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Job outlook for speech-language pathology interns in the United States
Speech-language pathology internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected speech-language pathology internship job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028.
About 34,000 new jobs for speech-language pathology interns are projected over the next decade.
Speech-language pathology internship salaries have increased 8% for speech-language pathology interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 144,581 speech-language pathology interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 72,220 active speech-language pathology internship job openings in the US.
The average speech-language pathology internship salary is $59,985.
Are speech-language pathology internship jobs in demand?
Speech-language pathology internship job and salary trends over time
Speech-language pathology internship jobs over time
Speech-language pathology internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 144,581 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 144,172 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 148,933 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 140,904 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 136,992 | 0.04% |
Average speech-language pathology internship salary over time
Speech-language pathology internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,985 | $28.84 | +1.7% |
| 2024 | $58,971 | $28.35 | +2.1% |
| 2023 | $57,771 | $27.77 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $57,100 | $27.45 | +2.6% |
| 2021 | $55,662 | $26.76 | +1.7% |
Speech-language pathology internship jobs by state
Most common states for speech-language pathology interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 265 | 20% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 117 | 19% |
| 3 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 266 | 15% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 624 | 9% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 226 | 7% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 202 | 7% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 148 | 7% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 55 | 7% |
| 10 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,172 | 6% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 522 | 6% |
| 12 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 410 | 6% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 369 | 6% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 226 | 6% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 119 | 6% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 62 | 6% |
| 17 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 58 | 6% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 48 | 6% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,912 | 5% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 334 | 5% |
Speech-Language Pathology Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of speech-language pathology internship experts
University of Florida
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Idaho State University
Mercy College
California State University - Sacramento
Longwood University
University of North Texas
University of Maine
New York University
Texas Christian University
Adelphi University
New York University
Harding University
San Francisco State University
University of Iowa
University of Iowa
Marshall University
Grand Valley State University
Iona College
Thiel College
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Clinical Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Florida
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: With the significant changes in the makeup of the US population, knowledge of a second language and language issues surrounding second language acquisition will be sought after skills in CSD. Other skills that will be important include being able to use telepractice and artificial intelligence in the assessment and intervention of individuals with communication disorders. I believe the need for skilled clinicians who are experienced in all three of these areas will continue to increase over the next 5+ years.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: I think the main thing is to be open to new clinical and educational experiences. There are a range of clinical and educational environments that graduates in CSD can work in. I would encourage new graduates to think about their interests and their strengths and weaknesses when deciding on their first job. Now is the time to consider new clinical and educational environments, even some that are different from the clinical placements you completed in graduate school. You would want to make yourself aware of all the possibilities and explore the kinds of jobs that are available. And remember, if your first job isn’t all you hoped for, there are lots of other possibilities to move on to.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Laurie Gauger Ph.D., CCC-SLP: This goes along with my answer to the first question. To maximize earning potential it is important to be flexible and open to the diverse range of clinical environments available to graduates of CSD. The need for SLPs and audiologists will continue to increase in the next 5+ years and so should salaries. Being open to all types of work environments will give the new graduate the best options for higher salaries. Typically, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and private practices pay the most, but it is important to check out all options because of various benefits that are associated with different job settings. There are even traveling positions for SLPs that pay very well.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Kristy Weissling: Science and technology. It is likely that we will see large advances in our understanding of learning, recovery, and social science in the next 3-5 years. It will be important that people beginning their career keep up to date with new discoveries especially related to AI.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristy Weissling: My advice is to see yourself as a glass half full. Some individuals default to feeling that they are not ready, they see themselves as an empty glass. Some people see themselves as full of new knowledge and skill, but there is still much to learn. You won’t know everything you need to know, but you will know some things you need to know. Focus on using what you do know to enhance the communication of the people you have been tasked to see.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Kristy Weissling: I think that employers are attracted to people who can identify their particular skill sets. If you have a strength, market it. For example, if you have a passion and experience in working with autistic children, use your interview and application materials to demonstrate how you can add to the organization's mission through a specific skill set. I always encourage students to get as many experiences as they can that help them stand from others. While there are many jobs in the field of speech pathology, finding the exact setting you want, for example an acute care setting, in a particular geographical location may take time. This is where volunteering for and marketing your experiences can be helpful.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Give yourself grace when learning as you enter the workforce. Realize that it can be from 'misses' that your career will experience some of its best lessons. It's a marathon, not a sprint; be sure self-care is part of your regimen early on in your career. We give invaluable care to others but we cannot do so unless we first care for ourselves.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Virtual Reality and other integrative or experiential technology; cutting-edge use of instrumental measurement tools to add quantitative results to existing trends which foster qualitative measurements in assessment; and new and exciting ways to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in treatment are some of the upcoming exciting growth areas with CSD fields I can imagine on the horizon.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Jessi Hardy MS, CCC-SLP: Achieving your potential in salary is a strategic process. Some methods I believe might increase odds include engaging in continuing education professional development; participating in research development in your specialty area(s); knowing everything widely but a few things deeply (positioning yourself professionally so you offer both 'diversity and depth' of practice); and finally, be confident and do your research for your geographical location, the company you are hiring on with, and the setting you are entering. Compensation varies drastically by practice area in CSD fields.
