Speech-language pathology (SLP) is the study and treatment of a wide range of speaking and swallowing disorders, usually caused by developmental delays, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, hearing loss, Parkinson\u2019s, cleft palate, or injuries to the mouth and throat. \n
Speech-language pathologists are the allied health professionals who evaluate and diagnose people with these disorders and help them improve their communication skills. Their work involves creating treatment plans for conditions such as stuttering, training patients to produce certain sounds, and teaching them to use assistive communication devices.
\n
SLP degree programs consist of coursework, research experiences, and real-world clinical experiences.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:13.816291-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:44.611875-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1236, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**It is important to choose speech-language pathology education programs that are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.** \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nThe speech-language pathology bachelor\u2019s degree is designed for undergraduate students who are planning to pursue a master\u2019s or doctorate in the field. Students who do not go on to further education may qualify for some roles as a speech-language pathology aide, working under the supervision of a licensed pathologist. \r\n\r\nHere is a snapshot of courses offered at this level: \r\n\r\n- Introduction to Linguistic Science \u2013 the basic concepts, scope, and methodology of language \r\n- Child Development \u2013 examination of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children ages three through eight \r\n- Introduction to Psychological Science \u2013 overview of the branches of psychology and their contributions to understanding the behavior of people as they interact with their environment \r\n- Statistics \u2013 descriptive statistics (analysis of data that helps describe, show, or summarize data in a meaningful way) and statistics of inference (the process of drawing conclusions about an underlying population based on a sample or subset of data) \r\n- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)\u2013 introduction to ABA, a scientific approach to understanding behavior; ABA refers to a set of principles that focus on how behaviors change or are affected by the environment, as well as how learning takes place \r\n- Survey of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology \u2013 introduction to speech-language pathology, audiology, and communicative disorders \r\n- Clinical Phonetics \u2013 study of the International Phonetic Alphabet as applied to communicative disorders; production of speech sounds in English; transcription of normal speech; relationship of transcription and analysis to communicative disorders \r\n- Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing \u2013 the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms, including respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance, hearing, and swallowing \r\n- Speech Sound Disorders \u2013 articulation and phonological system development; the nature of speech sound disorders; phonetic transcription and analysis of normal and disordered speech samples; standardized testing results; introduction to principles of treatment planning for remediation of speech sound disorders \r\n- Speech Acoustics \u2013 the physical nature of speech and its relationship to speech production and perception", "content_markdown": "- Language and Development \u2013 over view of language and language development; phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics; theories of language acquisition; cultural diversity as related to language \r\n- Clinical Procedures and Observations \u2013 a methods course to prepare speech-language pathology students for clinical practice; professional, ethical, diagnostic, and therapy topics; observation of therapy \r\n- Introduction to Diagnosis and Appraisal \u2013 speech and language disorder diagnostic techniques; recognizing and understanding the differential diagnosis (the process of differentiating between two or more conditions which share similar signs or symptoms); practice in administration and interpretation of various tests \r\n- Introduction to Audiology \u2013 the anatomy and physiology of hearing, hearing disorders, hearing assessment, and hearing screening \r\n- Aural Rehabilitation \u2013 practical implications of various types of hearing losses and appropriate rehabilitative procedures; amplification, auditory training , speech reading, educational and vocational considerations, and psychological implications of hearing loss \r\n- Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing \u2013 overview of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, focusing on neurological mechanisms related to speech, language, and hearing \r\n- Child Language Disorders \u2013 the nature, cause, and treatment of language disorders in children \r\n- Neurogenic and Organic Speech and Language Disorders \u2013 speech and language disorders resulting from neurogenic (forming, originating in, or controlled by nervous tissue) and organic causes; topics include stroke, brain injury, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, cleft palate, functional voice disorders, and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) \r\n- Clinical Practicum \u2013 students observe and provide supervised clinical services for persons with various communicative disorders \r\n- Introduction to Students with Exceptional Needs \u2013 definitions, characteristics, and education of students with exceptional needs; federal and state legal bases for providing special interventions; a general introduction to the special education field \r\n\r\n**Master\u2019s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nA master\u2019s degree is the minimum requirement to practice as a speech-language pathologist. At the master\u2019s level, programs integrate classroom learning with extensive clinical education in real-world community settings and hands-on mentoring by faculty experts in various areas of SLP. \r\n\r\nThe curriculum addresses identification, prevention, and treatment of disorders across the lifespan that affect functions including speech, language, hearing, cognition, social interaction, and swallowing. