Speech Pathology-General Information

Nichole in Chandler, Arizona said: I just started an slpa program this semester because I'm going to community college (since it's all I can afford) and I am trying to become a speech pathologist. I could get an associates a semester earlier if I chose not to get my slpa certification and start working on my bachelors. My question is should I do that or should I get my slpa first? I'm afraid that by the time I get my masters in 5 and a half years it will be much harder to find a job in the field. Do you what it's expected to be like around 2014 or so? Thanks for the help
Nichole

Nichole:

GO for it! If you truly want to be a Speech therapist then just go for the BA/BS and then the Masters. We have never been saturate in this field and we are always in demand. I think with Obama's new possible Universal Heath Care we will be in more need than ever. The baby boomers (my parent's generation and I am 40) are all beginning to retire and need geriatric care in the future. I think there will be a huge need in the next 5 + years. Besides it is a great field with a lot of diversity in profession (schools, nursing home, private practice, hospitals). Make sure you are going to an ACCREDITED program. ASHA.org lists the programs that are accredited for SLPs. Some programs also combined BA/BS with the MS so you may want to look into that. I don't see that many Associate degree SLPs but definitely if you have your MS you will always be able to find a job. Good luck!

I spoke with a Speech Therapist this weekend who told me that before she began her Master's Program but after she completed her BA in Communication Disorders that some agencies arranged to have an emergency credential to work in the field........... Which she did for a year before beginning her Master's Program.

Is the still a legal and common practice to work?

Stephanie,

Thanks for replying to my question. I'm really lost on what I should do. Should I pursue SLP even though I don't have a BS in Communication Disorders (I will have my BS in Biobehavioral Health in the spring)) or should I apply to nursing school. I mean I find all healthcare areas attractive but I want to apply to the one where I will have the best job prospects.

I think you should weigh out both your options. Sit with a college counselor and figure out what program would take longer to complete (more $ out of your pocket to pay for the education) and look at pay scales in the area. I am a firm believer in "seeing is believing". Go do some observations in both fields. Maybe one is not as exciting as you think. Both professions are in demand right now. You could also search in the google space to see what jobs are in your area now. Literally type in Nursing jobs in (your town, state). Then do the same thing for speech therapy. I have also googled salary.com to see what speech therapy jobs are paying in a certain state/region. Let me know if I can help in any other way...Stephanie

What Traveling company offers the best overall package and is well known to take care of their SLP's?

Hi there-
I am recruiter in a NY based travel company. In my opinion it really depends on the recruiter more than the company. Most companies have contracts with the same facilities so its more about how comfortable you are and how much you trus that your recruiter is going to do right by you. I have worked with healthcare professionals that have worked with both large companies and smaller companies. Again, depends on your style. Our company Advantis Healthcare, is mid sized. We are big enough to offer the perks and benefits, but smaller enough, where you only have to speak to your recruiter for everything through the whole process. I am the advocate for you with the client and within my company. The healthcare professionals that I work with stay with me long term because they know I do they best I can for them and have their interest in mind all the time. If you would like to speak further about some opportunities I have in NY and nationwide, please send me an email at bsmith@advantishc.com

Thanks,

Barbara in North Hollywood, California said: Hi there-
I am recruiter in a NY based travel company. In my opinion it really depends on the recruiter more than the company. Most companies have contracts with the same facilities so its more about how comfortable you are and how much you trus that your recruiter is going to do right by you. I have worked with healthcare professionals that have worked with both large companies and smaller companies. Again, depends on your style. Our company Advantis Healthcare, is mid sized. We are big enough to offer the perks and benefits, but smaller enough, where you only have to speak to your recruiter for everything through the whole process. I am the advocate for you with the client and within my company. The healthcare professionals that I work with stay with me long term because they know I do they best I can for them and have their interest in mind all the time. If you would like to speak further about some opportunities I have in NY and nationwide, please send me an email at bsmith@advantishc.com

Thanks,

Hi - i have the same concerns. When weighing lg against small against mid size, what exactly are the perks that large companies offer that smaller ones don't? Do i have any "chips" with which to bargain between companies?? I don't want to burn any bridges in the process of finding a travel assignment. Thx.

