How To Become A Speech-Language Pathologist

In today's video, I go into detail on how to become an SLP. Enjoy!
Links Mentioned:
Speech Pathology Graduate Programs
www.speechpathologygraduatepr...
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
www.asha.org
ASHA EdFind
find.asha.org/ed#sort=relevancy
Council on Academic Accreditation
caa.asha.org
ASHA Finding Financial Aid
www.asha.org/students/financi...
studentaid.gov

[@erikavaldes3166]

I’m currently working on my undergraduate degree so I’ve been ready for this video! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! ❤️

[@MariellaMendez]

Erika Valdes glad to help!

[@MeaB15]

Yesssss.!!!! I’ve been missing you.! 😊🙌🏾

[@caitlinaguinaga6233]

So helpful!! Thank you for taking the time to do this 😊

[@lizguti5793]

So happy I came across your channel! I’m currently in the process of joining the SLP graduate program. Would love to see more videos :)

[@sherleyangelicatobar5285]

Hi, I was waiting for this thank you 💜

[@nilisaarkward7429]

This is great. I literally just applied to NYU's SLP program

[@ReginaFortune]

Thank you for this video! I’m located in FL and wanted to apply to Nova but the price tag 😳 but thank you for these tips! Nervous for applying but excited 😊

[@amandaewles3895]

You’re back!!!

[@shannonk2728]

I’m SO happy you’re back!!

[@MariellaMendez]

Thank you!

[@samantha10199]

Wow welcome back!

[@krupathanki4513]

Hey Mariella, You video was so helpful. I am from India but residing in Oman and I am planning to do my Masters in Speech language Pathology in the United States in 2021. I had so many questions but I just couldn't find the right answers and I was so confused. You did a great job by answering all what was needed and it was so easy to comprehend. Thank you so much ❤️🌼 Looking forward to more videos ✨🥰

[@arelybloom]

hello I made it to the program undergraduate program :) I can't wait!

[@briannapuccio878]

I am going into my junior year of my undergrad program. I cannot wait to become an SLP!

[@jenniferpidermann6488]

So proud of you! ❤️

[@MariellaMendez]

🤍🤍🤍

[@BD-bt1su]

SUPER helpful! I am about to start my online undergraduate degree in speech and hearing science, watching yours and others SLP vids have motivated and reassured me this is what I would love to do. I have been on the other side of speech therapy and it helped my stuttering IMMENSELY. I want to help children that had the same struggles I did.

[@myahv.5320]

I am in the exact same boat as you! I am starting my online BHS CSD program next fall and wanted to pursue speech path because of my exp with my slp and my stuttering. So awesome! :)

[@abbykins16]

What online program are you working on? I’m not a current student, because I never knew what I wanted to do until I began researching a career in SLP. Online classes seem like the best fit for my lifestyle!

[@kay12ize]

I’m about to apply to NOVA! I’m so scared for the loans but Speech Pathology is my passion. 😭 Thank you for sharing your experience on your channel. 💖

[@Lastochkad]

Did you start studying? How is it going? I’m thinking about this career.

[@doralizaurena6036]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@AlohaSissi]

thank you!

[@hailemungal87]

I’ve missed you so muchhhhh😩

[@yeseniaramirez1723]

Hi!!! I am happy I find your channel. I love watching your videos! I recently finished my MPH, but I have this ongoing feeling that I should apply to SLP school, I have a huge passion for children, and I have a long history of seeing a SLP as a child that helped me overcome my shyness, so I think it’s a prefect fit!!! I am just nervous about the after licenses requirements? Is there only two after exams we have to take? If so, how many opportunities do we have to pass these exams? Do we need to maintain a license before we apply to our fellowships? I apologize for so many questions!

[@paulaoramas4307]

🙌💜

[@joebagiackas7198]

Hey Mariella! Loved the video! What would you recommend for people who are thinking about SLP but do not have an undergrad degree in speech and hearing? I was a special ed major and I am thinking about SLP but I want to make sure I am truly interested. Specific tips on finding SLP’s to shadow? Not sure next steps. From undergrad and teaching I know I love language and language teaching but otherwise I am unsure.

[@MariellaMendez]

Joe Bagiackas hi! So yes, I would recommend to shadow an SLP or view videos online. Due to Covid not many centers are allowing observations.

[@noemiebouteyre543]

hey! Can you post more videos please !!

[@gracea4572]

Hello! Is speech communication and rhetoric a good major to become an slp?

[@marielasanchez4760]

I have a question I’m a family and consumer studies undergrad I’m in my senior year and this semester I’m taking a couple CSD courses. I am now interested into becoming a speech language pathologist what can I do to apply for graduate schools?

[@lilah926]

So I I wanted to get my masters later on, would you recommend getting a B.S. in communication disorders or a B.S. in speech language assistant? The college I’m applying to offers both but I’m not gonna double major

[@jasminebrett1360]

Hey, I'm interested in linguistics and trying to see if speech-language pathology is a good career for me. I don't really have very good skills when working with children, though, are there many options for SLPs to work with adults or is it mostly pediatrics? Also, I think I saw a small tattoo on your arm in another video, what's it like for people with visible tattoos in the field?