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, critical inquiry, and assessment. Other components of a typical SLP master\u2019s program include an oral examination and a master\u2019s thesis. Some schools also offer a non-thesis option, which commonly involves a written examination. \r\n\r\n**Examples of Required Courses** \r\n\r\n- Motor Speech Disorders \r\n- Pediatric Audiological Rehabilitation \r\n- Introduction to Clinical Decision Making \r\n- Articulation and Phonological Disorders \r\n- Child Language Disorders \r\n- Fluency Disorders \r\n- Voice Disorders \r\n- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders \r\n- Dysphagia \r\n- Augmentative Communication (communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for people with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language) \r\n- Research Strategies and Tactics \r\n- Professional Issues \r\n- Principles for Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist \r\n- Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders \r\n- Counseling for Communication Disorders \r\n\r\n**Clinical Practice** \r\n\r\n- Clinical Practicum in Audiology \u2013 supervised observational and clinical experience in diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of audiology; student clinicians assess and provide intervention to clients presented with various communicative disorders \r\n- Clinical Practicum in Schools \u2013 student clinicians provide clinical services to communicatively impaired students in school settings, under supervision of certified speech-language pathologists \r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 Four to Six Year Duration** \r\nThe Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology is research-focused. Coursework spanning SLP business and practice management, leadership, and clinical science provides students with opportunities to apply these principles to real-world challenges. \r\n\r\nHere is a sample of how an SLP doctoral program might be structured: \r\n\r\n**Business Management** \r\n\r\n- Organizational Behavior for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 analysis of the organizations where speech-language pathologists work; human behavior and motivation within those organizations; how to motivate staff and develop effective teams \r\n- Business Principles for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 building a business in the SLP field; accounting, marketing, market analysis, and finance \r\n- Operations and Process Improvement for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 building efficient operations and improving methodologies \r\n\r\n**Leadership** \r\n\r\n- Leadership Principles for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 the role of the speech-language pathologist as a leader; self-assessment of leadership skills; development of a personal growth plan \r\n- Education and Supervision in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 the application of best practices in teaching and supervision \r\n- Policy in Health and Education \u2013 education and health policies as they apply to provision of speech-language pathology services \r\n- Digital Literacies for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 digital tools and applications for the SLP practice that facilitate access of information, productivity, and collaboration with other healthcare practitioners \r\n\r\n**Clinical Science and Practice Principles** \r\n\r\n- Advanced Scientific and Clinical Decision-Making \u2013 making decisions about the assessment and treatment of individuals with communicative disorders; research methodologies and research evaluation; experimental designs; implementing best evidence in clinical policy and practice \r\n\r\n**Culminating Project** \r\n\r\n- SLP Project Design \u2013 developing the research question, project rationale, and methodology \r\n- SLP Project Execution \u2013 in one of these areas: business proposal, process improvement plan, clinical investigation, or teaching and learning", "content_html": "
\n- Language and Development \u2013 over view of language and language development; phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics; theories of language acquisition; cultural diversity as related to language
\n- Clinical Procedures and Observations \u2013 a methods course to prepare speech-language pathology students for clinical practice; professional, ethical, diagnostic, and therapy topics; observation of therapy
\n- Introduction to Diagnosis and Appraisal \u2013 speech and language disorder diagnostic techniques; recognizing and understanding the differential diagnosis (the process of differentiating between two or more conditions which share similar signs or symptoms); practice in administration and interpretation of various tests
\n- Introduction to Audiology \u2013 the anatomy and physiology of hearing, hearing disorders, hearing assessment, and hearing screening
\n- Aural Rehabilitation \u2013 practical implications of various types of hearing losses and appropriate rehabilitative procedures; amplification, auditory training , speech reading, educational and vocational considerations, and psychological implications of hearing loss
\n- Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Speech, Language, and Hearing \u2013 overview of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, focusing on neurological mechanisms related to speech, language, and hearing
\n- Child Language Disorders \u2013 the nature, cause, and treatment of language disorders in children
\n- Neurogenic and Organic Speech and Language Disorders \u2013 speech and language disorders resulting from neurogenic (forming, originating in, or controlled by nervous tissue) and organic causes; topics include stroke, brain injury, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, cleft palate, functional voice disorders, and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
\n- Clinical Practicum \u2013 students observe and provide supervised clinical services for persons with various communicative disorders
\n- Introduction to Students with Exceptional Needs \u2013 definitions, characteristics, and education of students with exceptional needs; federal and state legal bases for providing special interventions; a general introduction to the special education field
\n
\n
Master\u2019s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nA master\u2019s degree is the minimum requirement to practice as a speech-language pathologist. At the master\u2019s level, programs integrate classroom learning with extensive clinical education in real-world community settings and hands-on mentoring by faculty experts in various areas of SLP.
