Tips to Find the Perfect Speech-Language Pathologist Job

Imagine finding a job that’s fulfilling, exciting, and also allows you to make a positive change in the world. This is the dream for many speech-language pathologists searching for jobs today.

Finding the perfect job is possible with tips from Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS). Learn more about finding the perfect speech-language pathologist job below.

Consider Where You Want to Work as a Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists can work in many different environments and locations. All these options mean that you need to spend some time considering the right environment for you and what parts of the job you enjoy most. Consider the following questions when searching for your next job:

• What age range do I want to work with? Would I enjoy working with young children and teenagers?
• How much flexibility do I want/need in my professional schedule?
• Do I want to work in one location all the time or visit several?

Some of the most common placements for speech-language pathologists are healthcare centers, colleges or universities as professors or supervisors, and primary or secondary schools.

Working With a Staffing Agency

As a speech-language pathologist, you’ll also have to consider if you want to work with a staffing agency. The right option for you may depend on what you want out of your position. A staffing agency provides support, helps you find a location that fits your needs, and lets you make your own schedule.

PTS is an agency that works alongside speech-language pathologists in school settings. Schools are a great option for many speech-language pathologists because they get to work closely with their students and see them thrive in a social and educational environment.

Schools are also a place of collaboration. You will work alongside other therapists, many of whom are also PTS providers, which allows you to grow your network of other therapists with whom you can collaborate. In addition to therapeutic collaboration, others dedicated to student success, like administrators, educators, and even parents, will work with you to help children do their very best and get the most out of their time with you and at school. Every day is different, and you’ll have the resources of PTS to tackle whatever comes your way.

Cultivate Skills to Help You Thrive in Your Ideal Working Environment

Whether you’re fresh out of school or searching for your next position, it’s important to consider and improve the skills that you may need when working as a speech-language pathologist. What do you thrive at, and what needs some practice? You can work on these skills while you’re searching for a position or aim to find a position that lets you exhibit these skills more frequently.

Some skills that are highly prioritized in speech-language pathologist positions include:

• Collaboration and Creativity
• Patience and Empathy
• Communication and Curiosity

Work on these skills at home, with friends, or during a side job. Don’t forget to mention them during an interview. Discuss your strengths!

Get Certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Graduating from an undergraduate or graduate program in speech-language pathology may open some professional doors for you. Still, it is important to get a Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA in order to get a job as a speech-language pathologist.

To earn your ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech-language pathology, you must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like communication sciences and disorders.
• Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
• Complete clinical fellowship experience.
• Pass the Praxis exam

In order to maintain your certificate, you will also have to keep up with continuing education requirements, which can help you learn about new research and improve your professional skills.

Apply for School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Jobs

If you’re searching for the perfect speech-language pathologist job in a school-based setting, explore current openings alongside PTS. We do our best to offer personalized placements so you are in an environment where you can thrive and connect with students as well as other therapists and administrators. View our current speech-language pathologist openings today.