Volume 17, No. 1, 2022

Lack of Awareness of Speech-Language Pathology in Undergraduate Students: What Can We Do?

AUTHOR(S):

  • Erica M. Ellis, Department of Communication Disorders, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
  • Bejani Turley, Department of Speech Language Pathology, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC, USA
  • Brianna Ellis, Division of Student Affairs, California State University, Chico, LA, USA 

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The field of speech language pathology is one of the least diverse professions in the United States. There have been attempts to address the diversity and inclusion gaps, but numbers are still drastically low. One assumption is that historically underrepresented students are unaware of the field as they begin their educational journeys. The present study examines whether undergraduate students at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) are aware and knowledgeable about the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). 

Method: Undergraduate students were surveyed to explore their awareness, knowledge and interest in speech language pathology (SLP). Sixty-seven students completed the survey online, including 55 freshman students of diverse backgrounds. 

Results: Preliminary findings suggest that only 31% of students surveyed were aware of the field of CSD. Of the freshmen students, only 16% students reported hearing speech-language pathology. 

Conclusion: This preliminary study supports the hypothesis that many historically underrepresented students lack awareness of the SLP career option as they enter college. The study provides insight into areas to target for increasing diversity of the field. The implications for outreach, mentorship, recruitment and retention are discussed.

DOI:

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