Speech-Language Pathologist Degree Guide | University of St. Augustine

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are required to diagnose and treat a wide range of communication disorders and conditions in patients of all ages. Working with individuals to improve their communication skills is a challenging and empowering role that begins with the right education.

If you are considering a career in this field, you will need to find and complete a reputable master’s degree program in speech therapy in order to obtain your SLP license.¹ We’ll look at some factors to help you choose the speech pathology program that’s right for you.

How to become a speech pathologist

Before you can print business cards, you must complete the education and licensing requirements to work as a certified SLP.

• Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree – To become a certified speech-language pathologist, we recommend that you have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or Speech Language Pathology (SLP).
• Step 2: Prerequisites – If you have a bachelor’s degree in another scientific field, you must complete certain prerequisite courses. If your bachelor’s degree is a liberal arts or other non-science degree, you may also be required to complete general undergraduate science courses.³ Learn how these leveling courses can prepare you for the next step in your journey to becoming an SLP.
• Step 3: Master’s degree – Successful completion of the Master’s Degree Program in Speech Language Pathology is the next step. Depending on the school, the Speech Language Pathology program may be structured as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Education (MEd), and the title of the degree may vary, such as Communication Science or Disability. I have. rather than speech-language pathology.^Four
• Step 4: Practice Exam – Then you have to pass Practical examination in speech pathologyDeveloped by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)Even states that do not explicitly require CCC-SLP certification require a passing score on the Praxis exam.^Five
• Step 5: Certification – Depending on where you practice, ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) Get your license. Although not required in all states, it is considered the highest qualification for practicing speech-language pathologists.⁶
• Step 6: State Licensing – Finally, your practice must apply for and obtain a license. State commissions have different requirements. Depending on your location, you may be required to be certified by CCC-SLP or meet similar qualifications as CCC-SLP requirements.⁷

Elements of a successful MS-SLP program

Earning a graduate degree is a challenge and an investment in acquiring knowledge, expertise, and professional opportunity.

To choose the right language pathology program, look for the following qualifications:

#1: Certification

When choosing an academic program, make sure the institution is properly accredited.

The MS-SLP program is Academic Accreditation Council (CAA) in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of Asha.⁸

#2: Program Completion Rate

One measure of an academic program is its completion rate. A high rate indicates that the coursework is effective.⁹ The program also reveals:

• used wise decision making to determine who was accepted
• Structure and guidance provided to facilitate graduate student engagement
• Developed cohesive goals and collaboration between instructors and leadership

#3: Practical Exam Pass Rate

Even after the final college final exams have been submitted, they are still not complete. Many medical professions are required to pass exams that measure readiness to enter the field as a practitioner.

With the right program behind you, you and your fellow graduate students are all set to pass. Practical examination in speech pathology.

#4: Employment rate

One of the most practical indicators of a graduate program’s success is whether it leads to employment for its graduates.¹¹ This helps measure:

• The rigor of clinical preparatory coursework and a variety of practical skills training
• Graduate School/Program Reputation
• practicality of student career guidance and other program elements

#5: Student Support and Engagement

To improve student achievement, schools must create opportunities to support the needs and engagement of graduate students. Look for programs that include:

• Career development networking and events
• Cohort structure to enhance peer collaboration and support
• Self-care and counseling services
• social and community service events and celebrations
• Effective technology that facilitates access, contact and connection
• Individual or group instruction
• Opportunities for teacher guidance
• Writing and Editing Services for Academic Projects and Job Preparation

#6: Clinical practice hours

A good way to review program criteria is to examine the relevant professional qualification requirements. in this case, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

A total of 400 clock hours of supervised clinical practice must be completed within the graduate program according to the CCC-SLP.¹²

#7: Types of Simulation and Clinical Practice

You should also research the types of practical training offered in the MS-SLP program. Clinical simulations provide prospective students with an opportunity to learn core concepts of her SLP, practice their professional and clinical skills, and apply critical thinking when working with clients.¹³

Depending on the program, clinical hours may include:

• Responding to Diverse Patient Needs, Conditions, and Disabilities
• Conducting patient counseling on speech, language, and swallowing
• Suitable for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly
• Management of EdTech tools, including the use of tables
• Using medical devices such as oral endoscopes and nasopharyngoscopes

#9: Hybrid Flexibility

Although immersive clinical practice and hands-on practice are required in person, many programs offer some or all of the lectures online. Look for synchronous courses that allow for flexible scheduling.

