How to become a speech pathologist
Diagnose and treat patients with speech and language difficulties.
Pathways to this career
Complete an accredited undergraduate degree in speech pathology.
Have you already studied a similar field? Maybe you have relevant on-the-job training to offer? Consider exploring a postgraduate speech pathology degree and start your career sooner.
Once you have completed your qualifications, register with Speech Pathology Australia, so you can practice as a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP).
What does a speech pathologist do?
Speech Professionals and Audiologists work in the field of human hearing. They diagnose and help treat those with hearing defects as well as communication related problems. Various types of technology and strategies are employed with the goal being to help those with hearing defects achieve better overall communication outcomes.
Duties and tasks
Administer tests to determine the degree of hearing loss or hearing defect.
Analyse results of hearing tests.
Provide counselling and further information for those with hearing and speech issues.
Recommend technological aids such as hearing aids.
Work with children who are having speech problems and issues.
Work with rehabilitation programs and remedial exercises.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Pathologist
Rehabilitation counsellor
Speech pathologist
Therapy aide
Discover related courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateADU-HEA-DIP
An introduction to health topics and university study
Take this online health course as a first step towards a career in the healthcare sector. You’ll study anatomy, human physiology and biosciences. Gain valuable academic skills. Get a feel for uni and think about careers in nursing, pharmacy, and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
3, 2, 1… start your career in health sciences
Whether you want to do further study or start work straight away, this diploma is a great entry point. Learn the basics of health sciences, from human structure and function to health data. Earn up to 1 year's course credit for the bachelor's degree.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Digital health stream,
- Environmental health stream,
- Health promotion stream,
- Health, wellbeing and performance stream,
- Psychological science stream,
- Public health stream,
- Rehabillitation counselling stream
Graduate Diploma in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-WMH-GDI
Insight and skills to support mental health in the workplace
Explore mental health and build counselling skills specifically for the workplace. Consider Indigenous Australian’s holistic perspective. Recognise psychosocial hazards. Help build resilience. Gain confidence to support change and help colleagues in need.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
8 undergraduate certificates that will help you get into a bachelor degree
Don’t meet the requirements for your dream course? These undergraduate certificates could be your ticket in.
Here’s what everyone else has been studying this year
Curious about the most popular courses of 2025? It’s not too late to jump in and enrol in one of these courses this year, or early next.
8 subjects you’ve never heard about (but should have)
Break away from the well-trodden path and find a course as unique as you are. From uncovering your inner palaeontologist, to studying the intricacies of Japanese culture, these eight subjects offer something a little different.
These are the most in-demand health roles right now
Wondering where to go next in your healthcare career? Take a look at these numbers.