Thinking about starting coursework or applications to become a speech-language pathologist? Currently in a graduate program for the field? Don’t know where to start? I’ve got you. 

From 2022 to 2023, CSD programs around the country received more than 54,000 applications for Master’s degree programs in speech-language pathology. Of those applications, just shy of over 23,000 applicants were accepted and enrolled into programs nationwide. If you stopped to do the math, that’s an acceptance rate of just over 40%. So, at first glance, a 2 in 5 chance of gaining admission into a program. But, this number was derived from the number of applications into programs, not by the number of applicants…

My point here is that getting into this field is no spring picnic.

First comes the prerequisites, then the admission applications, graduate coursework, then the PRAXIS, the CF, and if that wasn’t enough, the process of getting licensed and certified in your respective state can be all-out confusing. Once you start, you don’t stop, and for good reason; momentum starts pushing you forward, you get through the logistics and then all of a sudden you are helping a two year old toddler start babbling with his mother. You fill with joy and then you think “this is why I started all of this!” If you have a passion for helping others communicate, navigate their world, and exercise their autonomy within it, then being an SLP is your calling, but it takes some motivation to get the ball rolling.

That is what The Prospective SLP is meant to be. A place where you can get your feet wet, learn about different aspects of the field, and have some (or a lot) of your questions answered. We are always happy to hear what you want covered and what burning questions we can help to answer!

Resource of the Week 🧰

This survey completed by ASHA, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, attempted to collect data regarding applications, enrollment, degrees awarded, and other information from over 350 programs offering coursework and degrees in speech-language pathology throughout the United States. Over 90% of institutions submitted data. While this is not an exhaustive list, looking at page 13 will give you an idea of where you could apply, if you haven’t already.

And take it from someone who applied to somewhere around 7 or 8 programs the first application cycle and got rejected or waitlisted from each one - do not let the numbers scare you! Use this information as a way to plan your next move. In the next edition we can include information about programs that are provided online versus in-person, part-time versus full-time, etc., but for now, just know there are over 350 programs in the US that could accept you. Just keep working towards the goal and eventually you should get there!

Weekly Spotlight 💡

Our weekly spotlight will introduce readers to an SLP or an SLP graduate student, with the intention of giving you motivation to keep going, to try new experiences, and to broaden your knowledge about where and how we work. This week, while we get the ball rolling, I will introduce myself!

Name: Meryl Rigdon

Number of years in the field: Five, already! I graduated from my Master’s program by the skin of my teeth (as did everyone else in my cohort) in full swing of the pandemic.

Favorite job so far and why: I have enjoyed my teletherapy positions as I still get to treat students, give evaluations, and work with teams, but all from the comfort of my own home! There is something to be said for me personally about the work-life balance and relief of stressors that a remote position offers. No commute, no packing a lunch or scrambling to buy one during my break, and extra sleep are all winners in my book!

What other fields did you consider before becoming an SLP?: Before becoming interested in speech-language pathology, I hopped on and off of the therapy/allied health train in many aspects. Originally in my undergrad, I started as a music therapy major (I was an arts school kid and had a strong background in music🎶). I knew I wanted to help others in some capacity and that music was my therapy, but long story short, it just didn’t stick. I started thinking about becoming a PT, but the chemistry and some of the other classes were daunting for me. Next stop on the therapy train was occupational therapy (OT) and then I found speech. I did a ton of research on both of these and still wonder occasionally how things would have turned out for me if I pursued OT, but ultimately, I felt that communication had a greater impact on quality of life for others than fine motor skills, so I started the process of getting into the field.

Would you choose this field over again? Why or why not?: Yes, I would be a repeat SLP, largely because there are so many things you can do in this field. Over half of all SLPs are on the educational side, but we can work in hospitals, private practices, skilled nursing facilities, provide home health visits and early intervention in the home, work at outpatient clinics, work alongside ENTs… the list goes on an on. Not to mention we have a lot of strong skills in our ability to communicate effectively with others, have compassion and empathy for those we work with, we are skilled at taking data, etc. So many of these skills are transferrable to non-clinical jobs related to or completely outside of our field.

***If you would like to recommend an SLP to be featured in our Weekly Spotlight, click the link here***

Today’s Posting 💵

Our weekly postings will be a mix of small, therapist-owned companies, larger staffing/contracting companies, and direct hire positions with school districts, healthcare companies, and so on. We want to hit all of the bases!

This week’s posting is TheraCO Staffing. This small, therapist-owned company was founded by Sophia Green, an OT with experience in the schools, and is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sophia has current openings posted in Denver area school districts for SLPs, with a pay range of $75-85 dollars per hour as a 1099 independent contractor. Yes, taxes would need to be accounted for with this route, but there are definite pros of contracting (can anyone say “no lunch duty?”😜).

View current job openings here, but please keep in mind that opportunities change quite frequently. Often times, reaching out through phone or email if you are looking for a position will get you the most up-to-date information regarding current available opportunities.

Fun Fact 📌📔

ASHA, the national governing body for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, identifies nine areas in which professionals serve. In the field, we call this The Big Nine. These areas are as follows:

• Articulation

• Fluency

• Voice and resonance

• Receptive and expressive language

• Hearing

• Swallowing

• Cognitive aspects of communication

• Social aspects of communication

• Communication modalities

Well, our first edition is complete! To recap, the goal of this newsletter is to provide valuable, useful resources, encouragement, and to share information that helps you in your journey to being an SLP. With that being said, if you have feedback for us, things you liked or disliked about this edition, or want certain topics covered, please reply to this email and let us know!

Everyone has 1,000 and 1 things to do, but if you have just a few seconds, hit “reply” and let me know what day of the week you think this newsletter would be best to receive in your inbox.

Thank you so much for reading!😄Talk soon,

— Meryl