Hi-I am 29 years old, married and received my BS in Fashion Apparel Management. I desperately want to leave the industry!!! The jobs have not been stable and there has been absolutely no fulfillment.

A nurse friend of mine told me about Speech Pathology and I started to do my research. Is it a bit of a stretch for me as a fashion major to attempt to go back to school for healthcare? And what programs do they have out there for someone with an undergrad degree outside of the field? Will I have many pre reqs to take?...need a change!

Hi! I am graduating with my BS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in December and then will start the graduate program. I currently live in Florida but am thinking of moving to NY. I was wondering what the licensure requirements are. I looked on ASHA's website and could not find them. Also, can I do my CFY in New York? Thanks!

Jamie

Ada E. in Chicago, Illinois said: I have stuttered my entire life and after YEARS of thinking what career I want to pursue(im 24) it hit me...SPEECH PATHOLOGIST!! I would love to help others how my previous SLP have helped and encouraged me throughout my life. I am just about to begin taking my Gen Eds in a community college in Chicago. Does anyone know of a good Univ. in Illinois or in the Midwest I can further pursue my education once I get mt Gen. Eds out the way? My long term goal is to get my Masters in SLP but was wondering what the benefits are on going all the way to get my Doctoral in SLP? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

northwestern is excellent, but very pricey; also check out ISU, EIU, NIU, Rush-Presbyterian, and in Wisconsin look at U of W- madison and marquette.

Joy Bella in Irvine, California said: A Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders.....or if you already have a Bachelor's in another area,, you can return to school for 30-36 units of prerequisites to then apply to a Master's Program in Speech Pathology and Audiology. There are a few programs online to complete the prerequisites although expensive at approximately $800 per unit.

joy:
my only problem is that im a foreign trained OT with only a temp/working visa here in US. would someone with temp visa be accepted in US schools? i would love to be able to crossover into SLP while still working here. and if those schools do accept foreign trained workers, where do we get those online programs for the prerequisites? and is there an online education program for SLPs?

Hello, Im in need of some real help. Im looking to move to Texas within the next two months, currently unemployed and have been for a while. I have my BS/Admin and the desire to use it. California is a welcome mat for freeloaders and closed door for educated go-getters who deserve it... I love California but California is not giving love back... My uncle suggested SLPA telling me how wonderful I would fit in, however I have become discouraged as I do my research on how to take the last of my savings to move and get into this field. I want to show my attributes and skills so bad i can taste it...Can somebody tell me how , who, where, when,.....Im going to Dallas TX to improve my quality of life Im ready to make my mark, I just need expert advise on where to start. thank you thank you...

I hope my comment offended no one, Its frustrating when you prepare for success and oppourtunity is allusive. I understand the SLPA offers abundant oppourtunites,rewarding outcomes, outstanding income and benifits. Im willing to work hard I just need to know how and where to start. if there is an agentcy that is ready to hire and train please contact me, I have the time and energy to succeed.

Victoriaslp in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Hello, I have been a Speech Pathologist for 15 years, and it seems there has always been a shortage of speech pathologists across the country/planet. I would be happy to answer everyone who has questions about this rewarding career.
Before choosing a career path, please research speech pathology! Thanks and my replies will be answered daily on this forum.

Hi, I have obtained my MBA in International Business, but have grown tired of the corporate life. I would like to understudy speech pathology, what key questions do I need to consider when doing my research for a school or any school? Please help. I would like to becone a good speech therapist, I am tri lingual.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone can help me. I am about to start a speech pathology assistant program at my community college. It is a certificate and that is it. My plans are to start working in the field and eventually get my Bachelors degree. Is this a waste of time to get a certificate only? Can I find some kind of employment with that? Help!

