Speech Language Pathologists

Sorry if this is long but just looking for some feedback as I am considering a career change. I have my BA in Speech Communications and always had the intent on persuing my Master in Speech Pathology but never did. I was content at my current job working as an assistant and just kind of lost thoughts of school. I am now considering going back for my Masters in SLP but can't afford to quit my full time job to do so. I am just looking for some insight from anyone who has been through the Master's program, is it even possible to complete this program while still working? Also, was it difficult to find a job in this field? I want to kick myself for waiting this long and now with a mortgage, it seems nearly impossible to go back but I don't want to have any regrets.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

You and I are on the same page. We had previous posts about Ultrasound Techs and this is my other field I am looking into!

Hopefully there are SLP's on here

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

several of my good friends are slp's. although the job is great and very versitle (you can work private practice, in schools, in hospitals, etc.), right now getting a position in the schools is nearly impossible. there is usually only one per school, sometimes one for 2-3 schools, so competition is rediculous. im not 100% sure if doing the program part-time is doable. i remember they all went to school full time to get their masters, and spent significant time doing different internships (similar to student teaching). hope this helps and good luck!

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

I work in the schools doing seech. I don't have my masters in it, just my BA I have my MA in education. To work in the schools now you need a MA at the time I was hired you didn't need a MA in speech. There is actually a shortage for SLP's in the city schools. They are always looking to hire. I'm in a High School and have a crazy caseload.
I always wanted to get my MA in speech but at the time it was very competitive and each school took only like 30-40 people per school and you needed a 4.0 and perfect GRE score.
Now like you I have bills to pay and a mortgage. I don't think I could go to school FT and work FT.plus the clinical hrs.
I had a friend that got in and went FT she couldnt work. Plus you need to complete a certain amount of clinical hours.
Not too sure if you can work for the city schools while enrolled in a MA program PT for speech doesn't hurt to find out sometimes the city might pay for some of your school if you work there for a certain amount of yrs.


Sorry if too long FM if you have any questions

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

I'm a SLP! I must say, the program is not easy at any school. The requirements for the MA have gone up and it is at least the same number of credits as an MBA (my last intern was a couple of years ago and I think she had to fulfill at least 62 credits at Hofstra). You may be able to work for a bit of it, but your clinical practica will almost certainly leave you unable to work for at least 3 semesters. I don't think anyone will hire a SLP without CCC's any longer (as a CFY you could be) but there are jobs out there. Don't let this scare you, as it is a wonderful field. However, it is a very rigorous program.

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

I'm an slp at a school in nj. I've been working for 9 years now, so I know the requirements have changed. I think it would be really hard to keep working through most if the grad program. Since slps can work in so many different settings, you have to do a few different internships in different settings. Between doing these, and still having class a couple nights a week, it would be hard to work, too.
BUT... It's a great field!! You have so many work options, that you're pretty much guaranteed a job somewhere once you're done. So it's not like all of that work would be for nothing...
Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions!

Re: Speech Language Pathologists

I am an SLP. I graduated almost ten years ago and my program was 63 credits. I was able to work only the first year and then I had all of my clinical internships to do plus classes. I am an independent contractor now. It is harder to find jobs at school just due to the issues going on with school budget however I think it might be possible for you to find a school SLP job after graduation. Many districts have hired contracting agency and you can work this way and get your benefits with your husband. It all works out. It is a great field and allows for a lot of variety.