Speech Pathologist vs. Audiologist
The careers of speech-language pathologists (SLP) and audiologists are closely linked. Both professionals work closely with patients and families to improve their quality of life as it relates to speaking and hearing, but there are differences in patient populations, technologies used, and educational requirements.
When considering a speech pathologist vs. audiologist career trajectory, potential applicants should take into account their career goals, earning potential, and available graduate programs.
What Do Speech Pathologists Do?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the preeminent professional organization for SLPs, a speech-language pathologist is a “professional who engages in professional practice in the areas of communication and swallowing across the life span.” Based on this definition, speech includes speaking as well as understanding (cognition) and hearing, while swallowing includes feeding.
Like many health professionals, speech-language pathologists have both professional practice requirements, including advocacy and education as well as service delivery areas, which include screening and assessment for speech and communication disorders, prevention, development and implementation of treatment plans, and counseling and collaboration.
ASHA indicates that SLPs in the U.S. operate under the diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as well as the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Speech-language pathologists typically operate in a few different professional settings, including early intervention for infants and young children, educational settings, hospitals, and private practices.
What Do Audiologists Do?
According to the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), audiologists are “health-care providers for persons with auditory and vestibular disorders” and as such provide services related to the “identification, assessment, diagnosis, management, and treatment of persons with suspected loss of auditory and/or vestibular function.” In addition to their clinical functions, audiologists are educators, consultants, and researchers in the areas of hearing loss, auditory dysfunction, and balance disorders.
Audiologists work in hospitals, schools, and private practices as well as research facilities and rehabilitation clinics.
Education Requirements for Each Career
Many SLPs and audiologists develop their foundational knowledge of the profession as undergraduates. At Iona University, a Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (BA) program will help students complete prerequisite courses for graduate programs in either speech-language pathology or audiology. Undergraduate students will take courses that delve into the anatomy and mechanics of speech as well as the following:
- Normal acquisition of speech and language, including standard milestones
- Foundations of hearing and speech science, including current research
- Current state of technology that supports and assists SLPs and their clients
- Basics of audiology
- Interpersonal communications skills as they apply across scenarios
To earn certification for independent practice as either a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist, a graduate degree is required. Earning a master of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) is a common pathway for aspiring SLPs. A CSD master’s program can typically be completed in two years and will help students meet the supervised practice and internship requirements for professional certification.
To become a licensed audiologist in the United States, students must complete a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program. These programs typically take three to four years and include both advanced coursework and a full-year externship that provides hands-on, supervised clinical training. The AuD is the required entry-level degree for new audiologists and prepares graduates for state licensure and professional practice.
Certification and Licensing Steps
Both speech-language pathologists and audiologists are subject to state licensure. Learning how to become a speech pathologist or audiologist means plotting a career course that includes the requirements for eventual certification.
SLPs must earn a state credential before they are able to practice independently. In New York, speech-language pathologists are credentialed through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions. To apply for the SLP license in New York, applicants must be at least 21 years old, exhibit good moral character, and complete the following:
- A graduate degree in speech-language pathology as approved by the NYSED
- At least 36 weeks of supervised practice as an SLP or audiologist
- Praxis Examination 5331, which is the SLP specialty examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The exam is scored on a scale of 100 to 200, with 162 being the minimum passing score.
SLPs may also choose to earn a national Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA. While the CCC is not required to practice, many SLPs may find it is advantageous in finding employment and advancing in their careers.
Audiologists have many similar requirements for licensure. As with SLPs, audiologists in New York apply for licensure through the NYSED Office of the Professions and have largely the same requirements. However, applicants for audiology licensure must complete Praxis Examination 5343. As with the SLP exam, it is scored on a scale of 100-200 and 162 is the minimum passing score.
ASHA offers CCC certification specific to audiologists, as well. Both SLPs and audiologists can apply online for their CCC credential by taking the following steps:
- Completing an online application
- Submitting Praxis exam scores via ETS
- Submitting official graduate program transcripts via their graduate institutions
Essential Skills for Speech Pathologists and Audiologists
Both speech-language pathology and audiology are healthcare professions. Providing excellent care through modern diagnostic techniques, clear and effective communication, and thoughtful, thorough care plans are all essential parts of the job. While completing graduate programs, supervisory clinicians play a significant role in helping new clinicians develop these essential skills. When considering audiology vs. speech pathology, there are some differences in essential skills, but there is also some overlap.
Audiologists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating hearing and vestibular disorders. As such, audiologists should be able to identify and screen for hearing loss and provide screening tests for newborns and infants. Furthermore, audiologists should be able to communicate with patients and their families about hearing health, management of any existing disorders, and long-term care plans.