From my understanding , it depends on the state in which you live whether you can be employed as a SLPA. It is a good start into the field. The master's programs are currently impacted and it is important to have work experience along with high grades in order to be competitive to get in.

You can parlay your community college credits into a Bachelors Degree in Human Communicative Disorders at a 4 year school if you make sure to take the required courses for an AA degree along with your certificate. After that you can apply for your Master'sProgram as Speech Pathologist. It is a good career path. lots of jobs

Jillian in Phoenix in Arizona said: Where did you hear/learn that OT would be phased out in preference for PT/SLP - Medicare/Medicaid cutbacks? Is there a link for any published information about this upcoming change?

Thanks.

Didn't get your proof eh? lol poor baby... its so sad
Well if it makes you feel any better I haven't gotten any PROOF from YOU either in the OT forum.

abbi in Tulsa, Oklahoma said: hi victoria,

i graduated with my B.S. in SLP in 2004, i'm in the process of going back to finish up with my masters, is there something i can do in this field in the meantime with only my BS?

i have my BS in speech path. and my Masters in Education...this allows me to work as a Speech therapist in the schools...i love it! plus i have the flexible to work as a teacher (k-12) ..which i have done for 10 years!

Most of the questions posted here can be answered with a simple google search. You should save the school logistics questions for google. As far as this discussion goes, it amounts to spam. Why not ask the person who generously offered to answer questions about things that only a working SLP can answer? Like about the nature of the work, etc..? Dont be lazy in your research. Just my opinion.

And who do you think you are? Chris in Pennsylvania. For your information I have been researching on the web for a few weeks now and I can't find the answers Iam looking for. This Is the first time I have registered on any kind of forum website. I am a busy mom of three and I don't have all the time in the world. I thought maybe this was the way to go , but now I'm actually getting turned off by this whole thing because of rude people like you.

HI!

Is there a difference between B.A SLP and B.S SLP??? Kuz I've checked out many universities undergraduate websites and some offer both while others offer either one of them. So, I'm not sure what I should go for, and I assume that I should go for B.S...since there'll be more science??

Also, will taking a B.A or B.S affect my Masters degree in SLP????

Thirdly, after completing a Masters... do I go for a doctorate degree to be a doctor in SLP??

Finally, with a Bachelor/Masters, what can I do? Kuz I'm planning on working for a while after I get my bachelor's degree (to earn money for my masters in uni), so I've no clue what I can work as with a bachelor degree...whether its a B.A or B.S.

Hopefully you can answer my questions. thank you.

I graduated from Auburn University in 1994 with a BA in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I didn't have the $$ to get my Masters and have not been practicing(employed in another field)...now that I do have the $$ I have kids and I am finding it hard to find an online program. Do you know of any or do you know another field where I could build off my Speech/Audio BA and get a Masters? Just looking for any advice.

Also..I saw Shirley in NY said she had a BA in Speech Path and a Masters in Ed? And you can work as an SLP? I wasn't aware you could do that? I would love to hear more from anyone. I have done lots of research online but finding it hard to find data like this.

California State University at Northridge has an online program

Victoriaslp in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Hello, I have been a Speech Pathologist for 15 years, and it seems there has always been a shortage of speech pathologists across the country/planet. I would be happy to answer everyone who has questions about this rewarding career.
Before choosing a career path, please research speech pathology! Thanks and my replies will be answered daily on this forum.

Hi Victoriaslp,

Question I have a B.A in Speech language pathology and Audiology. The grad program I will be enrolling in the Fall don't offer dysphagia training, you think I can get the training and license (in dysphagia) when I do the CFY? My advisor knows very little about dysphagia training in pertaining to this grad program, the only thing she keeps telling me is to call ASHA!