\n
The curriculum addresses identification, prevention, and treatment of disorders across the lifespan that affect functions including speech, language, hearing, cognition, social interaction, and swallowing. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, critical inquiry, and assessment. Other components of a typical SLP master\u2019s program include an oral examination and a master\u2019s thesis. Some schools also offer a non-thesis option, which commonly involves a written examination.
\n
Examples of Required Courses
\n
\n- Motor Speech Disorders
\n- Pediatric Audiological Rehabilitation
\n- Introduction to Clinical Decision Making
\n- Articulation and Phonological Disorders
\n- Child Language Disorders
\n- Fluency Disorders
\n- Voice Disorders
\n- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders
\n- Dysphagia
\n- Augmentative Communication (communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing for people with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language)
\n- Research Strategies and Tactics
\n- Professional Issues
\n- Principles for Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist
\n- Neurogenic Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders
\n- Counseling for Communication Disorders
\n
\n
Clinical Practice
\n
\n- Clinical Practicum in Audiology \u2013 supervised observational and clinical experience in diagnostic and rehabilitative aspects of audiology; student clinicians assess and provide intervention to clients presented with various communicative disorders
\n- Clinical Practicum in Schools \u2013 student clinicians provide clinical services to communicatively impaired students in school settings, under supervision of certified speech-language pathologists
\n
\n
Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 Four to Six Year Duration
\nThe Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology is research-focused. Coursework spanning SLP business and practice management, leadership, and clinical science provides students with opportunities to apply these principles to real-world challenges.
\n
Here is a sample of how an SLP doctoral program might be structured:
\n
Business Management
\n
\n- Organizational Behavior for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 analysis of the organizations where speech-language pathologists work; human behavior and motivation within those organizations; how to motivate staff and develop effective teams
\n- Business Principles for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 building a business in the SLP field; accounting, marketing, market analysis, and finance
\n- Operations and Process Improvement for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 building efficient operations and improving methodologies
\n
\n
Leadership
\n
\n- Leadership Principles for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 the role of the speech-language pathologist as a leader; self-assessment of leadership skills; development of a personal growth plan
\n- Education and Supervision in Speech-Language Pathology \u2013 the application of best practices in teaching and supervision
\n- Policy in Health and Education \u2013 education and health policies as they apply to provision of speech-language pathology services
\n- Digital Literacies for the Speech-Language Pathologist \u2013 digital tools and applications for the SLP practice that facilitate access of information, productivity, and collaboration with other healthcare practitioners
\n
\n
Clinical Science and Practice Principles
\n
\n- Advanced Scientific and Clinical Decision-Making \u2013 making decisions about the assessment and treatment of individuals with communicative disorders; research methodologies and research evaluation; experimental designs; implementing best evidence in clinical policy and practice
\n
\n
Culminating Project
\n
\n- SLP Project Design \u2013 developing the research question, project rationale, and methodology
\n- SLP Project Execution \u2013 in one of these areas: business proposal, process improvement plan, clinical investigation, or teaching and learning
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:13.817354-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-07T12:08:03.459248-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1236, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Speech-Language Pathology", "summary_markdown": "**[American Sign Language](/degrees/american-sign-language-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in American Sign Language teach the vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, word/sentence order, and intonation of ASL \u2013 conveyed by hand shape, palm orientation, hand movement, hand location, and gestures. Programs also expose students to the culture of the Deaf community. \r\n\r\n**[Art Therapy](/degrees/art-therapy-degree/)** \r\nArt therapists use art as a therapy to support health and well-being and treat and rehabilitate patients with physical, mental, or