Question for Speech Therapists?

I want to go back to school for my Masters. My undergrad major was originally SLP so I have a ton of courses completed. Unfortunately, I had to leave college for personal reasons and when I went back I just wanted to "get out" quick and never completed the undergrad SLP program.

How is the job market? I heard they are dying for SLP and OT's? Where did you go to school (if on the island)? How long did it take to complete the program?

I know I want to go back to school. I have been thinking about going back for elem. ed/reading teacher but I think I would be happiest as a speech therapist. I am just so nervous about the program and how hard it is, especially now with 1 toddler and another baby on the way.

Any advice?

Message edited 1/29/2010 8:40:20 PM.

Re: Question for SLP's?

The job market for speech is still VERY good. I don't live in LI, but my aunt is a therapist there.

No joke, the coursework and clinical experiences would be very difficult timewise with kids- but if you can swing childcare, you should be OK.

I live in MD and the job market for SLPs is ridiculously good down here. I am so thankful I chose this as a profession as I know I'll always be in demand.

It took me from August 2005 to May 2007 to complete my Masters. Classes and clinical experiences went through the summer (required). I think my total credits for my MS was 51.

Re: Question for SLP's?

The courswork isn't so bad, (my kids were 2 and 8 when i did it). Classes are generally at night and i think i took 2 classes a semester. They each meet once a week. Usually your first clinical is in the school's clinic I did that over the summer. The other clinicals are outside placements 1 child and 1 adult. and you can also do that 2/3 days a week. I think doing the papers for each class took up the most time. My school was very research based so each paper needed journal articles and we had to do an actually research paper. Also the comps at the end were alot. Ours were also essay type and they gave you broad areas to study before to prepare that was time consuming.

School's around here are:

Hofstra
Adelphi
CW Post (I think has a masters program)
St. John's
Queens College (they use to be full time day only).
Brooklyn College
Hunter College

I think SLP's are generally used more, but OT and PT are also in demand. I like the work because it is flexible especially when you have children.

I think it took me like 2.5 years that includes taking summer classes

Message edited 8/23/2009 1:18:01 PM.

Re: Question for SLP's?

Message edited 1/29/2010 8:34:18 PM.