Communication Disorders and Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology
Communication Disorders
I. WHAT IS SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY?
The SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST is the professional trained to work with children and adults with communication disorders. Communication disorders can result from such problems as delayed development, head injury, disease or stroke. The speech-language pathologist frequently interacts with parents, teachers, doctors, nurses and other professionals in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. The AUDIOLOGIST tests the hearing of individuals and helps plan and direct programs for learning how to deal with hearing problems, e.g., teaching speed reading, use of sign language, amplification systems, and making referrals for medical evaluation for the determination of appropriate medical/surgical treatments.
II. WHERE MIGHT I BE EMPLOYED?
Speech-language pathologists and audiologists may be employed in a wide variety of settings. Traditionally, a large percentage of speech-language pathologists have been employed by school systems and audiologists by physicians or hospitals. With the rapid expansion of health services, both speech-language pathologists and audiologists are finding increased opportunities in HOSPITALS, REHABILITATION CENTERS, REHABILITATION AGENCIES, COMMUNITY CENTERS, and PRIVATE PRACTICE. Also, many INDUSTRIES have started to employ audiologists to test and monitor possible hearing changes as a result of noise in manufacturing. Other employment opportunities exist with HEARING AID COMPANIES, national TELEPHONE and RESEARCH companies, and the U.S. MILTARY services. A large number of speech-language pathologists continue to be employed by PUBLIC and PRIVATE SCHOOLS throughout the United States.
III. WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO EARN?
Beginning speech-language pathologists and audiologists often earn between $30,000 - $40,000 in the schools (9 month years) and approximately $35,000 – $40,000 in hospitals or institutions (12 months). Many private health corporations are now starting SLP’s at even higher yearly salaries.
IV. WHAT TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
A MASTER’S DEGREE in communication disorders (speech-language pathology and audiology) is required in order to become licensed to work professionally in any setting. A four year undergraduate degree is required for beginning the graduate (master’s) program. In addition, two of the following requirements must be met:
1. An undergraduate grade point average of 2.50 or better on a 4.00 scale. In actual practice a required GPA of 3.00 or higher is needed to get into graduate school.
2. An average score of 450 or better on the General Tests of the Graduate Record Examinations.
3. A grade point average of 3.25 on at least nine hours of graduate courses.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION (the American Speech, Language & Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence) requires a master’s degree in either speech-language pathology or audiology, satisfactory performance in a “clinical fellowship year” ( which can be the first year on the job) and a passing score on a national examination.
CERTIFICATION by the state departments of education in public schools is required if you plan to work in the schools. In Indiana, a master’s degree is required.
LICENSING by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency in Speech-Language Pathology is required in Indiana and by a similar board in more that 30 other states. Standards for licensure are generally the same as for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.
V. WHAT COURSES IN HIGH SCHOOL WOULD HELP PREPARE ME FOR A MAJOR IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATOLOGY?
Psychology, English, Anatomy, and Physics. Students are normally expected to be ranked in the top 50 percent of their high school class in order to gain entrance to Indiana State University.
VI. WHY WOULD I WANT TO ATEND ISU?
Indiana State University offers an undergraduate major in Communication Disorders that provides the preparatory material/experience for the master’s program in either speech-language pathology or audiology. At the graduate level, the student may opt for a program that leads to work in a clinic/institution setting only.
The ISU master’s program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation. This assures some consistency in courses for transfer from one accredited program to another, as well as for meeting all licensing and certification standards. Required courses cover such subjects as phonetics, anatomy of the speech and hearing mechanisms, articulation disorders, language development and disorders, hearing disorders, hearing testing, evaluation techniques, and aural rehabilitation. Clinical practicum experiences are available throughout undergraduate and graduate training and are highly integrated into the coursework. The opportunity for early, closely supervised, clinical experiences is a real plus of the program since it gives the student an early introduction to the professional world.
VII. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT?
The Communication Disorders program sponsors the local chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). The students have a number of social events and are active in fund raising projects to assist the clinic. In addition, they sponsor local speakers and may participate in research and educational activities sponsored by the state and national associations. Members are eligible for reduced rates for professional meetings/conventions and reduced fees when they complete their program and apply for ASHA/ISHA membership and ASHA certification.
VIII. WHAT FINANCIAL HELP IS AVAILABLE?
Among scholarships available to students in communication disorders are: Margaret Rowe Memorial Scholarship, Hannah Schlueter Scholarship, Cheryl Slaughter Memorial Scholarship, and the Stella Ringer Scholarship. Assistantships and tuition scholarships are available for graduate students. Information on financial assistance may be obtained through the University Financial Aid Office.
IX. WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Program Director
Communication Disorders
College of Education, UH Room 226
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
812 -237- 2800
American Speech, Language, & Hearing Association
10801 Rockville Pike,
Rockville MD 20852
Students are encouraged to visit the clinic on the bottom floor of the Bayh College of Education and meet faculty and students.