Audiology / Speech Pathology

Speech-Language Pathology

A master’s degree from an accredited speech-language pathology program is required to enter the field.
Nearly all states require licensure or certification of speech pathologists.
Obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association.
A passing score on the national examination and post-graduate supervised clinical experience are required for certification.
Some states may require additional certification to work with special education populations in public schools.
Some practitioners specialize in specific age groups.
A doctorate is required for university teaching and research positions.
Take undergraduate coursework in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and communication sciences.
Maintain a high GPA and seek related experiences to be competitive for graduate school.
Successful candidates have the ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate patience, and work well with others.
Learn to function effectively on a team as many speech-language pathologists collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

A doctoral degree in audiology, a passing score on the national examination, and post-graduate supervised clinical experience are generally necessary for licensure which is required by all states.
Obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or credentialing through the American Board of Audiology.
Many states require audiologists to have a Hearing Aid Dispenser license to dispense those devices.
Take undergraduate coursework in anatomy, math, physics, genetics, and normal and abnormal communication development. Maintain a strong GPA.
Learn to work well on a team as most audiologists collaborate with physicians, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or other professionals.
Audiologists who go into private practice may want to seek courses or training in business principles.

Research the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology to determine which is a better fit. Shadow professionals to experience their work environments.
Join the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association while in school and become an active member.
Volunteer in healthcare settings or other helping roles to gain experience working with people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
Display a desire to work with people who have disabilities and a strong sense of patience which is necessary as rehabilitation may progress slowly.
Develop excellent communication and computer skills. Learn about communication among various cultures.
Earn excellent grades and obtain strong faculty recommendations for graduate school admission.
Research the centralized graduate school application process managed by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Attend universities accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.