How To Become a Speech-Language Pathologist
What Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
A speech-language pathologist is a professional who specializes in identifying, evaluating and treating disorders related to speech, language, voice, fluency, cognition or communication. They may work with all ages, ranging from children to adults, in a variety of different settings, such as educational or medical contexts.
Estimated job growth for speech-language pathologists from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 1)
What Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Do?
Speech-language pathologists help in many different ways. They will first evaluate how someone talks, understands and swallows. Then, they create a plan tailored to the person’s needs. Through speech or swallowing therapy, they help people build skills, regain abilities and feel more confident communicating.
Along with the common areas listed, SLPs also help with reading, writing, memory and problem-solving. They may work with people who have autism, stroke, dementia, hearing loss or developmental speech delays. No matter the age or challenge, SLPs help people connect with others and live more independently.
Some common areas an SLP may work on include:(See disclaimer 2)
Clarity
Speech-language pathologists help individuals make sounds correctly and speak more clearly.
Vocabulary
These professionals also teach language and vocabulary skills.
Exercises
They conduct exercises designed to strengthen the muscles used for speech and swallowing.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
SLPs help clients use AAC and alternative communication tools like tablets or picture boards.
Fluency
They support individuals with stuttering, voice changes or concerns about fluency.
Swallowing and eating
An SLP may help teach safe swallowing techniques and eating habits.
Support
SLPs will educate and coach families on how to support communication at home.
What Experience and Education Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Need?
There is a relatively structured path to becoming a speech-language pathologist, requiring education, clinical experience, licensure and certification. Knowing the steps to take and how you can prepare is important for aspiring speech-language pathologists in planning for what’s ahead.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Clinical Experience
Fellowship and National Examination
State Licensure and Continuing Education
Best Degrees for a Speech-Language Pathologist
After earning an undergraduate degree in a related field, aspiring SLPs must earn their master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
Graduate speech-language pathologist programs typically include coursework in:(See disclaimer 4)
Speech and language development
Age-specific speech disorders
Alternative and augmentative communication
Swallowing disorders
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Students Interested in SLP
GCU offers undergraduate degree options as well as an SLP master’s program for those looking to pursue this career. Review our recommended programs to learn more about each program structure and its curriculum.
What Skills Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Need?
Speech-language pathologists rely on a combination of technical skills and interpersonal abilities to effectively help their clients. Developing these key skills allows them to deliver quality care, build trust and make an impact.
Skills that help SLPs best perform their work and assist clients include:(See disclaimer 6)
Analytical skills
Effective communication
Compassion
Critical thinking
Attention to detail
Listening skills
Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Work?
Due to the nature of their work, SLPs may find themselves working in diverse settings. According to the BLS, the largest employer industry for SLPs is in educational services, with around 40% of them working in this environment.(See disclaimer 6) This can include state, local and private settings, such as early intervention schools, preschool and K-12 school settings. When working in educational services, an SLP’s work typically involves screening, evaluating and treating children for a range of disorders, providing services in a classroom setting and collaborating with other educators to determine the best course of action for each student.(See disclaimer 6)
Other settings that speech-language pathologists may work in include:(See disclaimer 6)
Outpatient settings
SLPs often work in a variety of outpatient settings with other medical professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and audiologists, with whom they often collaborate.
Hospitals
Speech-language pathologists may work with clients who require rehabilitation services in state, local and private hospitals.
Nursing and residential care
When working in nursing facilities, SLPs typically treat the same disorders that they would encounter in a hospital setting, as well as initiating screenings and assessments.
Self-employment
It may also be an option for speech-language pathologist to have their own private practice where they are able to make their own decisions about scheduling and caseloads.
Percentage of speech-language pathologists who are employed in educational services.(See disclaimer 3)
Median annual wage for speech-language pathologists as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 7)
Advancement Opportunities Within SLP
In this role, you may have the opportunity to grow into leadership positions. This may include being involved in new challenges, leading teams in your workplace and initiating the implementation of new research techniques and developments in the field. Leadership roles may also be a possibility for experienced SLPs. In addition, some may consider opening their own practice to take charge of their own business and practices, as well as have the ability to mentor others.(See disclaimer 8)
Use your passion for communication to help make a difference for others while building a purpose-driven career.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Speech-Language Pathologists, retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). What Speech-Language Pathologists Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Employment Settings for SLPs. Retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). How To Become a Speech-Language Pathologist. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). General Information About ASHA Certification. Retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Speech-Language Pathologists, as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as speech-language pathologists, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- clinicsense. (2025, May 21). How To Advance Your Career In Speech Pathology. Retrieved October 2025.