Speech-Language Pathology Resource

Have an interest in Speech-Language Pathology? Start here!

The Languages & Linguistics program has compiled a resource for students interested in the field of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and related areas. Find us on Instagram & Twitter.

SLP programs in Canada are considered to be very competitive; many students will not be accepted their first time applying. Our hope is that this resource will help students to prepare for the process, and equip them with the knowledge needed to create a competitive application package.

Objectives

Explore potential career paths in the field of communication sciences.
Offer an accessible, one-stop resource for information about Speech Language Pathology and related programs at the graduate level
Provide students with the necessary resources to plan their education journey

Careers of Interest

The field of Communication Sciences pertains to the study and treatment of disorders affecting communication, speech, and language. This field is commonly associated with Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) who work in a clinical or educational setting providing speech therapy. Other pathways include audiology, SLP assisting, and research.

Students with a background in Psychology, Linguistics, Education, Social Work, or Health Sciences may be particularly interested in exploring careers in communication sciences. Most graduate programs require prior coursework in phonetics, psychological development, human anatomy/physiology, and introductory statistics. Specific prerequisite information can be found in our programs database. Volunteer experience is also an asset when applying to these programs. Resources are available through TCLL and Careerspace to help students connect with relevant experience opportunities; please get in touch to learn more.

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals living with speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication difficulties. SLPs provide services to clients of all ages. They can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, inpatient clinics, rehabilitation programs, classrooms, and private practices.
Education level: Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology

Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) / Speech Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA)

Work under the clinical supervision of a SLP or Audiologist. CDAs play a support role in the treatment of communication disorders, and may provide education to clients, caregivers, and the public. In a speech setting, CDAs may provide therapeutic intervention, assist in assessment, perform some screenings, transcribe therapy sessions, and assist with intervention planning/implementation. In an audiology setting, CDAs may perform hearing and screening testing (without interpretation), work with amplification systems, perform ear mould impressions, and provide supportive services.
Education level: Graduate Certificate

Audiologist

Concerned with the assessment and treatment of individuals at risk for hearing and balance impairments. Audiologists provide services to clients of all ages. Audiologists work in a range of settings such as hospitals, inpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation programs, and research facilities.
Education level: Masters Degree in Audiology

Graduate Programs Database

A database of Speech Language Pathology programs, and a database of Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) programs are available to help students plan for the future. These resources contain information pertaining to admission requirements, application processes, financial aid, and more for SLP programs available within Canada and beyond.

[ SLP Program Database (Canada + International) ]

[ CDA Program Database (Canada) ]

These databases aim to help students plan their prospective future in the field of Speech Language Pathology and related disciplines. The information gathered has been sourced directly from relevant programs. It is important to note that all information contained in this database is subject to change. Students should consult with their program of interest directly once they have decided to pursue an application.

Course Recommendations

While those pursuing the Communicative Sciences come from varied academic backgrounds, students may find it useful to explore coursework in the following areas:

Linguistics, particularly Phonetics
Development; Psychological Development, Child Development, and similar areas.
Cognition and Behaviour
Research Methods and Statistics
Human Anatomy and Physiology

Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS)

Applications to some Ontario SLP programs are facilitated by the Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS) branch of OUAC. This centralized application service helps to reduce the work and resources involved in processing duplicate applications to rehabilitation science programs in Ontario.

ORPAS is a third-party service which facilitates the application process. Admission requirements are independently set by each school/program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of the variations in criteria when applying. ORPAS is not involved in the decision-making of any program.

