Speech Pathology Degree

To get a degree in Speech Pathology, one must enroll to colleges and universities that offer the course. The practice is called Speech-Language Pathology in United States and Canada (SLP), Speech and Language Therapy in United Kingdom and South Africa (SLT), Speech Pathology in Australia, and Speech Language Therapy in New Zealand. Other terms are speech therapy, logopaedics, and phoniatrics

In United Kingdom it takes 3 to 4 years of studies of clinical language sciences and communication disorders to earn degree in speech and language therapy. Two years study for master or post graduate diploma are also offered by some universities. The course includes intensive study of core theoretical component in linguistics, psychology and medical sciences.

A newly qualified practitioner is recommended a career course to achieve numbers of competency. It qualifies them to work separately. Competency courses will be achieved within 12-18 months after the beginning clinical practice.

Every state in the United States regulates the practice of the Speech-Language Pathology. After earning the degree, in order to become a certified member of American Speech-Language Hearing Association, a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology is a minimum requirement. It means two years of post graduate work and clinical fellowship.

In Australia, it takes four years to finish undergraduate degree and two years for master's degree. Those are the minimum requirements for a qualified speech pathology graduate. Students are also required to study accredited courses t become eligible for optional membership of Speech Pathology Australia. Degrees on Speech Pathology vary in curriculum but all degrees include heavy clinical component and mostly include research component during the final year.

In South Africa, practicing clinicians must have four year honors degree. Upon graduating, a one year community service to government hospitals should be completed. Upon completion, t hey should register to Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) before they can start to offer services as an independent practitioner.