Certifications And Licensure For Speech Pathology Majors
Many speech pathologists pursue certifications and licenses to enhance their expertise and earning potential. Although most speech pathologist positions do not require certification, earning certification makes candidates more competitive in the job market. Below, we outline three licenses and certifications for speech pathologists.
What Does A Career In Speech Pathology Look Like
- Rewarding Work
- A degree in speech pathology positions individuals to make a positive difference in others lives. Speech pathologists get to use the information they learn to help individuals cope with challenges that impact their daily lives.
- Higher Earning Potential
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While individuals with a bachelors degree in speech pathology can often work as medical assistants in this field, they miss out on the higher earning potential that graduates with a masters degree enjoy. According to the BLS, speech pathologists earn a median salary of $79,120 per year, while medical assistants earn $34,800 per year.
- Option to Work as a Traveling Speech Pathologist
- Graduates with a masters in speech pathology qualify for jobs as traveling speech pathologists. These professionals get to see different parts of the country by switching employment locations about every three months.
- Job Security
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Since the BLS projects jobs for speech pathologists to grow 25% between 2019 and 2029, these professionals enjoy above-average job security.
- Work-Life Balance
- Speech pathologists typically only work business hours, unlike many other professionals in the medical field. Some speech pathologists who work for school districts even benefit from paid summers off.
Certification As A Speech
Although specific licensure requirements vary by state, graduation from an accredited program is required for certification as a speech-language pathologist. Certification is granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and includes having a passing score on the national Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.
- For the past fifteen academic years, TTUHSC students in the Speech-Language Pathology program had a 100% pass rate on the Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology.
- For the past three years, graduates of the program have a 100% employment rate in the field.
- More information on certification and state licensure requirements may be found on the ASHA website.
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Should I Be An Audiologist Or A Speech Pathologist
Its always up to you to decide which kind of work you will enjoy more. But there is a big fat hint in the employment numbers that might tip you toward one or the other: the number of jobs for SLPs is expected to increase by 25% between 2019-2029, while its just 13% for audiologists. The fact that so many SLPs work in education means that if you enjoy working with kids, that might be your jam. Audiologists also frequently work with kids, but their practice base really covers all ages.
Who Should I Ask For Letters Of Recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation. At least two of those should come from academic faculty members. If you have had some clinical experience, it is also a good idea to include a letter from your clinical supervisor. The request for letters of application can be sent anytime after you have started the application, it is a good idea to send these early. If you have been out of school for several years, you might not have access to academic faculty. In this case, letters from employers or other people who could speak to your potential success in graduate school will be accepted.
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Our Program Gives You The Tools For Success
In Calvin Universitys online masters degree in speech-language pathology, youll gain clinical hours with our expert clinical faculty, practice providing care for patients, and study the causes and treatment of communication disorders all with the supporting framework of the Christian faith.
Upon graduation, you will have the educational requirements necessary to begin your clinical fellowship to pursue professional certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and be prepared to begin your career as a speech-language pathologist. You could also continue to a Ph.D. program.
Calvin also offers a 100% online Certificate in Speech and Hearing Foundations comprised of six courses in speech pathology for those who need to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework before pursuing a masters degree. The six courses may be taken independently or grouped for the certificate, which can be completed in one year.
The Master of Arts education program in speech-language pathology at Calvin University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Council on Academic Accreditation Compliance Questions
Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Pursue A Meaningful Career With Your Masters In Speech
Communication is vital to our shared social experience. Its the basis of our relationships, entertainment, commerce, and information sharing. But for some such as children with autism, trauma survivors, stroke patients, and the aging population communication may come as a challenge. For others, it may not come at all.
You can make a powerful difference in peoples lives. With your online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Maryville, you can prepare for a rewarding career in speech-language pathology and help people overcome communication barriers. We designed our program based on the Big 9 areas of expected competencies established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Council on Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology , so your online graduate degree can prepare you to thrive in this field and help others participate more fully in society.
Speech-language pathology can be a rewarding career. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked it the No. 7 best job in America for 2021. This is your chance to help patients find their voice and make meaningful connections and we can help you do it. Lets be brave together.
Learn from a curriculum based on ASHA and CAA competencies.
Get personalized support and counseling from application through graduation.
