How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are master’s-prepared healthcare professionals with advanced training in speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders.  Read on to learn exactly how to become a speech-language pathologist.

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist

Becoming an SLP takes extensive education, fellowship experience, and state licensure. In this section, we'll explore speech-language pathologist requirements.

Step 1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree

The first step in becoming an SLP is to earn a bachelor’s degree. You can major in anything as long as it meets the requirements for an SLP master’s program. 

Relevant undergrad degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology or a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Step 2. Attend a Master’s Program

Next, you will enroll in a graduate speech-language pathologist school accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). The most common graduate speech therapist degrees are:

• Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology 
• Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders

Some programs will require minimal experience, which might include working as a speech-language assistant or volunteer hours. 

Step 3. Pass the PRAXIS Exam in Speech-Language Pathology

The PRAXIS Examination in Speech-Language Pathology is a standardized test from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It  includes 132 exam questions that test you in the following areas:

• Foundations and Professional Practice
• Screening, Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
• Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Treatment

To pass the certification, you must earn a score of 162 on a 100-200 scale. The Praxis exam is a requirement for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and state professional licensure.

Step 4. Complete a Post-Graduate Clinical Fellowship

Fellowship and clinical hours vary from state to state. However, most states ultimately follow the minimal hours needed to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 

• To complete a fellowship, you must work at least 36 weeks and 1,260 hours. 
• To be able to count your hours toward the minimum requirement, you typically must work at least 5 hours per week.

Step 5. Pass the ASHA Exam & Obtain State Licensure.

After applying for state licensure, take the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology.

What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?

According to ASHA, SLPs “prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults.”

More specifically, SLP duties include the following:

• Provide training and education to family and caregivers
• Work with other healthcare professionals
• Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders
• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders
• Help individuals communicate more effectively in social settings
• Open  new communication possibilities
• Help the patient swallow safely
• Help the patient improve vocabulary and sentence structure
• Create individualized treatment plans that address specific functional needs
• Identify goals for treatment

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Who Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work With?

Speech Pathologist Patient Population

SLPs can work with pediatric and adult patients suffering from:

• Speech sound disorders
• Language delays
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Stutters
• Down syndrome
• Genetic conditions
• Hearing loss
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Seizures
• Dysphagia
• Dementia
• Cancer

Speech Pathologist Work Environment

The BLS reports that in May 2024, roughly 180,800 SLPs were working in the profession. Employment location breakdown includes:

• Educational services; state, local, and private - 40%
• Offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and audiologists - 24%
• Hospitals: state, local, and private - 15%
• Nursing and residential care facilities - 4%

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Is Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist Worth It?

Becoming an SLP is an excellent way to help patients and make a lasting impact. From the high salary potential to significant career growth opportunities and various workplace options, speech language pathology can be a gratifying career.

Speech Pathologist Salary

SLPs are among the highest-paying medical jobs nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the average annual salary of $95,410 per year or $45.87 per hour for SLPs. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,480, and the highest 10 percent brought in over $132,850.

Career Outlook

From 2023 to 2033, the BLS reports a projected growth of 18% for SLPs. This growth is much faster than the average for all other professions. There will be an additional 33,300 jobs available during that period. U.S. News & World Report ranks SLPs as the #3 best health care job.

FAQs 

• What is the average speech-language pathologist salary?
  

  • SLPs earn a median annual salary of $95,410 or $45.87 per hour, according to the BLS in May 2024.

• How long does it take to become a speech pathologist?
  

  • Between an undergraduate and a graduate degree, as well as clinical fellowship and practicums, it can take six to seven years to become an SLP. 

• What degree do you need to be a speech language pathologist?

  • Becoming a speech pathologist requires at least a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders.

• What is the career outlook for speech pathologists?
  

  • The BLS reports a projected growth of 18% from 2023 to 2033.