A degree in speech-language pathology opens doors to growing fields of healthcare and career opportunities, enabling both early and higher education.1
The Speech Pathology program addresses speech, language, cognition and swallowing disorders, including speech problems associated with dementia, autism, stroke, brain trauma, and premature birth.1
The Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS-SLP) provides professionals with the academic and clinical skills necessary to treat patients professionally.1 Below, we look at six reasons to earn your MS-SLP and pursue a career in speech pathology.
#1 Positive Career Prospects Bring Job Security
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 5% overall growth across all jobs between 2021 and 2031.2
In contrast, the projected growth rate for US-based speech pathologists is 21% over the next decade. This rate is expected to equate to, on average, 14,000 new job openings per year.3
#2 Accessible Education Path
To work as a licensed speech pathologist or speech therapist, you must complete the MS-SLP.Four Standard programs are relatively accessible to any graduate student in terms of admission requirements and academic time commitments.
Most programs:
- Can be completed within 2 years if attending school full-time
- Offer flexible options such as part-time and self-guided tracks
- Provide online access to didactic courses
- Helping prospective students fill missing prerequisite undergraduate courses
#3 Solid Earning Potential
As of May 2021, the average annual base salary for speech pathologists was $79,060.3 However, the current job description for BLS, which is tied to that salary, is only related to patient assessment and treatment, thus increasing the earning potential of SLP professionals who have transitioned to leadership and administrative roles. There is a possibility.3
#4 Wide range of specialties
A speech-language pathologist degree gives you the option to choose your field and setting, including research, teaching, clinical supervision, consultation, and therapy.
Also, in this field, specialists can serve a wide range of age groups, from children to the elderly. In general, speech pathologists specialize in treating patients with communication or swallowing problems related to:1
- motor language disorder
- Stroke and brain injury recovery
- craniofacial disorder
- autism
- neurological communication disorder
- developmental disorders
- dementia
- Deaf and hard of hearing conditions
- bilingual speech
#5 Impact on patient lives
For many SLP patients, communication limitations can impair their ability to express and meet their core needs and connect meaningfully with others. Helps to gain or restore an important piece of dignity.
Whether you work as a generalist or focus on a specific population or condition, a career in speech pathology puts you in a position to make a meaningful impact on the lives of your patients.
#6 Travel Options
A great perk of some healthcare carriers is the ability to travel. You can choose to work as a Travel Speech Pathologist and work with an agency to select assignments and meet your staffing needs nationwide.
As a travel therapist, you can:
- Earn premium wages from organizations that address staff shortages and urgent needs
- receive funds to cover travel and housing expenses
- Choose a position that allows you to broaden your skills or increase your expertise
- Choose where you want to go before moving
Is MS-SLP Right For You?
A speech-language pathologist degree can lead to a career that challenges you every day, builds safety and wealth, and improves the lives of patients.
If you are ready to begin your SLP journey, we encourage you to consider the Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS-SLP) at St. Augustine University of Health Sciences (USAHS).
At USAHS, you belong to a cohort of peers who study under the guidance of professional faculty. Our MS-SLP program is an immersive hybrid format, primarily online and face-to-face training, offering her three sessions per year (September, January and May).
From high-tech educational tools to hands-on work in a state-of-the-art simulation center, develop skills for the life and conditions of patients dealing with communication and swallowing disorders.
Contact us today to learn more about the MS-SLP program, attend a free webinar, or start your application.
sauce:
- “About Speech-Language Pathology Careers,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, last updated 2022,
- “Employment Projections: 2021-2031 Summary,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated September 2022,
- “Speech-Language Pathologists,” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated September 2022,
- “Communication Science and Disability Education Planning,” American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2022 final revision,
