Speech Language Pathology Masters Online

Why Earn Your Masters In Speech

The baby boomer population is aging, and advances in medical technology are increasingly effective at helping at-risk populations and trauma survivors thrive. With these positive developments in health and wellness often come challenges in the form of speech, communication, swallowing, and/or hearing disorders.

The National Institute of Health estimates disorders related to speech, language, hearing, or swallowing have affected about one in 12 children between 3 and 17 years old in the past 12 months. In all, these disorders may affect as many as 10% of Americans, contributing to an annual economic impact of up to $186 billion.*

With your online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Maryville, you can help address a vital social need and bring your patients an improved quality of life. Our program is designed to help people with a bachelors degree or professional certificate in a relevant field like communication sciences and disorders complete their education and maximize their career potential. With proven technology and resources and industry-standard techniques, we can prepare you to evaluate speech, language, and swallowing disorders, as well as related physiological and cognitive capabilities of patients of all ages, then develop treatment and rehabilitative solutions in consultation with clinicians and educators.

*Robert J. Ruben, Redefining the Survival of the Fittest: Communication Disorders in the 21st Century

Speech Pathologist Job Specializations

As you consider different speech pathology jobs, keep in mind that there are a variety of speech therapist specializations. These specializations focus on different aspects of speech pathology and may require specific knowledge and training. Regardless of speech therapy job specialization, many SLP jobs will use the principle of evidence-based practice.

Choosing a specialization may open up specific career opportunities, some of which are described below:

Two Venue Options: On

On-Campus Option

• Classes held in the evenings on our Denton and Dallas campuses
• 9-10 hours of academic coursework each semester
• Diverse practicum experiences 2-5 days a week each semester
• Cohorts start in the summer or fall every year

Distance Education Option – Schools-focused Track

• Classes held in regional Education Service Centers across Texas and through live interactive webinars on your home computer>
• Complete clinical experiences with sponsoring school districts during the school year and at medical facilities during summers
• Cohorts admitted every two years with the program beginning in the summer of odd years

Distance Education Option – Healthcare-focused Track

• Classes held through live interactive webinars on your home computer
• Students must attend classes on the Denton campus three days each summer semester

The distance education option allows you to work as a licensed speech-language pathology assistant while in the program.

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Do I Need Certification Or Licensure To Work In Speech Pathology

Speech-language pathology positions are regulated in all 50 states. Some states require these professionals to hold licensure while others mandate registration. To receive licensure, you must possess at minimum a masters degree and certification.

Specific licensure requirements vary by state, so you should check with your state board to learn more. The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology is provided by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which sets specific requirements and mandates that professionals complete continuing education credits to renew every three years.

Where Do Speech Therapists Work

SLPs work in a wide range of settings. A speech therapist job may entail working in education, health care, or institutional settings. Examples of workplace environments include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, residential healthcare facilities, health departments, private practices, and universities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the following settings employ the largest numbers of SLPs.

Educational services state, local, and private: 38%Offices of physical, occupational and speech therapists, and audiologists: 23%Hospitals state, local, and private: 14%Nursing and residential care facilities: 5%Self-employed workers: 4%

Most speech pathologists are employed in full-time positions, and some may need to travel between various locations, such as schools, to perform their roles.

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A Further Prospect For Speech

Another destination worth looking into is telehealth.

In a 2021 study by Campbell and Goldstein titled Evolution of Telehealth Technology, Evaluations, and Therapy: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology Services, it appears that The unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic forced many providers in health care and education settings to immediately consider and implement teleassessments and the delivery of their pediatric speech-language therapy services through synchronous videoconferencing.

In this study, which appeared in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Campbell and Goldstein found that while survey respondents believe telehealth services were not going to replace in-person care, they acknowledged the benefits of having the option of remote delivery of services.

This studys findings show how remote speech-language pathology services have evolved. Clinicians discovered unexpected benefits of synchronous videoconferencing as they were forced to reconsider telehealths scope and utility.

Telehealth is indeed adding to the prospects of aspiring SLP workers.

Speech Therapist Vs Speech Pathologist: Is There A Difference

The job titles speech therapist, speech pathologist, and even speech-language pathologist are all technically interchangeable, although those within the field sometimes have a preference for one over the other. It is common for patients to refer to professionals in speech pathology as their speech therapists, however many maintain that the title that best encapsulates the career field is speech-language pathologist, often abbreviated as SLPs.

