Ridiculous is not a word that I would use to describe a profession that I, and thousands of others around the world, have committed our lives to. Compassionate, knowledgeable, creative, passionate, determined and driven are just a few of the many adjectives that describe speech-language pathologist (SLP).

My colleagues and I are passionate about ensuring that every day our students and clients are able to communicate their thoughts, dreams and desires. We strive to help people regain skills that they have lost or have not fully developed. We are trained to work to diagnose and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults.

Speech-language pathologist work in education, health-care settings, private practice, academia and research environments. We are certified by the American-Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and are required to complete the following to practice:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Master’s Degree from an ASHA-accredited program.
• Rigorous and extensive academic programs.
• More than 1600 hours of supervised clinical experience.
• Academic excellence.
• Passing grade on a national examination.
• A 9-month full-time clinical fellowship post graduate school.
• Maintain a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
• Ongoing continuing education credits of 30 or more hours every three years.
• Licensing by State Department of Health.
• Teacher Certification certificate if working in education.
• Compliance with ASHA Code of Ethics.

Although we gladly help children say their speech sounds correctly, we are more than just the profession that corrects a lisp. Our vast knowledge and training allow us to help millions of individuals on a daily basis. I am honored to be a speech-language pathologist. Ridiculous? I say not!

For more information about speech-language pathologists, visit ASHA.org.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Gifts for Speech-Language Pathologists $6 & Up

Speech & Language Materials $5 & Up

Speech & Language Books $4 & Up

Embed Print

Donna John

Ya'll are definitely NOT ridiculous, Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP . Well said.

Like Reply 1 3 years ago

Thanks! ❤️

Like Reply 3 years ago

Elisa Schmitz

Having worked with speech-language pathologists both personally and professionally, I can't imagine what that parent was thinking. The skills and expertise these dedicated professionals share with children and adults alike are a gift that I'm very grateful for. Thank you, Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP , for sharing your expertise with us. You are amazing and I'm grateful for you (and to ASHA, too)!

Thanks Elisa for recognizing my profession and all the amazing SLPs out there. I am grateful for you too (and 30 Seconds, too)!

Gwen Johnson

My nephew was in speech therapy, and it helped him so much, if so many ways beyond just being able to talk clearer. Never let anyone put your profession down. You are much needed.

I try not too! Thanks for your kind words and I am happy your nephew is doing well!

join discussion

Please login to comment.