Academic Preparation for Careers in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

SLP = Speech Language Pathology

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)

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

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