There are several steps to becoming a speech-language pathologist. Here is the typical path from speech-language pathologist schooling to fellowship and examination.
There are several steps to becoming a speech-language pathologist. Here is the typical path from speech-language pathologist schooling to fellowship and examination.
Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree. Prospective speech-language pathologists often pursue undergraduate degrees in communication sciences and disorders, healthcare and nursing, or special education.
Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you must also earn a master’s degree to become a speech-language pathologist. Here is a list of these types of accredited graduate programs in each state.
Complete a clinical fellowship. To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete 1,260 hours and gain at least 36 weeks of full-time clinical experience. ASHA has a helpful fellowship guide.
Pass the Praxis exam. The Praxis examination in speech-language pathology is commissioned by ASHA. In general, to pass the exam, you must achieve a score of at least 162 on a 100 to 200 scale. That said, certain states may require different scores, so be sure to understand the specific requirements where you live.
Get certified. To become a licensed speech-language pathologist, you must be certified by both ASHA and the state you’ll be practicing in. ASHA provides links to state-specific requirements here.
Apply for speech-language pathologists jobs. ASHA offers career development resources and a virtual career fair to help you find a job. Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter may also have job postings.