If you are looking to become a speech pathologist then you have decided that it is what you want to do. So now the next step is to choose the right program to enroll in.
Your best option would be to go to a school offering a Master of Science degree in speech pathology. Most schools will also offer an Associate of Science in speech pathology along with an Associate of Arts in speech pathology and training. The programs offered will vary depending on your major, but most will require two years or four years of undergraduate study.
When choosing a school to enroll in you should know what program they offer so you can decide whether you are interested in going for a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree. Many schools offer both a Master’s and a Bachelors program which can make it more difficult to find a program that fits your schedule and needs. There are also some schools that are able to offer either a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, however if you are going to be attending a private school there may not be the option to take classes online.
When you are enrolled in a Master’s program, it will provide you with the basic foundation required in order to perform research, practice on live patients and handle the administrative aspects of your practice. Once you graduate you will be able to move into specialized areas. This includes neuropathology, audiology and craniofacial pathology.
After you have completed your studies and you are qualified as a speech pathology specialist you can start practicing right away. Since the field of speech pathology is so diverse, there are opportunities to work in various medical facilities including hospitals, schools and clinics.
As you can see there is a lot to be gained by pursuing a Master’s degree in speech pathology. You will be able to choose your own career path and be able to enjoy life while earning a rewarding degree. You can find schools offering these programs by contacting the National Speech Pathology Association and requesting a list of approved programs.
Another benefit of a Master’s degree is that you will become one step closer to becoming a speech pathology expert. Since this is a specialized field the rules that govern the practice of speech pathology are not the same for all states. To become a speech pathology expert you must pass the NCPLH examination and receive licensing to practice this profession. This certification is necessary to take the NCPLH examination to become a speech pathology expert.
When you begin working as a speech pathology expert you will most likely want to take on some hands-on clinical experience before becoming certified. In most cases you will only need to work as a licensed clinical psychologist. in order to begin practicing as a supervised clinical practice. Once you have a number of clinical training under your belt you can then move forward and complete your education and become a licensed speech pathologist.
You can go to any medical facility or hospital and work in a clinical setting until you finish your training. Some facilities even offer a residency to further your education and gain the experience to move to a more challenging environment.