How to Become a Speech Therapist
Transforming lives by enhancing communication skills can be a rewarding career. If you are interested in entering the field of speech-language therapy, this article will guide you through the steps on how to become a speech therapist.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Your journey towards becoming a speech therapist starts with getting a bachelor’s degree. While the field of study for your undergraduate degree does not strictly have to be communication sciences, this is the most relevant and recommended field. Coursework in linguistics, health sciences, and psychology can also be helpful.
2. Obtain a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
This is a non-negotiable requirement to become a speech therapist. You’ll need to secure a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited institution. The curriculum usually spans across two years, covering subjects like speech disorders, language development, audiology, and pharmacology.
3. Complete a Supervised Clinical Practicum
To apply theoretical knowledge in practice, most programs require completion of a supervised clinical practicum. It’s an opportunity to accumulate hands-on experience under supervision before qualifying as a speech therapist.
4. Pass The Praxis Exam in Speech-Language Pathology
Upon obtaining a Master’s Degree, you will have to pass the national examination in speech-language pathology – ‘The Praxis Exam’. This examination tests knowledge and skills essential to the Speech-Language Pathology discipline.
5. Complete a Clinical Fellowship
Before becoming a certified speech therapist, you will undertake a clinical fellowship which is essentially a transition period between being a student and an independent provider of speech-language pathology services.
6. Obtain Certification
Following the fellowship, you can apply for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to become a fully credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist.
7. Communicate Speech Pathology: Specialize And Enhance Skills
As a certified speech therapist, you could choose to specialize in a specific area of speech pathology. Specialties could include working with children, stroke patients, or those with particular kinds of speech impediments. Always be open to improving your knowledge and skills. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences can help you keep abreast of the latest research and methods in the field.
In essence, the study and practice of speech-language pathology combines elements of linguistics, medicine, psychology, and education into one rewarding profession. As a speech therapist, you will make a significant difference in the lives of individuals, helping them to communicate more effectively and confidently. Follow the steps outlined in this article on how to become a speech therapist, and you could soon be on your way to a fulfilling career in the field of Communicate Speech Pathology.