Learn from a faculty of experienced speech-language pathology practitioners.
Choose from fall or spring start dates, and complete in only 5 semesters.
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Speech / Language Pathology
The development and use of speech, language and hearing has significant impact on academic performance, career opportunities and socialization. That’s why we are preparing clinical scientists to advance the practice of speech-language pathology and training the next generation of university professors and research scientists.
Speech Pathology Masters Programs Application Requirements
While an undergraduate degree in speech pathology or communication disorders is helpful, it is often not a requirement for entering a speech pathology masters program . Most programs seek students who are excited about their speech pathology graduate degree program and who are likely to finish the program and attain licensure.
However, certain science courses are often required to apply for a speech pathology masters program. If you dont have them, you may need to add some prerequisites onto your program, lengthening the time you spend to get your masters degree.
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Complete A Masters In Speech Pathology
To become a speech pathologist, professionals need a masters degree. Most masters programs in speech pathology accept students with a bachelors degree in any field from a regionally accredited school. However, applicants who possess unrelated bachelors degrees typically must take prerequisite courses before earning acceptance into the major.
While earning a masters degree, individuals can enhance their resumes by pursuing internships and job shadowing opportunities. In some cases, an internship can lead to a full-time job after graduation.
Prompts For Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets
This certification teaches speech pathologists how to take a tactile-kinesthetic approach in their work. Candidates learn how to use touch to help clients create the correct mouth shapes and movements to properly articulate. This type of therapy aims to teach patients how to shape words without support in the future.
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Is There A Difference Between Speech Therapist And Speech Pathologist
No, there isnt any difference between speech therapists and speech pathologists. The terms are used interchangeably in this field, as they hold the same job responsibilities. Both speech therapists and speech pathologists require the same educational background and certifications to work. However, some professionals in this field prefer to be called speech therapists, as they provide forms of speech therapy.
What To Know Before Entering The Speech Pathology Field

It can be hard to understand an SLP’s potential education and career choices outside the field. However, as an experienced practitioner, Carrie Clark offers insight into her journey and those of her classmates and colleagues. Below are a few of the key points that Clark thinks prospective students should consider:
Patience and resilience are the most important skills for an SLP to develop and nurture. Clark notes, “Everyone is so unique. And even if they have the same disability or disorder, they present differently.” SLPs may need to attempt multiple interventions before finding one that works, which requires patience and the fortitude not to get discouraged: “It’s about trying something and failing and then trying something different and then failing and trying something different.”.
For a flavor of what speech-language pathology involves, Clark says “the best thing you can do is get some real-world experience as early as possible.” She suggests asking to shadow an SLP or volunteer to work with special needs children and adults. Because the demand for SLPs is outpacing supply, many in the profession are happy to introduce potential SLPs to the job. Clark recommends observing multiple SLPs who work within different settings and populations because “you might find your preferences are actually different from what you thought, and then you can guide your study in terms of which electives you take earlier on.”
Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ms Slp Program
Applications will be submitted using the Central Application System for Communication Sciences and Disorders . Applications must be submitted and verified in CSDCAS by January 15 for early June cohort.
Click here for more details on specific information required in your CSDCAS application.
Check back soon!
You will need to submit three letters of recommendation to CSDCAS. At least one recommendation should be from someone who can speak to your professionalism/skills outside of a traditional classroom setting.
To submit your letters of recommendation, you will provide the name and contact information for your recommenders on CSDCAS. CSDCAS will then send the recommenders a secure link to directly submit their recommendation.
The first application you submit in CSDCAS will cost $139. Each additional application will cost $54. If you need help paying your application fees, send an email to our Director of Clinical Education, at . Requests for financial assistance must be received by December 15.
Please visit the MSU Denver Office of Graduate Studies Cost page for cost of tuition and fees.
Check here for information about available graduate financial aid programs.
We are actively working on potential scholarship opportunities for our M.S. SLP program. Check back soon!
The Western Regional Graduate Program allows residents of the 17-member states/ U.S territories to request the WRGP tuition rate for graduate programs at MSU Denver.
