How to become a speech pathologist? Is it possible for international students to be accepted into the Master of Speech Pathology program? What are essential tips for applying to graduate school?
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are crucial in rehabilitation medicine, helping patients with communication and swallowing difficulties. This field falls under the umbrella of linguistics, psychology, and medicine, and currently has a high demand for multilingual SLPs.
However, international students face unique challenges when applying for graduate school, including prerequisites, financial aid, CF jobs, and visas. I would love to share my experience with you so you don’t have to navigate alone. This article is part of the “Becoming a SLP” series and it will focus on the application process for graduate school. To receive guidance throughout this process, please subscribe to my website as I will be covering a range of topics:
Background: Joanna is an ASHA-certified bilingual speech-language pathologist. She has a passion to help individuals with language disorders, speech sound disorders, dysphagia, feeding disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other neuro-developmental disorders. Despite being the only international student in her class over a decade ago, Joanna persevered and obtained several international and national awards in her field. Her story can be found here.
1. Which School(s) to Apply
I dedicated almost a month to researching over 200 universities based on the U.S. News rankings for the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs. To determine which schools I should apply to, I created a chart including the following information:
| Requirements | Application Fees | Tuition Fees | Financial Aids/Scholarships | Clinical Practicum | Professors’ Area of Interests | Others |
For a detailed chart, you could download it here:
1) How to Locate Useful Information
It may seem like a long time to spend on research, but there are numerous factors to consider, especially when applying to graduate school abroad and budget is a concern.
To locate useful information on a graduate school’s website, these are the important steps:
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Remember to gather information from multiple sources and compare different programs to make an informed decision.
Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed when browsing through different websites, as most of them are arranged similarly.
I selected ten universities based on three tiers:
- I exceed all the requirements and have a high chance of being accepted.
- I meet all the requirements and may have a chance of being accepted.
- I may not be accepted due to competition with other students but I really want to try.
2) Common Roadblocks
A. 25 Observation Hours
Some schools require at least 25 clinical observation hours before you can apply. It’s recommended that you get in touch with the school directly to check if it’s possible to complete these hours virtually or after acceptance but before the start of school. Considering the lack of ASHA-licensed SLPs outside of U.S., you may also inquire about observing local speech therapists and if that counts towards fulfilling the requirement.
B. Prerequisites
Another issue that international students might face is not having a background in speech pathology. I was one of them. Some universities do accept students without any prior experience, but a majority of SLP schools require a background in communication disorders.
2. Prerequisites
1）Should I Compete Prerequisites Before Applying?
As previously mentioned, completing prerequisites can expand the list of graduate schools that applicants are eligible to apply for. Many graduate programs require students to have either majored in speech pathology or to have taken specific prerequisites.
The prerequisite subjects vary between different schools but typically include 3-credit courses such as “Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism” and “Language Development.” Some schools also require applicants to complete courses mandated by ASHA, such as “Statistics” and “Biology.” For a complete list of ASHA’s required courses, please check here.
On the other hand, a few graduate schools permit applicants to fulfill prerequisites after being accepted into the speech pathology program. In this scenario, I suggest that students complete these courses before starting their clinical practicum, as taking additional courses in addition to speech pathology courses and clinicals can be quite challenging.
2）Graduate Schools That Do Not Require Prerequisites
I have compiled a list of graduate schools that do not require any prerequisites. You can find the list here. The list will be updated regularly.
点击图片直达“不需要预科的学校清单”
3）How to Take Prerequisites Abroad?
First of all, the cheapest and the most convenient way is to take these courses at your own undergraduate school. Be sure to confirm with the SLP graduate school that they will recognize the credits. The disadvantage of this method is that students will need to prepare a few semesters ahead. Keep in mind that some colleges may have restrictions such as limits on how many credits you can take per semester or not allowing courses outside of your major.
Another option is to take online courses from US colleges, which offer flexible hours but can be expensive for international students. State schools may be a cheaper option and may have easier coursework.