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins
Clinic Director and Externship Coordinator, Speech-Language Pathologist, MA CCC-SLP, MSHIMercy College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: The first rule of thumb is to always question the first offer and have in mind your counteroffer criteria. Keep in mind that you may not get a starting salary commensurate to a seasoned certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), but you can confirm that increases in salary are customary upon certification and/or licensure and that annual increases based on merit, or years of experience are available. In addition to these monetary options, an assessment of the resources and benefits of the job should be considered. If you have to buy your own materials and don't have medical insurance, then the financial compensation should be counterbalanced to that. Good luck, may you get all that you deserve!
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: As you enter the field of speech-language pathology, you have invaluable hands-on experiences under your belt and a fresh knowledge base to build on. If you remember that this is a service field and not a know-it-all field, then the best advice for most situations comes from the stoic adage that you have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as much as you speak. You will be listening to your clients, patients and their caretakers, and to your clinical fellowship mentor so that you can address their needs and meet their expectations. This is not to discount your newly developed clinical instincts, but instead, it is to recognize that you are a lifelong learner and everyone you meet will teach you something. You need to know what they want and expect so that you can provide the correct solutions by asking probing questions and helping them exactly where they need you.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Dawn Cotter-Jenkins: The future of speech-language pathology is heading towards technological advancement in many ways. Therefore, the skill of technological aptitude will be increasingly necessary. This does not negate the personal interactive skills that a clinician has, but instead technology will be used to advance the reach of the field and the effectiveness of the services we provide. Telehealth (telepractice) is growing and that is one way that more clients will be able to gain access to the services that we provide across the scope of practice. Additionally, the way that outcomes will be measured can become more precise and therefore more valuable, due to more objectivity. And there are constant advancements in technologies that provide a voice to those who would have traditionally been left without one. Technological innovation will provide options that were only seen in science fiction shows like Star Trek. It is to everyone's advantage that we embrace and learn how technology can help us to make ourselves more useful.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Be open to trying all aspects of the field: medical, school, early intervention/home based care…. If you are not sure where you want to end up or focus on and cannot decide between medical or school, adults or children, make sure you get as many experiences as you can. Ask your Clinical Fellowship Year supervisor a lot of questions: you are still learning. You are not expected to know it all when you are done with your Master’s Degree. In fact, the most successful speech-language pathologists know that they will always continue to learn!
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Bilingualism is a great and important skill!!! Keep your skills up and if you are bilingual make sure you negotiate for payment for that skill! Early Intervention services and Medical Speech Pathology services will only grow as the population continues to age and survive injuries and illnesses, and we keep premature or medically-fragile babies alive. Learn about pediatric feeding and swallowing issues: seek continued education and mentorship! This is great area of need and only continues to grow! Many children have persistent issues in feeding and swallowing into their school careers: and we are the specialty that understands this function and can assess and treat. Always speak up! Advocacy is one of our most important tools!!! We can advocate for our patients, students, and policy changes!!! You are a communication specialist and you are speaking for those who cannot!