Are There Additional Costs I Can Expect During The Graduate Program
There are a number additional expense that may apply during graduate training. The most common of which are listed below:
Clinical Documentation Program Subscription | $100/one time fee |
AZ Finger Print Clearance | $70/one time fee |
varies based on personal situation | |
Course Fees | |
Graduate Candidacy Fees |
$50/one time fee |
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What Does A Speech Pathologist Do
Speech pathologists help individuals cope with speech and swallowing challenges. They evaluate clients and come up with treatment plans. Often, these plans include helping clients practice making sounds, improve sentence structures, and strengthen and relax their throat muscles. Sometimes, speech pathologists work with individuals who were born with a disability that makes talking difficult, like a cleft palate. In other cases, they work with individuals who develop a disorder or injury that impacts speech and swallowing later in life, like adults recovering from a stroke.
Teachers College At Columbia University
Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders
New York, New York
The Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the Teacher’s College at Columbia University delivers advanced training in human communication. Completing the program leads to New York state licensure in speech and language pathology and initial certification in Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities. The college also offers options to earn a bilingual extension or professional certification. Students may choose to complete the program without certification as well. As a clinical program, students will complete the necessary academic and practicum requirements for academic and practicum requirements for certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $39,240
Master of Arts in Speech, Language and Hearing Science
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,488 / $22,698
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Speech Pathology Masters Programs Graduate Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Statistics, of the 158,100 speech pathologists employed in 2020, 38% worked in elementary and secondary schools.
Other industries that heavily employ speech pathologists include the offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists and audiologists, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities.
The chart below provides detailed employment statistics by industry:
How Do I Pursue A Career In Speech
Once youve completed your online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, your next step is to follow the American Speech-Language-Hearing Associations guidelines on postgraduate requirements including the clinical fellowship year .
Youll need to take the Praxis exam to establish your Certificate of Clinical Competence-Speech-Language Pathology status. You can take the exam at any point throughout your graduate program or before you apply for your CCC. While this certification may fully qualify candidates in some areas, you should consult your states guidelines to make sure you have completed all requirements to practice as a speech-language pathologist. Also note that work in some settings may require conditional experience or further training.
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Are There Any Online Speech Pathology Masters Programs No Gre
The field of speech-language pathology needs an increasing number of trained professionals.
To reduce obstacles that might keep talented people from entering this line of work, a growing number of schools have online speech pathology masters programs no GRE required for admission.
Instead, colleges may consider other qualifications, such as work experience, bachelors GPA and professional recommendations.
For example, Nova Southeastern University does not require GRE scores for their online masters in speech pathology program.
Why Earn Your Masters In Speech Language Pathology Online

- Maximize earnings
- When you further your education, you can increase your earnings. Earning your masters degree can get you higher pay from your current employer or allow you to apply for a higher paying job with a different company.
- Increase employment opportunities
- Once you secure your masters degree in speech-language pathology, you will stand out to employers. If there is someone with less of an education and fewer skills than you, employers will see you as the likely choice because of what you bring to the table.
- Job Security
- Securing a masters in speech-language pathology can make you an asset at your company because of the skills and training you will obtain during the program. If you shine in your role, your employer will be more likely to keep you because of those skills and abilities.
- Secure a new position
- A masters degree offers you the skills and training necessary to take on a new role with more responsibility. Rather than stay in an entry-level position with no opportunity for advancement, you can get a masters degree and quickly advance to a more rewarding position.
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Master In Speech Language Pathology
Faulkner University is excited to announce the continued growth of the Speech Language Pathology program, not only offering a Master of Science and Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology on-ground at Faulkner, but also adding an online Master of Arts in Speech Language Pathology starting in the Fall of 2022. These programs are designed for students seeking national certification with the American Speech Language Hearing Association and state licensure to practice as a speech language pathologist.
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Knoxville, Tennessee
Become a qualified provider of speech therapy with the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Students spend five semesters adding to their skills with academic coursework and clinical training. The final semester is spent entirely in a full-time clinical setting. The program concludes with either a comprehensive examination or thesis. Students can complete clinical hours in both on-campus and off-campus settings, including local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, schools, and more. Electives are available that allow students to customize their education with focuses on alternative communication, literacy, autism, aphasia, and various disorders related to voice, motor speech, and swallowing. Students with bachelor’s degrees in areas other than communication science and disorders are invited to apply but will need to complete two additional semesters of prerequisite coursework. The program at the University of Tennessee is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,375 / $28,810
Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,054 / $17,838
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