Certification Of Clinical Competence In Speech
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers the CCC-SLP credential, which is often the initial certification requirement for becoming licensed and registered as a practicing SLP in your state. The requirements for this certification include obtaining your master’s degree in speech-language pathology, completing your post-graduate fellowship and submitting the documentation for fulfilling your qualifications. Additionally, ASHA may require you to complete a minimum of 30 continuing education hours every three to five years to renew your CCC-SLP certification.
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What Is The Augmentative/alternative Communication Clinic
An augmentative/alternative communication evaluation assesses children or adults who cannot make their needs understood through speech. When speech is not easily understood, options are available to promote effective communication.
Speech-Language Pathologists evaluate adults who are experiencing difficulties with communication. The typical evaluation will be performed in a quiet office and may include assessment of:
- The ability to attend and participate in the exam
- The muscles used for speaking as well as an assessment of speech and voice production
- The ability to understand spoken language
- The ability to repeat and read aloud words and sentences, to name pictures, recall specific words , describe a picture, answer questions and engage in conversation
- Reading comprehension
- The ability to express oneself in writing
- The ability to recall information
Speech Language Pathology Framework For Slp Practice
A career in speech language pathology involves helping individuals with swallowing and communication disorders to improve their quality of life. SLPs play a valuable role in their patients development and wellbeing.
Practitioners in the field of speech therapy, who must obtain at least a masters in speech pathology degree, are expected to use high-quality and collaborative research and evidence to inform their decisions. Beyond that, after becoming an SLP, practitioners work across the span of speech language pathology. In general, the ASHA scope divides SLP into service delivery and professional practice.
Though service delivery and professional practice are interconnectedand both invaluable to the discipline at largethey approach SLP from slightly different angles. In brief, service delivery is how SLPs work directly with clients and patients, from direct counseling to screening for and treating medical conditions. The ASHA divides SLP service delivery into eight distinct areas:
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Apply For Additional Certifications
As you develop throughout your career, you may choose to further your education and advance your qualifications by obtaining additional certifications in speech and language pathology. For instance, you might pursue your fluency disorder certification to work with patients experiencing challenges with stutters and lisps.
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Certification For Recalibrating Loudness

Available Through LSVT Global
People with neurological conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy or Parkinsons disease are often treated with the use of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, or LVST LOUD. This treatment focuses on helping people adjust the volume of their voices, which can help the patient articulate better, swallow differently, and improve their facial expressions while communicating.
Good for SLPs working with:
- Parkinsons disease
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Other neurological conditions
SLPs who feel that this type of treatment will benefit their patients can get certified in LVST by taking courses that teach the principles, techniques, and expected outcomes of LVST.
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Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Certification
The LSVT certification is available for SLPs specializing in patients with Parkinson’s. Typically, LSVT-certified SLPs work with patients to improve vocal expression, articulation, swallowing and neural and muscular functioning. You can also apply the approach and principles of the LSVT program to SLPs who work with patients with speech impairments because of other neurological challenges. The requirements for this certification include completing a graduate degree in speech pathology and obtaining your CCC-SLP certification. You may also apply for your LSVT certification while completing your clinical fellowship.
The History Of Speech Pathology And Treatments
Demosthenes was a fourth-century Greek orator and statesman who overcame a stutter by speaking with pebbles in his mouth. While speech pathologists today do not recommend that unusual method, the idea that speech could be taught, honed, and perfected has always been a part of the history of speech pathology and treatments.
Speech pathology and treatment evolved over the years as teachers and pathologists developed different methods for treating people with speech and language disorders.
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What Are The Big 9 Areas In Speech
There are nine primary areas of focus within the field of speech-language pathology. These include: articulation and phonology, language and literacy, fluency, voice, feeding and swallowing, social communication and interaction, cognitive-communication, and augmentative and alternative communication. Each of these areas can be further broken down into more specific sub-topics. For example, language and literacy skills may encompass early literacy development, reading comprehension, and written expression. Or, social communication and interaction skills may involve developing play and conversation skills, as well as teaching social skills for emotions and behavior regulation.
The Different Approaches To Purposeful Activity In Speech Language Pathology
by Prof. Stephen Gallik | Dec 18, 2022 | Pathology
Assuming the reader is not familiar with the term, purposeful activity in speech language pathology refers to a set of goal-directed behaviors that aim to improve communication skills. This can include anything from working on pronunciation to learning how to use sign language. The ultimate goal is to help the individual be as successful as possible in their daily life. There are many different approaches that speech language pathologists can take when working with their patients. One common approach is to use what is known as task-based instruction. This involves breaking down a desired skill into smaller, more manageable tasks. The patient is then given opportunities to practice each task until they are able to complete the larger goal. Another common approach is to use a more naturalistic approach. This involves providing opportunities for the patient to use their newly acquired skills in more realistic, everyday situations. This can help to increase the patients confidence and motivation to continue working on their skills. No matter what approach is used, the ultimate goal is to help the patient improve their communication skills. With the help of a speech language pathologist, many individuals are able to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
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What Is The Asha Scope Of Practice For Speech Pathologists
What is a scope of practice? Before getting into that, we first have to understand the role of the ASHA. Borrowing from its website, the ASHA is a national professional, scientific, and credentialing association covering a range of disciplinesincluding speech pathology.