I took my prerequisites at Utah State University considering the cost. There are multiple colleges offer prerequisites specifically for Speech Pathology, such as: Longwood University, Northwestern University, MGH Institute of Health Professions, UW-Madison, University of South Florida, University of Colorado Boulder, Columbia University. You may refer to this partial list here, or simply search for “programs that offer online SLP prerequisite courses”.
3. Personal Statement and CV for Graduate School
I have received numerous inquiries from international students about what to do when their GPA falls below their desired level. It is important to remember that your GPA, personal statement, and CV are all interconnected. The most crucial aspect is to utilize all three documents to explain why you are passionate about pursuing a career in speech pathology and demonstrate to professors that you are a diligent student with relevant experience. Ultimately, professors want to ensure that you have the necessary skills to excel in the field.
I always advise students to ensure that their personal statement and CV complement each other rather than duplicating information. While it is appropriate to list your awards and achievements on your CV, avoid reiterating them in your personal statement. Instead, aim to tell a compelling story that explains your motivations and highlights your accomplishments.
During my personal statement writing process, I found it helpful to jot down key points in a notebook until I was able to craft a statement that resonated with me. Additionally, it is recommended to tailor your personal statement to the interests of the faculty and the strengths of the specific programs to which you are applying.
Many students worry that they may have majored in a different field than speech pathology during their undergraduate studies. However, this should not discourage you from pursuing your dream of becoming a speech pathologist if it is truly your passion. Many American students have pursued speech pathology without having majored in the field during their undergraduate studies. As one of my professors once said, we are “people with stories.”
Volunteer experience related to speech pathology can be highly beneficial, as many individuals discover their passion for the field through extracurricular activities. Given that speech pathology is a people-oriented and supportive career, having volunteer experience can help demonstrate your dedication to the field. Lastly, if you have any national or international awards, be sure to list them on your CV.
4. Recommendation Letters
It may be a good idea to invite people from various aspects of your life to write recommendation letters. Personally, I selected individuals who are familiar with me in three areas: academics, volunteer work, and employment experience. These letters can provide a comprehensive view of you to graduate schools and demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career as a speech pathologist.
5. How to Find a CF Job with a Student VISA
After completing graduate school, international students may encounter a unique challenge of securing a CF job while having a student VISA. To assist with this, an article will be written specifically for speech pathology job hunting for international students. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive updates!
6. My Application Results
I applied to 10 universities and was accepted by one of the top 15 programs in the United States. As a bilingual pediatric speech pathologist with a decade of experience, I am grateful for those who have encouraged and supported me throughout my journey, especially during the challenging times when I was studying in a foreign country.
I want to share my story to encourage students who aspire to make a meaningful impact through their skills in speech pathology. It is worth noting that universities seek more than just impressive GPAs and test scores. They look for individuals who possess the potential to become leaders in the field and make a positive difference in the world. Therefore, volunteer work, job experiences, and any relevant experiences can play a crucial role in the admission process.
I wish you all the best in pursuing your American dream, and encourage you to never lose heart no matter where you are in your journey!
