The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the national professional organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are professionals who provide assessment and intervention services to persons with communication disorders. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and private practice.

A master’s degree is the entry level degree for practice in speech-language pathology. ASHA issues a professional certification in the fields, the Certificate of Clinical Competence. In most states speech-language pathologists and audiologists must be hold a state license to practice. In addition, many states require that speech-language pathologists employed in the public schools hold some sort of teacher certification or  teacher licensure.

The ASHA website provides a wealth of information that can orient students to the professions available to those interested in communication disorders.