In brief, the ASHAs scopes of practice details what licensed and certified speech pathologists are expected to do in their respective fieldsand what theyre legally allowed to do in their profession. Adhering to scopes of practice are important, both for keeping patients safe and your license from liability.
Focusing on speech pathology, the ASHAs scope of practice covers the profession in detail. To quote from its website:
The Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association includes the following: a statement of purpose, definitions of speech-language pathologist and speech-language pathology, a framework for speech-language pathology practice, a description of the domains of speech-language pathology service delivery, delineation of speech-language pathology service delivery areas, domains of professional practice, references, and resources.
What Is Voice Disorder
Voice is produced when the vocal folds are set into vibration by air passing through them during exhalation. The sound produced is then shaped into words, phrases and sentences by structures contained within the throat and oral cavity to produce speech.
How is the voice evaluated?What is voice therapy?
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Child Language And Language Disorders Certification
The BCS-CL certification allows SLPs to work with children with language development conditions. This certification is one of four specialty licenses offered through the American Board of Child Language and Language Disorders. The requirements include possessing your initial CCC-SLP certification and having experience working with child language conditions before applying for licensure. Renewal may follow similar requirements as the CCC-SLP certification because of the ASHA standards.
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Apply For Your License

To practice as a speech-language pathologist, your state and organization may require you to earn your license before hiring you. For example, organizations may require you to pass the Praxis Two Examination in Speech-Language Pathology by the Educational Testing Service and receive a score of 162. After the exam, research your state’s speech-language pathology and audiology board license requirements before applying for it. Additionally, you may choose to earn certification through ASHA, specifically the CCC-SLP department.
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What Education Is Required To Become A Speech Pathologist
To become a speech-language pathologist, you must first earn your bachelors degree in a related field of study, or otherwise complete leveling coursework if your bachelors degree is in another area. Aspiring SLPs then complete a specialized graduate program, such as a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, which typically takes two years.
After earning their degree, graduates usually complete a clinical fellowship year . SLPs often must apply for a temporary state license for speech pathology to practice during this fellowship. Most clinical fellowships last for 36 weeks, for a minimum of 35 hours per week.
Additionally, in some states, aspiring speech-language pathologists must complete the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology , administered through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . The CCC-SLP is considered the gold-standard credential in the field.
Once their education is complete, candidates must pass the Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology to earn state licensure, among other requirements, depending on the state. If the educational program is in Candidate Accreditation status, graduates often need to obtain their CCC in order to apply to states to have their status recognized in the first place. Most students take the exam during their clinical fellowship year.
Speech Correction And Speech
The earliest speech specialists focused on speech production. These elocutionists used methods such as drilling, practice, and correct articulation. The Bells created a visual phonetic language to help deaf people identify the physical placement of the tongue. Logue adapted his theatrical training to include breathing exercises to strengthen and relax the lungs and diaphragm.
Current methods of speech correction have come a long way from the work of the earliest practitioners, but some practices would probably seem familiar to someone like Logue or even Mather.
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The Most Recognized Speech
First things first, even before completing a masters degree in speech-language pathology, aspiring SLPs typically have their sights set on earning the CCC-SLP. This is the king of all certifications for an SLP, and required for licensure in many states, but its far from the only one available.
Before an SLP can even take the CCC exam, they must earn their graduate degree, clock their 400 clinical hours, pass the Praxis SLP Exam, and complete a clinical fellowship, but what happens after that? Is that the end of the line or are there opportunities for advancement in speech pathology? There are absolutely paths that an SLP can take to further their careers and become experts in specific areas of the field.
What can a SLP specialize in? So much. With the types of treatments available and types of patients to focus attention on, there are specialties in child language, fluency, and swallowing, along with techniques involving voice volume, non-verbal communication, muscular therapy for language development, and more. Speech-language pathologist credentials span a wide range of specialties, areas of interest, and patient populations. If an SLP has a passion for working with children, they can become certified in child language disorders. If someone had a beloved grandfather with Parkinsons disease and is dedicated to helping those who suffer from it, theres a certification for that too.