Chinese Version 中文版本:
本文最初于2015年发表在我的新浪微博，也曾收录于知乎专栏“Giving Voice” 和我的微信公众号：言语治疗师Joanna。发文的初衷是因为网上能找到的美国语言病理学临床硕士申请经验少之又少，我希望能够与后辈分享心得，让大家少走一些弯路。
希望我更新的这篇文章能够为国内申请美国语言病理学临床硕士的朋友们提供一些信息。如果你们有具体的问题，可以给我发邮件。介于我不是北美留学中介，而且我的工作实在很忙、私信太多，所以邮件中请附上详细的问题，而不是问像”如何考gre“这类”百度一下你就知道“的问题 :)。（本文著作权归作者所有。商业转载请联系作者获得授权，非商业转载请注明出处，谢谢）
作者背景：美国言语语言听力协会（ASHA）认证言语治疗师，美国注册双语语言病理学家（Speech-Language Pathologist），美国言语病理学临床医学硕士。专业从事儿童语言发育迟缓、构音障碍、自闭症导致的沟通障碍、婴幼儿吞咽障碍及其吞钡造影(MBS)诊断、各年龄层英语语音纠正等。曾获得美国言语语言听力协会颁发的“少数裔杰出学生领袖荣誉”、“杰出青年治疗师荣誉证书“，和”专业进修奖“，并选培为美国交叉学科合作诊断自闭症及广泛性发展障碍中心的2015春季特训生，曾任美国“带给我希望“孤残夏令营志愿者负责人。目前拥有专业译作两本（如下）并且接受专业组织的合作。I am a Christ Follower.†
通过这几年和国内外的言语治疗师们的沟通交流，我发现国内有很大一批的康复师、在校学生们有志于来美学习语言病理学（Speech-language Pathology，以下简称SLP）。能够和大家分享我当初的申请经验、促进国内康复治疗的发展，是我的荣幸。
言语治疗师 (speech therapist – ST) 在国内基本是医师级别的康复人员在经过专业特训掌握病理后上岗。国内的治疗师培养自2013年开始起步，目前仍在完善中，治疗师背景参差不齐。语言病理学家（Speech-language Pathologist – SLP）在美国或其他发达国家是康复医疗中的关键部门，各年龄层的患者通过接受康复治疗，重新恢复了沟通、吞咽等基本需求。SLP算是语言学、心理学、医学的交叉学科，且在美国就业率很高。
我将在本网站持续更新语言病理学家的就业、薪酬、在不同就业单位针对各种病人的不同职业重点，以及作为国际留学生如何申请H1B工作签证等信息。欢迎大家订阅我的网站，不错过任何更新：
1. 留学背景
我本科非医学专业，托福100多，GRE311以上（忘记具体分数了）。和大家分享我的背景，是为了让大家知道美国招生学校并不只看单方面的成绩：我的同学中有成绩非常好的学霸，也有成绩一般但是社会实践经历丰富的多面手，所以建议大家衡量一下自己的综合水平，来决定是否申请以及申请哪一些等级的学校。我自大一开始就在福利院帮忙陪孩子玩、教小孩子语数英——我还没有决定要学这个专业前就已经做了很久的志愿者，这完全是出于感动，而不是为了留学美国。目前，我国有很大一部分人群极度需要沟通、吞咽障碍方面的治疗，这也是我申请这个专业的主要原因。
2. 选校
我没有找中介，因为当年中介根本没听过我这个专业。我长期潜伏于寄托论坛，论坛上很多的牛人都说不要找中介，省下中介的钱还可以多申请几个学校。由于家里经费很有限，我针对我的专业，在USNEWS的专业排行榜上，一所学校一所学校在官网上找消息：录取要求、申请费、学费、奖学金可能性、导师们的研究方向、实习安排等，并且做出EXCEL表格，最终决定了10所大学。这个过程很繁琐，我大概花了1个月时间把200多所学校都搜了过去，最后的10所大学根据：能考得上（保底）、要求偏高但是有可能能考上、可能考不上但是实在很想去分开档次。很多学校要求本科就是学SLP，或者有预科的限制，所以基本前5的学校都不能申请了，这个大家要注意去官网查询，或者直接给系主任发邮件咨询，免得浪费申请费。
1）如何在学校官网找到有用信息：
直接从US NEWS上的学校根据排名挑选几个心仪的学校，点开“语言沟通障碍” (Communication Disorders) 这个专业的主页，在招生那一栏就可以找到学校对于绩点(GPA)、托福/雅思、GRE成绩、是否需要预科(Prerequisites)等要求。不用怕麻烦，因为搜3-4个学校以后就会知道每个网站布局都差不多，就是要求的分数可能不同。
