American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) represents more than 247,000 professionals, students, and scientists in audiology, speech-language pathology, and related fields. These experts help people of all ages communicate effectively—whether it’s a child learning to speak or an adult recovering from a brain injury.
ASHA works to make effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all.
NSHSS handpicks its partners carefully, searching for nonprofits, organizations, and companies that directly align with our mission to provide the best resources for our members and their families. We may receive compensation from our partners, at no cost to you.
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2.7 MILLION VETERANS have service-connected hearing disabilities or are in treatment for hearing-related issues. (HLAA)
Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition after diabetes and heart disease. (HLAA)
Roughly 3 million Americans stutter. (NIDCD)
More than half (59.7%) of U.S. children ages 3-17 with a voice, speech, or language disorder received intervention services in the past year. (NIDCD)
Aphasia, caused by a stroke or brain injury, affects over 2 million people in the U.S.
by helping people communicate, connect, learn, and participate more fully in everyday life.
with opportunities to work in schools, hospitals, private practices, universities, research settings, and community clinics.
as audiologists and speech-language pathologists are needed to meet the communication and hearing health needs of people across the lifespan.
across all ages, communities, backgrounds, and experiences who want to improve their communication and quality of life.
Maintain at least a B average to be considered for scholarships and to gain entry into the program of your choice.
Consider what motivates you. Having a sense of your goals can help you choose what to study (audiology or speech-language pathology) and what degrees you’ll need.
Learn about each program’s faculty, curriculum, research interests and clinical education opportunities to help decide which one is best for you.
Select a program that allows for a broad education in arts and sciences with a strong foundation in oral and written communication skills. You will also want basic courses in the speech, language and hearing sciences.
How do I know if a CSD career is a good fit for me?
I have a mix of talents. I like science and I really like interacting with and helping people too.
I’m a great communicator.
Working with cutting-edge technology excites me.
I want to give back to my community.
Wanna learn more?
Order A Rewarding Career for You. A Better Life for Others brochure series to find out more about what it takes to become an audiologist or speech-language pathologist.