Understanding Speech Pathologists

By: Nida Azeemi

In today’s world, there is a demand for speech pathologists. Speech pathologists, also known as speech therapists or speech-language pathologists, evaluate and treat individuals who have speech and language difficulties. Their clients might have difficulty speaking, have issues with the rhythm and fluency of their speech, or have problems understanding language. This isn’t a limited field, and there are many options for what a speech pathologist specializes in or for their place of work. 

Speech pathologists can have various work environments. They can work in schools, a private practice, hospitals, and nursing and residential care facilities. It’s also not required for them to work full-time, as there are some part-time speech pathologists. There are also different things a speech therapist may specialize or focus on. Some might specialize in different age groups, like children. Some speech therapists can focus on specific treatment programs for certain speech problems. This can benefit individuals who don’t want to stay in a specific environment, or change their focus. 

To become a speech pathologist, one doesn’t need to go to med school. The first step is to get a bachelor’s degree. The degree can be in something like psychology, education, or language development. Following an undergraduate degree, the next step is to get a master’s degree. It has to be a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program. USAH’s MS-SLP gives 400 hours of clinical experience so graduates are able to meet national certification requirements. After that, a clinical fellowship is required with at least 1,260 hours of clinical experience and 36 weeks of full-time experience working under a mentor certified by a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Following the fellowship, it’s important to take the Praxis exam to move towards certifying as a speech-language pathologist. To become certified, there are specific guidelines which ASHA oversees then gives the certification. The total time this would take is 8 years. 

Speech pathologists have a variety of roles and responsibilities. They’re important regarding education as they’re able to provide speech-language services in school levels from Pre-K to high schools. They work with individuals with a wide range of communication disorders, and address their needs accordingly. They educate their patients and their families on how to cope with their disorder, collaborate with other professionals, conduct research on new techniques and treatments, provide individuals and/or group therapy, etc. Some of the skills needed are communication, listening, empathy, critical thinking, etc. 

Overall, it’s clear that speech-language pathologists play a key role in the healthcare system. They provide treatment for individuals struggling with their speech and communication, and can be beneficial in many areas such as schools and nursing facilities. Speech pathologists are necessary. 

Work Cited

“Speech-Language Pathologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.” Bls.gov, 4 Sept. 2019, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm#tab-2.

“How to Become a Speech Therapist: Step by Step Instructions.” University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, 21 May 2021, www.usa.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-speech-pathologist/.

‌“Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools.” Asha.org, 2016, www.asha.org/policy/pi2010-00317/?srsltid=AfmBOorESF0XLZoc9ZypxSIa5E4tnpsl1obUcoAekg1OR0Ab-WQP3ffO. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Gomez, Anne. “Top 10 Speech Pathologist Skills.” Www.ollusa.edu, 11 Mar. 2024, www.ollusa.edu/blog/slp-skills.html.