How to Become an SLP: A Guide for Pre-Professionals
Step 1: Obtain A Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a Bachelor's degree: You can major in communication sciences and disorders, speech-language pathology, or a related field. Make sure your program includes prerequisite courses for graduate school.
Planning Your Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders:
Planning Your Education in Communication Sciences and Disorders (asha.org)
Finding an Undergraduate Program:
ASHA EdFind - Find graduate programs in Speech-language pathology and audiology
Step 2: Obtain a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Obtain a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Ensure that your program meets the educational requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Programs Offering Instructional Certification
Special Education PK-12 Teachers (pa.gov)
Programs Offering Education Specialist
Student Support Services (pa.gov)
Finding an Accredited Master’s Degree Program
ASHA EdFind - Find graduate programs in Speech-language pathology and audiology
Certification Types Based on Graduate School
(Current as of January 2024)
| (Instructional) Speech & Language Impaired (PK-12) |
School Speech & Language Pathologist (PK-12) (Specialist) |
Both |
- Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit
- Delaware Valley University
- Marywood University
- Pennsylvania State University/Main
- Temple University/Main
|
- Carlow University
- Mercyhurst University
- Misericordia University
- Moravian College
- Salus University
|
- Bloomsburg University of PA
- California University of PA
- Clarion University of PA/Main
- Duquesne University
- East Stroudsburg University of PA
- Edinboro University of PA
- Indiana University of PA
- La Salle University
- Lebanon Valley College
- Pennsylvania Western University
- Theil College Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh Campus
- West Chester University of PA
- Widener University
|
Pennsylvania State Licensure: Need to Work in a Non-School Setting
Apply for a license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing. Requirements may include submitting transcripts, proof of clinical hours, and passing the Praxis exam.
Apply for School Certification: Needed to be Employed in Public Schools
If you want to work in Pennsylvania schools, you will need to obtain additional certification.
Getting Certified:
New Educators (pa.gov)
Submit an application for certification through the TIMS (Teacher Information Management System) on the PDE website. Ensure that you provide all required documentation, including transcripts, verification of clinical fellowship, Praxis scores, and proof of state licensure.
Navigating the Teacher Information System:
https://youtu.be/NXFnaygVgFo?si=J8SoJVwkDJ4NzFi6