Clinical Or Rehabilitative Services Credential
The Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential authorizes the holder to perform services related to audiology, orientation, and mobility. The service may be performed at any grade level- preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
- Audiology authorizes the holder to conduct audiologic assessments, provide instruction and management of individual and classroom amplification and assistive listening devices, central auditory processing testing, and related special education services to individuals with a primary or secondary disability of deaf or hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and a hearing loss that manifests itself in conjunction with additional disabilities including unilateral or bilateral, whether fluctuating, conductive, sensorineural, and/or auditory neuropathy, to students from birth through age 22 in services across the continuum of program options available.
- Orientation and Mobility authorizes the holder to provide services to students who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind individuals with age-appropriate, hands-on experiences and to allow them to learn how to navigate their natural travel settings including home, school and community, become independent travelers and assist in the development of a conceptual understanding of the environment to students from birth through age 22.
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What Does A Speech
Speech-language pathologists are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders for individuals of all ages. SLPs are often referred to as speech therapists.
I decided that when I was a freshman in college that I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist. This was after I attended a seminar about the major, Communication Sciences and Disorders and the different avenues that you could take after receiving that education – usually split into SLPs and Audiologists. I was then made aware that I needed to get into school and obtain a graduate degree to officially call myself an SLP.
So, there I was at 22, having earned my undergraduate degree, living in Boston as a grad student while most of my other friends had real-life jobs. Let me tell you how some of my small talk conversations would go during this time
Random people:
Youre getting your degree in speech-language pathology? Cool. So what can you do with that?
Oh, you want to be a speech pathologist? Is that like for people with speech impediments?
Is that the same thing as a speech teacher?
Oh! My sister had speech therapy as a kid because she couldnt say her Rs. They got to play board games.
Well actually, .
SLPs provide clinical care for individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
Prompt For Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets Certification
The PROMPT for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets certification offers credentials to SLPs who work with patients to develop and improve their motor, speech and communication abilities. They can use various techniques, such as integrating various words and phrases and focusing on diction, pronunciation and articulation to help the patients overcome their challenges. The PROMPT organization may require you to practice in the field for a minimum of five years, attend workshops, complete practicums and submit a project to qualify for the certification.
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Learn More About The Speech
The online masters in speech-language pathology curriculum is highly focused and designed to help you expand on your undergraduate-level knowledge of this vital field so you can prepare for practice at the highest level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects high demand for speech-language pathologists, with the field set to grow by 25% between 2019 and 2029 more than six times the average growth projected across all careers.
Brave professionals and leaders are needed to keep up with this demand. Thats why Maryvilles top goal is to get you career ready. With hands-on learning opportunities, outcomes-based coursework, and an experienced faculty of SLP practitioners, Maryville Online is here to help you thrive in the field so you can help others overcome obstacles in communication.
Want to learn more about our program, including further information on how we support your learning and professional goals from application through graduation? Check out our online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology page to see how we prepare you for a career where you can make a real, tangible difference.
Explore The Maryville Speech

Are you interested in how you can make a difference as a speech-language pathologist? Maryville Universitys online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program provides an excellent foundation for this profession. With a curriculum that covers the ASHA Big 9 areas of expected competencies and prepares students for certification, its a solid first step on your journey to an exciting career.
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Domains Of Slp Professional Practice
Working in SLP professional practice offers a range of career paths, across advocacy, administration, leadership, and more. Heres a summary of the ASHAs list of SLP professional practice domains.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association as of August 2020. SpeechPathologyMastersPrograms.com is not responsible for changes that may occur after this date. Check ASHAs website for the most up-to-date information.
Obtain Your Undergraduate Degree
Obtain your bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders or a related field before completing your master’s degree. The undergraduate program for speech pathology prepares you for more advanced studies when you enter your graduate program. In the CSD undergraduate program, you may learn the basic science of human communications and the biological, physical, social and linguistic speech approaches. Additionally, you may learn about what happens when human communication experiences impairments.
Alternative degrees you can earn include:
-
Bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology
-
Bachelor’s degree in education
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Scope Of Practice In Speech
Scope of Practice
Ad Hoc Committee on the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
About this Document: This scope of practice document is an official policy of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defining the breadth of practice within the profession of speech-language pathology. This document was developed by the ASHA Ad Hoc Committee on the Scope of Practice in Speech- Language Pathology. Committee members were Mark DeRuiter , Michael Campbell, Craig Coleman, Charlette Green, Diane Kendall, Judith Montgomery, Bernard Rousseau, Nancy Swigert, Sandra Gillam , and Lemmietta McNeilly . This document was approved by the ASHA Board of Directors on February 4, 2016 . The BOD approved a revision in the prevention of hearing section of the document on May 9, 2016 .