How to Become a Speech Language Pathologist: Your Start-to-Success Guide
Speech-language pathology jobs will grow six times faster than other careers between 2022 and 2032.
The career path looks promising with a median annual salary of $95,410. The field will create about 13,200 new positions each year over the next decade. Learning to become a speech language pathologist will give you financial stability and job security. SLP ranks among the most rewarding and desirable jobs.
The growth makes sense since one in six Americans struggle with moderate-to-worse hearing impairments or other communication disorders. Starting this career requires the right speech language pathologist degree and education. You’ll need to finish your speech language pathologist schooling through undergraduate and graduate programs.
Want to know how long it takes to become a speech language pathologist? Wondering what degree you need? This detailed guide breaks down your speech language pathologist education requirements into five simple steps. We’ll walk you through everything from your college choice to certification and beyond.
Step 1: Get the Right Undergraduate Degree
The first step to becoming a speech-language pathologist starts with your bachelor’s degree. Your choice of undergraduate degree can substantially affect your graduate school trip, even though it’s just the beginning.
Common majors for aspiring SLPs
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is the best undergraduate foundation if you plan to become a speech-language pathologist. This major teaches you the basics of speech, language, and hearing sciences that you’ll need for advanced studies.
Students who know they want to be speech-language pathologists should look at these majors:
- Communication Sciences and Disorders/Speech-Language Pathology: Gives you the strongest foundation with core courses that line up with graduate prerequisites
- Psychology: Helps you learn about cognitive processes and developmental psychology
- Linguistics: Teaches language structure and function
- Education: Special education gives you practical knowledge about developmental milestones
- English or Language Development: Builds relevant language analysis skills
A CSD-related degree makes it easier to get into graduate programs because you won’t need to catch up on prerequisites later. These programs usually take four years to finish and need about 120 credits.
What if your degree is in another field?
You can still become an SLP even with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field. Most graduate programs accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds.
You’ll probably need to take some prerequisite courses before starting a master’s program. Here are three ways to do this:
- Complete leveling courses (also called post-baccalaureate courses) before applying
- Find programs that include prerequisites in their graduate curriculum (this might take longer)
- Look for schools that offer online prerequisites for non-enrolled students
You’ll need these typical prerequisites:
- Statistics
- Social/behavioral sciences
- Biological sciences
- Physical sciences (physics or chemistry)
- Normal anatomy and physiology for speech and hearing
- Phonetics
- Language development
Most graduate programs want at least a 3.0 GPA. Getting into SLP graduate programs isn’t easy – some programs only accept 10-15% of applicants.
Coming from another field might seem tough, but note that speech-language pathology values professionals with different backgrounds. Your unique view could make your application stronger and help you become a better SLP.
The path to becoming a speech-language pathologist is clear once you understand these undergraduate requirements. This knowledge will help you plan your next steps, whether you’re starting college or changing careers.
Step 2: Earn a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Your next significant step to become a speech-language pathologist after completing your bachelor’s degree is earning a master’s degree. This graduate-level education serves as the basis of your professional preparation.
Speech language pathologist education requirements
Professional practice in this field requires a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Your graduate program should provide detailed training to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders throughout life.
Most master’s programs include coursework in:
- Speech and language development and disorders
- Anatomy and physiology of speech mechanisms
- Diagnostic procedures and evaluation methods
- Treatment approaches for various communication disorders
- Research methods and evidence-based practice
- Professional ethics and clinical management
Clinical experience complements classroom learning extensively. Graduate programs require at least 400 clock hours of supervised clinical experience. Students must complete 375 of these hours with direct client/patient contact.
How long does it take to become a speech language pathologist?
Starting points determine the timeline to complete your education. The full experience typically needs:
- 4 years for a bachelor’s degree
- 2-3 years for a master’s program
- 9-12 months for a clinical fellowship
Students usually need 7-8 years from starting college to becoming a certified speech-language pathologist.
Students with relevant undergraduate backgrounds can complete master’s programs in 2 years of full-time study. Notwithstanding that, students with unrelated bachelor’s degrees might need an extra year to complete prerequisite coursework.
Master’s programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications intensively. Many programs use a cohort model where students progress through courses together, which promotes a supportive learning community.
Choosing an accredited program
Program accreditation plays a vital role. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology (CAA), part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), accredits speech-language pathology programs primarily.
ASHA’s website helps verify program accreditation status. Here are key factors to think over:
Program structure: The program should line up with your interests through specializations. Some focus on medical settings, while others emphasize educational environments.
