What is speech-language pathology, or SLP?
Speech-language pathology is a healthcare and educational field focused on the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with individuals across the lifespan to address challenges related to:
- Speech (articulation, fluency, voice)
- Language (understanding and expressing ideas)
- Social communication
- Cognitive-communication (e.g., memory, problem-solving)
- Swallowing (dysphagia)
SLPs work in a variety of settings, including:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community clinics
- Private practice
Why become an SLP?
This profession combines communication, problem-solving, and helping others.
Key benefits of the field include:
- Helping individuals improve their ability to communicate and participate in daily life
- Working with children or adults in medical, educational, or private settings
- High current job demand and predicted future increase in number of jobs
- A strong salary right out of school
- High demand for clinicians who are bilingual and/or come from minoritized social groups
In addition to clinical work, SLPs may also:
- Conduct research on communication development and disorders
- Collaborate with educators, physicians, and other professionals
- Advocate for individuals with communication needs
How do I become an SLP?
Becoming a licensed SLP involves completing graduate education, clinical training, and professional certification.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
While many applicants have a background in communication disorders, students with other degrees can apply by completing required prerequisite coursework.
Cal State East Bay offers an
Extended Graduate Program for students who need this preparation.
However, students with other majors can also complete an SLP prep program.
Step 2: Complete a Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology is required for licensure.
At Cal State East Bay, the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS) offers two Master's degree programs:
Graduates of the M.S. program are prepared to apply for California state licensure, the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, and the California Teacher’s Commission Speech-Language Pathology Services credential. The graduate programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Step 3: Gain Clinical Experience
Graduate students complete extensive hands-on training, including:
- Supervised clinical practicum experiences
- Off-campus internships
These experiences prepare students to work with a wide range of clients and settings.
Step 4: Clinical Fellowship
After earning a Master’s degree, graduates must complete a Clinical Fellowship.
As a Clinical Fellow, you must
- Work at least 36 weeks
- And complete 1,260 hours to meet the ASHA CF experience requirement.
Detailed information about can be found on the American Speech-Language Hearing Association website.
Step 5: Apply for Licensure and Certification
After earning a Master’s degree, graduates are prepared to apply for:
- California state licensure
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) SLP Services Credential