5 Highest-Ranked Nevada State Speech Pathology Programs

Looking to build a career in Nevada speech pathology? You’ve set your sights on one of the top three “Best Health Care Jobs” according to U.S. News and World Report.

The speech pathology program at Nevada State College welcomes about 200 undergraduates and 50 graduate students. Students can choose success paths that match their schedule. The full-time day program runs courses mainly on Mondays and Wednesdays. A part-time option stretches over nine terms in three years. The Nevada State speech pathology Master of Science (M.S.) program needs 48-53 semester credits based on your choice of thesis or non-thesis track. You’ll also complete at least 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practice. This prepares you to work in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

1. University of Nevada, Reno – School of Medicine

The University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Medicine is the core of speech pathology education in the Silver State. UNR Med has become a top choice for future speech-language pathologists through its carefully designed program and complete clinical training approach.

Program overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Nevada, Reno offers a challenging two-year curriculum. Students who complete this program can build influential careers in the field. The program helps students develop expertise needed to work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community clinics.

Students benefit from a complete approach that blends academic knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Right now, UNR Med’s speech pathology program serves approximately 200 undergraduates and 50 graduate students through its B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs. This smaller setting will give a more personal learning experience.

Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can enter through UNR’s Graduate Special/Second Bachelor’s classification. This path lets you finish prerequisite courses without getting another bachelor’s degree, preparing you for graduate studies. Students usually need two academic years to complete the required undergraduate courses before starting graduate work.

The program also offers a doctoral option. The Ph.D. program prepares highly qualified professionals to work in universities, clinics, hospitals, research labs, or school systems. Students in this advanced track must choose two focus areas from options like language disorders, phonology, voice disorders, alaryngeal speech, stuttering, cleft palate, and neurogenic disorders.

Accreditation and licensure

The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association fully accredits UNR’s Master’s of Science program. This stamp of approval shows the program meets strict national education standards. The current accreditation runs from 2025 to 2033, with the next review set for February 2032.

After finishing your M.S. degree, you can pursue key professional credentials. You’ll need to pass the national certification examination (National Praxis Examination). Next comes your Clinical Fellowship (CF) – at least 36 weeks of professional practice under a certified speech-language pathologist’s guidance. This fellowship gives you ground experience in your chosen specialty.

The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) becomes available after meeting these requirements. Many employers require this certification, which represents excellence in the field. Most graduates also get state licensure to practice professionally.

Curriculum and clinical training

UNR Med’s academic curriculum provides complete knowledge in speech-language pathology. Students need 48 semester credits for the non-thesis option or 53 credits for the thesis track. Each student works with advisors to create a study program matching their career goals.

The curriculum includes courses in:

• Developmental and neurological disorders of speech sounds
• Language disorders
• Stuttering
• Voice and resonance disorders
• Feeding and swallowing issues
• Cognitive communication challenges
• Specialty areas including augmentative communication, endoscopic examination, craniofacial disorders, and alaryngeal speech

Clinical training plays a vital role in the UNR experience. Students must log at least 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practice to meet ASHA requirements. This usually means spending three to four semesters in the university’s complete on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. Here, you’ll treat various communication disorders with faculty supervision.

Students also complete off-campus clinical externships. These opportunities exist throughout Reno, Sparks, and Carson City communities. You can work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and early intervention programs. UNR Med partners with specialty clinics for students interested in specific areas:

• University Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment
• Northern Nevada Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Clinic
• Nevada Aphasia Center
• Northern Nevada Voice and Swallow Clinic
• Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Clinic

UNR Med’s clinical training helps students master nine key areas through Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) forms. These areas cover articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, language, hearing, swallowing, cognitive assessments, social communication, and communication modalities. This tracking ensures graduates have all skills needed for professional practice.

The program shows strong results with high retention rates and exam success. A recent cohort saw 21 full-time students complete their degrees, proving the program’s ability to prepare qualified speech-language pathologists.

When you think about Nevada state college speech pathology options, UNR’s program stands out with its research focus. Faculty members teach, practice, and lead research that advances speech-language pathology. This approach lets students participate in advanced studies and develop evidence-based clinical skills.

2. Nevada State University – School of Education

Nevada State University’s School of Education takes a unique approach to speech pathology education. Their programs help meet the workforce needs in the Silver State. Students can now get a Master of Education (M.Ed.), which will change to a Master of Science (M.S.) as of 2025. The program offers flexible learning paths that are tailored to each student’s needs.

