Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-Language Pathologists
What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works with individuals to help them communicate and swallow safely. They assess and help treat speech sound challenges, language delays, stuttering, voice concerns, and social communication needs. In schools, SLPs provide therapy to support students in learning and everyday interactions. They also help set and track IEP goals so progress is clear and measurable. SLPs collaborate closely with special educators, paraeducators, and families to make sure strategies carry over into the classroom and home. When an individual’s spoken communication is difficult for them, the Speech-Language Pathologist also uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices like picture systems and speech-generating devices to help them communicate.
A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) helps individuals communicate. They assess and treat speech, language, stuttering, voice, and social-communication needs, and work with special educators, paraeducators, and families to support progress at school and home.
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Explore Careers as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Michigan
If you’re interested in helping to advance students with disabilities and building a meaningful career in education, becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist may be a strong fit.
OPTIMISE connects individuals with information, resources, and pathways to explore special education careers across Michigan.
Skills and Qualities of an Effective Speech-Language Pathologist
- strong communication skills
- ability to problem solve
- organizational skils
- clinical assessment and treatment planning
- ability to match assistive technology with person’s strengths and use with individuals
- collaborate with parents, families, teachers and other school and special education professionals
Education and Training Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders / Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, or a bachelor’s degree in a different major along with prerequisite coursework before starting a master’s degree
- Earn a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
- Take the Praxis exam in Speech-Language Pathology – with a passing score
- Complete 9 months/1,260 hours of supervised postgraduate clinical experience
- Michigan SLP License through LARA
- Additionally, earning the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is key to demonstrating your expertise and advancing your career.
SLP with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialization
- Requires Michigan SLP License
- AAC-focused training – coursework, CEUs, supervised AAC clinical experience (ASHA)
Speech-Language Pathologist Degree Programs
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Financial Resources to Pursue a Speech-Language Pathologist Degree
Michigan Scholarships & Grants
Michigan Reconnect Program
Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that pays you to attend your in-district community college tuition free or pays up to the in-district rate if you attend a community college where you’re considered out-of-district. Applicants must be 25 years old to apply.
Michigan Promise Zones
Amount: up to $800
High School Graduate Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 – $5,500
American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association Funding Portal
Association Funding Portal
American Speech-Language-Hearing
Foundation Funding Portal
Foundation Funding Portal
Speech Pathology Master’s Program Scholarships
Graduate Assistantships
Participating in a graduate assistantship is a great way to cover the financial costs of graduate school while gaining valuable experience in your field of education.
Federal Scholarships & Grants
File Your FAFSA
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.You must apply for aid every year.
Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index to determine federal student aid eligibility.
Subsidized/Un-Subsidized Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.
Pell Grant
A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness*
Amount: up to $17,500
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)*
If you’re employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the PSLF Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans
*Borrowers can’t receive credit toward TLF and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for the same period of service. That means, if you seek and receive TLF, the five-year period of service that supported your eligibility will NOT count toward PSLF. We recommend that you consider whether you’re interested in PSLF before deciding to pursue TLF, because we can’t make changes once you receive forgiveness.
Graduate or Professional Direct PLUS Loan
Direct PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible graduate or professional students through schools participating in the Direct Loan Program.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, administered directly by financial aid office at each participating school, not all schools participate
Federal Work-Study
part-time employment while enrolled in school, available to undergrad, grad, and professional students with financial need, available to full and part-time students, administered by participating schools, emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to course of study or civic education, on or off campus