2012 ASHA Convention: Blogger_Echo

I was quite excited to learn I was chosen to be 1 of 3 official 2012 ASHA Convention Bloggers. The details of the selection process are a mystery to me but I like to imagine I was chosen because they heard of my newbie (semi-awesome) blog, my excitement to join the profession, and my ever-so-amateur photos I post on here as well. Or perhaps it is because there is a lack of blogs written by SLPs or student SLPs in the great state of Georgia, which just so happens to be hosting the convention. I tend to think it’s more the latter, but no matter the reason, here is where I string together letters and words to form what is my blog.

What are my chances of getting into grad school for SLP?

When you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), you must consider that you cannot work independently with just a Bachelor’s. You must pursue a masters or doctorate in order to be considered a fully independent Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP).

Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders

So, what are the chances you will get into a graduate school for speech-language pathology? Here are some statistics:

SLP Graduate School Test Scores and GPA

If you are searching for the right graduate school(s) to apply for a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology, you have probably asked the question, “What do I need to score on the GRE in order to be competitive?” If you find a specific answer on any of the graduate school’s websites, let me know, because they are more elusive than the last ice cube at the bottom of a cup. No matter how many people you ask, and despite your polite e-mails to program directors requesting the information, many Universities just don’t post a requirement for whatever reason.

Then, to throw a wrench in your SLP graduate school plans, in 2010 the GRE ‘revised’ their test and changed the scoring.  And don’t get me started on the application fees; you may need to take out a loan just to apply for these places. Jeesh…could applications be more complicated?! (check out one of my posts for help)

She looks way to calm to be thinking of the GRE

So of course you ask your friends who have already been admitted into an SLP graduate program or you search the all-knowing Google for answers. Just in case your friends don’t have a good answer, or you don’t have any friends, or Google failed you, I am here to offer some suggestions on what you should aim for.

SLP Related Awareness Months

As a part of NSSLHA and our Advocacy aspect as Speech-Language Pathologists, we are encouraged and happy to spread information about our profession. Personally, I want more people to know how an SLP can help in more than just one or two aspects of the field. While every profession – nursing, PT, OT, respiratory, teachers – has its place among the disciplines, I am focused on how SLPs can impact more and more people.

A great way to spread the word about our profession and skill-set is to piggy-back off of Nationally recognized “Awareness Months” with an SLP twist. So,if you are looking for a way to stretch our services or reach new clients, may I suggest one of the following:

Why Kenai, Alaska?

“It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves.” ~Andre Gide

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” ~Helen Keller

“My life and career is my own adventure” ~Dario Argento

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold” ~Helen Keller

We so often get our ideas from the sayings and teachings of others; better yet, ideas come from our own actions, words, and experiences. So where did my idea to trek to Alaska come from? I like to think the story begins with Tracie Peterson’s book series The Song of Alaska.