Now that you know the basics of the SLP career, you may be wondering how to get there. The time to start preparing for a career in speech-language pathology is right now! Here are the steps you need to take from your undergraduate education and beyond to get you on the path to becoming an SLP.
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to graduate programs in speech-language pathology. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in CSD, or have completed prerequisite/leveling courses in a post baccalaureate program after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a field other than CSD.
Because USC does not offer a CSD major, USC students who are interested in applying for SLP graduate school need to complete certain courses before being eligible to apply. Post Baccalaureate or certificate programs are designed for students who want to pursue a clinical degree in speech-language pathology, but currently hold a degree outside the speech, language and hearing sciences discipline. These programs will typically take 1-2 years to complete. ASHA EdFind can be used to search for Post Baccalaureate programs that suit your personal interests and needs. Here are a couple of programs in the Southern California area that may be of interest:
Chapman University: Communication Sciences and Disorders Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program
California State University, San Marcos: Post-Bac Prep Program
California State University, Dominguez Hills: Certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders
San Diego State University: Speech-Language Pathology Essentials
To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete a minimum of an entry-level graduate degree (MA, MS, MEd) from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). When choosing a graduate program, it is important to establish a personal criteria. ASHA does not rank the accredited graduate programs since they all have varying strengths, so think about what is important to you. Establishing your criteria will help you decide which program is best for your needs. Again, ASHA EdFind can be used to search for SLP graduate programs by state and provide more information about the programs you are considering. Admission to a graduate program in audiology or speech-language pathology typically requires a minimum 3.00 grade point average (GPA) [note that the average GPA for admission may be much higher], Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (although many universities are waiving this requirement or making it optional) a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
The test includes material about the foundations of speech-language pathology, screening and assessment of patients, etiology, planning and implementation of treatment, and more. Many students will take the Praxis exam in the last semester of their graduate program, which will prepare you to take this exam.
After your graduate program, you will need to complete a Clinical Fellowship, where you are supervised and mentored by licensed SLP in the first year of your job. Many states match the requirements needed to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) credential through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). To qualify for the CCC-SLP, you must be overseen and mentored by an ASHA-certified SLP for the duration of the fellowship, work at least 1,260 hours in the CF, and have at least 80 percent of your clinical experience involving direct clinical contact with patients.
Licensing requirements and processes will vary by state, so it is important to check with your state’s speech-language pathology board. SLPs need to apply for licensure in any state they wish to practice. Many SLPs will also apply for accreditation through ASHA at the same time as they apply for state licensure- specifically, their CCC-SLP. Certification is not required, but it is recommended that you apply for and maintain it, as it is an important professional achievement and will open many doors to employment because it demonstrates that you can provide high-quality clinical services to patients.