Speech therapists assist people with resolving disorders that prevent or hinder communication. They are required to possess a master's degree and state licensing. Speech therapy has a faster-than-average job growth rate.
Essential Information
Speech therapists, also referred to as speech-language pathologists, diagnose and treat various communication disorders, such as speech, fluency, language cognition and accent issues. Using individualized assessment and therapeutic methods, they work with adults and children with learning disabilities, trauma victims, stroke survivors and others who suffer from speech afflictions. Becoming a speech therapist generally entails earning a graduate degree and state licensure.
| Required Education | Master's degree |
| Other Requirements | State license |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 25% |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $80,480 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Speech Therapy Career Education
Undergraduate Degree
While undergraduate degrees do not qualify individuals for entry into the profession, bachelor's degrees are generally required for admission into graduate degree programs. Bachelor's degrees do not have to be directly related to speech therapy; however, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) suggests a broad undergraduate education in the arts and sciences (www.asha.org). Coursework in communication, linguistics, humanities, physical science and biology may be beneficial. Students may choose to consult with prospective graduate schools for specific prerequisites, which typically vary by institution.
Master's Degree
Speech therapists typically hold master's degrees in speech-language pathology. Some states require that speech therapists complete degree programs accredited by the ASHA's Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). In July 2016, the ASHA reported that there were 270 CAA-accredited master's degree programs in speech-language pathology.
Master's degree programs in speech-language pathology prepare graduates for entry-level clinical and research positions. Core courses may include communication disorders, voice and fluency, diagnosis methods, motor speech disorders and research techniques. Along with classroom instruction, these programs incorporate supervised, hands-on training through clinical practicums.
Doctoral Degree
A doctoral degree in speech-language pathology, communication science or a related field may be required for certain positions, such as research, administration or university-level teaching positions. Doctoral programs may have a clinical or research emphasis. For example, programs that result in a Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) or Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) are typically more clinically oriented, while programs that result in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) are typically more research oriented. Depending on the type of program, doctoral students may complete dissertation or thesis projects, focus on specializations of speech therapy and take qualifying exams.
Licensure
Most states require speech therapists to hold licensure. While licensing requirements vary by state, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that they usually include completion of a CAA-accredited master's degree program (www.bls.gov). Candidates must also pass the Praxis examination on speech-language pathology administered by the Educational Testing Service. License-holders are typically required to maintain licensure by earning continuing education credits.
Certification
The ASHA offers a voluntary certification program that results in the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). While this certification is voluntary, its requirements often meet or exceed state licensing requirements according to the BLS. To obtain the CCC-SLP credential, speech therapists must complete a CAA-accredited degree program, train full-time for 36 weeks in a clinical fellowship and pass the Praxis speech-language pathology exam.
Salary and Employment Info
Speech therapists could see employment opportunities increase by 25% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. This much faster-than-average job growth was attributed to the increasing number of speech and hearing conditions among older adults. As of May 2020, the median annual salary was $80,480.
Becoming a speech therapist requires a master's degree and state licensing; a doctoral degree is required for some positions. A speech therapist's job is to diagnose and treat people who have problems communicating.
