Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

What is the role of a speech-language pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.

What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, providing therapy sessions, documenting progress, and collaborating with educators or healthcare professionals.

Where do speech-language pathologists work?
Speech-language pathologists work in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices.

What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include School-Based SLP and Medical Speech Pathologist. Career paths may lead to clinical specialization, supervision, private practice, or academic positions.

Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who are patient, detail-oriented, interested in healthcare or education, and motivated to improve communication outcomes.

What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include measurable patient progress, strong job demand, competitive compensation, and meaningful impact on daily functioning and quality of life.

What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include specialization in areas such as pediatric or medical speech therapy, leadership roles, private practice ownership, or doctoral-level research.

What is the educational pathway to become a speech-language pathologist?
To become a speech-language pathologist, you must earn a master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, complete supervised clinical hours, pass the national Praxis examination in speech-language pathology, and obtain state licensure. Many professionals also earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Sara Schenirer offers a BA in Psychology with SLP prerequisites that embeds the foundational coursework required for admission into graduate speech-language pathology programs. Students may then continue into the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology offered through Sara Schenirer in partnership with the Katz School of Science and Health, which provides the graduate education and supervised clinical preparation required for licensure and professional certification.

The standard pathway is completion of prerequisite undergraduate coursework, graduation from an accredited master’s program, successful completion of required clinical hours, and state licensure.