How to Become a Speech and Language Pathologist

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Speech and Language Pathologist

What does a Speech and Language Pathologist do?

A Speech and Language Pathologist assesses and treats speech and language disorders and impairments. Conducts evaluations of an individual's speech and language skills using applicable diagnostic materials and tools. Being a Speech and Language Pathologist develops treatment plans that utilize appropriate intervention approaches, strategies, and materials. Establishes treatment priorities that include advising, educating, and counseling. Additionally, Speech and Language Pathologist completes required documentation to record assessment and progress. Collaborates with physicians, family members, and other clinical providers to provide effective therapies. May direct support staff in assisting with treatment. Requires a master's degree in speech pathology. Requires Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). Requires State License based on Clinical Specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Speech and Language Pathologist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

People's Opinions on Speech and Language Pathologist responsibilities

A speech language pathologist is someone who diagnoses and treats language and speech disorders.

02/15/2020: Akron, OH

In schools, their main focus is usually on providing help and support to children who require extra speech help outside of normal classes, while in hospitals, they help people who have medical conditions that cause communication impairment.

01/02/2020: York, PA

One working as a private consultant may work with adults and children who have speech impairment for a wide variety of reasons, including psychological as well as physical factors.

02/12/2020: Youngstown, OH

Treatment might entail not only working on conventional speech and language skills, but also development of alternate communication methods, as some clients may have impaired speech or language to the point where they cannot communicate verbally.

12/13/2019: Portland, OR

The type and range of speech and language disorders that these professionals may encounter are highly variable.

01/29/2020: New Haven, CT
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Speech and Language Pathologist

Best tips for those who want to become a Speech and Language Pathologist

Here are some tips to become a Speech and Language Pathologist.

People's Opinions on best tips

Have good verbal communication skills.

01/02/2020: Florence, AL

Find ways to make recovery more enjoyable.

12/22/2019: Gainesville, FL

Take a National Exam in Speech-Language Pathology.

02/07/2020: Great Falls, MT

Apply for State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

01/22/2020: Lawton, OK

Ten Ways a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help Your Child.

12/02/2019: Shreveport, LA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Speech and Language Pathologist

Best colleges and universities for Speech and Language Pathologist

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Speech and Language Pathologist

Is being a Speech and Language Pathologist Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Clarksville, TNSpeech Language Pathologist jobs in Clarksville, TN58 open jobs.

12/18/2019: Mcallen, TX

Speech And Language Therapist jobsSpeech And Language Therapist jobs225 open jobs.

02/10/2020: Knoxville, TN

Speech Pathologist- (1st Shift PRN)-4hrs weekly- FlorenceSpeech Pathologist- (1st Shift PRN)-4hrs weekly- FlorenceSt.

01/03/2020: Pierre, SD

They work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or produce them clearly and assist them in solving their speech problem.

01/24/2020: Chicago, IL

In this free career guide, you will learn how to have a successful career as a speech therapist.

02/04/2020: Nassau, NY
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Speech and Language Pathologist

What skills do you need to be a Speech and Language Pathologist?

This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role.  A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Speech Pathology, Speech-Language-Audiology Practices Quality Assurance.  Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Electronic health records (EHR) Software.  These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.

People's Opinions on Speech and Language Pathologist skills

The ability to be sensitive to others’ needs, desires, and possible problems or emotional triggers is another trait a pathologist should have.

12/29/2019: Erie, PA

Understanding your patients and your caseload is crucial to success as a speech-language pathologist.

12/02/2019: Lawrence, MA

Being able to get along with a variety of people, even if some may be difficult and inflexible, is an important trait for a speech-language pathologist to have.

02/16/2020: Concord, NH

Since one of the goals of Better Hearing and Speech Month is to raise awareness about communication impairments and the professionals who treat them, this seems like a good time to share some information about Kindred’s speech and language pathologists (SLPs), and what they do for our patients.

12/12/2019: Fresno, CA

SLPs are responsible for the evaluation and treatment of speech and language impediments, but they actually do a great deal more than that.

12/17/2019: Knoxville, TN
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Step 6: View average salary for Speech and Language Pathologist

How much does a Speech and Language Pathologist make?

The average salary range for a Speech and Language Pathologist is from $82,724 to $100,596. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Speech and Language Pathologist
$82,724 to $100,596

Average salary for Speech and Language Pathologist jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Speech and Language Pathologist jobs, and apply.

Looking for Speech and Language Pathologist jobs?

Here are some Speech and Language Pathologist jobs in the United States.

Search Speech and Language Pathologist Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Speech and Language Pathologist