查询好硬件条件之后，就可以仔细看看学校的课程设置(Curriculum)以及实习安排、是否有奖学金机会。就实习安排而言，有些学校是教授安排就地实习，有些学校是学生自己全国范围内申请。另外，虽然绝大多数的研究院校的课程设置大同小异，都会覆盖言语治疗的课程内容，但仔细看看还是能发现不同侧重点的。如：有的学校侧重吞咽治疗，有些学校擅长自闭症，有些学校在嗓音治疗方面很出名。这类信息一般可以通过了解学院教授的研究范围来获取，或者在学院首页的新闻中显示出来。
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我整理了语言病理学选校表格，大家可以在这里下载，节约时间。
2）大于25小时的见习证明
有些学校要求学生在申请前就拥有大于25小时的临床见习，目前，国内的大城市仅拥有少数持有美国认证的语言病理学家，所以这个要求并不容易实现。建议发邮件咨询招生学校，问一问：1. 见习的言语治疗师是否必须持有美国认证CCC-SLP；2. 能否在录取后、开学前再满足这个要求；3. 网上的远程见习是否符合要求。
我当年的学校允许我们在录取后满足这个要求，同时网上的远程见习在满足一定条件下也是符合规定的，所以建议同学们联系学校，不要因为这个因素错过机会。
至于在国内哪里找拥有CCC-SLP的言语治疗师，除了在国内搜索，大家可以尝试在这个网站上搜索并联系讲中文的语言病理学家：ASHA Profind。目前ASHA不再列举海外拥有CCC-SLP的语言病理学家，但是有些语言病理学家会在自己的页面列出他们在中国的公司。
查找讲中文的言语治疗师
3. 不需要预科的SLP项目
Prerequisites：“预科”，或翻译为”前置课程“、”先修课程“，是国际留学生反复提到的问题，所以单独拿出来讲。
1）是否先学习预科再申请
目前，在美国并不是每一所开设语言病理学专业的院校都要求提前完成预科才可以申请。当然，如果申请的时候已经读完预科，那么申请学校时的选择范围就大了。
预科应该修哪些课程呢？不同学校的要求不同。有些学校要求学生提前修满和言语治疗有关的本科前置课程，如：”Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism”, “Language Development”等，而有些学校则要求学生提前修满ASHA要求的统计或生物科学等课程，在这里可以找到ASHA要求的详细课程清单。
若学院允许学生在录取后再修预科课程，那么一般是要求学生在毕业前完成这几门课程。当年我的教授建议我在第一、二学期，也就是开始实习前尽早完成预科，因为语言病理学的专业课并不简单，在修主要课程的同时抽出时间补上预科的几门课，课业负担重，更别提同时还要实习。
2）可以录取后再修预科的SLP项目
目前网上并没有现成的清单，我花时间整理了不需要预科就可以申请的学校，并会不定时更新，大家可以在本链接找到。
点击图片直达“不需要预科的学校清单”
3）不在美国，如何修预科（前置课程）？
首先，如果人在国内，最经济实惠的办法就是根据想考的学校要求的前置课程，在国内本科选修此类课程。此路线的缺点在于要提前准备，因为很多本科院校限制每学期选课数量，甚至有的学校不让跨专业选课。修完本科课程后，在申请的时候翻译好成绩单，翻译出课程描述，寄给美国院校，也是符合要求的。保险起见，可以先联系美国的学校看一看学校是否承认。基本上每个前置课程的学分不少于3个学分，这在选课的时候要注意。
另一个途径就是选修美国大学提供的网课。这个就相对繁琐而且昂贵一些，并且课程全英文，但网课的好处是上课时间灵活，可以自由安排时间。选择网课并不需要选择名校，因为私立学校学费很贵，而且名校的考试严格，而州立大学有时允许开卷考。大多数国际学生都是在保证课程符合要求的前提下，挑学费低的上，并且不一定要在同一所学校选修完所有课程。
考虑到经费，我当年选择的是Utah State University的网课，注意注册的时候只需要选择课程，并不需要学位(Degree)。据我了解，有不少学校提供针对语言病理学的预科，如：Longwood University、Northwestern University 、MGH Institute of Health Professions、UW-Madison、University of South Florida、University of Colorado Boulder、Columbia University 等。大家可以在这个网站找到部分信息，或者直接搜索“programs that offer online SLP prerequisite courses”。
