How to become a speech-language pathologist

Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master's degree in speech-language pathology. These programs usually take 2 years of postbaccalaureate study. Although master's degree programs may not require a particular bachelor's degree for admission, they frequently require applicants to have completed coursework in biology, social science, or certain healthcare and related fields. Requirements vary by program.

Graduate programs often include courses in speech and language development, age-specific speech disorders, alternative and augmentative communication, and swallowing disorders. These programs also include supervised clinical experience.

Graduation from an accredited program is required for certification and, often, for state licensure.

All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed. Licensure typically requires at least a master’s degree from an accredited program, supervised clinical experience gained both during and after completing the program, and passing an exam. For specific requirements, contact your state’s medical or health licensure board. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop.

Certification typically satisfies some or all of the requirements for state licensure and may be required by some employers. To become certified, candidates must graduate from an accredited program, pass an exam, and complete a fellowship that lasts several months and is supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist. To maintain the credential, speech-language pathologists must complete a specified number of hours of continuing education.

Speech-language pathologists who work in schools may need a teaching certification. For specific requirements, contact your state’s department of education or the school district or private institution in which you are interested.

Speech language pathologists may choose to earn specialty certifications in child language, fluency, or swallowing. Candidates who are certified, meet work experience requirements, complete continuing education hours, and pass a specialty certification exam may use the title Board Certified Specialist.

Some employers prefer to hire candidates with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS) certification. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.

Candidates may gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical work, which is typically referred to as a fellowship. Prospective speech-language pathologists train under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist to refine their skills after the completion of the graduate degree.