Explore the Speech-Language Pathology Option

Speech-language pathology is a career focused on helping people improve their communication skills. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to diagnose and provide treatment for various disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, cognition and swallowing. These professionals work with the full range of human communication and its disorders, and often work as a team with many other professionals including doctors, psychologists, audiologists, and social workers.

The field is very much in demand, and there are shortages in every state. Typical work varies and can include swallowing disorders, language difficulties, and behavior problems. Settings include hospitals, schools, nursing care facilities, or private practices, amongst others. To become a speech-Language pathologist one must obtain a masters degree in speech-language pathology. Coursework includes linguistics, biology, phonetics and anatomy. A certificate of clinical competence (CCC) also must be obtained from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) and a passing score on a national examination. Speech-language pathologists also must apply for licensure in the state of practice.

Speech-language pathology is a career focused on helping people improve their communication skills. Speech-language pathologists are trained to diagnose and provide treatment for various disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, cognition and swallowing.

A master's degree is the entry-level degree for speech-language pathologists. Nearly all of the clinical experience and advanced coursework are completed at a graduate level to prepare students to be adequately trained. Learn about our master's degree program.

About the field

Careers

Speech-language pathologists are in demand across the state and across the nation in both medical and school settings. Typically, students who graduate with their master's degree in speech-language pathology are either hired right out of school, or already have a job lined up before they graduate.

Earning Potential

Beginning SLPs can expect to earn an average salary of about $65,000 in the schools (working 9 months), or about $90,000 in the hospitals (working 12 months). Salary also depends on where you work, as the cost of living is higher in some parts of the state and country than others.

The median salary range for ASHA certified speech-language pathologists in 2020 was $61,000-$99,000.

View the Fresno State Catalog for more information.