Speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathologists work with patients who have challenges with speech, fluency, language, voice, and swallowing. 

About speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are professionals who have training and expertise in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.

  • Assess patients and perform tests and examinations to diagnose and measure delays and disorders 
  • Develop and carry out treatment plans to manage speech, voice, language, feeding and swallowing issues 
  • Educate patients and families about the nature and impact of their communication or swallowing disorders and treatment options 
  • Work on teams with other health-care professionals to set shared and personalized care plans 
  • Take part in research and quality improvement activities related to speech and communication disorders and better ways to assess them 
  • Use tools, ranging from books and toys to linguistic analysis software, sophisticated sound analyzers and electronic communication devices 
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To practice in British Columbia, a SLP must be registered with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. To be eligible for registration, an individual must have graduated from an accredited Canadian Speech Language Pathology program or, if educated outside of Canada, must complete the credential assessment process and have their education determined to be substantially equivalent. Applicants must also write and pass entry-to-practice exams.  

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British Columbia’s publicly funded health authorities offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits: 

  • Wages: $44.85 – 56.02 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2026) plus applicable shift premiums 
  • Paid vacation time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment 
  • Pension Plan 
  • BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) 
  • Extended health care   
  • Dental coverage    
  • Life insurance 
  • Short-term and long-term disability 
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plan 
  • Other benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves 
  • Relocation assistance may be available. Please consult job postings or speak with health authorities directly for more information.  
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British Columbia offers a range of job opportunities for speech language pathologists in hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, private clinics and centres, health units, child development centres, rehabilitation centres, and research facilities. 

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Internationally trained SLPs can begin their journey to practicing in B.C. by visiting the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website and viewing the “Internationally-educated applicants” section.

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B.C. news for speech-language pathologists

Allied health programs expanded on Vancouver Island

Students can now train for careers in physical therapy and speech-language pathology on Vancouver Island through expanded UBC programs delivered in partnership with UVic. Training closer to home will help prepare more allied health professionals to work in local communities and improve access to care across the region.

Learn more about allied health training on Vancouver Island

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

The Province continues to put people first by launching the new Allied Health Strategic Plan (AHSP), which focuses on recruitment, retention, training and redesigning of the allied health workforce, to ensure people have access to the health-care providers they need.

Learn more about how province allied health supports improves patient care

Explore careers with B.C.’s public health employers

British Columbia’s health authorities offer outstanding and diverse opportunities, to not only build your career, but to forge your own lifestyle.

Explore job opportunities today