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Preparation
Most
speech-language pathologist jobs require a master's degree. Many colleges
and universities offer graduate programs in speech-language pathology
accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and
Speech-Language Pathology. While graduation from an accredited program is
not always required to become a speech-language pathologist, it may be
helpful in obtaining a license or may be required to obtain a license in
some states.
Speech-language pathology courses cover anatomy, physiology,
and the development of the areas of the body involved in speech, language,
and swallowing; the nature of disorders; principles of acoustics; and
psychological aspects of communication. Graduate students also learn to
evaluate and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders and receive
supervised clinical training in communication disorders.
Most states regulate speech-language pathologists through
licensure or registration. A passing score on the national examination on
speech-language pathology, offered through the Praxis Series of the
Educational Testing Service, is required. Other usual requirements include
300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and 9 months of
postgraduate professional clinical experience. Forty-one States have
continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Medicaid,
Medicare, and private health insurers generally require a practitioner to
be licensed to qualify for reimbursement.
Only 12 states require this same license to practice in the
public schools. The other states issue a teaching license or certificate
that typically requires a master's degree from an approved college or
university. Some states will grant a provisional teaching license or
certificate to applicants with a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree
must be earned within 3 to 5 years. A few states grant a full teacher's
certificate or license to bachelor's degree applicants.
In some states, the Certificate of Clinical Competence in
Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association meets some or all of the requirements
for licensure. To earn a CCC, a person must have a graduate degree from an
accredited university, 400 hours of supervised clinical experience,
complete a 36-week postgraduate clinical fellowship, and pass the Praxis
Series examination in speech-language pathology administered by the
Educational Testing Service. Contact state's Licensing Board for details on
local requirements.
Speech-language pathologists should be able to effectively
communicate diagnostic test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatment in a
manner easily understood by their patients and their families. They must be
able to approach problems objectively and be supportive. Because a
patient's progress may be slow, patience, compassion, and good listening
skills are necessary.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
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