Iowa Speech Pathology Degrees

Iowa Speech-Language Pathology Degree Programs

Iowa provides diverse educational options in Speech Pathology. This state offers programs at different levels for interested learners. Your journey begins at the bachelor's degree level. This introductory program teaches the basic skills you need to enter master's programs.

SLP licensing in Iowa requires that you complete an accredited master's degree. You will also need to complete field practice requirements as required by your state.

The Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology approves all applications for licensing. This agency is your main resource for licensing information along the way.

Who Is This Degree For?

Speech Pathology consists of different components contributing to communication. The pathologist's job includes assessment of current needs through testing.

You willingness to explore and creative thinking contributes to your success. Learners in Speech Pathology should prepare for intensive training in the degree programs.

Practitioners well-versed in different modes of testing have more tools at their disposal. Your persistence in practice allows for better investigation of speech issues.

Incoming professionals need sharp problem-solving abilities to solve complex speech issues. Attention to detail is another valuable trait for new professionals.

Learners use their knowledge in Psychology and human behavior for treatment planning. These concepts add to the integrity of your treatment program.

Degree programs include field practice at the master's level. Students at this level engage in observations and hands-on learning. Your ability to follow directions contribute to success during this experience.

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications for 2023.

Bachelors in Speech Pathology

The Bachelor's in Speech Pathology is your first step to a career in this field. This program lasts around 4 years for most learners.

Bachelor's programs in Iowa accept applicants holding a high school diploma. Colleges consider your grade point average during the initial acceptance decision.

Many programs also offer several start dates per year. This allows students to begin their programs as soon as they are ready.

Universities developed the bachelor's program to introduce learners to clinical practice. Courses integrate general education courses with introductory Speech Pathology classes

Classes first focus on normal communication development. Focus then shifts to common and uncommon speech and language disorders.

Students also learn about hearing and its effects on language development. The biological and anatomical features of communication disorders are major subjects of focus.

Learners interested in licensing begin at the bachelor's level. Iowa licenses graduates at the master's level. Students may qualify for entry-level careers at the bachelor's level.

Example Courses

• Principles of Audiology - This class provides insight into hearing disorders in clients. It also covers the effects of hearing on speech quality. Teachers provide procedures for clinical testing and intervention.
• Introduction to Phonetics - Students learn general English phonetics. Teachers place emphasis on transcription and articulation. The course also describes common phonetic disorders in depth.
• Clinical Treatment of Communication Disorders - Instructors first outline assessment of communication disorders. Students then learn step-by-step intervention planning. The course also outlines the importance of follow-up reviews over time.

Available Programs

• The University of Iowa - Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Science
• The University of Northern Iowa - Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and Disorders
• Iowa State University - Bachelor's in Communication Studies

Masters in Speech Pathology

The Master's in Speech Pathology provides great training and practice for learners. Iowa offers master's programs through several reliable institutions.

Master's options include 2 years of instruction at most universities. Some schools offer shorter completion times for more intensive programs.

Students participating in ASHA-accredit master's programs qualify for licensure after graduation. Licensing allows professionals to provide clinical services to clients.

This program teaches more about diagnosing communication disorders. Courses include focus on swallowing and fluency as well.

Instructors integrate patient communication into the curriculum. Voice tone and empathy help to create positive relationships in the clinical environment.

The degree program outlines the diagnosis of communication disorders in clients. Students also learn about developing treatment plans based on client diagnosis.

Accredited master's programs include field experience requirements. Students spend semesters observing actual speech pathologists in the field. Students may then also provide direct services while under supervision.

This part of the degree program prepares learners for their post-master's experience. Graduates move forward into field experience after graduation at this level.

Example Courses

• Cognition and Neural Bases - This course focuses on the brain and its anatomy. Students learn about the brain's involvement in language processing.
• School-Age Language Disorders - Students learn the effects of language disorders on learning. This class includes discussion on language barriers by grade level.
• Aphasia - This class focuses on the treatment of adults with aphasia. Instructors cover the evaluation and diagnosis of this disorder. Treatment methods are also discussed.

Available Programs

• The University of Iowa - Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
• The University of Northern Iowa - Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology
• St. Ambrose University - Master of Speech-Language Pathology

List of Speech Pathology Programs in Iowa

There are 4 CAA-ASHA accredited speech language pathology programs in Iowa: 3 SLP Masters and 1 Doctorate.

Click to see more online programs that are taking applications now.

CAA ASHA Accredited Iowa SLP Programs

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the premier programmatic accrediting board for Speech Pathology programs. Below is a list of ASHA accredited speech pathology and audiology programs in Iowa.

List of the Best Speech-Language Pathology Programs in Iowa

St. Ambrose University

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MS)

Davenport

CAA-ASHA

University of Iowa

Doctorate in Audiology (AuD)

Iowa City

CAA-ASHA

University of Iowa

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Iowa City

CAA-ASHA

University of Northern Iowa

Master's in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)

Cedar Falls

CAA-ASHA

Doctoral Options

Doctoral programs in Speech Pathology prepare you for advanced practice in this field. You can find doctoral programs at many universities in your state.

The doctorate teaches advanced research practice in many settings. This program also provides advanced practice skills for use with diverse clients.

Most doctoral programs take 2-4 years to complete. Completing a master’s degree can shorten this program for most students.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) currently accredits doctoral programs in Iowa. The University of Iowa provides an accredited Doctorate in Audiology for interested learners.

Graduates from doctoral programs achieve positions in leadership and field research in Iowa.

Path to Licensing

The Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology licenses speech pathologists. This agency processes all applications for licensure.

Licensing applicants must hold an accredited Master’s in Speech Pathology. The program requires accreditation through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Accredited programs include all required course work. They also include any required field experiences.

Graduates must then take part in 9 months of supervised experience. This experience should be under the supervision of a licensed speech pathologist.

The last step towards licensing is a national board examination. The SLP Praxis Examination includes 132 questions focused on practice in this field.

You will then submit your application for licensing to your state board. Your state requires that you send official transcripts from your universities.

Your state requires documentation of your supervised experience during the licensing process. Prospects should submit Praxis test scores to the state board.

You will renew your license every 2 years while active. The renewal process includes completing 30 continuing education credits each cycle.

Career Options

Speech pathologists can work in many different career fields. The most common placement is within the educational setting.

Speech Pathology professionals can help students in any age group. Speech disorders can hinder progress with educational goals.

Some professionals also work in clinical settings after licensing. These practices provide direct speech therapy as their primary role.

Hospitals can also hire speech pathologists to work with patients. Individuals with neurological conditions can experience growth from diverse speech therapy.

You can also pursue careers in rehabilitation centers after training and licensure. This setting can include working with people with traumatic brain injury.