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elisabeth D'Angelo Ph.D., CCC-SLP, CBIS: Be open to negotiating. Know the salary ranges in your area. Ask speech pathologists what they make. Look at the benefits: can be a very big part of your compensation with 401K matching, employer paid insurance, potential for increases in salary and responsibility. However, be aware that many agencies that have excellent pay, may require you to move around in settings (i.e. not stay in one school or part-time in a school and part in a clinic, but no consistency). Per diem work is very lucrative but without benefits, so if you work in the schools and work on the weekends a little or during the summers as per diem, you can make quite a bit of extra salary. Or, you can do tele-practice for an agency after school hours from home. If you want to work in the schools, many of the districts have sign-on bonuses or student loan payment programs.
Ronda Walker
Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and DisordersLongwood University
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Ronda Walker: Start before you even start your first job. You must negotiate. Check to see what comparable salaries are in the area and in the setting before you even go in for the interview. Have a range in mind. Once you are in the job. Keep up with continuing education and professional development. Pursue a specialization that you are passionate about. That might be feeding and swallowing, early intervention, etc.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ronda Walker: I don't think it will be much of a difference than what you need now, including critical thinking, problem solving, flexibility, active listening, cultural competence, collaborative practice, and evidence based practiced. And, of course, you will need great oral and written language skills.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Ronda Walker: Definitely take part in continuing education. This field is constantly changing, and you need to keep up with the changes. This will also help keep you passionate about your field. Connect with your professional peers. Join your state and local organization. And take care of yourself. It is easy to get burned out, so take care of your needs.
Stacy Nunnelee
Speech Language Pathology Clinical Supervisor, Senior Lecturer, Director of Undergraduate StudiesUniversity of North Texas
Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
Stacy Nunnelee: For audiologists and speech-language pathologists, the first essential skill is the level of education. An employer is going to confirm the education and certification that our major students have first and foremost.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
Stacy Nunnelee: As far as soft skills, our students need to enjoy working with people and need to enjoy being around people a lot. They will also need to have compassion and empathy for people with a variety of disorders and be comfortable if someone has trouble communicating.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns earn the most?
Stacy Nunnelee: Starting salaries don't vary, except from state to state and from different types of facilities (education, medical, etc.). But demonstrating good patient outcomes, being a good leader, and/or having good research and/or community outreach can be an asset to move up.
Judith Stickles
Clinical DirectorUniversity of Maine
Deptartment of Communication Sciences and Disorders
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
Judith Stickles: We graduate students who apply for jobs as speech-language pathologists. All of our graduate students who finished in May 2021 (15) are employed. Since this is a profession that requires licensure and national certification, the following is important: necessary coursework to meet standards of practice, clinical experiences in a variety of settings (clinic, private practices, schools, preschools, hospitals, and other medical settings.) It is necessary to have experience with individuals across the lifespan and with cultural/linguistic differences. Interprofessional experience is also important.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
Judith Stickles: Soft skills that are important - organization, ability to collaborate with others, compassion, flexibility, problem-solving.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Judith Stickles: Certainly a large fund of knowledge specific to the profession. Skills with technology are increasingly important, particularly with respect to telepractice.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns earn the most?
Judith Stickles: A willingness to work hard, network, and take advantage of all opportunities presented.
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor; Director of Bilingual Extension ProgramNew York University
Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: Examples of advocacy for self and/or others within their own heritage or out of school experiences, insider's perspective with regard equity or inequity within dis/ability, multilingualism, racial, gender and other intersections OR understanding of own positionalities with regard to ableism and linguistic justice.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: Most clinical supervisors would say that openness to feedback and critical thinking are desirable soft skills. In the context of classrooms, and depending on how the students are taught, metacognitive awareness, learning flexibility, reflexivity, and criticality are all general foundational skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: In the field of SLP, writing and speaking, specifically academic (and 'standardized') English, is what is most important. (and within this, the expectation is that writing is academic, vocabulary is diverse, and that there is a deep bridging of content -to-practice)
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns earn the most?
María Rosa Brea Ph.D.: It seems like the typical skills that people look for - productivity, fast turnaround and timeliness, academic language use (or 'professionalism') ... I feel like all of this is highly dependent on opportunities and the ability to have either sponsors or faculty who are culturally and linguistically responsive who know how to mentor.
