Students preparing for a career in Pre-Speech/Language Pathology are considered to be on a Pre-Speech/Language Pathology path. In order to qualify for programs in the field, students must take necessary prerequisites for each school.
In order to practice in this field, individuals must obtain a Masters in Speech Language Pathology degree. This may require additional education and clinical experience, for more information contact HealthProfessions@LCU.edu.
What do Speech & Language Pathologists do?
Speech & Language Pathologists, also known as speech therapists, evaluate, identify, treat, and mitigate communication and swallowing conditions in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders have an array of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, autism, etc. Click here for a full description of what Speech & Language Pathologists do?
What is the job outlook?
Employment growth for Speech & Language Pathologists is projected at 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for Speech & Language Pathologists is driven by baby boomers, who may likely suffer language impairments as the result of stroke or dementia.
(Retrieved from www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/speech-language-pathologists.htm)
What are the degree requirements?
Effective September 2014, the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association (ASHA) requires all candidates for certification in speech-language pathology have an undergraduate course in both life (A&P, biology, or animal science) and physical (chemistry or physics) sciences. The course titles and descriptions must reflect such courses.
What are Speech & Language Pathology programs in Texas?
*Programs are public and fully accredited unless otherwise indicated
Abilene Christian University, Abilene - Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist (Private)
Baylor University, Waco - Speech & Language Pathology Program
Stephen F Austin State University, Nacogdoches - Speech-Language Pathology Program
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock - Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
Texas Woman's University, Denton or Online - Speech/Language Pathology
University of Texas at El Paso - Speech-Language Pathology
West Texas A & M University, Canyon - Speech Education
For the pre-speech/language pathology degree plan, you will need to enroll in Bachelor of Arts in Biology curriculum. Visit the University Catalog here to view the pre-speech/language pathology degree plan and other LCU degree plans.