News
Student Lounge
Speech-Language Pathology Career Resource
Speech-Language Pathology Job Overview
The online Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) program at WCU is designed for students who want to pursue autonomous practice as speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists. The program is rooted in evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, community outreach, and excellence in patient-centered care.
Whether you’re a graduate of the MSLP program, are a current student, or are simply curious to learn more about a speech-language pathology career, this resource offers information about this rewarding career path to help support your professional growth.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Settings
Speech-language pathologists may work in:
- Educational services
- Speech therapist offices
- Hospitals
- Nursing and residential care facilities
Sample Speech-Language Pathologist Responsibilities
- Evaluate levels of speech, language, or swallowing difficulty
- Identify clients’ goals for treatment
- Create and implement an individualized treatment plan that addresses specific functional needs
- Teach clients how to make sounds, improve their voices, and maintain fluency
- Help clients improve vocabulary and sentence structure
- Work with clients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow
- Counsel clients and their families on how to cope with communication and swallowing disorders
Top Speech-Language Pathologist Qualities
- Analytical skills – must select appropriate diagnostic tools and evaluate results to identify goals and develop a treatment plan.
- Compassion – may work with people who are frustrated by their communication difficulties so they must understand and be supportive of these clients and their families.
- Critical thinking – must be deliberate in making assessments to create treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Detail oriented – must comprehensive notes on clients’ progress to ensure that they continue receiving proper treatment.
- Listening skills – must pay attention to hear the clients’ communication difficulties and determine a course of action.
- Strong communication – need to explain test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a way that individuals and their families can understand. They also must be clear and concise in written reports.
For more, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Profile for Speech-Language Pathologists.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Interview Preparation
Certifications & Credentials
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification
- Praxis Speech-Language Pathology
- CSHA Pathway to SLP Licensure, Certification and Credentialing in California
- ASHA Practice Exam Registration Guide
- California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
Have Questions?
Get in touch with our team
FAQs
What are some common speech therapist interview questions?
Interviews for SLP roles typically focus on your clinical expertise, problem-solving skills, and patient interaction. Potential speech-language pathologist interview questions include:
- Can you walk me through your resume?
- How do you assess and develop treatment plans for patients with speech or language disorders?
- Can you describe a challenging case and how you handled it?
- What is your experience working with children versus adults in speech therapy?
- How do you involve family members or caregivers in the treatment process?
- How do you stay updated on the latest research and techniques in speech therapy?
What should I include on my speech therapist resume?
Your speech therapist resume should emphasize your clinical experience, technical skills, and patient care abilities. Key elements to include are a professional summary briefly explaining your qualifications and career goals, your work experience, education and credentials, skills you want to highlight that are relevant to the role, and any certifications.
What are the benefits of joining speech-language pathology associations?
Associations like the California Speech Language Hearing Association provide networking opportunities, workshops, evidence-based practice resources and toolkits, job postings, and other perks.
How can WCU Career Services help?
Our Career Services offer a range of services, including career advising and resume review, so you can feel confident about every step of your job search. We’ll help prepare you for real job interviews and give you the tools you need to make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Additionally, we partner with hundreds of employers across various industries, helping to facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities between recruiting companies and our student and alumni populations.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm
Call
Info Session