Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are experts in communication and swallowing. SLPs are autonomous healthcare professionals skilled in prevention, evaluation, and treatment of people with communication and/or swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Communication is broad and includes speech production, language use and understanding, social communication, speech fluency, voice issues, hearing, and cognition. SLPs collaborate with families, caregivers, and other professionals to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. If you enjoy helping others overcome challenges, a career as a speech-language pathologist may be a great fit!

How do I become a Speech-Language Pathologist? The entry-level degree to practice as a speech-language pathologist is the master’s degree. The first step to becoming a SLP is to earn a bachelor’s degree that prepares you for graduate study in speech-language pathology. If your bachelor’s degree is in a different area of study, post bachelor leveling programs are available to help you complete foundational course requirements. To be eligible for certification as a speech-language pathologist through the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), you must complete academic and clinical requirements at a graduate program accredited by Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA).

The field of speech-language pathology is growing rapidly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for speech-language pathologists is expected to increase by 18 percent nationally from 2023 to 2033. This growth rate far exceeds the projected four percent increase anticipated for all occupations.

A General Overview of Speech-Language Pathology

Many people benefit from speech therapy at different life phases, and a speech-language pathologist may serve infants, children or adults of any age. SLP services are often provided to people with disabilities that impact communication and swallowing such as:

• Developmental delays
• Difficulty producing certain speech sounds difficulties
• Social communication difficulties such as those associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Head and neck cancers
• Degenerative diseases such as Amyotriphic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsons Disease
• Brain injury
• Stroke
• Cognitive decline

Types of Speech-Language Disorders

Issues such as those listed above commonly include communication and swallowing difficulties. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a speech-language pathologist assesses, diagnoses and treats these common disorders:

• Speech—Difficulties with pronunciation, such as stuttering, or the quality of voice sounds.
• Language—Problems with receiving or expressing communication, either functionally or practically.
• Social—Challenges interacting and conversing with others.
• Cognitive—Complications related to thinking and attention.
• Swallowing—Difficulties in eating and drinking.

The Role of a Speech-Language Pathologist

The field of speech-language pathology is continually evolving based on research of new approaches. Beyond clinical practice, domains of professional practice include advocacy and outreach, supervision, education, research and administration.

An SLP is qualified to assess, diagnose and treat a wide variety of communication and swallowing disorders. The scope of practice for a speech-language pathologist includes:

• Fluency
• Speech Production
• Language
• Cognition
• Voice
• Resonance
• Feeding and Swallowing
• Auditory Habilitation / Rehabilitation

Assessment and Diagnosis

When completing an evaluation for an individual with known or suspected communication and/or swallowing impairments, there are often multiple concerns across several areas and the SLP usually begins by gathering and reviewing information related to the health of the individual. This may include reviewing the current health and/or educational status of the individual to better understand the issue(s) of concern. Formal and informal assessments are administered which may include observations, swallowing evaluation, language sampling, articulation assessment, oral mechanism evaluation, and/or a variety of other norm referenced, criterion referenced, or developmental assessments. Additional considerations include the cultural background of the individual and the nature/severity of any underlying health impairments.

A speech-language pathologist is qualified to assess and diagnose a variety of communication and swallowing disorders and develop related treatment plans. This process is often collaborative and includes input from families, caregivers, and other professionals.

Treatment

A speech-language pathologist is skilled in developing personalized treatment plans based on assessment results, the client’s needs, the nature/severity of the disorder, and cultural factors.

The SLP guides in improving communication and/or swallowing to support day-to-day living and learning.

What Are the Job Opportunities for a Speech-Language Pathologist?

There is a significant need for speech-language intervention across the United States, and speech-language pathologists are positioned to impact individuals, families and communities with life-enhancing care in a broad range of contexts. SLPs work in schools, home health, hospitals, physician’s offices, and other facilities.

Occupational Outlook

Commensurate with demand, speech-language pathology jobs typically offer highly competitive pay rates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median wage of $89,290 across all SLP jobs, compared to a median wage of $48,060 for all occupations. The highest-paid jobs for speech-language pathologists are most often in residential care facilities or hospitals, where the median annual wage exceeds $100,000.

The entry-level degree for licensure eligibility in speech-language pathology is the master’s degree. To practice as a speech-language pathologist, state licensure is required in all 50 states.

Job projections for the field of speech-language pathology show an expected increase of more than 30,000 positions from 2023 to 2033. Roles in healthcare and social assistance will continue to make up more than half of the occupation, with the number of jobs in this category increasing by 27 percent. The category of educational services, which will continue to make up approximately 40 percent of the occupation, is expected to increase by almost 10 percent.

