SLP 101
-To teach myself more about the field of Speech Language Pathology, and language in general.
-To learn from professionals and others with the same interests.
-To, eventually, share my knowledge with others.
Thank you for following me on this journey.
Thank you, I greatly appreciate it!
I do always enjoy learning about what SLP grad students did to stand out in their application. Volunteer/work experiences, GPA, letters of recommendation, etc.
I have a good grasp on what to do, but new ideas are always helpful.
So, if you ever feel like divulging that… :)
How It Feels to Have a Stroke: a neuroscientist describes her experience with having a stroke
This video was shown to us in my Cognitive Psychology course; I thought it was a fascinating perspective to share.
That was my understanding as well. And, so long as I’m in Michigan, that will be the case. Even if there are opportunities here to work as a SLPA, I’d have to think they are very limited.
I’ll keep it in mind if I move to a different state :P
I feel really stuck.
I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax…
Agreed on all accounts.
Most of the current students in my major are planning on either working as SLPAs for a few years to cut down on the debt, going into grad school for a totally different major (child development, psychology, physical therapy, gerontology, special education, occupational therapy, etc.) or moving to a state where the school districts/companies will help pay for your grad school in exchange for your services once you’re in your CFY or have your CCCs. Moving to the midwest is also an option and the pay is higher for speech paths in rural areas because of the low number of SPs available out there. A few of my classmates are also considering moving to Australia and doing there undergrad over again just so they can get certified in four years. You could also consider taking online grad courses or going to an un-accredited program while they receive their accredation.
I know none of this is the kind of information you are looking for, but I thought I’d throw this out there considering there are a lot of us in this same exact position.
Hey, moving to Australia sounds choice :)
I appreciate the post, I really do. It’s nice to know that my concerns are valid, and it makes me feel better that I have a grasp on what I may be getting myself into. I bash myself for over thinking things, but there’s something to be said for having an idea of what lies ahead!
I’ve checked into doing the SLPA gig, but I don’t believe Michigan is really one of the states that has that as a profession. I could be totally wrong, but I couldn’t find any information.
I’m curious as to why your peers would go to grad school for a different major? Just changed their mind, or is there a strategy involved?
Thanks again :)Two schools of thought. One to keep themselves “busy” and look better for grad schools in speech pathology when they re-apply. That sounds really impractical to me but it’s their money I suppose. The other half has decided they are not cut out for speech pathology and would like to pursue a different career choice. Apparently, other grad schools love our major because speech pathology students tend to be well-rounded in research practices, statistics, linguistics, education, psychology, biology, anatomy, and special education.
Makes sense! I wish them, you, and myself the best of luck in this treacherous journey through higher education :)
I see! That’s great :D
I take it you do work directly related to the SLP field, then?
Here in Michigan you can be a substitute teacher if you have Bachelor’s in anything… that’s about it! ;)
And thank you for your appreciation :) I’m pretty excited to graduate on April 29th, so I can take part in more volunteer opportunities. It’s always the highlight of my day.
I am reflecting upon my recent post, and would just like to say that my fiance - and anyone else like him - is a jerk.
Why?
Because he has only $17,000 in student loans, and recently stopped going to school because he got promoted to an manager position, making a starting salary of $45,500. And he has a 5-year plan to be promoted again, to a $70,000+ position.
On top of that, he enjoys what he does. He takes pride in his work.
And here I am, $25,000 in debt… and I’m a completely worthless human being.
Barely qualified to breathe.
I feel really stuck.
I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax…
Agreed on all accounts.
Most of the current students in my major are planning on either working as SLPAs for a few years to cut down on the debt, going into grad school for a totally different major (child development, psychology, physical therapy, gerontology, special education, occupational therapy, etc.) or moving to a state where the school districts/companies will help pay for your grad school in exchange for your services once you’re in your CFY or have your CCCs. Moving to the midwest is also an option and the pay is higher for speech paths in rural areas because of the low number of SPs available out there. A few of my classmates are also considering moving to Australia and doing there undergrad over again just so they can get certified in four years. You could also consider taking online grad courses or going to an un-accredited program while they receive their accredation.
I know none of this is the kind of information you are looking for, but I thought I’d throw this out there considering there are a lot of us in this same exact position.