Anthony DiLollo
Director of the Davies School of COSD, and ProfessorTexas Christian University
Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
Anthony DiLollo: This might depend on the specific job requirements, as speech pathologists work in various settings. Although the entry-level master's degree is designed to prepare clinicians to work across the scope of practice, if individuals desire to work in specific settings, it is advisable to gain as much experience and additional training/education as possible in the areas in which individuals desire that setting focuses. This might be through specific externship placements during their training, continuing education opportunities, or additional certification in a specific assessment or treatment approach.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
Anthony DiLollo: The ability to think critically and problem-solve is widely viewed as essential for clinicians. The emergence of person-centered care as a preferred mode of service delivery also means that clinicians must be flexible and creative in their approaches to intervention and understand how their assessment and treatment activities fit within each patient's personal and social contexts. In addition, leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as part of an interprofessional team are critical for long-term success in a speech pathologist's career.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Anthony DiLollo: Technical competence in evidence-based assessment and treatment across the scope of practice is the baseline for all clinicians. The ability to not only plan and execute assessment and treatment but also to accurately document therapeutic activities is critical. In addition, clinicians need to effectively talk about what they do and why their services are needed and will be effective.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns earn the most?
Anthony DiLollo: The skills that will help SLPs earn the most relate to leadership and working well as part of a team. These skills typically lead clinicians to move more quickly into senior clinical and leadership roles and even into administrative roles that typically involve higher pay levels.
Jason Rosas
Assistant ProfessorAdelphi University
Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Education and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
Jason Rosas: Speech-language pathologists should highlight the telecommunications platforms they know, i.e., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. If working with school-aged clients, they should also highlight familiarity with web services such as Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas, etc.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
Jason Rosas: All SLPs are competent communicators, and they will need this skill to negotiate remote scheduling and teaching parents/caregivers how to set up equipment for telepractice. It's important that SLPs practice patience and flexibility. Explaining procedures, training caregivers, and problem-solving difficulties that arise takes time. In addition, SLPs may need to deviate from routines and schedules, which requires significant flexibility.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Jason Rosas: SLPs must become competent in the components of their telecommunications equipment to ensure the most secure, stable, and fastest connections. Often SLPs are working with caregivers or parents who are not accustomed to problem-solving connections problems and why they may occur. Therefore, learning not only their own equipment but that of their clients becomes an additional technical skill. Lastly, therapy requires many trials to see optimal results. So planning engaging audio-visual activities for multiple clients with varied communication disabilities is very important.
What skills will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns earn the most?
Jason Rosas: Everyone expects the quality of service to be maintained regardless of the service delivery method used. SLPs who demonstrate that they are effective and engaging via telepractice, as demonstrated in client goal outcomes, will see their stock rise!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Kelly Bridges Ph.D.: In the field of speech-language pathology, the traditional mode for working with clients and patients has been face-to-face, with in-person assessment and treatment. Prior to the pandemic, we saw a slow increase in telepractice, more so to provide services to people in rural areas and regions of the country where speech-language pathology services are not easily accessible. With the onset of the pandemic and the need for people to work from home, as well as the need for people in high-risk categories to shelter at home to avoid exposure, we saw a quick shift to relying more on telepractice than ever before. Telepractice has been incorporated into the clinical practices of traditional face-to-face settings including the school system, private practice, higher education clinics, and outpatient centers. I would anticipate that this flexibility (including options for both traditional in-person therapy as well as telehealth/telepractice) will continue even when the world fully reopens, as it provides greater access to services for people who may not have sought them for various reasons (e.g., restrictions in mobility, distance to providers, etc.).
In addition to the expansion of telepractice, I anticipate there will be a greater need for clinicians to serve people in inpatient medical, skilled nursing, and long-term care settings as a direct result of the pandemic. Already, speech-language pathologists are at the front line with caring for people with COVID-19 in the hospital setting. Sadly, there are more and more reports of lingering impacts of COVID-19 on the respiratory, cardiac, and neurological systems for people who have had severe and even mild COVID-19. The expertise and clinical practices of speech-language pathologists will be critical for people needing rehabilitation in the areas of speech, language, voice, and swallowing.
What soft skills should all Speech-Language Pathology Interns possess?
