Careers and Outcomes

The speech-language pathology profession is projected to grow 29% over the 2020–2030 decade—much faster than the average for all occupations (8%), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth translates to 45,400 new SLP jobs over the course of 10 years.

The master’s program Elmhurst offers will sufficiently prepare graduates for the exciting and fast-growing industry of speech-language pathology. Upon graduation, Elmhurst will equip students with the clinical education, essential functions, and the knowledge and skills necessary to have a successful career in this specialized industry.

Elmhurst’s program prepares graduates to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. The certification qualifies you for an Illinois license to practice. With that license, graduates can work in hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, private practice, and skilled nursing facilities. The program also prepares graduates for working in the Illinois public schools. Most Speech-Language Pathologists work in schools, with a larger concentration in preschool and primary school settings; a smaller number work in secondary schools.

U.S. News & World Report ranked “speech-language pathologist” No. 3 in its “Best Health Care Jobs” category and No. 10 in its “100 Best Jobs” category for 2022.

Career opportunities related to speech-language pathology include, but are not limited to:

  • Audiologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Recreational Therapists

Read more about what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says about the demand for speech-language pathologists.

Jennifer M.D. Kremkow, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Program Director, M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders; Associate Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

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