Both speech-language pathologists and audiologists leverage technology, including diagnostic tools and client-facing technologies, to do their jobs. Part of an audiologist's job as a diagnostician is evaluating their patient’s compatibility with certain devices, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. Similarly, during assessment, SLPs may determine that their patients would benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
Career Outlook and Opportunities
According to BLS data, the demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow by 15% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average rate of all professions. The BLS indicates that the demand for audiologists should grow by 9% during the same period, which is still faster than average.
A 2025 article from the journal Audiology Today features interviews with active audiologists on the future of the profession. One interviewee indicates that “Emerging treatments [in audiology] will likely require coursework in genetics, pharmacology, and biochemistry, among other areas.” Another professional goes on to state that “Future audiology practices may increasingly incorporate genetic profiles to inform decisions related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders.” Audiologists will be more in demand as they better adapt to a changing healthcare landscape.
40% of SLPs work in an educational setting, such as a school, while 26% work in private clinics, and 14% work in hospitals. The breakdown of work environments looks different for audiologists, 29% of whom work in physicians' offices, 26% work in the offices of physical, occupational, speech therapists, and audiologists, and 14% work in hospitals. Just 9% of audiologists work in educational settings.
Despite the fact that audiologists must earn doctoral degrees, comparing an audiologist salary vs. speech pathologist salary shows that SLPs can actually earn more, on average. The median annual wage for SLPs in 2024 was $95,410, while the median annual wage for audiologists was $92,120. Salary expectations and growth opportunities can differ, depending on the work environment, with SLPs in nursing and residential care facilities making the highest average wages ($106,500), and audiologists in hospitals making the most at $101,020 annually.
Why Choose Iona for Your Communication Sciences Path
Iona University is an excellent option for students who want to pursue careers as speech-language pathologists. Our faculty, facilities, and curriculum are selected and supported with our students’ success in mind.
Students in the CSD master’s program can expect mentorship opportunities from dedicated faculty who are committed to their students’ success. In addition, Iona is proud to offer small class sizes that mean everyone can learn, participate, and ask questions throughout the course of their degree programs.
Iona’s location is another significant benefit for future SLPs. Master’s students at Iona have clinical placement opportunities available throughout the NYC metro area at some of the region’s top hospitals and clinics. Hands-on experience at world-class facilities coupled with a strong educational foundation from Iona coursework can result in exceptional outcomes for program graduates. More than 97% of Iona CSD alumni go on to find employment in the SLP profession within just one year of graduation and report learning essential critical thinking skills and professional confidence at Iona.
Next Steps Toward Your Career
Learning about speech-language pathology and audiology professions is a crucial step toward launching a successful career. Whether you are ready to fill out an application or want to learn more about our programs, now is the time to reach out to Iona University and start your journey.
FAQS
Undergraduate students who want to pursue careers as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology or a closely related field, such as communication sciences and disorders. These degrees ensure students complete the prerequisite courses needed for graduate study, including anatomy, speech and hearing science, and language development. At Iona University, our Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology (BA) program provides a strong foundation, preparing students with the knowledge and hands-on observation experience required for both master’s and doctoral level applications.
A master’s in communication sciences and disorders, as required to become a licensed speech-language pathologist, typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. A Doctor of Audiology degree can take three or more years to complete and is required to apply for licensure as an audiologist.
Most graduate programs require students to complete at least 25 hours of guided clinical observation before admission. While additional volunteer or healthcare experience can strengthen an application, the observation hours are the minimum requirement set by most programs.
At Iona University, the undergraduate and graduate programs integrate these observation requirements into coursework, ensuring students meet this prerequisite without needing to seek them independently.
Both careers require passing a Praxis exam before licensure:
- Speech-language pathologists take Praxis 5331, with a minimum passing score of 162.
- Audiologists take Praxis 5343, with the same passing requirement.
In addition, many professionals choose to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA, which demonstrates advanced expertise but is not always required for employment.
Graduate study in these fields is intensive and typically requires full-time commitment. Students may find it difficult to balance employment with academic and clinical demands, though part-time or flexible work may be possible in some situations.
Iona’s small class sizes and supportive faculty create an environment where students receive personalized guidance, helping them balance coursework, clinical placements, and personal responsibilities.
Both professions are in demand, but growth is faster for speech-language pathologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of SLPs is projected to grow by 15% between 2024 and 2034, compared to 9% for audiologists. This growth is driven by factors such as the aging population, advances in medical care, and the rising need for communication and hearing services.