Program structure

The Nevada State College speech pathology program has two main tracks that fit different student situations. From Fall 2025, students can pick between:

• Full-time program – A focused 5-semester experience that starts with 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer Year 1) of daytime courses and clinic work. This is followed by 2 semesters of full-time externships (Fall, Spring Year 2)
• Part-time program – A longer 9-semester (3-year) experience with evening classes in fall and spring. Students attend daytime summer sessions in Year 1 for courses and clinic work, with externships during summers of Year 2 and 3

Working professionals can easily join the program. The part-time option opens every third year. Students in the part-time track must work in Nevada schools as speech therapists. They need the Nevada Department of Education Endorsement for ages 3-21 speech and language impairment while studying.

Students must complete 54 semester credit hours to get their Master’s degree. They also need to pass a complete examination to show they understand core concepts.

The program aims for about 25 students per class. Recent numbers show strong interest. The first-year class has 21 full-time and 21 part-time students, making 42 new students total. The entire program has 46 full-time and 22 part-time graduate students.

Students who need prerequisite courses can join the Masters Preparatory Plan. This option helps students get ready for the Master’s program. You need department approval and permission from the Program Director to join. A minimum 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate or previous master’s degree is required. Getting into this prep program doesn’t guarantee a spot in the Master’s program.

Accreditation and licensure

The Nevada State speech pathology program has full accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This shows the program meets national standards for quality education and professional training. The current accreditation runs from 2023 to 2028, with the next review set for August 2027.

The university serves as both an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). This shows their dedication to helping students from various backgrounds.

Applications open from October 1st to February 1st for fall semester enrollment. Students apply through CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service). About 95 people apply each year, and around 60 get accepted. Most successful applicants have GPAs between 3.00 and 3.99.

Graduates can get licensed in audiology and speech-language pathology in Nevada. The university’s Office of the Provost has information about getting licensed in other states.

Clinical and externship opportunities

Hands-on clinical training is the life-blood of the Nevada State College speech pathology program. Students learn practical skills under expert supervision throughout their studies.

Full-time students spend three semesters doing clinic work on campus. They then move to two full semesters of externships. This helps them build basic skills before working in real settings. Part-time students do clinic work in summer sessions of Year 1 and externships in summers of Years 2 and 3.

The program starts practical training early. Even undergraduate students work with children to learn assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and language issues. This early experience helps students who continue to graduate studies.

Strong community ties help students find good externship placements. Students use what they’ve learned in real settings while building professional connections. Part-time students who work as speech therapists in Nevada schools can use new techniques right away in their jobs.

The program also supports research with federal grants. They currently manage approximately $938,000 in federal research funding. Students can work on state-of-the-art research in autism spectrum disorders, cognitive communication, dysphagia and swallowing, neurogenic speech and language disorders, and voice disorders.

Nevada State University combines focused coursework, intensive clinical training, and research to prepare speech-language pathologists. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation lists speech language pathology in its 2016 Top 100 Occupations in Demand list. This shows graduates have excellent career opportunities ahead.

3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) ranks among the top institutions for speech pathology education in Nevada. Its reliable infrastructure and detailed academic framework set it apart. Students learning about Nevada state college speech pathology options will find UNLV an appealing choice with unique benefits.

Program highlights

UNLV’s speech pathology education focuses on teamwork across disciplines and skill development. Students connect theory with ground applications to prepare for careers in educational, medical, and community settings.

The program’s place within a research-focused university environment makes it different from other Nevada state speech pathology programs. Students can learn about the latest developments while building clinical skills. So graduates leave with both practical expertise and research knowledge—exactly what today’s evidence-based practice needs.

Strong ties with community partners give students a chance to get hands-on experience in different clinical settings. These partnerships go beyond regular healthcare facilities and include specialized clinics. Students work with various communication disorders and diverse patient groups.

The program is available to working professionals who want to advance their careers or switch to speech pathology. UNLV offers different course schedules that work for both full-time students and those who need to balance work or family life.

Accreditation and faculty expertise

Program quality is the life-blood of Nevada state college speech pathology programs. UNLV maintains excellence through strict accreditation. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits the university to ensure it meets quality standards.

NWCCU will visit UNLV for its next detailed accreditation review from April 2-4, 2025. This upcoming evaluation shows UNLV’s dedication to quality improvement.

The Council on International Educational Exchange has approved UNLV’s international programs. This opens new paths for students interested in global speech-language pathology perspectives.

