When it comes to the field of speech-language pathology, Texas is the place to be. Speech therapists are essential in various settings, including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. If you’re passionate about helping individuals overcome speech and language challenges, Texas offers so many opportunities for you.

Texas is home to some of the finest universities and colleges offering innovative programs in speech-language pathology. The educational landscape there is so remarkable, with great campuses and research opportunities. Texas provides over 25-degree programs focused on speech therapy and speech-language pathology to help you achieve your goals.

And that is not where it ends! The rewards in this field in Texas are as impressive as the opportunities. As of June 27, 2024, the average salary for a Speech and Language Pathologist in Texas is $90,035, with ample room for growth. Factors such as location, experience, and certifications can further enhance your earning potential, with major cities like Houston and Dallas offering particularly attractive prospects.

And the job outlook? Outstanding. From schools to hospitals, SLPs are in high demand across various settings, ensuring a dynamic and fulfilling career path. The possibilities are endless, whether it’s helping children with speech and language disorders in schools, aiding patients in their recovery in hospitals and clinics, or establishing your private practice.

But it’s not just about career prospects. Texas has so much to offer to students. With over 240 colleges and universities, the state provides diverse academic programs and a thriving economy supporting job growth in various sectors, including healthcare. Not to mention the low cost of living, making it an affordable place for students to thrive.

So, despite some challenges like weather extremes, the advantages of studying and working in Texas make it a compelling choice for many aspiring speech therapists. Thinking of becoming a speech therapist in Texas? This article contains every detail you need.  

A Texas Woman’s University website post states, “Speech therapists are needed yearly in Texas alone to assess and treat more than 200,000 public school students, ages three to 21.” Even the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor states that the employment forecast for speech-language pathologists is expanding far faster than that of most other jobs. 

The first logical step towards becoming a speech therapist is pursuing a speech therapy/pathology degree. Speech therapy is practiced in many different nations and states, but for this blog post, we will concentrate on becoming a speech therapist in Texas. 

Requirements for becoming a Speech Language Pathologist/ Therapist in Texas

To become a speech therapist in Texas, the necessary steps include:

1. Get a Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or other related courses.

2. Complete a Master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.

3. Do a clinical fellowship program.

4. Pass the National SLP exam.

5. Become a licensed speech therapist in Texas.

6. Maintain the licensure and complete the continuing education program.

Educational Requirements

Undergraduate Degree:

Before transitioning into a certified speech therapist, the first step is to study communication sciences and disorders, speech pathology, speech and hearing sciences, linguistics, and other related courses. The study of phonetics, emphasizing the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, as well as communication disorders, will be introduced to the students. 

An undergraduate program is typically finished in four years, after which you may be eligible to apply to become an assistant to a speech-language pathologist. This allows you to work alongside a licensed speech-language pathologist and gain practical experience.  If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology or other related courses, you would have to do finish a pre-professional program the university offers before beginning your graduate work. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a different field must complete a post-baccalaureate leveling program at certain universities like the University of Houston.

Graduate Degree in Speech Language Pathology

Once you start a Master’s program in speech pathology, communication sciences and disorders, and other relevant courses after earning your bachelor’s degree, you will be well on your way to becoming a speech therapist. Typically, it takes two to three years to finish this curriculum. Ascertain that the Master’s program in which you complete your CAA degree is accredited. While a master’s in speech-language pathology from a Texas school is not required, the state offers many accredited and affordable options for it’s residents. The CAA sets the standard of education for speech-language pathology, and it adds credibility to the course studied and the degree earned. To acquire a license as an SLP in Texas, you need to first complete a master’s degree program from an acknowledged institution, as per the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology oversees the accreditation of graduate schools in this area and has established rigorous educational requirements to ensure that professionals have fulfilled them. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) offers the thorough education required to acquire the sophisticated clinical abilities and understanding required to meet the vital requirements of people with swallowing and communication difficulties.

You can work with various populations of all ages, choose a work environment that fits your interests and career goals, and specialize in areas that can lead to leadership positions and advanced career opportunities if you have a master’s degree in SLP. A 400-hour clinical practicum under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist is another requirement of your graduate degree.

Licenses and Certifications

You must have a master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution or university with a major in one of the areas of communicative sciences or disorders to apply for a texas license to work as an intern in speech-language pathology. The internship must include at least 36 weeks of professionally supervised full-time work (35 hours per week) or equivalent to part-time work for a minimum of 1,260 hours. 

Clinical activities linked to managing people with communication difficulties are the internship’s main focus. These activities include assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, screening, treatment, report writing, family/client consultation, and counseling. It is broken up into three parts, each needing at least thirty-six hours of supervision. The internship will be directly supervised for six hours per segment of client engagement, and indirect supervision will be provided for six hours per segment.

In order to fulfill the mandatory 36-week internship requirement in Texas, you need to receive a license as an Intern in Speech-Language Pathology. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Clinical Fellowship Year (ASHA CFY) is something you can pursue in addition to this. Nevertheless, receiving ASHA clearance to start the CFY does not provide you with a Texas professional license. 

