growing to include Virginia and Washington D.C., and Utah’s clinicians will take the successful telehealth model to a new region. 

Parkinson’s disease is the second-most prevalent brain disease in the U.S. and includes symptoms like speech changes, muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty swallowing. The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is one of the nation’s SPEAK OUT!® Therapy & Research Centers, using a highly effective, research-based speech therapy protocol that can enhance communication and minimize the risk of life-threatening swallowing complications. 

Thanks to this grant and collaboration, the clinic commits to provide SPEAK OUT!® Therapy at no cost to any person in the D.C. area diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The clinic specializes in online delivery of these therapeutic services and is actively conducting efficacy research on this therapy.

“We have a mission to provide affordable services to patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” says College of Health associate professor and clinical lead Brett Myers, PhD, CCC-SLP . “We are excited to offer these services as the SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Center for Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.” 

The entire program takes place online, so patients can participate from home as long as they have an Internet connection. During eight one-on-one sessions, they will learn exercises from the clinic’s expert practitioners and graduate students. SPEAK OUT! patients then continue in online group therapy to maintain their skills.

“We selected the University of Utah’s Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic because of their compassion and their commitment to serving their Parkinson’s community,” says Samantha Elandary, founder and CEO of the Parkinson Voice Project. 

“These new SPEAK OUT! Therapy & Research Centers will eliminate the barriers currently preventing thousands of people with Parkinson’s from receiving speech treatment.”

Like many healthcare providers, the Parkinson Voice Project pivoted to telehealth services when the pandemic hit the U.S. in 2020. Elandary and her team found that patients did better with online therapy—it removed barriers that had previously prevented patients from receiving speech treatment. Now the nonprofit has the goal to replicate this online speech therapy program in university speech therapy clinics across the United States. 

The expansion news means that people with Parkinson’s in more states now have access to valuable speech therapy, regardless of location, transportation, insurance, or financial challenges. 

If you would like to schedule an evaluation for someone with Parkinson’s living in Washington, D.C., please call the University of Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at 801-581-3506.

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Long-time speech-language pathologist joins Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as clinical instructor

August 14, 2024  | Erin Bluvas,  [email protected]

Ariana Silverstein has more than 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist. Nearly all of these years were spent in Florida, where she earned bachelor’s (Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida) and master’s (Speech-Language Pathology, Nova Southeastern University) degrees in the field.

“My career in speech-language pathology has taken me through various clinical settings, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to make a difference,” Silverstein says. “I’m drawn to speech pathology for early learners because it allows me to make a significant impact on a child’s development from the start.”

Ariana Silverstein brings needed expertise working with children who have speech and language delays and disorders. She also has experience in university clinic supervision that will add to our excellent clinical master’s program.

Over the years, she has worked in public schools and private practice settings. She also spent three years at her master’s alma mater as a clinical supervisor and instructor. These experiences confirmed her passion for working with pediatric populations.

“Helping young children build essential communication skills is both rewarding and dynamic,” she says. “Each child’s uniqueness presents a creative challenge, and the joy of seeing their progress and connecting with their families makes the field deeply fulfilling.”

Silverstein uses augmentative and alternative communication tools when treating children who have complex communication needs, such as those with speech sound disorders, autism, and Down syndrome. In her work, she adopts a client-centered approach – collaborating with family members and experts/science from other disciplines to help her patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

I’m looking forward to collaborating with esteemed colleagues and contributing to impactful research and interventions. I’m eager to apply my skills to help develop and implement effective strategies that address the unique needs of each child, and to engage with the vibrant academic community at the Arnold School.

“The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders’ commitment to innovative approaches in speech pathology aligns perfectly with my own passion for making a meaningful impact on early learners,” Silverstein says. “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a team that values both evidence-based practice and creative problem-solving.”

A dedicated teacher, Silverstein is also passionate about working with students. As a clinical instructor in the department and Montgomery Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic , she plans to equip students with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to become successful speech-language pathologists.

“Ariana Silverstein brings needed expertise working with children who have speech and language delays and disorders,” says department chair Jean Neils-Strunjas . “She also has experience in university clinic supervision that will add to our excellent clinical master’s program.”

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with esteemed colleagues and contributing to impactful research and interventions,” Silverstein says. “I’m eager to apply my skills to help develop and implement effective strategies that address the unique needs of each child, and to engage with the vibrant academic community at the Arnold School.”

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Our speech and language advisors are here to help.

Are you concerned that your child is struggling with talking and understanding words? You are not alone. There are currently 1.9 million children across the UK who face the same challenges.

We know it can often be confusing to navigate a child’s development, that’s why we have  two free services to support you :

• An advice line for parents or carers and practitioners to discuss concerns they have about a child
• A series of webinars designed to give parents the tools they need to support their child

Advice Line

Book a free call back with our advice line or a webinar if you are concerned about your child's talking and understanding words.