Kelly Bridges Ph.D.: Graduates from master's programs in speech-language pathology undergo extensive training in the discipline-specific skills needed to thrive in the clinical setting (performing oral-sensorimotor examinations, IPA transcription of speech, language sample analysis, using software to aid in voice analysis, performing bedside swallow evaluations, to name a few). However, one cannot understate the importance of the soft skills necessary to truly succeed as a future speech-language pathologist. If COVID-19 taught us anything, it was that we need to be flexible and adaptable in all that we do. Under non-pandemic circumstances, graduates should be prepared to go into a therapy session with a plan in mind, but equally prepared to throw that plan out the window and shift gears to best fit the client/patient's needs at that time.
It goes without saying that communication - interpersonal as well as written-are also critical in our field. Interpersonal communication skills will help build rapport not only with our clients and patients, but also with our colleagues. This leads to the obvious need for strong work ethic, positivity, and of course teamwork, as we are part of an interdisciplinary team in all settings.
Inherent to every good clinician is also having the ability to critically think in order to solve problems using content knowledge, theoretical foundations, as well as the knowledge about our patient/client and their specific needs. This last part brings us back to those interpersonal skills and the need to truly get to know our patients and clients. This involves learning who they are, their culture, their values, their goals-and making that central to the treatment plan. Finally, graduates should have the ability to self-reflect and always be open to growth as "lifelong learners."
How have salaries changed over time for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Kelly Bridges Ph.D.: Over the last decade (and more), annual salaries have grown steadily, and I anticipate that this will continue, as speech-language pathologists are highly valued members of pediatric and adult care teams. Average annual salaries depend on many factors including the setting (school, hospital, skilled nursing, private practice, etc.), geographic region (state, metropolitan area, rural versus urban, etc.), and experience.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Fisher: The job market for speech-language pathologists continues to be strong and has seemingly not changed during the COVID pandemic. There is a noticeable increase in the caseloads of hospital-based speech-language pathologists as a result of COVID. Some patients recovering from COVID require rehabilitation of swallowing and voice function due to extended intubation. Also, patients with COVID may experience cognitive-communication deficits during their rehabilitation requiring the services of speech-language pathologists. Speech-language pathologists in the school setting are meeting the needs of their clients through the use of telehealth. While schools have had to move to virtual learning therapists, have moved to telehealth, in some cases, as the primary service delivery method. Despite the pandemic, the job market for speech-language pathologists continues to be strong and predicted to grow at a faster than average rate.
What technical skills for a Speech-Language Pathology Internship stand out to employers?
Jennifer Fisher: In the field of speech-language pathology, employers are seeking therapists who exhibit clinical knowledge and practicum experiences that are specific to the job they are applying for. Additional certifications and specialty training beyond standard graduate school make for a highly desired candidate. The pandemic has forced many practitioners to learn and utilize technology to provide teletherapy and it is anticipated this type of service delivery will continue once the pandemic is over.
How have salaries changed over time for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Jennifer Fisher: The mean salary for speech-language pathologists has not changed much over the last few years but does vary from state to state and setting to setting.
Laura Epstein Ph.D.
Professor, ChairSan Francisco State University
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Laura Epstein Ph.D.: Before the pandemic, we had all the tools we needed to incorporate a virtual component to our clinical practice in speech-language pathology, but the pandemic has showed us that we can be highly effective using these tools. In fact, I think we will start seeing that this virtual component will become essential to how speech-language pathologists work with clients. Utilizing a virtual component in our clinical work allows us to meet our clients where they are, not only in terms of their communication needs, but also, in terms of their physical access to therapy, in terms of their mobility, their schedules, the availability of caregivers, and so much more. Speech-language pathologists can now empower their clients to be served along a physical-technical continuum that can be fine-tuned to meet their needs. This is so exciting.
There is another trend that reflects the impact of virtual tools on our practice as a field, and it is something I've been saying to our graduating class many times. The cohorts graduating during the pandemic, both the 2020 and the 2021 graduates, are the first to enter the field with virtual therapy skills firmly under their belt as a part of their clinical competencies. While our graduate students were receiving this incredible opportunity in their training over the past year and more, those professionals who have been practicing in the field for a long time have been feeling incredibly challenged. They know that the writing is on the wall as far as the impact of virtual skills on clinical practice. Long-timers in the field are often not ready to take on the challenge of a completely new skill set. Many job opportunities are opening up for our graduates as a consequence of practitioners moving on and retiring. It goes without saying that the new graduates taking their places will transform our field.