4. 文书
选好学校后就是文书了。这是另一个很繁琐、但是非常关键的过程。很多朋友们私信问我：“GPA不高且跨专业咋整？”根据我的经验，学校录取一般根据综合能力，比如GPA，社会实践、奖项等，总之能够解释清楚你为什么半路出来要学这个专业，以及你真心是个勤奋且聪明的孩子，是可塑之才。这些都需要在你的个人陈述（personal statement – PS）和简历（CV）上体现出来，且个人陈述和简历是互补的而不是重复的。在简历中可以罗列获得的奖项和经历，但在个人陈述中我建议用讲故事的方法解释你想学这个专业的原因，并且从侧面“点出”相关荣誉和经验。我当时花了好久想个人陈述的思路，随身携带个小本子记下要点，某日灵光一闪写完把自己都感动到了，后来找外教们反复阅读、修改了大约20多次才最终定稿。
建议针对不同学校的特点，尤其是教授的研究方向来修改个人陈述。这类信息一般都在研究生院官网首页。很多学语言病理学的美国同学其实都是跨专业申请，我们和他们是在同一起跑线上的。我的教授还和我们说过咱跨专业申请的孩子更是“有故事的人”。简历的话，列出主要的国家级别奖项比罗列校内小奖有用得多，最好能够在申请的这段时间参与一些国际性或国家级的比赛。
很多同学为了让简历好看些去做志愿者，这在申请学校中还是挺占权重的，因为我们这个专业的中心是“服务社会，帮助有需要的人”。但我建议大家做志愿者也要坚持，美国的高级院校没有中介描述的那么傻，他们看得出来如果你只在某机构服务一周是什么意图的。在这里劝找中介的朋友们，一定要加入自己的经历，不要虚构，在中介帮你写完文书后要好好检查修改——当然我还是推荐自己申请。
5. 推荐信
至于推荐信，我找了学院院长、志愿者机构主办人、当志愿者的时候的主要负责人给我写的推荐信。除了院长是中国人，其他都是美国人。建议大家一定要真诚，国内太多作假的推荐信了，录取方都能看得出来。另外，美国人写推荐信一般是实话实说、略加赞美，所以如果你和他关系不是很熟，他可能没法给你做有力推荐，有可能适得其反。
推荐人我建议针对学业、言语治疗有关的社会实践和工作经历，邀请熟悉你的人来写。一方面能够体现出申请人品学兼优，另一方面能够突出申请人想学习这个专业的原因，并且是个勤奋努力、富有责任心和爱心的人。
6. 无绿卡言语治疗师如何找工作并且留美
很多申请人给我发邮件问关于国际留学生就业的问题。我将在本网站专门写一篇文章讨论此问题，请大家拭目以待。
7. 申请结果
我申请了10所，最后被当年专业排名第15的大学录取，已经毕业数年，在美国南部一所知名的儿童医院工作。一路上很多贵人相助，我算是蒙福的，所以希望能尽力帮助志同道合的人，让愿意学这个专业来帮助他人的同学们在申请的过程中稍微能找到方向。我相信想申请这一类专业的同学肯定也是有很不同的经历和故事的，就把你们的故事写出来通过你的文书和美国大学教授们分享。我在美国这十几年发现，这边非常鼓励、支持有梦想且付之于行动的人，所以，认真想清楚学习这个专业的原因，对自己有信心，不忘初心，方得始终！
加油！祝愿同学们被心仪的学校录取！录取后也请和我分享你的喜悦！
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Reference｜参考资料：
ASHA – How to Optimize Graduate School Applications
6 Common Prerequisites for Speech Pathology Graduate Programs
Joanna is a certified bilingual speech-language pathologist. She has been working with children and their families on various speech, language, and feeding issues. She is passionate about empowering parents and helping them bond with their children. She is a mother, author, and guest lecturer. Her story can be found here.
