How To Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Salary
$83240
Becoming One
Very Hard
Education
Master's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Master’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Speech-Language Pathologists what degree they had when they became a Speech-Language Pathologist. Here are the results.
Master’s Degree
80.9%


Post-Master’s Certificate
19.1%


Less than a High School Diploma
0%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Speech-Language Pathologists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Speech-Language Pathologists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Communication Sciences and Disorders
Speech-Language Pathology or Pathologist
Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services

Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree. Although master’s programs do not specify a particular undergraduate degree for admission, certain courses must be taken before entering the program. Required courses vary by institution.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Very Hard

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.


Related work experience required
None

None
35.69%


1 to 2 years
27.25%


6 months to 1 year
22.91%


Job training
3 to 6 months

3 to 6 months
34.66%


6 months to 1 year
17.49%


1 to 2 years
14.07%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by state

Speech-language pathologists must be licensed in almost all states. A license requires at least a master’s degree and supervised clinical experience. Some states require graduation from an accredited master’s program to get a license. For specific requirements, contact your state’s medical or health licensure board.


Skills required

We asked other Speech-Language Pathologists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Active Listening what does this mean
2. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
3. Speaking what does this mean
4. Critical Thinking what does this mean
5. Learning Strategies what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Speech-Language Pathologists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. English Language what does this mean
2. Psychology what does this mean
3. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
4. Education and Training what does this mean
5. Therapy and Counseling what does this mean


Learn more about Speech-Language Pathologists

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Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Speech-Language Pathologists Requirements

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