Thank you

ps. anyone else who can help, please feel free to do so =)

thegolden4 in Shirley, New York said: i have my BS in speech path. and my Masters in Education...this allows me to work as a Speech therapist in the schools...i love it! plus i have the flexible to work as a teacher (k-12) ..which i have done for 10 years!

Hi Shirley in NY and everyone. I want to be a Speech Therapist so I'm starting my second BA in Communications Disorders at Queens College. Are you saying that I don't have to get a Masters in SLP to practice Speech Therapy? Are you saying that a Masters in Education is enough to practice Speech Therapy in NY? If I get a Masters in Education can I be a visiting SLP and work with children? I don't want to teach in schools, I want to do home visits and get children to improve their speech.

Ladybug_in Pheonix Quote: "And who do you think you are? Chris in Pennsylvania"

Chris in Pennsylvania Answer: "I'm Chris in Pennsylvania".

Look, all I'm saying is that using google is much more efficient to find out your answers for school related questions than it is to ask a practicing SLP. So, you've been searching the web for weeks and haven't found to ASHA website, with the education finder feature, that lists every SLP program, with details, in the country?? You can then contact each program for more details. Additionally, a SLP that has been practicing for a few years might not have the updated info on schools.

The information that is ACTUALLY hard to find is the detailed information on everyday work details, satisfaction, opportunity, and the rest that only a person working in the field could provide.The pros and the cons. The reality of the career. Information that circumvents any biased presentation of the profession by professional associations, schools, and employers. Thats all I'm saying.

And if my little recommendation is rude enough to deter you from the profession, than, well, good luck..

Well Said!!!

Victoriaslp in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said: Hello, I have been a Speech Pathologist for 15 years, and it seems there has always been a shortage of speech pathologists across the country/planet. I would be happy to answer everyone who has questions about this rewarding career.
Before choosing a career path, please research speech pathology! Thanks and my replies will be answered daily on this forum.

Hello!! I have a bachelors degree in elementary education and am considering getting my masters in Speech Pathology. How long does it take to get a masters with a bachelors in elementary education??

laolinger in Bullhead City, Arizona said: Hello!! I have a bachelors degree in elementary education and am considering getting my masters in Speech Pathology. How long does it take to get a masters with a bachelors in elementary education??

This forum is really slow when it comes to finding answers to your questions. Go to www.slpjob.com for a more active forum and more people willing to answer your question.

Hi Stephanie,

I'm not sure if you can answer my question, but here it goes.

I'll be heading to university next year and is intending on majoring in SLP, but SLP goes under Bachelor of Arts and/or Bachelor of Science. I was wondering...with a Bachelor of Arts, can I still do a M.S in SLP? Or am I only restricted to M.A in SLP??

Hi Angie:

Thanks for your question. Getting either BA or BS in communication disorders (speech therapy) will allow you to go get your master (MS). One or the other is not limiting you in any way...assuming you get the BA/BS in communication disorders. I have a BA and went on to get my MS with no issues. When you take your introductory 101 communication disorders class you have a whole discussion around "Are we an art or a science?" I think that is why some colleges make it BA and others BS. It's just the preference of the college/University.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any other questions. I am always glad to talk about the profession.

Best of luck to you!
Stephanie

Learning Something New Everyday in Stockton, California said: This forum is really slow when it comes to finding answers to your questions. Go to www.slpjob.com for a more active forum and more people willing to answer your question.

I think it depends on what your university will apply to your communication disorder program's criteria. I.e., if you took a class in Special Education...this may fulfill one of the degree requirements, or child psych may fill in another. I would suggest you call the admissions office at your college you are trying to apply to and ask them what they think. They would probably want a copy of your transcript and course descriptions from your other college to make a comparison (see what they could carry over for you). I went into my BA program my Jr year and had no official communication disorders classes and it took me 2 years to get my degree. I had come in with just general college requirements. I did work through other colleges in addition to my primary university, just to get more out of the way but all in all I graduated on time. Each program requirements are similar but can be different in what they want you to have for course work before giving you a degree.

