How to Become a Travel Speech- Language Pathologist (SLP)01

Traveling the world and helping people improve their lives might seem like very different passions, but imagine you were able to combine the two. As a travel speech-language pathologist (SLP), you can.

You may be wondering how to become a travel speech-language pathologist, including the qualifications, steps, and opportunities that come with this unique and rewarding career path. Let's dive in.

What is a Travel Speech-Language Pathologist?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat communication disorders and swallowing difficulties. They work with people of all ages, from children with speech delays to adults recovering from strokes. An SLP can work in various settings, depending on the focus. Examples include hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing facilities, and outpatient centers.

Add travel to the SLP title, and you can combine your love for exploring new places and your commitment to improving communication skills. As with any travel position in healthcare, the work you are hired for is on a short-term contract basis for a specific number of weeks.

Steps to Becoming a Travel Speech-Language Pathologist

Becoming a travel SLP requires a solid educational foundation and the ability to adapt to new environments and patient populations. Here are the steps to kickstart your journey:

Step 1: Education and Certification

The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree related to your future career as an SLP, including linguistics, language development, speech pathology, or communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The next step is to obtain a master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited program. This degree typically takes two to three years to complete, including coursework, clinical rotations, and hands-on training. Graduating from an accredited program is essential for licensure and certification.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience

To become a proficient SLP, you must gain clinical experience to learn best practices. This typically involves working in a variety of settings, as mentioned above. Building a solid foundation of clinical experience will prepare you for the challenges and diverse cases you may encounter as a travel SLP.

Consider specializing in areas of speech-language pathology, such as pediatric speech disorders, voice disorders, or swallowing disorders, to broaden your expertise and make yourself more attractive to potential employers.

Step 3: Obtain Certification

While certification is not always required to work as an SLP, it can enhance your professional qualifications and career opportunities. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). According to ASHA, "Those who have achieved the CCC—ASHA certification have voluntarily met rigorous academic and professional standards, typically going beyond the minimum requirements for state licensure."

Step 4: Acquire a State License

To practice speech-language pathology, you must be licensed in the state where you plan to work. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so it's essential to research and meet the specific criteria for your chosen destination. It's also beneficial to have a knowledgeable recruiter who can help guide you.

Finding the Perfect Travel SLP Job

Now that you've completed your education, gained experience, and obtained the necessary credentials, you're ready to embark on your career as a travel SLP. The travel staffing agency you have chosen to build a long-term relationship with will present you with job opportunities based on where you want to work and travel to, along with the work environment you seek. They will also help you negotiate contracts, handle travel and housing logistics, and simplify the entire process.

One example of what may be available is in Grand Forks, ND, at a weekly gross rate of $2,685 for a 12-week contract, working 8-hour shifts, 40 hours a week in an inpatient or hospital setting.

Another example is in Newton, CT, at a weekly gross rate of $1,520 for a 12-week contract working 8-hour shifts, 40 hours a week in a rehab facility, nursing facility or other outpatient center.

A third example is in Rancho Mirage, CA, at a weekly gross rate of $2,415 for a 10-week contract working 8-hour shifts, 40 hours a week in a hospital or other inpatient facility.

Is a Position as a Travel SLP Worth It?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Adding travel to the position provides even more advantages since there is a high demand for flexible and temporary SLPs.

When you accept an SLP position with Cross Country, the benefits are fantastic and can include:

• Private housing available or generous housing allowance
• Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
• Dependent health insurance with prescription coverage
• Competitive salaries
• Referral bonuses
• Travel reimbursement
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Direct deposit/free checking
• Unlimited free CE credits

A travel speech-language pathologist is a rewarding career that will fulfill all your dreams of adventure and helping others thrive.

To learn more about nationwide positions with Cross Country, click here.