Students interested in earning an online
degree in speech pathology can choose from both undergraduate- and
graduate-level programs. Undergraduate programs are designed for
students seeking to become Speech Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)
or certified speech-language pathologists. Most states require
candidates to hold a master's degree in order to become a licensed
speech-language pathologist. Areas of study include speech and hearing
science, language disorders and clinical phonetics.
Online Associate's Degree in Speech Pathology Program Overview
Most associate's degree programs teach students how to best assist
speech-language pathologists when treating disorders related to
articulation and phonology, child and adult language, motor speech,
voice, fluency and hearing. Graduates can seek employment as a
Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant (SLPA) or pursue further education through bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Students must have access to a computer with high-speed Internet
access in order to enroll in online courses. Many schools provide a
virtual classroom environment wherein students can get their
assignments, submit their homework and participate in both instructor-
and student-led discussions. Class materials can include physical or
Web-based textbooks, as well as downloadable audio and video components.
Hybrid programs blend online and on-campus classes and include observed
clinical practice.
Common Online Courses
Students explore the methods employed to assist speech-language
pathologists in the assessment and treatment of articulation, language,
voice, fluency and other communicative disorders in children and adults.
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Course
In this online course, students are introduced to the field of
communication disorders. They learn the guidelines used to determine the
development of normal and pathological speech. They are also required
to spend a set amount of hours of observation at one or several clinical
sites, which may be arranged locally on an individual basis.
Cognitive Neuroscience Course
This course explores the basic structure and organization of the
human central nervous system. Enrollees learn how it plays a role in
higher cognitive and linguistic behaviors.
Phonetics Course
This online course covers the linguistic, acoustic and articulatory
phonetic properties that are applied to the description of speech.
Particular attention is paid to the use of the International Phonetic
Alphabet with English, foreign languages and disordered speech.
Those with an associate's degree in this field can find employment as
a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SPLA) in locations such as
public elementary and secondary schools, daycare centers, nursing homes,
hospitals and private practices. According to
PayScale.com, annual salaries for SLPAs ranged from $30,802 to $45,756 as of July 2010.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology Program Overview
Bachelor's degree programs prepare enrollees for certification as
speech-language pathologists; they provide a comprehensive overview of
speech pathology, typically over the course of four years. Online
programs combine textbook reading assignments with virtual classroom
discussions, but also often include a required amount of practical work
in a clinical setting. The delivery methods and requirements vary by
program.
Common Online Courses
Students learn how to assess and treat speech disorders through a
series of somewhat flexible courses in a bachelor-level curriculum. They
explore the science of speech and prepare for certification as a speech
pathologist.
Language, Speech, and Hearing Development Course
This online course serves as an introduction to the development of
language, speech and hearing, along with the nature of human
communication and language learning. Topics include theoretical models
of language acquisition and the nature, causes and prevention of
language, speech and hearing disorders.
Voice Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment Course
In this course, students learn how to identify, evaluate and develop
treatment plans. They must accommodate the voice disorders of both
children and adults.
Observation and Graduate School Preparatory Course
This class consists primarily of independent work that allows
students to document their activities through a series of written
reports and projects. In addition, enrollees must complete a minimum of
25 hours of supervised observation of communication disorders in a
clinical setting as required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA).
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in speech pathology are equipped
to seek employment as a licensed speech pathologist. The median annual
salary for a licensed speech pathologist holding a bachelor's degree was
$66,939 as reported by
Salary.com in July 2010.
Online Master's Degree in Speech Pathology Program Overview
A master's degree is required by many states in order to achieve
certification as a speech pathologist. Therefore, these programs are
designed to prepare students for certification by engaging in research
projects (including a master's thesis), understanding professional
issues and completing a supervised internship.
Common Online Courses
Through a master-level curriculum in the field of speech pathology,
students examine all aspects of speech and communication disorders while
enhancing their research and clinical skills. Opportunities for
specialization in an area of particular interest are often available.
Stuttering and Fluency Disorders Course
This course teaches students to understand the normal and disordered
aspects of fluency. It also addresses current knowledge about etiology,
onset and development of stuttering. Enrollees learn to assess and treat
stuttering in persons of various ages and severity.
Professional Issues in Speech Pathology Course
This class covers professional issues of speech-language pathology as
they relate to settings such as public schools, hospitals and other
clinical areas. Topics include the law, ethics and third-party
reimbursement.
Clinical Practicum: Off-Campus Internship Course
Students are supervised in an off-campus setting in order to develop
advanced understanding of theories through their practical application.
They apply methods to diagnose and treat children and adults with
communication problems.
Those who have completed a master's degree can pursue a license to
become a speech-language pathologist, which is required to practice in
many states. Master's degree holders may also attain positions such as
speech and language pathology supervisor or director of speech and
language therapy.
Salary.com reported the median annual salary for a director of speech and language therapy was $92,167 as of July 2010.
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