Clinical opportunities: Let’s take a closer look at available clinical placements. Experience with populations of all types will enhance your skillset.
Faculty expertise: Faculty credentials and specializations should match your professional interests.
Location and format: In-person, hybrid, or online learning options each offer unique advantages based on your circumstances.
Cost and financial aid: Tuition rates and available scholarships or assistantships affect your educational investment by a lot.
Note that SLP master’s programs are highly competitive. Your application becomes stronger with excellent academic performance, relevant experience, and compelling personal statements.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Experience Requirements
Your master’s degree completion marks the beginning of your hands-on professional experience. This vital period connects your academic knowledge with independent practice.
What is a clinical fellowship?
The Clinical Fellowship (CF) bridges the gap between student life and becoming an independent speech-language pathology provider. This mentored professional experience starts after you’ve completed all your graduate academic coursework and clinical practicum requirements.
Your CF lets you put your academic knowledge into practice. The main goals of the clinical fellowship are:
- Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement
- Building and fine-tuning clinical skills that match professional standards
- Moving from supervised practice to independent service delivery
- Using theoretical knowledge in real-life settings
The CF puts you in actual work environments where you provide direct clinical services with an experienced mentor’s guidance. This prepares you for independent practice.
Supervision and mentorship guidelines
A qualified CF mentor will work with you throughout your fellowship. Your mentor must:
- Have current ASHA certification in speech-language pathology
- Complete at least 9 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) clinical experience after earning their CCC-SLP
- Complete a minimum of 2 hours of professional development in supervision after earning their CCC-SLP
Mentorship combines direct observation and indirect monitoring. Your mentor must provide at least 18 hours of on-site observation as you work with clients. They must also conduct 18 additional monitoring activities, such as reviewing diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and talking with colleagues or clients’ families.
The CF splits into three segments with regular evaluations. Mentors use the Clinical Fellowship Skills Inventory (CFSI) form to monitor progress and give feedback. You need ratings of ‘2’ or above on all CFSI skills by the end of your fellowship.
Minimum hours and duration
Your clinical fellowship needs significant time commitment. ASHA certification requirements state you must complete:
- At least 36 weeks of full-time experience (35 hours per week)
- A total minimum of 1,260 hours
Part-time work counts if you work more than 5 hours weekly. Working beyond 35 hours per week doesn’t reduce the 36-week minimum requirement.
Your CF experience must focus 80% on direct clinical contact within the ASHA Speech-Language Pathology Scope of Practice. This work includes:
- Assessment and diagnostic evaluations
- Treatment delivery
- Report writing and documentation
- Family and client consultation
- Participation in educational planning meetings
The other 20% can include professional activities like attending in-services or giving presentations.
Your mentor will verify your clinical hours and CFSI ratings through the CF Mentor Portal after you complete the fellowship. This verification helps you pursue your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and state licensure, bringing you closer to becoming a full-fledged speech-language pathologist.
Step 4: Pass the Praxis Exam and Get Licensed
The national examination is your final challenge after completing your clinical fellowship before starting professional practice. This significant step verifies your knowledge and ability to serve clients on your own.
What is the Praxis exam?
The Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (5331) is the national assessment tool for speech-language pathologists. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) commissioned this exam, and the Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers it. This detailed evaluation measures the knowledge you need for independent practice in any work setting.
You’ll face 132 selected-response questions with 150 minutes to complete them. The exam tests three main areas: foundations and professional practice; screening, assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis; and planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment.
The best time to take this exam is right after finishing your graduate coursework and clinical practicum, or during your first year of clinical practice. Test windows open about once a month, lasting two weeks each.
Minimum passing score and preparation tips
ASHA certification requires a score of 162 on a 100-200 scale. Most states use this same benchmark, though some have different requirements.
Here’s how to work toward success:
- Get the official Praxis Study Companion and Study Plan from ETS
- Learn the concepts instead of memorizing facts
- Try sample questions to understand different question formats
- Make a well-laid-out study schedule that targets weak areas
- Study with fellow graduates in groups
Note that only correct answers count toward your score, so make educated guesses instead of leaving blanks.
State licensure vs. national certification
You’ll need to direct your way through two parallel credentialing processes: state licensure and national certification.
ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) represents national certification. The CCC-SLP isn’t legally required in most states, but many employers want or need it.
State licensure is a legal requirement to practice. Each state has its own requirements, which usually include:
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Clinical practice hours
- Completion of a clinical fellowship
- Passing score on the Praxis exam
This is a big deal as it means that ASHA certification requirements often meet or exceed state licensing standards. Some states might also need a jurisprudence exam to test your knowledge of state-specific rules.