Hope this answers your question. Best of luck to you,
Stephanie

I am looking at changing careers and going into speech pathology. I have a B.S. in Business and I'm wondering what I might need to do to get started. I've read that you can't take a lot of online courses because of the clincal requirements. I would have to take classes part-time because I have to work full-time. I just don't know where to go or how to get started and now it looks impossible. I just don't know what is required to get started in this field especially since I would be transferring my credits over and starting a totally different degree. Can you please give me some information on how to get moving with this? Are there programs where adults who are working full-time during the day can take classes at night? Any recommended online programs? When you do your clincs that are required, do you get paid?
It appears that if someone wants to go into speech pathology, they have to be fresh out of high school with no major bills and be able to go full-time at college. There doesn't seem to be any options for people who are looking at it as a career change and are adults who have to work full-time. HELP!

Autumn in Mount Holly, North Carolina said: I am looking at changing careers and going into speech pathology. I have a B.S. in Business and I'm wondering what I might need to do to get started. I've read that you can't take a lot of online courses because of the clincal requirements. I would have to take classes part-time because I have to work full-time. I just don't know where to go or how to get started and now it looks impossible. I just don't know what is required to get started in this field especially since I would be transferring my credits over and starting a totally different degree. Can you please give me some information on how to get moving with this? Are there programs where adults who are working full-time during the day can take classes at night? Any recommended online programs? When you do your clincs that are required, do you get paid?
It appears that if someone wants to go into speech pathology, they have to be fresh out of high school with no major bills and be able to go full-time at college. There doesn't seem to be any options for people who are looking at it as a career change and are adults who have to work full-time. HELP!

Not completely true, sounds like you need to go to www.asha.org to get info on schools and everything else your looking for. There are evening and weekend programs out there, should be on asha.org website. For online schools I have heard of Nova in Florida but they are costly, they offer the master's completely online. Also go to www.slpjob.com, this website has great information on the profession and you can talk with some in the field. There is also info on Nova and other programs. Go to there forum section and you can take things from there. These websites will give you everything you need, good luck to you!

Hey everyone,

I have been trying to decide on whether or not to go into the Speech Pathology field for a while now and I have some lingering questions. I think the field is fascinating and I would love to go back to school but I am worried that I will not be able to get into a Master's program. I do have my Bachelor's degree which is in Psychology) but finished with a 3.0 which I have been told by many advisors is right on the cusp of an acceptable GPA. In addition to the 3.0, my major GPA is even lower and I have been told that it could present a problem. I'm just curious, but is it possible to complete an Speech Language Pathology Assistant program and then apply for a Master's program since it will give me some experience and will show that I am very serious about getting into a program? Also, if I do the Assistant program, does that mean that I will have to get my Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and then my Master's or can I just apply for a Master's program since I already have a Bachelor's? I have been wrestling around with the idea of becoming an SLP for over a year now and I would like to make a final decision. Any input or advice would really help. Thank you in advance.

Well, this is what I understand from the program @ my school. If you have a BA in any other major that is NOT SPL, there is a list of that are pre-required to enter the Grad program. Most people at my school just complete the pre-reqs but some opt to do second degree because the difference is only 9 credits. Th list of of classes, if you have no SPL credits is like this in my school:

1-Anatomy & phy. of speech
2-Hearing sciences
3-Language aquisition
4-Articulatory Phonetics
5-Acoustics Phonetics
6-Intro to Audiology
7-Intro to Linguistics
8-Speech pathologies 1 &2
9-bilingualism

It also depends on the state you reside. Here (NY) I don't think they care much if you had experiences as an assistant. Admissions is strictly based on these 9 courses only.

Good luck!

Hi all,

My personal situation is as follows: I graduated with a BA in SLP in 1990, but only worked 3 years as an SLP-A soon after graduating. I intended to complete my master's but opted to stay home once the kids came along. Typical scenario, I'm sure. Now that the kids are nearly grown, I'm wanting to enter the workforce but am not sure if I should pick up where I left off, or venture into a new career.

