So you want to be a speech language pathologist? A career in speech language pathology can be a fulfilling and lucrative one and, fortunately for you, the job outlook is positive.
In fact, in 2018, there were 153,700 speech language pathologist jobs available, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the job outlook for 2018 to 2028 is 27%, which is much faster than average.
"As the large baby-boom population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions that can cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes or dementia," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A speech language pathologist is a professional who assesses, diagnoses, treats and helps to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Speech language pathologists work with people of all ages to treat many different types of problems like issues with:
While some speech language pathologists work in schools, most other speech language pathologists work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals. You might also find speech language pathologist jobs in:
Regardless of where you apply to jobs as a speech language pathologist, you'll need a Master's degree in order for most hiring managers to take your resume seriously.
Most states also require that speech language pathologists be licensed, but those requirements vary by state. Most speech language pathologists will obtain a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
"Being 'certified' means holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field of Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)," according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Those who have achieved the CCC — ASHA certification — have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure. They have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide high-quality clinical services, and they actively engage in ongoing professional development to keep their certification current."
Speech language pathologists set the standards for certification for speech language pathology. They are members of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC). Already to date, more than 170,000 professionals currently hold American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification. So, needless to say, having this kind of certification on your resume will help set you up for a job in speech language pathology.
If you can create a resume to apply for speech language pathologist jobs that wins over hiring managers, you can find yourself making an average of $77,510 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Writing a speech language pathologist resume will be different for everyone, depending on experiences, certifications and degrees or lack thereof. The important thing is to build up your experiences (with volunteering or interning, if you can't land a job!) and get the necessary licensing in order to apply for the job of your dreams.
As always with writing a resume, here are some tips for best practices:
With that said, here's an example of a speech language pathologist resume for your reference. Use this example to create your own speech language pathologist resume!
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EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science
Major: Speech Language Pathology
New York University | 2010-2014
Master of Science
Speech Language Pathology
New York University | 2014-2016
CERTIFICATION
Certified Speech Language Pathologist — Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
Speech Language Pathologist
Middleburry High School | 2017 - Present
Speech Pathology Intern
Physician's office | 2016 - 2017
CONTACT
(xxx)-xxx-xxxx
[email protected]
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a feminist, a freelance journalist and an adventure aficionado with an affinity for impulsive solo travel. She spends her days writing about women’s empowerment from around the world. You can follow her work on her blog, HerReport.org, and follow her journeys on Instagram @her_report, Twitter @herreportand Facebook.