Want to Help Kids Articulate Their Thoughts for a Living? This Job’s in High Demand

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.

What is a speech language pathologist?

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:

• making certain speech sounds (articulation or phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, etc.)
• language (how you understand what you read or hear, and how to use words to articulate yourself: aphasia)
• social communication (how well you follow the rules, etc.)
• cognitive-communication (how well your mind works)
• literacy (how well you read and write)
• voice (how your voice sounds)
• fluency (including stuttering) and more.

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:

• Physicians' offices
• Private practices
• Colleges and universities
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term health care facilities
• Residential health care facilities

What are the requirements to become a speech language pathologist?

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.  

SLP resume template

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:

• Try to mirror the language in the job advertisement in your resume
• Make sure to use power words
• Write with confidence
• Keep your resume clean, clear and concise
• Cut down on wordiness if you can
• Highlight your experiences in chronological order
• List all applicable and relevant skills

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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JANE SMITH

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

• Speech and language screenings
• Proficient in time management
• Adept in standardized speech tests
• Expert in case management
• Knowledge of Dysphagia
• Knowledge of Pediatric Audiology
• Ample experience with fluency complications

EXPERIENCE
Speech Language Pathologist
Middleburry High School | 2017 - Present

• Perform initial exams to determine appropriate diagnoses
• Execute speech behavioral observation and immittance audiometry to measure hearing activity of students
• Evaluate effects of treatments and make authoritative decisions on any adjustments to treatments for students
• Consult students on communication and cognitive-communication deficits
• Maintain student documents and track progress with treatments
• Develop speech programs for student curriculum
• Conduct parent workshops for parents of students with speech complications

Speech Pathology Intern
Physician's office | 2016 - 2017

• Help organize documents for the speech pathologist in the physician's office
• Conduct exams alongside certified speech pathologist to determine treatment options

CONTACT
(xxx)-xxx-xxxx
[email protected]

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SLP resume example