SLP Bridge Program

Are you:

• Interested in becoming a speech language pathologist, but not a communication science and disorders major?
• Changing careers and need to meet the requirements for graduate school?

This post-baccalaureate program increases access to graduate training programs in speech language pathology by creating a “bridge” for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields or for students who lack one or more required courses for entry to a graduate program.

Advantages of the SLP Bridge Program

• Prepares you for CSD/SLP graduate programs through a comprehensive prerequisite program
• Clinical opportunities on campus before you start your master’s program
• Begin developing meaningful professional connections
• Saint Mary’s graduates may earn a second bachelor’s degree

Enrollment in the SLP Bridge Program—No application process!

To enroll in the SLP Bridge Program, complete the registration form (linked here) and arrange for your transcripts to be sent to Saint Mary’s, along with a current C.V. or resume. There is no application process, however, space is limited and enrollment is subject to availability.

Contact the Office of Graduate Studies with any questions about registering for the program.

Career Prospects

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that careers in speech language pathology will grow much faster than the average job growth rate—increasing by 25% from 2019 to 2029. Speech language pathologists work in various settings:

• Elementary, middle and high schools
• Home health agencies and rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Hospitals and outpatient clinics
• Offices of ear, nose and throat doctors

Speech language pathology is a rewarding career where you will be able to help your clients improve the quality of their lives through communication. Our curriculum is designed to provide you with the foundation to either start working as a speech language pathology assistant in Indiana or continue on to graduate school to become a speech language pathologist who can practice just about anywhere.

"Completing my prerequisites at Saint Mary’s, I learned how friendly and supportive the professors are in making sure we understand the material and what it means to be an SLP in the field. Taking these prerequisites at SMC, I have an even better foundation and that will help me feel more prepared for graduate school next fall."
Vivian N., student

Curriculum

This program is designed to allow students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline to complete most* of the prerequisite courses in speech language pathology for graduate school in one year (fall, spring, summer). Saint Mary’s College has both the course work and clinical practicum that allows you get ahead in the field. Our curriculum combines academic theory, practical applications, and clinical experience all while you develop meaningful connections with your professors and other speech language pathologists.

These bridge courses, often called leveling courses, ensure that all students beginning a Master of Science in speech language pathology have equal levels of preparation. Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at graduateadmission@saintmarys.edu for information on spring start and part time options.

Fall – 15 Credits
SLP 220 Introduction to Communicative Sciences and Disorders
SLP 240 Phonetics
SLP 340 Audiology
SLP 334 Evaluation Procedures
SLP 450 Multi-Cultural Populations

Spring – 18 Credits
SLP 230 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
SLP 310 Language Development
SLP 330 Speech and Hearing Sciences
SLP 350 Speech Sound Disorders
SLP 412 Clinical Methods
SLP 420 Aural Rehabilitation

Summer – 3 Credits
SLP 485 Clinical Practicum—optional

*You'll also need physical, biological, and behavioral science courses and a statistics course (often completed with your first bachelor's degree).

Tuition and Fees

The program is a fixed $12,000 for students taking 14-33 credit hours of SLP Bridge Program work
Students who have 13 or less credit hours to complete will take them at the rate of $890/credit hour

Financial Aid

Typically, federal financial aid is not available to non-degree seeking students. A limited number of partial scholarships will be awarded each year.

A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded toward our Master of Science Speech Language Pathology program upon succesfull completion of the SLP Bridge Program

Admission to Master of Science program from the SLP Bridge Program

To be considered for entry to the Master of Science SLP program, the following must occur:

1. Completed the following prerequisite courses / department requirements: SLP 220, 230, 240, 310, 330, 334, 340, 350, 412, 420, 450
2. Completed the following prerequisite courses / equivalent requirements that meet CAA standards: biological science course, physical science course, intro to psychology course, psychology course that covers lifespan, and statistics
3. Earned at least a GPA of 3.25 in SLP foundation courses (SLP 220, 230, 240, 310, 330)
4. A minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0
5. Meet the essential functions required to practice as a speech language pathologist
6. Successfully completed a criminal background check, fingerprint check, and drug screen before entering the MS SLP.