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Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are communication disorder specialists, diagnosing and treating individuals with any type of voice, language, or speech disorder. This includes individuals who are non-verbal and need assistance with augmentative and alternative communication. In addition, many speech language pathologists specialize in working with individuals with swallowing disorders. Having the title "certified" refers to earning a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This How to become a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist page will detail the process of obtaining national certification from ASHA. http://www.asha.org/certification
The process of becoming a certified Speech-Language Pathologist is multi-faceted and includes the components of education, clinical training, national examination, and application for ASHA certification. In the recent past, membership in ASHA was also required; however, it is now optional. It is important to be aware that national certification and state licensure are completely separate, and most states require a license to practice speech-language pathology, even for those individuals with national certification. http://www.asha.org/certification.
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Tips
- Obtaining certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist requires a master's degree and clinical training.
- In addition it is necessary to pass the Praxis exam in Speech-language pathology and to complete a clinical fellowship.
- Most states require a state license to practice speech language pathology and obtaining a state license is a completely separate process from obtaining national certification.
- It generally takes from 3-4 years beyond the time needed for a bachelor's degree to become a certified speech-language pathologist.
- There are some online programs available for obtaining a master's degree needed to become a certified SLP.
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Speech Language Pathologists: How Long Does it Take?
This video discusses the length of time required to become a speech-language pathologist, along with some hints about how to plan your education in order to obtain the minimum educational requirements, and talks about the internship/practicum hours necessary to obtain a license. The video is narrated by Amy Howard, a speech and language pathologist in Wilmington, N.C.
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Clinical Training
The clinical training portion is started as part of the education component and completed during a clinical fellowship following graduation with the master's degree. Prior to the clinical fellowship, four-hundred clock hours of supervised clinical experience in speech-language pathology is required; 25 hours are spent in observation, and the remaining 375 hours are completed with direct patient contact. At least 325 of these direct-contact hours must be completed while in graduate school. After graduation and completion of the 400 practicum hours, it is necessary to complete a clinical fellowship that is equivalent to 36 weeks of full-time practice. Most states require an intern license in order to work in a clinical fellowship.http://www.asha.org/certification/slp_standards.htmEducation
The education component for becoming a certified SLP includes obtaining a master's degree from a university with an ASHA accredited program. This may take 2-3 years beyond a bachelor's degree, depending upon the program. Also if the student is coming from an out-of-field background, additional time may be needed to meet prerequisites. http://www.asha.org/certification.The Praxis
The National Examination, known as the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology, is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). A candidate must obtain a passing score of 600 or greater to be an ASHA certified SLP.http://www.asha.org/certification.The Application and Fees
When all requirements are met, a candidate for certification will complete an application for Speech-Language Pathology Certification and submit the initial certification fees and membership fee, if desired. Certification and/or membership fees are annual so they must be renewed each year.http://www.asha.org/certification.Resources Powered by Google
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Become a Speech Therapist | Find Speech Language Pathologist Info ...
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