UNLV’s accreditation process needs careful preparation. Programs with specific accreditations must submit self-studies to the Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs before sending them to agencies. The provost, senior vice provost, or senior vice provost for academic affairs takes part in accreditation site visits to ensure quality.

Clinical practicum and research opportunities

Research is central to UNLV’s educational experience. Students can build research skills in psychology labs where they work as research assistants alongside professors, graduate students, and other undergraduates.

Research assistants do much more than simple observation. They are active team members who might earn credit on presentations or publications. Each lab has different duties, but all positions offer great professional growth.

Students should plan ahead to join research teams. The best times to apply are late October for spring term and late March for summer and fall positions. These dates line up with when research teams plan their next steps.

UNLV lets students earn academic credit through courses like PSY 496 (Independent Study) or PSY 498 (Independent Research). This shows how much the university values hands-on learning.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) creates partnerships between faculty and students. Participants learn about the whole research process—from planning and writing proposals to running studies, analyzing data, and sharing results.

Most UROP projects run during summer, though some last for full semesters or multiple years. Students get to know faculty members better, explore possible majors, and learn about professional interests. They develop skills for future careers or graduate studies while contributing to current research.

UNLV partners with organizations like Speakeasy Therapy for externships. Speech and language pathology students can complete clinical internships and observation hours there. These partnerships expand students’ clinical experience options.

The program follows American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association (ASHA) standards to prepare students for professional credentials. UNLV graduates enter the field ready for licensing and certification.

UNLV stands out among Nevada State College speech pathology programs with its strong accreditation, research focus, and varied clinical opportunities. Students learn both theory and practice, preparing them to help people with communication disorders throughout their lives.

4. Touro University Nevada

Touro University Nevada stands out among speech pathology education programs with its focus on clinical skills and professional preparation. Students who want to learn about Nevada State College speech pathology will find Touro a place where theory and hands-on clinical practice go together naturally.

Program overview

Touro University Nevada offers a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation shows the program meets national standards for education quality and professional preparation.

The 58-credit curriculum ends with a Master of Science degree. Students learn to think critically and deliver high-quality professional service. The program has these key components:

• Professional issues and standards related to Speech-Language Pathology
• Evaluation and diagnosis of speech and language disorders
• Theoretical knowledge and clinical skills for speech sound disorders
• Neurobiological bases of human communication
• School-based speech-language pathology practices

Students at Touro get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The faculty keeps an open-door policy and builds close relationships with students while creating an enjoyable learning environment. These strong professor-student connections help develop skilled speech-language pathologists.

The program’s results speak for themselves – nearly 100% of graduates find jobs right after graduation. These professionals work in schools, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. They help people of all ages with communication disorders.

Clinical training and externships

Students start their clinical training at the university’s Speech and Hearing Center where they get their first hands-on experience. This modern facility helps patients of all ages with various communication needs. The center provides speech, language, voice, feeding, and fluency assessment and treatment services. It also offers audiology services.

Students must complete 400 practicum hours to meet New York State’s licensure requirements and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence. Clinical educators supervise these practicums and help students apply their academic knowledge.

The clinical experience follows this path:

1. First training at Touro’s Speech and Hearing Center (first therapy and diagnostic practicums)
2. Later practicums in different settings like schools, clinics, hospitals, and teletherapy opportunities

Touro offers many competitive externship placements. Students get direct supervision for at least 25% of treatment practicum hours and 50% of diagnostic practicum hours. This helps them develop independence while getting proper guidance.

Each practicum comes with a seminar course. This creates a learning experience that connects classroom concepts with clinical work. Students develop key skills across different communication disorders while getting faculty support.

Admissions and prerequisites

The Speech-Language Pathology program at Touro accepts applications until February 15th. Though admissions roll, qualified early applicants get preference, so applying early matters.

Touro looks for students with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The program wants students who will become caring, skilled providers with cultural awareness.

Applicants need either:

• A bachelor’s degree with a Speech major from a regionally accredited institution, or
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field with specific prerequisite courses

The prerequisite courses are:

• Phonetics
• Anatomy and Physiology of Speech
• Normal Speech and Language Development
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Audiology
• Communication Disorders

Students also need courses in behavioral, biological, and physical sciences, plus statistics. Extra courses in psycholinguistics/linguistics and aural rehabilitation help too.

International students whose first language isn’t English need these minimum test scores: TOEFL (550 paper-based/213 computer-based/80 internet-based), IELTS (6), or PTE-Academic (58).