What technical skills for a Speech-Language Pathology Internship stand out to employers?
Laura Epstein Ph.D.: I would say three areas of skills stand out. First, I've already mentioned at length the impact of virtual skills on clinical practice, and the need for these skills is certainly not lost on employers. At the very least, the pandemic has exacerbated the chronic shortage of speech-language pathologists that can now only be addressed by speech-language pathologists with the clinical and technical skills to work seamlessly in both face-to-face and virtual realms.
Secondly, employers need the technical and clinical expertise to serve growing areas in the field in which there are fewer speech-language pathologists who have the specialized skills that are necessary. Areas of tremendous growth include children and adults with social communication challenges (often referred to as on the autism spectrum), children and adults with augmentative and alternative communication needs, and very young children with special communication needs of all kinds.
Lastly, employers are becoming acutely aware of the need to effectively serve clients from linguistically and culturally diverse communities. Clinicians who have been trained in cohorts that consist of fellow students from diverse backgrounds and languages, such as what we at San Francisco State University have built, are extremely efficacious. The more inclusive the services provided for the entire community translates to greater technological and clinical expertise, and more impactful and effective therapy.
How have salaries changed over time for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Laura Epstein Ph.D.: Ever since I started working at a University, my students have been paid more than me, and that trend hasn't changed. Salaries have steadily increased over the years, which means that the skills and expertise that speech-language pathologist bring to an organization are being recognized and valued more and more.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: In this field, it is imperative that you have a mindset for continuous learning and that you prioritize your critical thinking skills. Given the increased prevalence of social media clinicians (e.g., speech-language pathology influencers), it will be your continued job to critically analyze information presented on these mediums to ensure you are following best practices. Similarly, with developments in AI such as ChatGPT, new grads will need to be skilled at thoughtfully utilizing these supports if they choose to do so. While these things can be immensely beneficial for productivity, it will be everyone’s continued responsibility to ensure they are using these in accurate and applicable ways.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: Highlight any special experiences or trainings from graduate school and clinical practicums. Like many other careers in both medical and educational sectors, most facilities have structured pay scales with entry-level salaries varying based on geographical location and facility type.
What will help Speech-Language Pathology Interns increase their earning potential?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: To be open to any setting (hospital, school, outpatient/private practice) and to research each option to try to determine what best fits your priorities. And to recognize that you can always make a change regarding the setting you are in; just because you start in one setting does not mean you have to stay there for your entire career.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: Speaking from a perspective of service provision for clinical speech-language pathologists, teletherapy services may become more permanent modalities pending insurance regulations (i.e., if insurance companies decide to continue coverage of teletherapy services after the pandemic-this is unknown still). This would allow for service provision to a much wider population, specifically for individuals in more rural areas. If teletherapy services continue to be a viable service modality, employers may be looking for applicants with direct experience, or those who are willing to provide services remotely and learn how to use different teletherapy platforms.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Jenny DiVita M.A. CCC-SLP: In most clinical positions across the U.S, national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is required, as is state licensure. Further, passing the Praxis exam, completion of clinical clock hour requirements, and graduation from an accredited master's program are requirements in order to obtain licensure/certification in most states, and to be eligible for most clinical speech-language pathologist positions. If teletherapy services continue, previous experience in this modality may be highly valued. Other valuable experiences (whether through coursework or clinical experience) would include expertise in cultural/linguistic diversity in order to effectively serve a wider patient population.
Ernay Adams
Clinical Assistant ProfessorMarshall University
Department of Communication Disorders
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Ernay Adams: Thankfully, there is always a high demand for speech-language pathologists. Specifically, the pandemic has opened more doors for telehealth speech therapy. Becoming confident with providing speech therapy in virtual platforms has now become a huge resume booster.
What technical skills for a Speech-Language Pathology Internship stand out to employers?
Ernay Adams: Efficiency is key and is just as important as providing good therapy. An employer values someone who is punctual, flexible, and able to complete their documentation thoroughly and on-time.
