What classes should I take During high school to become a speech pathologist?

[Who]

I want to become a speech pathologist, I’m starting my sophomore year in high school and I’m not sure what classes I should take I’m thinking intro to healthcare but I’m not sure.

[nęm0]

Focus more on exploring what your really want out of life! It doesnt really matter what you do in High school as long as it gets you into the school you want to go to. You and your aspirations will most likekly change as you get older. So just focus on exploring, if you really like speech pathology you will inevitably come back to it.

[bibliophile222]

All the classes you'll need for a speech pathology major are taken in college. Go ahead and take intro to healthcare if it sounds interesting to you, though! It also might be helpful to take AP Biology and AP Physics (or chemistry, if there is one?), because ASHA, our regulatory organization, requires college-level courses in biology, either physics or chemistry, statistics, and some sort of social science like psychology. If you can take these courses in high school and get college credit for them, then you won't have to take them in college and will have more space for a minor or relevant electives. 

[futurespeechpath1]

I took an honors anatomy class which I think was very useful when it came time to take undergrad anatomy! Yes there are differences between the courses but I think having some background knowledge gave me an advantage. I would start volunteering at places too such as with the medical population (retirement home, hospital, etc.) or with the special needs population. But of course if you begin in high school be sure to stick with it in college too. Or you can wait to volunteer in college. I took child and human development classes as my electives and Spanish classes too which I thought having those in my background helped. If your high school doesn't offer those types of things don't worry you'll have similar courses in undergrad. You don't need Spanish or any language but knowing a second language always helps. Taking AP courses helps get gen eds out of the way too especially those required by ASHA such as AP psych, AP bio, AP physics/chemistry. But I only took AP psych and was fine so if you can't take AP classes you'll be okay! I suggest also working on your time management and organization skills early on too!

Intro to healthcare sounds interesting you should try it out!

Edited July 19, 2020 by futurespeechpath1

[nwslp]

I wish i'd tried harder in biology and chemistry classes in high school! It would've helped me have higher grades when I had to take those in college. Also start volunteering! Get some experience with kiddos with disabilities and older adults (If COVID ever ends) to start thinking about populations you might enjoy  No pressure to decide or settle in until your junior year of college.

Unsolicited advice: Take your time and be open to changing your mind! I decided to go into speech two years after getting my bachelors. I wish i'd decided sooner but am also thankful for all the other experiences I had. Other fields to keep on your radar might be occupational therapy, linguistics, special education, and audiology to name a few! Good luck with everything 

[SPA TO BE 1020]

Regardless of what you want to be - using your HS time to your advantage is worth it.  And I applaud your passion at such a young age. 

If your HS, offers an Intro to Healthcare class - then I would definitely sign up...

General advice:

1.Explore, try new things, join clubs/activities that sound even remotely something you could enjoy,/be passionate about. Does your HS offer a Medical Career Club,  ASL Club? Hospital Volunteer Club? Does your HS have a career shadow day?

2. Any IB/AP classes that you can take during your HS career is a huge plus. By graduating HS with college credit, will give you lots of flexibility, regardless of your choice of major. Possibilities: graduate in less than 4 years, have a less rigorous schedule throughout your college career, be able to add minors,  or go double major, study abroad, or change your major without extending past 4 years - and more importantly you save $. 

3.Being fluent in any secondary language is a huge plus - especially Spanish and/or ASL.  

4. In addition to the basic HS general credits of science, math, foreign language& English/Writing, some HS classes to considered: Bio 2 Chem 2, Physics, Anatomy; Statistics; Advanced Writing, Childhood Education classes, any upper division foreign language, Personal Finance, Psychology, Sociology.  Depending on the level, you might gain college credit or at the very least give you a basic foundation of when you take it in college.

 

Most importantly enjoy your time in HS - college will bring on enough stress/life decisions. Use this time to explore your career aspirations.