Transfer students can bring up to 12 credits from accredited graduate programs, subject to program approval. Applications go through the CSDCAS (Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service) portal. Students submit personal information, academic history, and supporting documents there.

Students need three recommendation letters, preferably from college instructors who are Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists who know their academic abilities. Those who graduated a while ago can use supervisor references instead.

Students who complete all requirements – coursework, clinical hours, research project, and comprehensive examination – can get licensed in most states. The program meets New York State’s licensure requirements. Graduates can start practicing professionally and get ASHA certification after their clinical fellowship year and passing the Praxis exam.

5. Great Basin College (Pre-SLP Pathway)

Great Basin College (GBC) gives students a different way to start their career in communication disorders through its pre-Speech Language Pathology pathway. GBC’s foundational education stands apart from other Nevada graduate programs. Students can prepare here before moving on to Nevada state college speech pathology programs.

Program structure

GBC excels in associate and baccalaureate education across academic, career, and technical fields. The college leads rural higher education in Nevada. Its reach extends over 86,000 square miles across two time zones. This wide coverage makes GBC a great starting point for anyone interested in Nevada state speech pathology credentials.

The pre-SLP pathway lets you finish prerequisite courses before moving to upper-division study at other schools. Students who want flexible schedules will find this approach ideal. It’s also perfect for those who prefer starting their education in a smaller, more supportive setting before moving to specialized programs.

Transfer pathways to graduate programs

GBC’s Advising and Career Center serves as a Transfer Center too. Students get expert guidance through every step of the transfer process. The Nevada System of Higher Education helps coordinate course transfer discussions within the system. GBC can’t guarantee other schools will accept all courses.

Course schedules at GBC show NSHE transfer status clearly. They label courses as equivalents, departmental electives, or general electives. This helps students plan their move to Nevada State College speech pathology programs better.

The Nevada System of Higher Education has a reverse transfer agreement. This means you can still earn your Associate of Arts or Science degree from GBC after moving to a Nevada university or state college.

Advising and support services

New students must meet with an advisor at GBC. Transfer students should do the same. Advisors help set goals, plan education, handle university transfers, find resources, work through college processes, and understand college policies.

Support services at GBC include:

• Academic Success Centers with free tutoring, placement testing, and computer labs
• Disability Resource Center that helps students with documented disabilities, temporary injuries, or medical conditions
• Career Center that helps with resumes, job fairs, and career coaching
• Student Support and Retention office that helps you overcome challenges during your college years

GBC’s accessibility support includes classroom and testing accommodations, sign language interpretation, accessible text, and assistive technology. Students just need to provide information about their condition, treatment plan, and how it affects their studies.

GBC stays true to its goal of preparing students “who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry”. This creates a strong foundation for students who plan to pursue specialized training in Nevada state speech pathology programs.

Choose Your SLP Program Today

Your personal circumstances, career goals, and priorities play a key role in selecting the right speech pathology program. Nevada has five institutions that offer different paths to become a qualified speech-language pathologist. Each institution brings something unique to the table.

University of Nevada, Reno excels with its research-focused setting and clinical opportunities through specialty clinics. Nevada State University gives you amazing flexibility with full-time and part-time options – perfect if you’re a working professional. UNLV shines with its reliable research setup and community partnerships. Touro University Nevada focuses on clinical excellence and boasts impressive graduate employment rates. Great Basin College serves as a stepping stone for students who want foundational education before moving to specialized programs.

Accreditation is vital for all these programs. These institutions have recognition from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This ensures graduates meet national standards for professional practice.

Clinical training is the foundation of effective speech pathology education. Students must complete 375-400 supervised clinical hours. This prepares them to handle communication disorders in a variety of settings. These hands-on experiences help develop professional skills and meet ASHA certification requirements.

Speech pathology ranks high among healthcare professions, with strong demand throughout Nevada. The Nevada Department of Employment includes speech-language pathology in its Top 100 Occupations in Demand list. This shows excellent career prospects for graduates.

Fall enrollment applications run from October through February. Starting your research early gives you time to prepare prerequisites, observation hours, and admission materials. Program requirements vary slightly. Most programs want strong academic performance with GPAs above 3.0 and specific prerequisite coursework.

Nevada offers quality speech pathology education paths that match your professional goals. You might prefer research-intensive programs, flexible schedules, or complete clinical training. Your careful evaluation of these programs will without doubt lead to an educational experience that launches your speech-language pathology career effectively.