How have salaries changed over time for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Ernay Adams: Salaries have slightly increased for the most part since I began working 10 years ago. With regulation and governmental changes in the medical realm, I have experienced slight pay decreases in some jobs. However, salaries remain competitive.
Denise Ludwig Ph.D.
ProfessorGrand Valley State University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Denise Ludwig Ph.D.: Yes. As service delivery models shifted for both health care and education the need for students to develop telepractice skills increased significantly. Use of telepractice and tele-education appear to be here to stay as there are some inherent efficiencies in use of technology for service delivery. It is also critical to teach additional skill sets to graduate students that include technology, virtual interpersonal skills, and evaluation of appropriateness of client/patients/students for telepractice/tele-education.
What's a good job out of college for Speech-Language Pathology Interns?
Denise Ludwig Ph.D.: A good job would one in which there is a variety of clients/patients/students to provide evaluation and intervention services to. This allows for use and consolidation of newly acquired skills.
What technical skills for a Speech-Language Pathology Internship stand out to employers?
Denise Ludwig Ph.D.: Technical skills such as software programs for health data/information and education program data entry are important for employers and as previously indicated, telepractice/tele-education skills will become more important for the future. Meeting improvement goals for health care, in the form of the Quadruple Aim, and for education, ESSA, will continue to rely on increased efficiency, effective, and patient/client/student outcomes.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: I think it's possible we'll see people from other professions - professions that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic - consider a career change. I could see people in other human-centered, interactive careers, such as the arts, considering a switch to speech pathology because it allows for creativity and connection and offers a stable career. I would also imagine that there will be an increase in telepractices. Just like we've seen many telehealth businesses start in the medical field over the past year, the same will likely happen in speech. The idea of telepractice hasn't always been popular, but families and clinicians are seeing that it offers greater access to and convenience for therapy sessions.
What Speech-Language Pathology Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: It is not advised that a graduate from a master's program take a gap year, since they need a year of clinical work (called the Clinical Fellowship Year or CFY) in order to become certified. It is more common for college graduates to take a gap year between graduation and beginning graduate study. The best thing a graduate could do in a gap year would be to work in a relevant field. This includes working as a teaching assistant or SLP-assistant in a school or hospital, interning at a clinic/school/hospital, getting some research experience, or even providing day care for children with disabilities. Anything you do to gain experience working with other people while learning about healthcare or education will enhance your resume and preparedness for graduate study.
What general advice would you give to a Speech-Language Pathology Internship?
Michelle Veyvoda Ph.D.: A graduate might want to consider what specialty, if any, they are interested in pursuing. They should secure a CFY position based on that interest so they can begin getting experience in it as soon as possible. But it is equally important to keep your mind open to all the opportunities that exist in speech pathology. Many graduates enter their professional life planning to work with one population (children, for example) and end up falling in love with a different population, such as geriatrics. Graduate school is essential for developing the necessary knowledge and skills, but the true experiences that mold someone's clinical practice happen from direct contact with clients. So get as much experience as possible.
Nicole Billak
Adjunct professorThiel College
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Speech-Language Pathology Interns to find work opportunities?
Nicole Billak: Technology has been essential to the continuation of most professions since COVID-19, and I predict this trend will continue. Technology offers flexibility in our service delivery and allows our clients the opportunity to continue receiving the care they need while staying safe. I believe that we have only scratched the surface with how technology can expand our field and am excited to see where technology can take us.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Speech-Language Pathology Internship job market given the pandemic?
Nicole Billak: Young graduates will need to have strong written and verbal communication skills. After all, communication is what we are teaching to others. To do that effectively, we need to be strong communicators ourselves. Graduates will also need to have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. When the pandemic hit, speech language pathologists were forced to rapidly develop various ways to provide services to clients, demanding problem-solving skills. Diagnostics in speech language pathology will require critical thinking to ensure all client needs are being appropriately met.
What skills stand out on Speech-Language Pathology Internship resumes?
Nicole Billak: Pennsylvania provides a fantastic setting for speech language pathologists because of the variety of opportunities available in this field. As a state with a multitude of early intervention services and geriatric care, career opportunities are available working with clients in all stages of life.