[@ue2267]

I don't have my undergrad in anything related to speech. But i did the pre reqs the Uni suggested that I do (this is in Australia). I have applied for the masters in speech course this year and I'm hoping very much that I get into it! Have an interview I need to get past. I'm not in a position to do a second under grad degree. Other option is to do a 2 yr post grad diploma in speech communication but even that is not gauranteed position into the masters course (which you need to be able to practice as a speech pathologist). 🤞🤞

[@MariellaMendez]

Hi! So I also did not obtain a undergraduate degree in CSD.

[@MariellaMendez]

U E I earned a BA in psychology. However I took a few prerequisites during the time it took me to get into the masters program. Some masters programs require all prerequisites prior to entering. Some have them within the master program but it will take you longer to earn the degree. Me 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@ue2267]

@@MariellaMendez Thanks for your info :) I am definitely hoping that I get in this year! The selection for the masters is also credit based so they look at your undergrad results. There is a lot of competition to get into speech courses here in Australia! I have spoken to speech pathologists and have done some observations so hopefully the interviewers acknowledge the interest and passion :) Looking forward to mroe videos from you. Some demos with your clients would be great to observe.

[@delaniepyle5465]

Hello! I was wondering if you’re able to work a full-time (or at least part-time) job while also being a part of the graduate program for a master’s degree in speech pathology? I need to work to help pay off college debt and bills, but looking at the course load and clinicals I am overwhelmed and unsure of how it works when it comes to a day to day aspect. My plan was to be a teacher while continuing on with my masters degree in speech pathology to help pay for it all. However, now I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to do that. Can you give any information on what your day to day looked like in the grad program, referring to hours daily spent on it?

[@crystalmartinez5675]

I barely started looking into the SLP field. :( I just graduated as with a bachelor in Bilingual Education.

[@marisolavila7268]

Me too! Now thinking about slp

[@bullshiteshite]

Glad a found your videos on this topic, they are very informative and helpful. I'm in my early 40s and black and I'm thinking of going into this field. Are there any obstacles (biases) regarding age or being a person of color to getting into this field? Also, random TMI question, are you able to freely take bathroom breaks for those of us who need to use the facilities more frequently than others? Appreciative of insight you can provide.

[@MariellaMendez]

I personally have not experienced any biases and have worked and studied with individuals from all cultures, races and age. They have never stated any biases. However everyone has different experiences.

[@MariellaMendez]

When you work in the field, it depends what setting you are at. But if someone is able watch your patient for a moment, I do not see why you cannot run to the bathroom.

[@bullshiteshite]

@@MariellaMendez Thanks for your response. I've looked into it and though I already have a degree, it looks like I would still have to do undergrad for CSD before going for my masters in SLP which would take 4-5 years before I complete my education, I don't know if at my age if I should pursue this. Are there reputable online programs for CSD that you can take while you work full time?

[@kayvee2002]

Are there male SLP practitioners and does gender affect employability in SLP? Thanks so much!

[@nana_nvp]

Hello Mis. Marilla Mendes how are you I'm from Iran, I love speech therapy, I'm in my last year of high school, and I'm trying to get a degree in speech therapy I am very happy to meet you

[@TheGucciBears]

Do you have to major in communication science and disorders? My university does not have that major so right now I’m majoring in Psychology

[@MariellaMendez]

It is not mandatory. However the graduate programs typically requires you to have the prerequisites. You have have to take them after you graduate from your undergraduate degree.

[@taliaepps6670]

Have you heard of people graduating with other degrees out of college and just finishing the prerequisites and still being successful in grad school or would you say it is very important and beneficial to major in CSD in undergrad?

[@crystalmartinez5675]

I am on the same boat. Just found out about this field and graduated with a bachelor in relation to teaching.

[@LittleLeslieKerr]

Hi can you get your undergrad in psychology? I do have a bachelors in media communications

[@sophiasandoval4430]

Will it affect me in any way if the school I receive my bachelors at is not accredited on the ASHA website? Or does it really only matter when searching for a masters program?

[@MariellaMendez]

Sophia Sandoval It is always recommended to attend an accredited university.

[@someonesomewhere22]

Do you have any recommendations on how to get the 25 hours of observation? I have personally tried to reach out to at least 14 places near me and only two got back to me but I’m still missing hours, I can ask for more from the two places, but I’ve read that the schools I’m applying prefer students that have various places and backgrounds.

[@MariellaMendez]

Karen Polanco hi, unfortunately what I recommend is what you have already done. Contact a variety of centers and setting and ask to volunteer and observe.

[@someonesomewhere22]

Mariella Mendez thank you! Also just want to mention that you’re an inspiration to me and my friend. You just seem like such an amazing person. And we admired how much you use your platform to advocate against child abuse.

