Become a Speech and Language Pathologist With
Pathways to Admission
500+ SCHOOLS VISITED
.png)
18,000 + STUDENTS SUPPORTED
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
If you're thinking about becoming a speech and language pathologist, (SLP) you’ll need to become an expert in communication.
Speech-language pathologists work with a wide variety of patients ranging from children to adults, in order to help evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals with speech impairments, swallowing difficulties, and other speech difficulties.
Speech-Language pathologists have pretty flexible career paths, playing significantly different roles depending on what type of setting they work in. If you’re considering a career in this field, there are many options for you to find your dream job.
What to Major in for Speech Pathology
First, you’ll need to complete your Bachelor’s Degree in a field related to the speech-language pathology career.
These can include:
-
CSD (Communication, Sciences & Disorders)
-
SLHS (Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences)
-
Linguistics
-
Psychology
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about what to major in, Pathways can help you decide which undergraduate path is best for you.
Your Speech Pathologist Career Path
Following the completion of your undergraduate studies, you’ll go on to pursue a masters in Speech-Language Pathology.
This program will need to be accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology (CAA)
SLP Career Path: Fellowship, Exam & Licensure
To complete your SLP Career path, you’ll need to complete three more critical steps before you’re on your way to practicing speech pathology in the setting of your choice.
Pass the Praxis Exam
The praxis exam is the official exam developed by the AHAS which you need to pass to become a practicing SPL. Pathways to Admission can help you thoroughly prepare for the praxis.
Complete a post-graduate clinical fellowship
During this time, you’ll transition from being a student to being an independent provider of speech-language pathology clinical services by gaining important clinical experience.
Apply for state licensure
The final step toward your speech pathologist or speech therapist career is officially obtaining your state license for the state you plan to practice in.
How Pathways Will Help You Pursue Your Speech Pathologist Career Path
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. Pathways is here to help make your speech pathologist career path easy to navigate.
-
Determine the best undergraduate path for you
-
Review requirements for accredited speech-language programs
-
Transcript will be reviewed along with other academic advising
-
Assist in developing college lists
-
Application timeline and completion
-
Essay preparation
-
Letters of recommendation
-
Interview Prep (if required)
-
What is nursing?According to the American Nurses Association: “Nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual. Beyond the time-honored reputation for compassion and dedication lies a highly specialized profession, which is constantly evolving to address the needs of society. From ensuring the most accurate diagnoses to the ongoing education of the public about critical health issues; nurses are indispensable in safeguarding public health. Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise. However, nursing has a unifying ethos: In assessing a patient, nurses do not just consider test results. Through the critical thinking exemplified in the nursing process, nurses use their judgment to integrate objective data with subjective experience of a patient’s biological, physical and behavioral needs. This ensures that every patient, from city hospital to community health center; state prison to summer camp, receives the best possible care regardless of who they are, or where they may be.”
-
What does a BSN nurse do?A BSN nurse is a registered nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN nurses provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with physicians to assess patient health, diagnose illnesses, and develop treatment plans. BSN nurses also provide education and support to patients and their families, and assist in the management of care for individual patients.
-
Is there a difference between a BSN and RN?A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree program that prepares students to become a registered nurse (RN). An RN has completed either a two-year associate degree program or a three-year diploma program. The BSN degree provides a broader foundation of knowledge, which includes courses in leadership, research, and public health. BSN programs also offer more clinical opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience.
Ginny is a warm and knowledgeable professional! As a former high school college counselor and pediatric nurse, she really understands how to relate to young adults. In addition, she knows the nuances of nearly every college and has relationships with many admissions counselors. This is a stressful time and having her navigate the path to a successful college match was invaluable. I recommend her highly.
