Are there speech-language pathologist jobs through military contracting?

I'm interested in speech-language pathology and was wondering if there are any opportunities within military contracting. What would such a job entail, and how would one qualify for it?

Absolutely! The military does provide opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) through contracting. Working in such roles, you would provide therapy services to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. This can cover a wide array of disorders such as articulation, fluency, voice projection, accent modification, traumatic brain injuries, stroke rehabilitation, and more.

In the role, you may also work alongside other healthcare professionals in a team-focused approach to care. This may include neuropsychologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, where you'll collaborate on treatment plans for clients who need multi-faceted care.

To qualify for speech-language pathology jobs within military contracting, you'd need to fulfill a few prerequisites. First and foremost, you need a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Following this, you would be required to pass the national examination for Speech-Language Pathology to obtain your Certification of Clinical Competency (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). You also need to be licensed in the state you’ll be working in.

Furthermore, some positions might require previous experience in a medical setting. Think hospitals, rehabilitation centers, etc. Given the nature of working with the military, you might also need to undergo additional security clearance checks.

One of the best things about this sort of role is its significant impact. You'll likely work with individuals who have experienced traumas or are dealing with unique challenges related to military service, which makes this profession exceptionally rewarding.

Remember, specifics can vary, so it's beneficial to reach out to the military recruitment office or consult job postings to gather more concrete details. That way, you can ensure you're adequately prepared and meet all the criteria.