[@kathie-leepetsch9520]

At my grad school they’ve been allowing people to watch videos on Master Clinician. I would suggest you ask the faculty if that is a viable option. I’m a first year at Northern Illinois University

[@someonesomewhere22]

Kathie-Lee Petsch thank you! I’ll definitely ask the programs I’m applying if this is an option 😊

[@itscynthiaaa]

Can you work in the field as an assistant while in school getting the bachelor degree?

[@Isabel_ET]

Did you have to switch to distance learning for your clients because of the pandemic?

[@MariellaMendez]

isabel espinal right after the pandemic yes. We were 100% teletherapy. But then in May we opened back up and now I am 50% face to face and 50% teletherapy

[@kellymorataya5669]

Hi! So when you have to complete your continued education of 30 maintenance hours during a 3 year interval, is it 30 hours of credits each year for 3 years or 30 hours within a span of 3 years? Or are you continuing education each year every year as long as you are an SLP? Also, did you take the GRE? If so, how did you prepare? (I.E. books, websites, etc.)

[@MariellaMendez]

30 hours within a span of 3 years.

[@MariellaMendez]

I did not have to take the GRE

[@lindsaysousa1589]

Super helpful video! Do you know if observing via teleterapy counts towards the 25 required hours?

[@MariellaMendez]

I would contact the university you wish to attend and verify.

[@vec9472]

I plan on transferring from a community college, is there any information or advice at all you could give me that I could apply to my first two years of college, like any classes I should take or what I can do to prepare for a transfer to an undergrad program( I think that’s how it works, i’m senior in HS and high schools don’t really teach us that much about college and college programs, so I’ve been learning a lot from your channel and different websites) ;)))

[@Christina121999]

I transferred from a CC to a university and this upcoming Fall is my first year at my new school! I’d would recommend that you look up the 4 year schools program and try to match up transferable courses at you community college. Of course it is very difficult, but try your best to work with the academic advisors at your community college. One thing I would preach is make sure your courses at your CC are able to to transfer to your 4 year school of choice! Idk if you’re planning on it but consider obtaining your associates degree. It will make life much easier when transferring!! GOOD LUCK I hope that was helpful!! :)

[@MariellaMendez]

Ve C I agree with Christina. Try to contact the universities you want to attend and take courses which transfer

[@vec9472]

Christina Kim thx so much !!!!!! 😊

[@kaylaskillo9499]

Hi! I know this response is late but still wanted to reply because this is something I’m currently experiencing. I am in my second year of my associates degree at my community college, but I am getting my degree in liberal arts because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study when I started. Now that I’m getting ready to transfer and get my bachelors’, my university is still requiring ~3 years of school because many of my classes won’t transfer over. The com/dis major is so specific that those gen eds I took won’t all transfer. I would highly recommend talking to your admissions counselor at your community college AND the schools you’re looking at transferring to, to ensure that you aren’t wasting time/money! Hope this helps and all the best in your studies 💓

[@vec9472]

@@kaylaskillo9499 TYSM ! I swear school never teaches us any of this! extremely helpful ❤️

[@nalm9488]

I did not get my undergraduate degree in speech language pathology. Do you have any advice on how I can make myself more marketable to graduate schools and better prepare me for the SLP field ? Due to COVID-19, no one is allowing people to volunteer or shadow SLPs.

[@laurachamblee7588]

I’m getting my masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders at ECU. My first degree was in biology so I had no CSD classes under my belt when I decided on SLP. Since I had so many pre-reqs needed for grad school, I went ahead and got a second bachelors in CSD from Utah state. You can do it in 3 semesters, including summer. It’s really quick! During my 2nd bach program, I applied for grad school and got into 3! So I would highly recommend that Utah State program. It fully prepared me for grad school in a short amount of time. I also got my 25 hours of observation from the program. It was required to graduate.

[@nalm9488]

Laura Chamblee thank you ! I will look into that.

[@laurachamblee7588]

Peppermint Patty I forgot to mention that’s it all online! I never had to go to Utah

[@nalm9488]

Laura Chamblee did they offer you any scholarships or grants as an out of state student ?

[@laurachamblee7588]

Peppermint Patty No, I paid out of state tuition and I thought it was extremely reasonable. They charge per 6 credits. For 6 credits of undergraduate out of state tuition, it is $2,154. I was able to use payment plans and pay as I went. I didn’t have to take out loans. It was around $12,000 for the entire program.

[@pravasypravasy7579]

Quanto mi piaci 🇮🇹🌈✌🥂💯

[@yufei7261]

Hi, can I know which kind of course should I choose for speech pathology cuz I'm currently taking diploma in early childhood education so is it possible for me to further speech pathology later on

[@MariellaMendez]

yu fei if you go on the university website the curriculum is available

[@MariellaMendez]

I also recommend speaking to a guidance counselor in order to guide you in the right direction

[@yufei7261]

@@MariellaMendez OK thank you 😊

[@belkisquiroga6007]

Where did u study?

[@belkisquiroga6007]

where are u from? Like, where were u born