What do Speech-Language Pathologists do?
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) have a role as health care professionals who assess, diagnose, treat, and help decrease the impacts of communication impairments.
Their scope of service covers speech, language, literacy, cognition, alternative communication, hearing, swallowing and feeding. SLPs serve clients from birth to geriatrics. Clients may have autism, developmental delays, dementia, intellectual disability, language impairment, stroke, or a head injury. Watch this video to learn more about a career as an SLP.
Career Profile
Entry Education Level: Master’s Degree
Annual Median Salary: $76,610
Employment Outlook: Increasing much faster than most occupations
Employment Sites: Preschools and Schools (40%), Hospitals, Nursing and Residential Facilities (55%), Self-employed in Private Practice (5%)
Read more about the career outlook for speech-language pathologists.
How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
- B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (Communication Sciences & Disorders). Minimum of 41 hrs of major coursework.
- Post-Baccalaureate Courses for those without a B.S. in the Field of SLP. Minimum 30 hours.
- Master of Science in the Communication Sciences and Disorders: offered at UAMS, UA-Fayetteville, UCA, or Harding. The graduate degree typically includes 5-6 semesters of coursework and clinical practicum experience.