2 answers
john
Student
Wahoo, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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As a high school student, which courses should I take to prepare for SLP and OT for the Deaf and hard of hearing?
As a high school student, which courses should I take to prepare for SLP and OT for the Deaf and hard of hearing?
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2 answers
Jing Wang
Business Support
49
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi John,
Thank you for raising questions here.
As you might be aware that SLP and OT for Deaf/hard of hearing both require a strong academic foundation + communication skills + human-centered experience. Below are some tips for your reference:
You can start from core high school courses as you are a high school student, which including but not limited:
⭐ Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (to understand anatomy, physiology and neuroscience related to speech, hearing and movement)
⭐ Math and Statistic: Algebra II / Pre-Calculus, Statistics (critical for clinical research and data analysis in your future career)
⭐ Social & Behavioral Sciences: Psychology (very important), Sociology
⭐ Language and Communication: English, American Sign Language (ASL)- essential for communicating with Deaf communities
⭐ Health & Career Tech: Health Science, Anatomy electives - to explore the healthcare and rehabilitation fields early
Other than above, experience also matters, you can start from now on, you can volunteer in special education classrooms or schools with Deaf/hard-of-hearing students, or hospitals, if possible, try to work with people with disabilities or shadow an SLP or OT even in short period, even might be 1 or 2 days only, which can help you experience how to engage with Deaf/hard-of-hearing, and then confirm your interest and boost your applications.
SLP and OT are career is quite admired and meaningful. All best wishes for you. Thank you
Thank you for raising questions here.
As you might be aware that SLP and OT for Deaf/hard of hearing both require a strong academic foundation + communication skills + human-centered experience. Below are some tips for your reference:
You can start from core high school courses as you are a high school student, which including but not limited:
⭐ Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (to understand anatomy, physiology and neuroscience related to speech, hearing and movement)
⭐ Math and Statistic: Algebra II / Pre-Calculus, Statistics (critical for clinical research and data analysis in your future career)
⭐ Social & Behavioral Sciences: Psychology (very important), Sociology
⭐ Language and Communication: English, American Sign Language (ASL)- essential for communicating with Deaf communities
⭐ Health & Career Tech: Health Science, Anatomy electives - to explore the healthcare and rehabilitation fields early
Other than above, experience also matters, you can start from now on, you can volunteer in special education classrooms or schools with Deaf/hard-of-hearing students, or hospitals, if possible, try to work with people with disabilities or shadow an SLP or OT even in short period, even might be 1 or 2 days only, which can help you experience how to engage with Deaf/hard-of-hearing, and then confirm your interest and boost your applications.
SLP and OT are career is quite admired and meaningful. All best wishes for you. Thank you
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
In high school, it's great to take courses that help you with communication, understanding people, and how they grow and change. Psychology is super important because it teaches you how people think and learn. Classes in biology or anatomy are also useful since speech-language pathology (SLP) and occupational therapy (OT) involve understanding how the brain and body work together. If your school offers classes like child development, health sciences, or sociology, those are awesome choices too.
Outside of school, focus on activities that help you be patient, empathetic, and observant. These skills are just as important as science classes for SLP and OT careers. Both fields involve working closely with people and adjusting to how they communicate and see the world. Your experience with diverse groups of kids is a fantastic start!
Outside of school, focus on activities that help you be patient, empathetic, and observant. These skills are just as important as science classes for SLP and OT careers. Both fields involve working closely with people and adjusting to how they communicate and see the world. Your experience with diverse groups of kids is a fantastic start!