Bilingual Speech Pathologist Salary and Careers

What Is a Bilingual Speech Pathologist?

The journey to becoming a bilingual speaker is unique to each person, from when the second language is learned to how often each language is spoken to how one’s primary language influences the way a second language is spoken, as many variables make each bilingual experience its own. That said, it is not surprising that many speakers with bilingual speech disorders require care from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with a firm grasp of these complexities. Bilingual speech pathologists, referred to by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as bilingual and multilingual service providers (MSPs). MSPs are audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have the knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of bilingual speakers and the specific languages they use.

Sponsored online speech pathology programs

Master’s in SLP: Study Online Full or Part Time

Speech@Emerson enables you to earn an MS online and pursue SLP certification in as few as 20 mos. Learn the same curriculum as the on-campus program. Study FT or PT.

Aspiring SLP generalists are prepared to pursue ASHA certification.
Students can earn an Emerson Master of Science in Communication Disorders online in as few as 20 months.
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Online MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University’s online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program combines a robust, innovative curriculum rooted in Christian values with a full-time or part-time option that features online learning, on-campus intensive experiences, and comprehensive clinical field practicums to prepare skilled, compassionate students for careers as speech-language pathologists.

Full-time (five trimesters) or part-time (eight trimesters) options available.
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400+ supervised, clinical learning hours are done at schools/clinics local to students
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Want to Become an SLP? Earn an MS Online at NYU

NYU Steinhardt’s online master of science program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders prepares aspiring speech-language pathologists with a comprehensive professional education.

Prepares students to pursue SLP licensure
Accredited by ASHA’s Council on Academic Accreditation
As few as six terms to complete
Full-time and part-time plans of study

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Bilingual Speech Pathology Job Requirements

According to ASHA, one must meet several skill requirements, in addition to those already needed to become a speech pathologist, to have a bilingual speech pathology career:

Near Native Proficiency in a Second Language: Bilingual SLPs must know a second spoken or signed language at near native proficiency or better. This includes near native understanding of that language’s vocabulary, pronunciation, semantics (meaning), usage and grammar.

Describe Typical Speech and Language Acquisition in Second Language: A BSP must be able to tell clients what normal speech and language development looks like in the primary and secondary language, in terms of written, spoken, and, if applicable, signed words.

Assessment Selection and Delivery: MSPs must understand how to select appropriate bilingual speech and language assessment tools and interpret the results accurately in the required languages. Assessment of a bilingual speaker considers when the patient learned each language, how often each language is used, and in what context it is used.

Diagnose and Treat in a Second Language: Near native proficiency of the BSP’s language must extend to his or her ability to diagnose and treat bilingual speech disorders, including speech, language, swallowing, vocal and cognitive disorders in the preferred language of each client that he or she serves using the method of communication favored by that client.

Understand the Difference Between Communication Difference and Communication Disorder: Learning two languages can create normal differences in how a bilingual speaker speaks each language that do not indicate a bilingual speech disorder. A BSP must understand this to properly diagnose patients. Examples of communication differences include inferences and transfers—errors in one’s use of a secondary language due to the structure of one’s primary language.

Silent Period: When children are learning a second language, they often go through a period during which they can understand much more than they can put into words, resulting in a “silent period” in which the child listens to further develop their skills in that language. Some may confuse this with selective mutism.

Code-switching: Switching between languages within a sentence or phrase is very normal for bilingual speakers. A properly qualified BSP will understand when variations are used outside of the typical constraints of code-switching and, therefore, may indicate disorder.

Cultural Understanding: MSPs must be sensitive to how a patient’s culture may affect their needs.