Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) as professionals who engage in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. This broad scope includes enhancing communication abilities, addressing cognitive-linguistic disorders, and ensuring safe swallowing practices. SLPs work with individuals in various settings to optimize their functional communication and swallowing abilities, aiming to improve overall quality of life.
SLPs work to mitigate impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities; promote health; and prevent communication, language, and swallowing disorders. Their interventions include, but are not limited to: therapeutic exercises to improve speech production, language comprehension, and expression; the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices; cognitive-linguistic therapy; swallowing therapy; voice therapy; counseling for communication or swallowing-related challenges; vocal hygiene techniques; application of physical modalities such as biofeedback; airway clearance techniques; and auditory habilitation and rehabilitation. SLPs may also prescribe, apply, and train in the use of assistive technology, adaptive devices, and AAC systems.
SLPs help reduce the risk of injury and impairment through prevention and wellness programs and promote fitness, health, and wellness in populations of all ages. They also make referrals to other healthcare providers to inform the SLP plan of care and are actively involved in administration, consultation, education, and research
Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master's degree in speech-language pathology. These programs usually take 2 years of postbaccalaureate study. Although master's degree programs may not require a particular bachelor's degree for admission, they frequently require applicants to have completed coursework in biology, social science, or certain healthcare and related fields. Requirements vary by program.
Graduate programs often include courses in speech and language development, age-specific speech disorders, alternative and augmentative communication, and swallowing disorders. These programs also include supervised clinical experience.
Graduation from an accredited program is required for certification and, often, for state licensure. The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA), accredits education programs in speech-language pathology.
All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed. Licensure typically requires at least a master’s degree from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience gained both during and after completing the program, and passing an exam. For specific requirements, contact your state’s medical or health licensure board.
Speech-language pathologists may earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Certification typically satisfies some or all of the requirements for state licensure and may be required by some employers. To earn CCC-SLP certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited program, pass an exam, and complete a fellowship that lasts several months and is supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist. To maintain the CCC-SLP credential, speech-language pathologists must complete a specified number of hours of continuing education.