Overview:
A Speech Therapist, also known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), is a healthcare professional who assesses, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. They work with individuals across all age groups from toddlers with delayed speech to adults recovering from strokes. Speech therapists play a vital role in helping people improve their ability to communicate effectively and live with greater confidence and independence. Whether it's helping a child pronounce sounds correctly, supporting a stroke survivor to regain their ability to speak, or assisting someone with a stammer, speech therapists use scientific methods, therapeutic techniques, and personalized interventions to make a significant impact on people’s lives.

Career Path:
To become a certified speech therapist, one must pursue specialized education in speech and hearing sciences. This typically begins after Class 12, followed by a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Practical training and clinical internships are essential components of the career journey.
Stream of Study in 12th Grade/School |
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Degree/ Graduation Courses |
- Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) – 4 years
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Speech and Hearing
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Communication Disorders
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Higher education / After Graduation Courses: |
- Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (MASLP)
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Speech-Language Pathology
- Postgraduate Diploma in Speech Therapy
- Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing or Communication Disorders
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Top Colleges:
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD), Mumbai
- Dr. S.R. Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore
- Samvaad Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore
- Helen Keller College of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore
- CMC Vellore
- National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH), Thiruvananthapuram
- JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru
International Colleges
- University of Iowa, USA
- University College London (UCL), UK
- McGill University, Canada
- University of Sydney, Australia
- University of Toronto, Canada
- University of Manchester, UK
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Northwestern University, USA