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Is A Masters In Slp Worth It

Speech pathology is extremely valuable to many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for speech-language pathologists is expected to be 25% over the next ten years, which is much higher than the national average. There is also a nationwide demand for this type of work.

It is possible for speech pathologists to make an impact on a wide range of peoples lives. It is not uncommon for speech pathologists to require further education after completing their graduate degree. A career as a speech pathologist can be extremely rewarding, but it may not be for everyone. Before you can study for a speech pathologist degree, you must first ask yourself a few questions. A bachelors and masters degree in speech pathology are required to work as a speech pathologist. The more naturally inquisitive you are, the more likely you will be to stay current on new advances so that you can better serve your patients. Consider both the time and financial commitment these degrees entail.

If you want to apply to SLP grad school, you must sign up for the SLPNow Academy. There are numerous PD videos, as well as articles and other resources, available on this site. You will also be required to take ASHA CEUs if you watch them. The Academy grows over time, so you should visit it.

What Can You Do With A Speech

Work with people and populations across the lifespan, from infants to seniors, as a speech-language pathologist in any setting. SLPs are in high demand in both metropolitan and rural communities across the United States.

Speech-Language Pathology Careers

SLPs work with people in diverse settings such as these:

• Preschools, secondary schools, universities
• Clinics, hospitals, extended care centers and other medical settings
• Private practice

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Are You Ready To Become A Speech

Earning your speech pathologist degree can jump-start a lifelong, rewarding career as an SLP as you work to improve peoples lives one therapy session at a time. Take the first step towards your masters in speech pathology online or in-person today and learn how to become an SLP in your state below.

Careers With A Speech

Even an entry-level position as a speech-language pathologist requires a master’s degree, as well as some type of state licensure or certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand in this field is expected to increase by 29% through 2030, a projected growth rate that is much higher than that of other professions. The median annual income for speech-language pathologists is $80,480, with the highest-paid practitioners earning more than $122,000 per year.

The best-paying opportunities for speech pathologists are in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals, but there are many additional openings in private practices and schools. SLPs in schools tend to earn the least. Clark says that these SLPs usually earn salaries and raises on the same schedule as a school’s teaching staff. “The mean salary for this profession is great,” she says. However, addressing the pay variance, she notes that “the medical setting pushes it up because you can work in a nursing home for $90,000 a year right out of the gate, but the schools are going to start you with $30,000 or whatever’s the range for your area.”

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Amazing Stories From Speech

Amy Peterson, B.S. in Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences 08, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology 10, is a born and raised Wyomingite. She worked in early intervention at STRIDE in Cheyenne, then Laramie County School District 1, before pursuing a doctorate with a focus on school-age language and implementation science. At UW, Amy loved the class sizes, the wealth of knowledge the professors shared and the opportunity to work with big-name professors in SLP while getting to know them professionally and personally. The opportunities for networking and practice offered at UW are different from other speech pathology masters programs that have larger student populations and class sizes. Though her Ph.D. program took her out of Wyoming, she will always be a Cowgirl at heart and looks forward to the possibility of returning to Wyoming in the future.

Will I Need To Get A Doctoral Degree To Practice As A Speech Pathologist

No, it is not necessary for graduate students to earn doctoral degrees to practice as speech pathologists. However, depending on their career goals, students who have earned master’s degrees may want to consider pursuing one of the two types of doctoral degrees available in speech-language pathology. A clinical doctorate prepares speech pathologists for advanced leadership roles in clinical settings, such as a master clinician or clinical administrator. By contrast, a Ph.D. in speech pathology prepares students for research and teaching roles in academia.

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Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, the Graduate students will be able to:

• Describe the nature of typical and disordered communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
• Integrate theory, research, and evidence-based principles into prevention, assessment, and intervention practices.
• Interact and communicate in ways that promote wellness and reflect respect for diversity, collaboration, and ethics.
• Demonstrate summative knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level practice within the field of speech-language pathology through defense of a culminating experience.

Funding A Master’s In Speech Pathology Degree

Students enrolled in online speech-language pathology programs have the same access to financial assistance as their on-campus peers. For example, online students enrolled in reputable programs â especially those accredited by the CAA â may qualify for low-interest federal or private loans. While the colleges and universities on our ranking list already feature lower tuition rates, some offer additional types of financial assistance. Specifically, students should ask whether their school provides internal financial aid options, as this could help further reduce the cost of their graduate degree.

In general, students prefer scholarships and grants because they do not have to repay them. One option to consider is a graduate scholarship from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, which grants up to $5,000 each year to 15 applicants. Below, we’ve listed a few other scholarships that are available for prospective SLPs.