emotional illnesses or disabilities. Their goal is to help the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This degree is of particular interest to individuals who have an interest in and appreciation for art, the science of healthcare and rehabilitation, and the psychology that connects them. \r\n\r\n**[Audiology](/degrees/audiology-degree/)** \r\nAudiology degree programs prepare students to work as audiologists, specialized doctors trained to measure hearing ability and function and provide hearing rehabilitation. Subject areas covered include hearing disorders, genetics and hearing loss, hearing conservation, speech science and perception, pediatric audiology, geriatric audiology, and forensic audiology. \r\n\r\n**[Communicative Disorders](/degrees/communicative-disorders-degree/)** \r\nThis degree is closely connected to the speech-language pathology degree. A communicative disorders assistant is trained to assist a speech-language pathologist with the delivery of therapy. The curriculum focuses on communication disorders such as articulation disorders, phonological disorders, aphasia, delayed language, acquired deafness, and autism-related disorders. \r\n\r\n**[Deaf Studies](/degrees/deaf-studies-degree/)** \r\nThe Deaf Studies curriculum is composed of courses in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, Deaf education, and Deaf history. Classes cover the linguistic structure, grammar, and vocabulary of ASL, as well as the sociocultural impacts related to being deaf or hard of hearing. Programs prepare students to work as advocates for the Deaf community in life and in the work world and introduce them to the field of ASL interpretation and translation.", "content_markdown": "**[Linguistics](/degrees/linguistics-degree/)** \r\nLinguistics explores the nature of language variations and dialects, how language evolves over time, how it is processed and stored in the human brain, and how it is acquired. It is the scientific study of language and communication, both within a single language and across language groups. \r\n\r\nThe primary sub-areas of linguistics are phonetics \u2013 the study of the production, acoustics, and hearing of speech sounds; phonology \u2013 the patterning of sounds; morphology \u2013 the structure of words; syntax \u2013 the structure of sentences; semantics \u2013 meaning; and pragmatics \u2013 language in context. \r\n\r\n**[Music Therapy](/degrees/music-therapy-degree/)** \r\nMusic therapists use music as a therapy to support health and well-being and treat and rehabilitate patients with physical, mental, or emotional illnesses or disabilities. Their goal is to help the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Depending on individual cases, they may be focused on helping a patient express emotion, express creativity, experience less pain and anxiety, be more relaxed and sleep better, or simply make their hospital stay more positive. \r\n\r\n**[Occupational Therapy](/degrees/occupational-therapy-degree/)** \r\nStudents of occupational therapy learn how to help patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills through therapeutic everyday activities. \r\n\r\n**[Psychology](/degrees/psychology-degree/)** \r\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn. \r\n\r\n**Recreation Therapy** \r\nDegree programs in recreational therapy teach students how to develop and implement recreational activities to support the health, healing, and well-being of people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. \r\n\r\n**[Special Education Teaching](/degrees/special-education-teaching-degree/)** \r\nGraduates with a degree in special education are qualified to teach students with physical or mental disabilities. They help students develop basic life skills and must be prepared to adapt their curriculum to do so.", "content_html": "
Linguistics
\nLinguistics explores the nature of language variations and dialects, how language evolves over time, how it is processed and stored in the human brain, and how it is acquired. It is the scientific study of language and communication, both within a single language and across language groups.
\n
The primary sub-areas of linguistics are phonetics \u2013 the study of the production, acoustics, and hearing of speech sounds; phonology \u2013 the patterning of sounds; morphology \u2013 the structure of words; syntax \u2013 the structure of sentences; semantics \u2013 meaning; and pragmatics \u2013 language in context.
\n
Music Therapy
\nMusic therapists use music as a therapy to support health and well-being and treat and rehabilitate patients with physical, mental, or emotional illnesses or disabilities. Their goal is to help the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Depending on individual cases, they may be focused on helping a patient express emotion, express creativity, experience less pain and anxiety, be more relaxed and sleep better, or simply make their hospital stay more positive.
