Should I study speech-language pathology?

So you think you might want to be a speech-language pathologist?

This career could take you along many different paths.

But along the way, you'll discover how rewarding it can be to help others find their voice.

First, you’ll have a few degrees to complete, but each one brings you closer to making a difference.

Do you enjoy helping others?

Becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can provide many career and life fulfillment opportunities, such as:

Variety of locations and patients

• Schools

• Home health

• Inpatient/outpatient clinics

• Hospitals

• Specialize in adults or pediatrics

Salary

United States

• Entry level: $48,093

• Average: $79,040

• Top 10%: $120,000

Canada

• Entry level: $69, 020

• Average: $89,292

• High end: $109,431

Autonomy

Some locations require set hours like in a school or a hospital, but at most locations, SLPs can create their own work hours in places like home health or outpatient clinics.

Job Security

Speech-language pathologists are in high demand. They rank high for job satisfaction and future growth.

To become a fully licensed speech-language pathologist, a Master’s degree is required.

The most common path is to earn your Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and then begin your Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology.

Some schools offer an accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s track.

Instead of:

• 4 years of undergrad

• 2 years of MS

You get to:

• Complete both degrees in 5 years

• Save time and money, and move on to additional levels of study and your career sooner.

Clinical Requirements

During your Master’s, you'll complete at least 400 hours of supervised clinical experience.

• At least 25 hours must be spent in guided observation

• At least 375 hours must be spent in direct client/patient contact

In this video, Emilyy Elizabeth Davio walks you through her experience of clinical placements as part of her Master’s program.

Clinical Fellowship Year

Once you've graduated, you'll need to complete a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY).

• CFY = mentorship year

• You'll need to find your own mentor

• You can ask SLPs you've worked with during your Master’s clinical placements

Praxis Exam

During your CFY, you'll also be studying for and taking the Praxis exam, a standardized test required to earn your CCC-SLP (a key credential that allows you to get a license to practice).

Be sure to consider state licensing requirements when scheduling the exam.

Key Subjects

• Phonetics

• Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing

• Neuroanatomy

• Audiology

• Language development

Skills Acquired

• Diagnosing and treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders

• Critical thinking

• Problem-solving

• Interpersonal communication skills

If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!

— Benjamin Franklin

Prerequisites for MS

You'll need a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), or related coursework in anatomy, physiology, and linguistics.

Internships, Volunteering, and Shadowing

• Shadow SLPs 

• Volunteer in settings like schools and clinics 

• Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) opportunities

Study Habits & Time Management

Develop effective study routines and use academic resources like:

Study Strategies

• Plan ahead

• Map your due dates

• Eliminate distractions

Academic Resources

• Tutoring centers

• Peer groups

• Faculty office hours

Networking and Building Connections

To build your professional network:

• Join student organizations

• Attend events hosted by professional organizations like ASHA

Potential careers and their average median salaries:

• Pediatric hospitals: $92,975

• Rehab hospitals: $80,000

• Outpatient clinics and offices: $83,500

• Skilled nursing facilities: $97,100

• Assisted living facilities: $104,150

• General medical/VA(veterans)/LTAC(long-term acute care) hospitals: $85,420

• Patients’ homes: $91,346

• Schools: $83,720

• Telepractice: $92,039

• Private Practice: $92,000

Who is the best candidate to pursue a speech-language pathology program?

Taylor is fascinated by science, especially how the brain affects speech and language. She’s volunteered in a clinic, enjoys working one-on-one with people, and is interested in a career that combines healthcare and education.

Jordan is passionate about helping people communicate better and enjoys public speaking and group discussions. He’s curious about how language works and loves finding ways to help others express themselves, whether through teaching, coaching, or media.