#10: Interprofessional Opportunities

Speech pathology schooling does not work in isolation. They often work with occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and other professionals to be part of a patient’s multidisciplinary team.

Look for MS-SLP programs that incorporate this approach into simulation and hands-on coursework to:

• Collaborate on patient planning
• Communicate overlapping goals, activities and monitoring
• Create a realistic timeline for the patient’s overall needs

#11: Admission Requirements

The programs differ in terms of admission requirements. Many colleges and states require:¹⁶

• GRE or other graduate preparation test scores
• specific undergraduate programs
• Number of years after completion of required subjects
• A 3.0–4.0 GPA

Some programs do not require test scores and are more flexible. Find a program that fits your background and experience.

#12: Travel experience

Some programs offer experience abroad through mission work, exchange programs, or specialized tracks.

If you wish to address orofacial reconstruction, communication issues for foreign-born adoptees, or communication issues for patients with complex swallowing or speech impairments due to HIV/AIDS, consider a program with a travel component. please give me.

career outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow by 21% between 2021 and 2031.¹⁷

Speech-language pathology is a promising career compared to an average growth rate of 5% for all occupations.¹⁸

SLP projected growth rate is calculated based on 159,800 SLP jobs in 2021 and 193,800 jobs projected in 2031, resulting in approximately 14,000 job openings per year.¹⁹

Reasons for the expected growth may include:

• Increased incidence of stroke and dementia due to aging of baby boomers
• Improving child awareness and treatment for conditions such as stuttering
• There is a growing need to treat communication and socialization in children with autism
• Improving survival rates for trauma, stroke, and premature birth due to advances in medicine

the right program for you

St. Augustine University of Health Sciences (USAHS) offers a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program accredited by. Academic Accreditation Council (CAA) in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of Asha.

Our immersive, hybrid MS-SLP program is conducted primarily online and is complemented by four on-campus residencies for clinical skills training at the USAHS Austin or Dallas campuses. There are three enrollment periods per year, and you can choose from September, January, or May. Join a collaborative peer cohort to study alongside expert faculty and receive hands-on training in lifelong patient care.

Admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree, but if you have a Health Sciences degree in a field other than CSD or Speech Language Pathology, we offer SLP leveling courses to help you catch up on the prerequisites.

Contact us today to learn more about the MS-SLP program, attend a free webinar, or start your application.

sauce:

1. “Speech Language Pathologist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Last updated in 2022,
2. “Prerequisite Course Content Areas Related to SLP Certification Criteria” American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationlast updated 2017,
3. “Planning Communication Science and Disability Education” American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationlast updated in 2015,
4. “MSc in Speech Language Pathology: What to Expect” SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org, n.d.
5. “National Licensure in Speech Language Pathology: What You Need to Know” SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org, n.d.
6. “2020 Criteria and Implementation Procedures for Clinical Competence Certificate in Speech Language Pathology” American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationlast updated in 2020,
7. “Program Completion Rate Calculation” American Speech-Language Hearing Association, Last updated in 2017,
8. “Best SLP Master’s Programs Accredited in 2022” SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.orglast updated in 2022,
9. “Student Guide to Selecting Graduate Programs” go to alumnilast updated in 2022,
10. “Speech Pathologist Certification (CCC-SLP) Exams and Requirements” SpeechPathologyGraduatePrograms.org, n.d.
11. “Speech Pathology Certification Criteria Frequently Asked Questions: Clinical Simulation” American Speech-Language-Hearing Associationnd,
12. “Farran Powell, Emma Kerr, Sarah Wood, “Understanding College Financial Aid: A Guide” usa newslast updated in 2022,
13. “2020-2021 Speech Language Pathology Master’s Program Data List” CSD education survey, Last updated in 2021, https://www.asha.org/siteassets/surveys/csd-data-at-a-glance-for-slp-masters-programs.pdf.
14. “speech pathologist” vocational handbook, Last updated September 2022,
15. Madison Hoff, ’20 jobs of the future that will start when the pandemic is finally over’ business insiderlast updated in 2021,