ORPAS at a Glance

Important Dates	January 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET) Deadline for applications to all programs and for reference forms. January 30, 2023 ORPAS must receive initial transcripts for all course work to date. April 3, 2023 Earliest date for Audiology (AUD) and Speech-language Pathology (SLP) offers to be sent out. April 17, 2023 First-round offers for AUD/SLP expire. May 2, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET) Provisional acceptances become firm acceptances for AUD/SLP. May 15, 2023 Earliest date for Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physical Therapy (PT) offers to be sent out. May 29, 2023 First-round offers for OT/PT programs expire. June 7, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET) Provisional acceptances become firm acceptances for OT/PT. June 30, 2023 Deadline for ORPAS to receive final transcripts.
Application Cost	University Application Fees: $100.00 per university when applying to one program. $200.00 per university when applying to two or more programs.* ORPAS Service Fee: $190.00 *The University of Toronto charges $100.00 regardless of number of programs applied to.
Grade Conversion	Since grading systems vary between post-secondary institutions, applicant grades are standardized according to the ORPAS grade conversion scale. This standardization provides the opportunity for all students to be given equal and fair consideration on the basis of their academic performance. Grades from courses completed outside of Canada and the U.S. are unable to be converted using the ORPAS scale. For more information about how ORPAS calculates GPA, please visit the ORPAS Grade Calculation Guide It may be helpful for students to get an idea of how their academic performance rates in terms of the ORPAS application. Students can access the ORPAS Grade Conversion Table to estimate individual grades.
ORPAS Application Guide	The ORPAS Application Guide provides important information on: Using the Portal to Apply Applicant Responsibilities Application Deadlines & Important Dates Responding to Offers of Admission Reference Requirements Transcript Requirements Reference Forms The guide pertains to general requirements and questions about the application process. It also contains information about qualifications relevant to the field of rehabilitation sciences. The guide does not cover specific criteria set out by individual universities. The applicant is responsible for ensuring specific requirements and prerequisites are fulfilled.

Important Dates

January 6, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET)

Deadline for applications to all programs and for reference forms.

January 30, 2023

ORPAS must receive initial transcripts for all course work to date.

April 3, 2023

Earliest date for Audiology (AUD) and Speech-language Pathology (SLP) offers to be sent out.

April 17, 2023

First-round offers for AUD/SLP expire.

May 2, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET)

Provisional acceptances become firm acceptances for AUD/SLP.

May 15, 2023

Earliest date for Occupational Therapy (OT)/Physical Therapy (PT) offers to be sent out.

May 29, 2023

First-round offers for OT/PT programs expire.

June 7, 2023, at 11:59 pm (ET)

Provisional acceptances become firm acceptances for OT/PT.

June 30, 2023

Deadline for ORPAS to receive final transcripts.

Application Cost

University Application Fees: $100.00 per university when applying to one program. $200.00 per university when applying to two or more programs.*

ORPAS Service Fee: $190.00

*The University of Toronto charges $100.00 regardless of number of programs applied to.

Grade Conversion

Since grading systems vary between post-secondary institutions, applicant grades are standardized according to the ORPAS grade conversion scale. This standardization provides the opportunity for all students to be given equal and fair consideration on the basis of their academic performance. Grades from courses completed outside of Canada and the U.S. are unable to be converted using the ORPAS scale.

For more information about how ORPAS calculates GPA, please visit the ORPAS Grade Calculation Guide

It may be helpful for students to get an idea of how their academic performance rates in terms of the ORPAS application. Students can access the ORPAS Grade Conversion Table to estimate individual grades.

ORPAS Application Guide

The ORPAS Application Guide provides important information on:

Using the Portal to Apply
Applicant Responsibilities
Application Deadlines & Important Dates
Responding to Offers of Admission
Reference Requirements
Transcript Requirements
Reference Forms

The guide pertains to general requirements and questions about the application process. It also contains information about qualifications relevant to the field of rehabilitation sciences. The guide does not cover specific criteria set out by individual universities. The applicant is responsible for ensuring specific requirements and prerequisites are fulfilled.

Financial Assistance: Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program

Students pursuing graduate studies in Ontario can apply for funding through the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit based on criteria set out by the program/school being attended. Please see the Program Database for what grades must be achieved to be awarded OGS according to different schools.

Other Requirements

Aside from the academic criteria set out by the school you are planning to attend, students must also meet the following requirements to qualify for OGS:

Pursuing graduate studies at the Masters or Doctorate level
Enrolled in a full-time program for two or more terms in the academic year for which they are applying
Attending a participating school

How to Apply

Students must apply directly through the school they are planning to attend, and should submit an application for each participating school they are applying to. Applications typically open in October of the academic year.

The application process varies; for reference, please see the Programs Database. Students must contact the Graduate Studies Office of their prospective schools to obtain an application for the OGS.

Professional Organizations and Associations

Students interested in learning more are encouraged to explore the world of communicative sciences directly for information about how the field is regulated. The following associations provide information about how to practice as an SLP, CDA, or Audiologist within Canada and the US.

Careerspace Resources

Once you're ready to take the next step, visit Careerspace for help building an effective application package. Careerspace resources can help you write your resumé and cover letter, prepare for interviews, and more.