At the University of Vermont, our 100% online Speech-Language Pathology programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re starting your career as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) or pursuing graduate-level coursework to become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), UVM offers flexible, accredited programs tailored to your speech-language pathology career goals. Continue reading to learn more about our SLPA Certificate and SLP Pre-Masters programs.
Gain the skills to help others communicate with confidence, and develop expertise in speech-language pathology at UVM.
SLPA Certificate Program:
Designed for individuals passionate about supporting speech-language pathologists in educational settings, this program meets all American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines. Prepare to work with individuals with a variety of communication disorders through clinical experience and in-depth coursework.
SLP Pre-Master’s Program:
If you’re looking to transition to a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, in pursuit of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist, this 22-credit program provides the prerequisite courses needed to meet most graduate school admission requirements.
6 Reasons Why Students Choose UVM’s Speech-Language Pathology Programs
- Comprehensive Curriculum
- Flexible Online Learning
- Expert Faculty & Instruction
- Student-Centered Approach
- Preparation for High-Demand Career Path
- Making a Difference in People’s Lives
Comprehensive Curriculum – Gain in-depth knowledge and clinical experience to excel in a growing field. Our programs cover a wide range of topics such as language development, speech and hearing science, and swallowing disorders. You’ll also explore cutting-edge tools and techniques, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals.
Flexible Online Learning – All courses are 100% online and asynchronous, designed to allow students to balance a busy lifestyle, work, and studies. Online learning allows you to study at your own pace, and this flexibility is especially beneficial if you are working or have other personal or family commitments.
Expert Faculty – Learn from industry professionals dedicated to your success. All faculty members hold advanced degrees in speech-language pathology and have extensive experience working in the field. They bring real-world knowledge and expertise to the classroom, providing you with practical skills and insights.
Student-Centered Approach – Benefit from personalized support and resources tailored to your goals. Speech-language pathology programs prioritize individualized support from experienced faculty. This student-centered approach allows you to develop specialized skills and gain practical experience in your desired area of practice.
High-Demand Career Path – Enter a profession with immense growth opportunities and job stability. The demand for speech-language pathologists continues to rise, with a projected 25% increase in job openings by 2029. This high-demand career path offers opportunities in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Making a Difference in People’s Lives – As a speech-language professional, you have the opportunity to help individuals communicate and connect with others. Your work can greatly impact someone’s quality of life and independence, making it a fulfilling career choice for those who are passionate about helping others.
Explore Career Opportunities
Careers fore SLPA Graduates
Graduates from UVM’s SLPA Program primarily go on to work in schools, as well as telehealth and clinics. SLPA requirements vary by state, and interested applicants should review their state’s requirements while researching SLPA programs.
Median Salary for SLPAs:
- $45,000 (U.S. Department of Labor)
SLPA Career Opportunities:
- Speech-language pathology assistant in schools
- Telehealth and remote speech therapy and virtual assessments
- Hospitals and private practices
- Residential healthcare facilities, nonresidential healthcare facilities
Careers for SLP Pre-Master’s Program Graduates
After completing prerequisite courses, pursue a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Become an SLP and gain the qualifications to assess, diagnose, and treat those with speech or language impairments. SLPs have a variety of career options, working in educational, healthcare, and private settings. They may specialize in areas like voice disorders or fluency disorders, and can also pursue careers in research, teaching, or management.
Median Salary for SLPs:
- $83,000 in schools
- $82,000 in healthcare settings
- Up to $113,000 for administrators
SLP Career Opportunities:
- Educational Settings: Schools (K-12 and early intervention programs), colleges, and universities.
- Healthcare Settings: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
- Private Practice: Self-employed SLPs working independently or in a group practice.
- Other Settings: Corporate industry, public health, and the military.
Specializations within Speech-Language Pathology:
- Voice Disorders: Working with individuals who have voice problems, including those with professional voice use or due to medical conditions.
- Fluency Disorders: Addressing fluency challenges like stuttering and other disfluencies.
- Cognitive Communication Disorders: Assisting individuals with difficulties in higher-level thinking and communication skills.
- Swallowing Disorders: Evaluating and treating swallowing problems, often in medical settings.
- Early Intervention: Providing services to infants and toddlers with communication delays.
Non-Clinical Career Options for SLPs:
- Rehabilitation/Clinical Liaison: Connecting SLPs and other healthcare professionals.
- Telehealth: Providing SLP services remotely.
- Research: Conducting studies on communication disorders and developing new treatments.
- Management and Leadership: Supervising teams of SLPs or leading clinical programs.
- Vocal Coaching: Providing instruction and guidance for professional voice use.
- Education: Teaching in communication sciences and disorders programs or developing educational materials.
Alumni Success Stories
SLPA Certificate Alumni
“The SLPA program gave me the skills and the confidence to work with children in schools, ensuring they receive the speech therapy they need. UVM’s online format was perfect for building my career while balancing life responsibilities.” ~ Amy T.
“UVM’s student-centered approach truly set me up for success. The program’s focus on my individual goals and providing tailored support made all the difference as I transitioned into working in a residential healthcare facility. I felt prepared and confident to provide quality care to patients in need.” ~Jake R.
SLP Pre-Masters Track Alumni
“UVM’s Pre-Master’s coursework prepared me for graduate school and my career beyond. Today, I work as a medical SLP specializing in post-stroke communication rehabilitation. The comprehensive curriculum was a huge benefit in preparing for my master’s degree. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application ensured I had a strong foundation to thrive in graduate school and in my professional career.” ~Rebecca L.
“Transitioning from teaching to speech-language pathology has been life-changing. The flexibility of UVM’s program made it possible, and I earn a great salary doing what I love. The instructors in UVM’s Pre-Master’s program are deeply knowledgeable and supportive. They truly care about their students’ success and go above and beyond to provide a challenging yet nurturing learning environment.” ~Carlos M.
Join a Growing Industry
Speech-language pathology is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare and education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 21% job growth rate for SLPs from 2021-2031, far exceeding the national average. Whether you’re just beginning with an SLPA certification or pursuing a long-term career as a licensed SLP, UVM’s programs set you up for success in a high-demand industry.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Not sure which path is right for you? Connect with our dedicated Student Services Team to learn how UVM can support your education and career goals.
- Chat with us online, Mon – Fri, 8:30a – 5:00p EST
- Schedule a 15-minute virtual call with Pre-Health advisors
- Speak with an Enrollment Coach for personalized guidance
