Ongoing Speech-Language Pathologist Training to Expect in Your Role
Speech-language pathologists are a special kind of people. This career requires a unique disposition toward patience, compassion, and empathy. It also requires you to stay curious about data and processes. Part of being a speech-language pathologist is implementing techniques and tools that are data-driven and ever-evolving.
As a speech-language pathologist, you must be a lifelong learner. The need for speech-language pathologists in schools, medical facilities, and other organizations is growing, as is the research of its tools and methodologies. This means that the need for ongoing speech-language pathologist training is growing. You must focus on this growth as a speech-language pathologist and engage in ongoing training.
Initial Speech-Language Pathologist Training and Education
As with any technical profession, some initial educational and training requirements exist for those interested in speech-language pathology. All speech-language pathologists must earn a college degree. Popular bachelor’s degree choices are Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), Disability Studies, and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Most job opportunities for speech-language pathologists also require a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field.
To obtain a master’s in speech-language pathology, you’ll need to complete over 1,000 hours of speech-language pathology training by working in the field under the supervision of a professional. Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll need to pass the Praxis examination, a test required for various careers such as teaching, school counseling, and speech-language pathology.
Accessing Ongoing Speech-Language Pathologist Training
Whether you pursue an educational route, work in the medical field, or another opportunity, you must attend speech-language pathologist training to keep your certification valid. These trainings can be online or in-person and cover a variety of topics. Training can focus on different methodologies, specific medical conditions, certain age groups, or specific tool training. Training can also be broad, covering various topics for individuals working in medical, educational, or private practice settings.
However, remember that regardless of how you access training or the topics covered, the speech-language pathologist training you attend must meet specific qualifications. Before attending a training, ensure it counts towards your required continued education credits for whichever organization or state agency you used to gain your certification. Additionally, many employers offer a stipend or other compensation for these training sessions if your employer does not broach the subject with them or look into other opportunities that support your speech-language pathologist training.
Top Speech-Language Pathologist Training Resources
There are numerous ways to access speech-language pathologist training, but the most common are conferences and online courses. Below are some of the top places to access training.
- The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Provides numerous online courses and holds an annual conference.
- MedBridge: Ideal for medical professionals, MedBridge offers online videos from experts on topics like swallowing, aphasia, laryngeal dystonia, and voice therapy basics.
- SLP Nerdcast Podcast: This podcast makes adding to your continuing education credit easy by listening to engaging episodes and taking a quiz to count towards your credits.
- The Informed SLP: Consists of summarizations of dense research journals to read or listen to to gain continuing education credit.
- SLP Summit: An annual online conference that spans four days and consists of multiple expert speakers.
Beyond these sources, you can access more speech-language pathologist training through your state’s continuing education website and local universities, educational centers, and healthcare facilities. A quick online search should uncover local in-person and online opportunities to keep your certification up-to-date.
Get the Career Support You Need with Nyman Associates
Working as a full-time professional while attending frequent training can be challenging but can be quite satisfying with the right support. If your employer has your back, you’ll be set up for success. But, if you don’t feel supported, it may be time for a change. That’s where the team at Nyman Associates can help.
We work closely with our candidates to ensure they have access to the training and tools they need to succeed. That’s why we have such a high retention rate: our candidates feel valued and well-supported in their roles. We work to find roles that offer health insurance, paid time off, and, in some cases, support for continuing education, technology, and assessment needs.
If you want to make a change, we’re here to help. Message us on LinkedIn, email us, or get in touch via our simple online contact form. The support you need is out there – let us help you find it today.
