SLP = Speech Language Pathology

General Knowledge, Skills, Aptitudes, and Experiences

• critical thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning skills

• exposure to the scientific method and opportunities for research experiences

• exposure to the culture of science (e.g., ethics, interdisciplinary research, team science)

• exposure to other disciplines and professional/scientific organizations

• opportunities for interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborative learning

• exposure to “evidence-informed decision making” as a lifelong learning journey

• cultural competence

• competencies in oral and written communication (e.g., reading, writing, listening, speaking)

Social, Behavioral, Biological, and Physical Science Coursework

• Foundational coursework for a career in SLP or audiology includes

  • biology

  • human anatomy and physiology

  • linguistics

  • math and statistics

  • neuroscience

  • physics and acoustics

  • psychology and cognitive science

• also need exposure to research contributions across fields

Communication Sciences and Disorders Related Knowledge, Skills, Aptitudes, and Experiences

• historical and philosophical tenets of the professions

• normal communication (speech, language, hearing, cognition) across the lifespan

• overview of hearing and balance disorders

• overview of speech, language, and swallowing disorders

• overview of the clinical process, continuum of service delivery, and evidence-based practices

• co-curricular experiences such as grand rounds, colloquia, service learning, and undergraduate research

• exposure to health and education policy as well as advocacy

• knowledge of how to work in teams

Graduate Education

• an MA is an entry-level degree for SLP

• an AuD (doctor of audiology) is entry-level clinical degree for audiology

• there’s a minimum amount of shadowing hours to be completed (usually during undergrad) as well as clinical hours in grad school along with coursework

  • this teaches you how to do evaluations and treatment

• to practice, you have to do the following:

  • pass the national praxis exam

  • apply for the CCC (certificate of clinical competency)

  • apply for state licensure

• most SLP’s practice in schools but can also work in hospitals, universities, private practice, or come to an individual’s home

  • if you’re planning to work in a school, you may need state teacher licensure

• most audiologists work in medical settings, private practice, industry, or universities