These particular areas are expected to have the most significant levels of growth:

• State and local educational services—37% of the occupation with a 10% growth rate
• Outpatient healthcare services—31% of the occupation with a 34% growth rate
• Hospitals—15% of the occupation with a 16% growth rate

High-Demand Specialties

The field of speech-language pathology is growing rapidly due to a number of factors in contemporary society. Changing demographics, along with greater attention to developmental challenges contribute significantly to the occupational outlook.

Elder Care

The aging of Americans is one of the leading reasons for increased needs in speech-language pathology. The median age in the United States is at an all-time high, and based on census data, people aged 65 or older could make up almost one-fourth of the population by 2050. An aging population brings an array of health-related complexities, including strokes and dementia with expected spikes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Across the country each year almost 800,000 people suffer from a stroke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies stroke as a leading cause of serious disability but recognizes the condition as treatable. Speech therapy is often a significant aspect of comprehensive cognitive treatment for stroke patients, addressing communication difficulties and swallowing.

Another age-related health crisis in the United States is the rise in rates of dementia, a medical condition that progressively affects memory and cognitive function. Data from the National Library of Medicine shows that almost seven million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2060. Speech-language pathologists are skilled in helping affected individuals maintain function and quality of life throughout the stages of dementia.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Government data shows consistently increasing rates of ASD over a twenty-year period, with prevalence now reaching approximately one in 36 children. Individuals who experience autism spectrum disorder commonly struggle with social communication.

Some SLPs work as part of ASD diagnostic teams and provide the formal and informal assessment related to communication and/or swallowing. Researchers have consistently found that early intervention is critical to achieving best outcomes for individuals with ASD.

SLPs are also highly involved in treatment planning for individuals with ASD. This may include providing interventions to support expression of wants and needs through use of augmentative and alternative communication strategies. Other treatment areas may include:

• Social communication development and engagement
• Speech production and fluency 
• Receptive and expressive language 
• Feeding and/or swallowing interventions
• Strategies to support executive functions
• Caregiver training and education
• Executive function strategies 

Childhood Development

More than 770,000 children across the nation receive state-managed early intervention (EI) services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Therapeutic interventions can reduce the effects of a disability or delay across developmental areas, including communication.

When states were surveyed by the federal government to identify challenges in providing EI services, 48 states identified “a lack of qualified service providers.”

One study has shown that communication delays account for more than 40% of children who qualify for early intervention services. Along with providing treatment, the scope of the SLP’s engagement may include:

• Conducting prevention and screening services
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Determining eligibility for services
• Helping to develop family-centered intervention and support
• Making referrals to coordinating agencies and professionals

Job Opportunities for an SLP Graduate in New York

The job outlook as a speech-language pathologist in the state of New York is even higher than the national average, according to Projections Central, a site sponsored by the US Department of Labor. Projections show an expected 25% growth rate in the profession in New York from 2022 to 2032.

A search for openings for speech-language pathologists in New York on the job site Indeed shows a variety of positions in a range of settings including schools, clinics, hospitals and home health. Opportunities include roles such as:

• Early Intervention
• School-Based Services
• Special Education Preschool Programs
• Outpatient Rehabilitation
• Acute hospital care
• Hospice services
• Private practice
• Teletherapy

To secure a license as a speech-language pathologist in New York, applicants must meet the requirements given by the New York State Education Department. A graduate degree in speech-language pathology is required. The degree must be granted from a New York State registered licensure qualifying program, a program accredited by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) or the equivalent. The state also requires a minimum of 36 weeks of supervised experience in speech-language pathology or audiology.

Earning an SLP Master’s Degree at St. Bonaventure University

The online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program at St. Bonaventure develops evidence-based, culturally responsive clinicians who competently serve the diverse needs of their communities. As a student, you will gain not only high-quality technical expertise, but your studies will be grounded in a commitment to compassion, wisdom and integrity.

Graduates of the St. Bonaventure program demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving expertise, language skills appropriate for clinical practice and a readiness for interprofessional collaboration.

In addition to your online coursework, the M.S. SLP program provides hands-on clinical practicum experiences where coursework is applied to supervised clinical practice in varied settings such as schools, hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Students at St. Bonaventure are part of a community recognized for excellence. U.S. News and World Report rankings for the university include:

• No. 6 in Best Value Schools
• No. 14 in Most Innovative Schools
• No. 17 in Regional Universities North

As a speech-language pathologist, you have the opportunity to advocate for others and impact the quality of life for the people you serve. You will be part of a dynamic field with a bright future as you blend science with creativity and passion.

Learn More About Online SLP Program