The following conditions must be fulfilled for your clinical fellowship to be eligible for CCC-SLP certification: 

Comprise a minimum of 36 weeks at a rate of 35 hours each week, or 1,260 hours overall. 

– Receive mentorship from a speech-language pathology specialist certified by the ASHA. 

– Direct clinical interaction, including screening, diagnosis, evaluation, counseling, and assessment, must account for at least 80% of the clinical fellowship. 

Applying for CCC-SLP certification can be done without you finishing your fellowship. ASHA advises waiting to register and take the test until you finish your clinical practicum and graduate school or start your first year of a clinical fellowship after graduation.

Tips to Secure Your Ideal Speech Pathology Clinical Fellowship

1. Research and Prepare

Recognize your interest in landing the clinical fellowship in speech pathology of your dreams. Decide which demographics and environments you are most enthusiastic about—such as clinics, schools, or hospitals. Next, learn about the conditions that must be met in your state to complete a clinical fellowship, such as the number of hours under supervision and the required skills. To guarantee a top-notch training experience, look for fellowships with recognized organizations or universities.

2. Networking

To meet professionals and get access to job listings, join organizations like the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Seek the assistance of mentors, such as instructors, clinical supervisors, and SLPs in practice, who may provide insightful counsel and suggestions. To stay updated and engaged, you should also participate in online forums and follow SLP professionals on LinkedIn, Instagram, and professional forums.

3. Application Process

Make your cover letter and CV unique by emphasizing your clinical experiences, relevant education, and any unique qualifications or abilities you may possess. Get a solid recommendation letter from a faculty member or clinical supervisor who can vouch for your qualifications for the fellowship. Be ready to talk about your clinical experiences and how they helped you prepare for the fellowship. Practice typical interview questions and speech pathology-specific scenarios 

Praxis Exam and Jurispendence Exam

The Praxis Exam is a test that states that teacher certification is required, and it evaluates a beginning practitioner’s comprehension of key concepts and contemporary practices. The exam is given by Praxis Educational Testing Service (ETS) and was created by ASHA in compliance with the most recent SLP proficiency criteria. The Speech Praxis is an exam designed for individuals aiming to work as speech-language pathologists in private practice. Obtaining the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is required. Additionally, many states use this test to certify speech-language pathologists working in schools. The Texas Jurisprudence Exam (TJE) is a requirement for SLPs seeking licensure in Texas, and a passing score is necessary. 

It’s important to remember that this exam should be taken only after completing graduate coursework and clinical practicum or during the first year of clinical practice after graduation.

Becoming a Speech Therapist in Texas

When a speech-pathology intern completes the required 1,260 hours of internship and passes the Praxis exam, they can upgrade their license type to speech-language pathologist.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology has developed licensure criteria that must be followed by all audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the state of Texas, as well as by interns and assistants.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology should be contacted with any inquiries about licensure or the specifications needed to receive or maintain a license. For customers, students, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists, there is a membership-based organization called the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). The licensing of audiologists and speech-language pathologists is neither governed or regulated by TSHA. For more about TSHA and ASHA-approved continuing education opportunities, visit the TSHA Continuing Education Center. 

Maintaining Your CCC-SLP Certification

To maintain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and continue practicing as a licensed speech-language pathologist in Texas, professionals must adhere to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requirements for continuing education and licensure renewal.

Continuing Education Requirements

In Texas, speech-language pathologists must undertake 20 clock hours of continuing education (equivalent to 2 continuing education units) during each renewal period. Among these 20 hours, 2 clock hours (0.2 continuing education units) need to be focused on ethics. These educational activities are essential to keep every SLP updated with the latest advancements and ethical standards.

Approved Providers

Your continuing education courses must be provided by an organization approved by one of the following associations:

– American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

– Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA)

– American Academy of Audiology (AAA)

– Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA)

Rollover Hours

If you exceed the 20 required clock hours during a renewal period, you can carry up to 10 additional clock hours to the next renewal period. Among these rollover hours, 2 hours can be in ethics. This provides flexibility in managing your continuing education activities.

Audit System

The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation randomly audits license renewals each month. If your license is chosen for an audit, you will need to submit documentation, such as certificates or transcripts, to confirm that you have completed the necessary continuing education hours. Your license will only be renewed after meeting these requirements.

Record-Keeping

It is important to keep a record of your ongoing education activities for a minimum of three years. Proper documentation is essential in case of an audit and guarantees that all educational criteria are accurately recorded and can be verified.

Conclusion

It is  clear that Texas offers a fantastic environment for aspiring speech therapists. With numerous degree programs, a healthy average salary, and high demand for SLPs in various settings, the Lone Star State presents a wealth of opportunities. To obtain a license, completion of a master’s degree from an accredited institution and meeting the state’s internship requirements are essential. And let’s not forget the importance of continuing education to maintain your license. With its flourishing economy, diverse academic programs, and affordable living costs, Texas is an ideal place to kickstart a fulfilling career as a speech therapist. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you are on your way to becoming a speech therapist/ pathologist in Texas.