Both credentials show your dedication to professional standards and help create job opportunities in settings of all types.
Step 5: Advance Your Career as an SLP
Getting your license and certification is just the first step in your professional experience as an SLP. Your credentials need regular updates, and you might want to pursue specialized certifications as you advance in your career.
Maintaining certification through continuing education
The CCC-SLP credential requires ongoing professional development. ASHA asks for a specific number of continuing education hours to keep your certification active. Most SLPs get their ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from approved providers.
You have several ways to meet these requirements:
- Online platforms that give you unlimited access to hundreds of ASHA-approved courses
- Specialized websites featuring audio, video, and on-demand training
- Professional conferences and workshops
Some platforms are a great way to get CE tracking services that make ASHA certification reporting easier. When you earn 7.0 ASHA CEUs within a 36-month period, you qualify for the Award for Continuing Education.
Optional specialty certifications
Your career might lead you to specialty certifications that showcase expertise in specific areas. These credentials can improve your professional profile, though they’re not required for practice.
ASHA recognizes several independent Specialty Certification Boards that offer the Board Certified Specialist (BCS) designation. Popular options include:
- Board Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL): You need at least 5 years of full-time post-CCC-SLP experience
- Board Certified Specialist in Fluency and Fluency Disorders (BCS-F): This needs 5 years of experience plus 450 documented hours of direct clinical contact
- Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S): You must have 3 years of post-CCC-SLP clinical work with dysphagia focus
Practical certifications like LSVT LOUD and PROMPT can also benefit your work with specific populations.
Where SLPs work and career paths
SLPs have many job opportunities in different settings. Schools are the biggest employers, with 56% of SLPs working in educational settings—53% in schools and 3% in colleges and universities.
Healthcare settings employ about 39% of SLPs:
- 16% in nonresidential health care facilities
- 13% in hospitals
- 10% in residential health care facilities
About one-fifth (19%) of SLPs run their own practice either full or part-time. You can also find opportunities in corporate speech-language pathology, public health, and military settings.
The field shows promising growth with a projected 25% increase between 2019 and 2029, much faster than other professions. The aging baby-boomer population means we just need more SLPs in healthcare settings.
Conclusion
Speech-language pathology is a rewarding career path that offers amazing growth potential and job security. This piece outlines five significant steps you’ll need to become a qualified professional. You’ll start with the right undergraduate foundation – either a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree or completing prerequisites with a bachelor’s in another field. A master’s degree from an accredited program is the foundation of your professional training. Your clinical fellowship provides vital hands-on experience under mentorship. The Praxis exam and state licensure give you the legal authority to practice. Your expertise will grow throughout your career with ongoing professional development and potential specialization.
The trip takes dedication – usually 7-8 years from undergraduate studies through certification – but the payoff is worth it. SLPs have diverse job opportunities in educational settings, healthcare facilities, and private practice. The field’s projected 25% growth rate is nowhere near most professions, which means plenty of job prospects.
Your work as an SLP will create meaningful change in people’s lives. Each day brings new opportunities to help clients overcome communication challenges that affect their quality of life, education, and social connections. The path needs commitment and rigorous study, but professional satisfaction, job security, and competitive compensation ($95,410 median salary) make speech-language pathology an excellent career choice if you’re passionate about helping others communicate effectively.
Common Questions
How long does it typically take to become a speech-language pathologist? The journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist usually takes 7-8 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years for a master’s program, and 9-12 months for a clinical fellowship.
What undergraduate degree is most suitable for aspiring speech-language pathologists? While a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is ideal, other relevant majors include psychology, linguistics, education, or English. If your bachelor’s is in an unrelated field, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before entering a master’s program.
Is becoming a speech-language pathologist challenging? Becoming an SLP requires dedication and extensive education. The process involves earning a master’s degree, completing clinical hours, passing a national exam, and obtaining state licensure. While demanding, many find the career highly rewarding.
What does the clinical fellowship involve for speech-language pathologists? The clinical fellowship is a supervised professional experience that bridges academic knowledge and independent practice. It requires at least 1,260 hours over 36 weeks, with 80% focused on direct clinical work under the guidance of a qualified mentor.
What career advancement opportunities exist for speech-language pathologists? SLPs can advance their careers through continuing education, specialization certifications (like BCS-CL or BCS-F), and exploring diverse work settings such as schools, hospitals, or private practice. The field offers strong job growth and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.