Hey, moving to Australia sounds choice :)
I appreciate the post, I really do. It’s nice to know that my concerns are valid, and it makes me feel better that I have a grasp on what I may be getting myself into. I bash myself for over thinking things, but there’s something to be said for having an idea of what lies ahead!
I’ve checked into doing the SLPA gig, but I don’t believe Michigan is really one of the states that has that as a profession. I could be totally wrong, but I couldn’t find any information.
I’m curious as to why your peers would go to grad school for a different major? Just changed their mind, or is there a strategy involved?
Thanks again :)
I honestly don’t think I would be qualified, with a Bachelor’s in Linguistics… :\ Maybe it’d be something I could do after my post-bachelor courses in Speech-Language Pathology? Or can you get hired into a school system with a Bachelor’s like mine?
I am taking part in relevant volunteer opportunities, and am keeping my eye on a local closed head injury facility; I could work there as a ‘rehabilitation associate’. I don’t know much more than that about it at this point in time. :)
You’re right, though… I don’t take pride in my current job and, although I don’t have a bad job by any means, it gives me zero satisfaction.
I feel really stuck.
I’ll be graduating with a pretty much useless Bachelor’s in Linguistics, with a minor in Psychology, next week. My student loans are at about $25,000, and I gross less than that. Not horrifically less, but less. I know over the next 5-10 years I could get raises, use tax refunds toward repayment, get an additional or better paying job, and obviously work more than 32 hours a week. I’ll have additional money when my car is paid off, and when we’re not putting money away for a wedding. If I stopped now, between myself and my fiance we would be fine, comfortable, even, paying back the loans in less than 10 years.
But, the thing is, I want to keep learning and become a Speech Language Pathologist.
However, this involves a year of post-bachelor courses (racking my student loan debt up, potentially to $35,000). I have to count on getting into a graduate program after that. If I don’t, then I’m in the same spot with $10,000 more in debt. If I do, then my debt goes up to $60,000. I’m positive that an entry-level salary would gross less than that. Maybe even half that.
So, I’m essentially in the same boat, but with more risks. What if I don’t get into graduate school? What if I can’t find a job? What if I can’t find a job in the same state as my significant other? Those kinds of risks.
It doesn’t feel fair that an education costs that much. I’m doing what I can to get ahead and contribute to society, and it’s not working out. My current job required no education or certification. Are you to tell me that I would have been better off going no farther than high school?!
I don’t know what to do at this point. I know what I want to do, but it feels more like a risky investment game than a fucking education.
I have artistic ability, and hypothetically could supplement my income with that. But I feel like that talent is wasted on me - I’m rarely inspired or motivated. I’d usually rather sit around and watch Netflix or drink with friends. Plus, using art for income is so shaky. Being a 35-year-old receptionist/illustrator, or 35-year-old tattoo artist does not sound like something I would be proud of. No offense to those who fit that mold.
I want to learn more, and I want to be a medical professional. But I HATE being in any kind of debt, and feel sick when I think of half of my income going to repayments for 10+ years.
I need someone to tell me that it’ll be okay and I should go for it, because all I’m feeling right now is that it will bring financial ruin >.<
Hey all! I haven’t updated in a while. I haven’t felt very SLP oriented, lately. A lot of my focus has been on graduating, moving, summer plans, and my 2013 wedding.
Lately, all I’ve been doing is volunteering for a couple of hours each week at a local nursing home’s memory care unit. This unit houses seniors with dementia, etc. and my activities with them pertain to trying to keep their wheels turning. We do games, discussion groups, etc. I absolutely love their stories, and their humor.
Given that I’m a pretty slow-paced, laid back person, I think I’d do best with geriatric SLP work. Right now, I cannot see myself dealing with energetic children. I don’t want to say that I don’t like kids (their stories and humor are great too!), but I really enjoy working with the elderly. From a pragmatic standpoint, the geriatric segment of the SLP field should have good opportunities in the future. So, I think that’s what my focus will be while thinking about getting into grad school. Later, I may be announcing something exciting pertaining to that!
I know that I need experience with other populations as well. I’m working on getting in elsewhere to volunteer after I graduate on April 29th.
Aside from that, I’ve been a lame student. I know grad school will be a huge commitment - as well as the career thereafter- and I’ve been in college for 6 years now. I want to take a breather! Focusing on my life and not stressing about school (I’m only in two classes right now) feels pretty good. I’ve still been a bit of a nerd, though. Right now I’m reading The Alphabet vs. The Goddess.
