Becoming a speech pathologist in Australia

How do I become a speech pathologist?

In Australia, you must complete a recognised bachelor or graduate-entry master’s degree. Australian universities offering speech pathology programs and their accreditation status are available online.

To work in Australia, most employers, insurance schemes and funding bodies require speech pathologists to be Certified Practicing Speech Pathologists which requires membership of Speech Pathology Australia or to be eligible for membership of Speech Pathology Australia.

Is study as an Allied Health Assistant a pathway to becoming a speech pathologist?

An Allied Health Assistant qualification, in any form is not a recognised pathway towards becoming a speech pathologist or gaining entry to a speech pathology degree. Short courses in speech pathology or similar variants are also not recognised by Speech Pathology Australia and do not equip graduates for entry to the speech pathology profession in Australia.

Why do we need CPD?

The Speech Pathologist’s responsibility to their clients and other stakeholders is to undertake “lifelong learning”. This ensures professional knowledge remains current, relevant and evidence-based. It also provides stakeholders with an objective measure of the speech pathologist’s commitment to maintain and extend their professional skills.