\n
Occupational Therapy
\nStudents of occupational therapy learn how to help patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills through therapeutic everyday activities.
\n
Psychology
\nThe scientific study of the mind and behavior is the focus of psychology degree programs. In simple terms, psychology students study the way that humans and animals act, feel, think, and learn.
\n
Recreation Therapy
\nDegree programs in recreational therapy teach students how to develop and implement recreational activities to support the health, healing, and well-being of people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
\n
Special Education Teaching
\nGraduates with a degree in special education are qualified to teach students with physical or mental disabilities. They help students develop basic life skills and must be prepared to adapt their curriculum to do so.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:13.818465-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-07T12:09:13.536250-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1236, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "**Attention to Detail** \r\nSpeech-language pathologists require focused attention to detail. The quality of patients\u2019 lives is at stake. \r\n\r\n**Collaboration and Cooperation** \r\nSpeech-language pathologists liaise with other health professionals to provide their patients with comprehensive healthcare. \r\n\r\n**Communication and Interpersonal Skills** \r\nProfessionals in this field are consistently called upon to interact, to listen, to understand, and to present possible solutions to their patients and their patients\u2019 families. \r\n\r\n**Critical Thinking and Problem Solving** \r\nSpeech-language pathologists have to deal with their patients\u2019 medical, emotional, and social problems. Therefore, the ability to think critically to find solutions to issues is a significant part of this kind of work. \r\n\r\n**Cultural Awareness / Appreciation for Diversity** \r\nSpeech-language pathologists are exposed to people from different backgrounds and home environments. They must work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender backgrounds.", "content_markdown": "**Integrity and Trust Building** \r\nWorking with people with various backgrounds and problems requires building trust. Clients have to feel safe and supported if they are to share their burdens and accept help.\r\n\r\n**Patience** \r\nThe work of helping people with speech-language disorders cope with their challenges is not easy work. And it is not fast work. The role calls for patience and an appreciation of small victories. \r\n\r\n**Research, Assessment, and Report Writing** \r\nThe speech-language pathology field involves conducting research and tracking, assessing, and recording client progress. These are skills that are transferrable to many professional sectors.\r\n\r\n**Sensitivity, Empathy, and Compassion** \r\nThe capacities to be sensitive, to empathize, and to show compassion are especially needed in this field, because individuals with speech-language disorders often face stressful situations.", "content_html": "
Integrity and Trust Building
\nWorking with people with various backgrounds and problems requires building trust. Clients have to feel safe and supported if they are to share their burdens and accept help.
\n
Patience
\nThe work of helping people with speech-language disorders cope with their challenges is not easy work. And it is not fast work. The role calls for patience and an appreciation of small victories.
\n
Research, Assessment, and Report Writing
\nThe speech-language pathology field involves conducting research and tracking, assessing, and recording client progress. These are skills that are transferrable to many professional sectors.
\n
Sensitivity, Empathy, and Compassion
\nThe capacities to be sensitive, to empathize, and to show compassion are especially needed in this field, because individuals with speech-language disorders often face stressful situations.
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:13.819514-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-07T12:10:03.620255-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 1236, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Speech-Language Pathology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Traditional career options for speech-language pathologists exist within many complex organizations and settings, including: \r\n\r\n- Healthcare organizations \r\n- Multidisciplinary clinics \r\n- Early intervention settings \r\n- School systems \r\n- Private practices \r\n- Research laboratories \r\n- Occupational therapy \r\n- Residential care / nursing homes \r\n- Social work \r\n\r\nIn less traditional roles, speech-language pathologists may work in the corporate and professional sector, helping individuals enhance general communication and public speaking skills and reduce or eliminate unwanted accents. They may also be called upon by the entertainment industry to work with actors who need to perfect an accent or dialect to portray a particular character. \r\n\r\nHere are samples of job titles held by SLP professionals: \r\n\r\n- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) \r\n- Speech Pathologist \r\n- Speech and Language Specialist \r\n- Speech-Language Therapist \r\n- Speech and Hearing Handicapped Teacher \r\n- Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist \r\n- Speech and Language Clinician \r\n- Speech Therapist \r\n- Communication Therapist", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:13.820597-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-02-07T11:38:08.704250-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
