BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have speech, language, voice, fluency, or swallowing disorders that limit their ability to communicate and perform everyday activities including: speaking clearly, understanding language, reading, writing, eating safely, socializing, etc.

SLPs examine each patient and create a specialized plan using treatment methods that help people to improve communication and swallowing, reduce difficulties, restore function, and prevent further issues. In addition, SLPs work with people to stop communication or swallowing problems before they happen by creating wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

HOW DO I BECOME A SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST?

To become a professional speech-language pathologist, you must obtain a master’s degree (MS or MA) in speech-language pathology from a Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA)-accredited program after completion of a bachelor’s degree. A speech-language pathologist must complete at least 6-7 years of college/professional education: four years of bachelor’s degree/pre-SLP coursework and two years of the professional graduate program. In order to be accepted to an SLP program, you will need prerequisite courses in the fields of biological science, statistics, psychology, linguistics, phonetics, and English composition. A certain grade-point average (GPA) is usually required for the prerequisite courses. Some schools will also want the applicant to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Speech-language pathology study is rigorous and admission to an SLP program is extremely competitive.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY SCHOOL?

Once accepted into a speech-language pathology school, the courses will consist of classwork in anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, phonetics, language development, speech and language disorders, dysphagia (swallowing disorders), and research methods. The program also provides clinical experience and education in the direct care of patients in a health care facility. This includes how to perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of patients of a variety of disorders, treatment interventions, and evidence-based therapy techniques. Most programs include 2 years of classroom, laboratory, and clinical work. Speech-language pathology students get supervised experience in areas such as schools, hospitals, and clinics.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Licenses and Certifications

  • After finishing education requirements, graduates must pass the Praxis exam, complete a Clinical Fellowship Year, and obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). They must then apply for licensure in Louisiana through the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Continuing education is typically required for speech-language pathologists to keep their license and certification.
  • After gaining work experience, some speech-language pathologists choose to become board-certified specialists through ASHA in areas such as child language, fluency, or swallowing. Specialty certification requires passing an exam and documented clinical hours in the specialty area.

o   Where do SLPs Practice?

  • Public and private schools
  • Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities
  • Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities
  • Home Health
  • Education or research centers
  • Private practice clinics
  • Pediatric or early intervention programs
  • Industrial or occupational health settings

Most SLPs work full time and most work during normal business hours. Some SLPs may work evenings or weekends.

SALARY INFORMATION*

Mean annual wage for LA: $65,770
Mean annual wage by region:
Northwest
            Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding area: $69,000
North Central
            Monroe: $67,270
Central
            Alexandria: $65,160
Southwest
            Lake Charles and surrounding area: $62,450
South Central
            Lafayette: $67,170
            Baton Rouge: $65,770
Southeast
            Houma/Thibodaux: $62,900
            New Orleans/Metairie/Kenner: $79,290
            Hammond: $65,370
Note: salary can change depending on the what area of speech-language pathology a person works in such as schools, acute care, outpatient, travelling, home health, etc.

LOUISIANA SCHOOLS

Minimum Requirements to be Accepted
LSUHSC – New Orleans:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
  • GPA of 3.0 or above overall (3.5 preferred in prerequisite courses)
  • Documentation of 25 hours of observation of speech-language pathology practice (preferred)
  • Letters of recommendation and personal statement required

University of Louisiana at Lafayette:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a nationally accredited college or university
  • Completion of prerequisite undergraduate courses in communicative disorders (or leveling program)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Competitive admission based on GPA, GRE (if required), and committee review

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
2200 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
800-498-2071
asha.org
Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LSHA)
P.O. Box 83132
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70884
office@lsha.org
lsha.org

*Salary information taken from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm#29-1127