How can I pursue a career in speech pathology within the military?

I'm interested in speech pathology and am considering joining the military. Does anyone have experience or knowledge about becoming a speech pathologist in the military? What steps should I take to pursue this path?

You've got a unique and rewarding career objective in mind! To be a speech pathologist in the military, there are a few steps you'll need to take.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Start by completing your undergraduate degree. While your undergraduate major isn't too important, it could be beneficial if it's in communication sciences and disorders or a related field.

2. Graduate Degree: After your bachelor's degree, you'll need to apply to a Master's program in Speech-Language Pathology. Accredited programs will provide a solid mix of coursework and clinical practice.

3. State Licensure: Once you’ve completed your master's degree, you'll need to get your state licensure, which typically involves a certain number of clinical hours and passing an exam.

4. Certification: Consider getting your Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This includes completing a fellowship and passing an exam.

5. Military Enlistment or Commission: You can then look into military programs like the Army Medical Department's Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) if you are enlisted, or direct commissioning programs if you have your degree and certification.

6. Military Training: Once in the military, specific training varies by branch. However, every branch involves some form of basic training. As a medical professional, you're likely to also undergo officer development training.

Keep in mind there may be opportunities to have your education sponsored by the military in exchange for a service commitment. Investigating ROTC scholarships or programs like the Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) could be beneficial.

Last but not least, confirm these steps with a recruiter or a career counselor—they have the most up-to-date, accurate information. Your journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. It's a demanding path that requires dedication and commitment, but the rewards will certainly be worth it.