Oregon Speech Language Pathology Schools - OR

In the state of Oregon, the position of a speech and language pathologist is highly desirable. Called a “recession-proof job,�? speech and language pathologists in Oregon are in demand, particularly in public schools and rural areas. Only about 50 students graduate from universities in Oregon each year with Master's degrees in speech-language pathology, not enough to fill the many open positions existing in schools, hospitals, and nursing facilities. According to the Department of Education, about 21,000 of Oregon's 82,000 special education students are in need of speech and language pathology services (2008). This translates into a growing need for licensed speech and language pathologists in the state of Oregon.

www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/oregon_schools_need_speech_pat.html

Education Required for Speech and Language Pathologists in Oregon

Graduate degrees in speech and language pathology can be obtained either through going to campus based speech pathology schools in Oregon or attending classes online. You must obtain a minimum of a Master's degree in speech-language pathology/communication disorders to qualify for a license in the state of Oregon. Most Master's programs entail 75 credit hours, with heavy concentration in courses such as dysphasia, human development, communication disorders along the lifespan, and more. Most schools also require 400 hours of clinical time. Because of the growing need for speech and language pathologists in Oregon,  many students are recruited for positions well before graduation.

Some graduate programs in communication disorders and scientists can also lead to recommendation for an Initial Teacher's License. Students are usually recommended for this based on academics. This opens up many more job possibilities, in addition to the great number of open positions already existing for licensed speech-language pathologists.

To maintain a state license in Oregon and your CCC with the ASHA, you will need to complete a minimum of 30 hours of professional development courses every two years.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Speech Pathologists in Portland, Salem, Eugene and Gresham, Oregon may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center and Salem Hospital.