Several fears stand in my way. It's been a long time since I've been in the classroom. I'm not confident how much I remember from my undergraduate years. I'm not certain I can pass the GRE and if my 3.4 GPA is high enough. I have doubts, nearly 20 years after the fact, that I'll enjoy a career in this field. I realize those are issues I'll have to work out myself, but feel free to share if you have thoughts.

Should I delve forward, there are a few logistical concerns to work out, too. Every graduate school in my state (IL), with the exception of ISU is a 2 hour commute or more. Even ISU is about an hour from where I live. As a result, I have wondered about the validity of completing a Master's totally online? Does anyone have actual experience going this route? If so, did you feel as prepared to enter the workforce as you would've had you sat in an actual classroom?

Sabrina in IL in Peoria, Illinois said:
My personal situation is as follows: I graduated with a BA in SLP in 1990, but only worked 3 years as an SLP-A soon after graduating. I intended to complete my master's but opted to stay home once the kids came along. Typical scenario, I'm sure. Now that the kids are nearly grown, I'm wanting to enter the workforce but am not sure if I should pick up where I left off, or venture into a new career.

I should add that I investigated SLP-A work in the public school setting and have applied to all nearby school districts, but no one seems to be hiring. Illinois law does state that even if a district should hire an SLP-A, they must continuously search for a certified pathologist, so even if I could get hired, there isn't much job security.

Sabrina:

Here is what I can tell you. I am always able to find a job and I have lived in several different states. Seems to me like you have 1/2 the work done to be an SLP but if you don't enjoy the work then don't get further into it. Obviously, you need to make this decision. I feel there is huge job security in the field once you are fully certified. There are a lot of different location/areas you can work in not just schools (nursing homes, home health, hospitals, private practice, Easter Seals, pre-schools just to name a few). I've never done anything on line so I cannot comment on this (sorry). I can also suggest if you opt to change careers think about staying in the health care arena. There is a shortage of nurses and some programs are even paying you while you train/get your education. May be worth looking into. Perhaps there is a college closer to your area for this. COTA (Occupational Therapy assistants) or PTA (physical therapy assistants) are also in need right now. But again getting the schooling or $ to go back for more education maybe an issue for you. Hope this helps!

stephanie in Bedford, New Hampshire said: Sabrina:

I feel there is huge job security in the field once you are fully certified. I can also suggest if you opt to change careers think about staying in the health care arena. COTA (Occupational Therapy assistants) or PTA (physical therapy assistants) are also in need right now.

Thanks, Stephanie, for taking the time to reply. I agree with the job security opinion. Every time we've moved states, I've investigated job opportunities and they seem plentiful IF you've got your certification. I wish I could find an SLP-A position in my town to get my feet wet again.

I am looking into COTA/PTA options and our local junior/community college does offer an AA degree in both, but I'm not having much luck getting helpful feedback on the professions themselves from these boards. Lots of flaming to wade through!

Jamie in Fairfield, California said: Hey everyone,

I have been trying to decide on whether or not to go into the Speech Pathology field for a while now and I have some lingering questions. I think the field is fascinating and I would love to go back to school but I am worried that I will not be able to get into a Master's program. I do have my Bachelor's degree which is in Psychology) but finished with a 3.0 which I have been told by many advisors is right on the cusp of an acceptable GPA. In addition to the 3.0, my major GPA is even lower and I have been told that it could present a problem. I'm just curious, but is it possible to complete an Speech Language Pathology Assistant program and then apply for a Master's program since it will give me some experience and will show that I am very serious about getting into a program? Also, if I do the Assistant program, does that mean that I will have to get my Bachelor's in Speech Pathology and then my Master's or can I just apply for a Master's program since I already have a Bachelor's? I have been wrestling around with the idea of becoming an SLP for over a year now and I would like to make a final decision. Any input or advice would really help. Thank you in advance.