Master’s students in speech-language pathology may qualify for this scholarship if they have a documented disability. Successful applicants will receive up to $1,000 toward their tuition or other school fees.

For additional information about affordability and college costs, students can check out our resources about paying for a college degree, which include details about the popular college savings plans, the student debt crisis, and more.

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How Long Are Online Master’s In Speech Pathology Programs

Most colleges design online master’s degrees in speech pathology to last 3-4 years, requiring approximately 54-74 credit hours. These programs take longer than many other master’s degrees because they’re usually offered part-time. However, it’s often possible to attend a full-time version of the same program on campus, which would typically take two years to complete.

The required credit hours range widely because the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association requires prerequisite courses in specific topics for a program to meet certification requirements. Students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology need to complete these prerequisites before starting master’s-level coursework. All master’s students must also complete one or more clinical placements under the supervision of a registered SLP. These placements are sometimes called externships, and they can take place at a school, rehabilitation facility, or other healthcare facility employing SLPs.

What Can You Do With A Master’s Degree In Speech Pathology

A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is intended to prepare students for how to become an SLP. But within this field, graduates can work with different populations in a variety of settings, such as the following:

School pathologists assess children and adolescents at K-12 levels for speech, hearing, and feeding/swallowing disorders to create treatment plans. They may work with English-language learners to determine whether a studentâs speech and language difficulties result from disorders or merely language differences. School SLPs might also treat students with autism, which may involve helping them with social communication skills and neurological/mechanical speech challenges.

Hospitals and specialized clinics employ SLPs to help adolescents and adults who need inpatient care. For example, patients may need assistance recovering from traumatic events, such as accidents or strokes. During an inpatient stay, an SLP’s job is to assess the patient’s speech, hearing, swallowing mechanics, and memory. In addition, they hold case conferences with other professionals in the facility to compare notes and assess the client for release.

Rehabilitation centers employ SLPs to create treatment plans for children, adolescents, or adults requiring outpatient therapy. They meet with clients regularly to assess their progress. Since outpatient clients are usually reintegrating into their lives, SLPs provide them with at-home exercises to perform between clinic visits.

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How Do I Fulfill The Clinical Practice Requirement For An Online Master’s In Speech Pathology Program

When students are completing SLP degrees online, they’ll work with program staff to make arrangements for field placement. The objective is to find a recognized healthcare or educational facility where the student can work under the supervision of licensed speech pathologists. Upon completing their clinical experience, students may be asked to pass an exam or complete a project to document that they have gained the appropriate level of skill.

What Is The Average Speech Pathology Masters Tuition

The first step to becoming a speech pathologist is to attend a master of speech pathology program. The latest research on graduate school costs comes from the National Center for Education Statistics . The latest research on graduate school costs comes from the National Center for Education Statistics . According to the NCES, in the 2016-2017 school year, average costs for graduate tuition and fees were $18,416. Typically, a speech pathology masters program takes two years of full-time study, bringing the average tuition and fees total to around $36,832.

Costs tend to be higher in private institutions compared to public institutions . You can offset graduate school costs with scholarships and grants and possibly by choosing a public school in the state you reside in.

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An Accredited Program: Accreditation Information

The Masters of Science education program in speech-language pathology at Texas Womans 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

Accreditation student outcome information covers the last three years and is updated annually.

Faqs About Getting A Masters In Speech Pathology Online

Is a Graduate Degree Required to Become a Speech Language Pathologist?

ASHAs 2020 Standards and Implementation Procedures for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology indicate that you need at least a masters degree in the field to become an SLP in any state, so pursuing this degree is essential. While a masters degree is required to become an SLP, most states also require licensure however licensure requirements vary by state.

Do Online Speech Pathology Programs Require the GRE?

Depending on the speech pathology program you apply to, you may need to submit your GRE scores. While it is becoming more common for masters in speech pathology programs to no longer require GRE scores, some programs that usually do require them are temporarily removing their standardized testing requirements because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before applying, it is recommended to contact the school for the most up-to-date information regarding GRE requirements.

Is there Demand for Speech Pathologists?Is an Online Graduate Speech Pathology Program Offered in Your State?

Some online masters in speech pathology programs are only offered to in-state students, usually designed to address a shortage of speech professionals in the area. Other times, a program may be offered nationwide but might not be able to operate in a few certain areas because of legal reasons. Make sure you are eligible to participate in the programs you apply to based on your location.

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