Advice line

Our free advice line is a confidential phone call with an experienced speech and language advisor for families living in the United Kingdom. During the 30-minute call, you will be given the opportunity to talk through your concerns and questions regarding your child’s development.  

Our speech and language advisors will be able to provide you with information on typical development, as well as advice on how to support your child’s skills. They will also be able to signpost you to other services.  

Following the call, you will receive an email summary with tips, techniques and signposting to other helpful services.   

This service does not include meeting and assessing children. The speech and language advisor cannot give specific advice on topics such as diagnosis or the provision the child is receiving, but will aim to signpost to services and organisations that can help further. This service is only available to families living in the United Kingdom.

Booking Notice

We release advice line call slots every Friday for the week after next. We hope this will reduce the time to wait for a call with a speech and language advisor. Please check the advice line availability again after 12pm Friday for more call slots. In the meantime, please do book a place on to one of our Talking with your toddler webinars to receive some ideas for supporting your child’s speech, language and communication skills.

The advice line team, Speech and Language UK

Book your advice line appointment here.

Talking with your toddler webinars

Our free talking with your toddler webinars are for parents of children aged 12 months to 4 years who are concerned about their child’s talking and understanding of words. We offer seven different themed webinars which are led by an experienced speech and language therapist. Each will equip you with activities and approaches to encourage development. To help you feel confident, you will also be welcome to ask questions.  

One webinar takes place every week, and you can attend one or all of the webinars depending on your interest in the individual topics.

Our webinar topics are:

• Symbolic noises and first words
• Using everyday routines to support speech, language and communication skills
• Sharing books to develop speech, language and communication skills
• Using songs and rhymes to develop speech, language and communication skills
• Play and talk
• Talking more than one language
• How babies learn to talk (for children 12 to 18 months)

Following the webinars, we advise that you try out the strategies at home, and contact our advice line if your child has not made progress over a three-month period.

Book one of our Talking with your Toddler webinars here.

Our new "how to" videos for parents of toddlers

Sharing books with your toddler.

Making the most of daily routines with your toddler

Sing songs and rhymes with your toddler

Other services available

We give families the confidence and skills to help their children. If you're concerned about your child's speech and language development, we can help.

Our team of speech and language therapists have written these helpful info pages, based on our most frequently asked questions from families.

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School Based Speech Language Pathology Assistant- San Diego at The Oas Center

Application Deadline

10/31/2024 11:55 PM Pacific

Date Posted

Number of openings, length of work year, employment type, job summary.

The primary purpose of the Speech Therapy Assistant position is to work with students in a charter school setting to support their development of skills related to daily living, academic achievement, and social participation. SLP assistants work under the supervision of a speech therapist and may be responsible for implementing treatment plans and goals, as well as providing support and guidance to students in areas such as language, articulation, voice and fluency

Requirements / Qualifications

Implementing treatment plans and goals as prescribed by the Speech therapist. Providing one-on-one or small group therapy sessions to students as needed. Collaborating with teachers, parents, and other school personnel to support the integration of therapy goals into the student's daily routine and academic activities. Providing guidance and support to students in areas such as articulation, language, voice, fluency, social language and other areas as needed. Maintaining accurate records and documentation of student progress and treatment plans. Participating in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in speech therapy. Manage a detailed log of service provided and services missed due to student or therapist absences. Complete treatment notes and progress reports in a timely manner according to school policy and company billing policies.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSES: Speech Therapy Assistant must complete an accredited Speech therapy assistant program Valid CPR/First Aid/AED infant/child/adult certification for clinic based positions Ability to pass background/fingerprint clearance, health screenings and provide/obtain immunizations (TB) valid within the last year. Maintain current CA Board License or CTC Rehabilitation Certificate and additional requirements related to license renewal such as completing Continuing Education courses. Valid Driver’s License, proof of auto insurance, and reliable transportation. Virtual providers are exempt from this requirement. Ability to travel to school sites and/or clinic for in-person providers. Virtual providers are exempt from this requirement. COMPETENCIES: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Enthusiastic, Professional, Responsible Dedication to working with students with special needs. Understanding of legal and ethical obligations. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility Communicate in the spirit of cooperation, compassion and openness. Demonstrate cultural competence through understanding other cultures, understanding cultural differences, understanding how cultural differences may effect speech and language development, and valuing the importance of culture and valuing the difference. Intermediate skills in Microsoft and google documents. Proficiency in maintaining detailed virtual service records with adherence to school policy and HIPPA compliance. Adhere to deadlines related to completing notes and reports according to company billing policies and school policy. Customer service orientated and professional. Proficiency in providing virtual therapeutic services via virtual platforms.

Comments and Other Information

Calstrs links.

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