You would need to get a second degree bachelor's in communicatin disorder. If the school you attend to get the second degree does not include observation hours or field hours than you may have to take a course at one of the community colleges that has an SLPA program to get the hours. You can then use the second degree courses to get your GPA up. A 3.0 in the field of Speech Language Pathology is like having a 2.0 when looking to apply to the Master's Programs. The Master's Programs are very competitive and some schools will even tell you the lowest G.P.A. they have accepted is 3.7. However, there are other schools that will accept a little lower depending on other factors, like community service, letters of recommendations, etc..

Hi,
I am a student in Nova. It is completely online and it takes approximately 3 years to complete. It is a very good/intense program but I am learning loads. I find that you have to work much harder to online programs to understand...But as long as you commit yourself and are motivated its great!

Hi, What is the cost of the NOva Online Masters Program. I was also wondering if it is as competitive as the state schools which I believe are less expensive. What was your undergraduate GPA when you applied to the program?

Around GPA of 4.

It depends where you want to work. The school generally has to be approved by the accrediting org of the country. In the USA, thats is ASHA. Right now, ASHA doessnt make an effort to keep any schools outside of the USA accredited. Its a shame, as I would like to study abroad as well.

cdoan in Dallas, Texas said: Can you get an SLP certification with a BA in speech-language pathology

I live in dallas, what schooldid you atted for your B.S

My name is Christina. I graduated in 2001 with a BS in Speech Pathology with the intention to continue my education to obtain my Master's. However, It became clear to me that I needed to stay home to be available to my family. I found out that I was unable to use my BS in the speech path field as an assistant, unless I had a 2 year degree from the local community college. I inquired with the community college what I would need to just be an assistant thinking it would only be 1-2 classes and I could still take care of family needs and stay in the field that I had chosen until my family events had calmed enough to continue with my education. I was wrong and was informed that I would meed to take quite a few classes to just work as an associate. I changed coarse and pursued a degree in special education. HERE is my question: I cannot find a specific place that tells me what kind of jobs that I qualify for with a BS in Speech Pathology. I know that I do not qualify to be an assistant, but is there anywhere that has a listing, that you know of, that the BS in Speech Pathology will 'lead' into that job? With the state of the economy, returning to obtain a Master's degree at this point seems unlikely as I do need the income. Thank you for your time.

Hi. My name is Christina. I graduated in 2001 with a BS in Speech Pathology with the intention to continue my education to obtain my C's. However, It became clear to me that I needed to stay home to be available to my family and help my son through some poor choices he was making at that time in his life. I found out that I was unable to use my BS in the speech path field as an assistant, unless I had a 2 year degree from the local community college. I inquired with the community college what I would need to just be an assistant thinking it would only be 1-2 classes and I could still take care of family needs and stay in the field that I had chosen until my family events had calmed enough to continue with my education. I was wrong and was informed that I would meed to take quite a few classes to just work as an associate. I changed coarse and pursued a degree in special education. HERE is my question: I cannot find a specific place that tells me what kind of jobs that I qualify for with a BS in Speech Pathology. I know that I do not qualify to be an assistant, but is there anywhere that has a listing, that you know of, that the BS in Speech Pathology will 'lead' into that job? With the current state of the economy, I do still need an income, so returning to school full time seems unlikely. Thanks for your time.

I am an 8th grade student and just decided that I want a career as a SLP. I was excited to read all the comments and your answers which have given me a determination. I want to gear my High School subjects to make the best choices now that I know what i want to do for life. Should I take as much spanish as possible to become bilingual and what about sign language? I do sign pretty fluently with my cousin who is hearing impaired. We lived together most of our early lives. Do you recommend the University of Maryland? My mom is a RN and she told me she heard great things about their program. What is the average starting and median salary?