Speech Language Pathologist Resume Keywords (2026): 60+ ATS Skills to Land Interviews
ResumeAdapter TeamShare this post
Send this to a friend who’s also job searching.
🚨 Not getting Speech Language Pathologist interviews? Your resume is missing critical keywords.
In 2026, over 97% of healthcare employers use ATS to filter candidates before a human recruiter even opens a resume. If your SLP resume does not include the exact keywords from the job description, you are invisible, even if you are perfectly qualified.
Why Speech Language Pathologist Resume Keywords Matter in 2026
The demand for Speech Language Pathologists has never been higher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, SLP positions are projected to grow 19% through 2032, significantly faster than average. This growth means more competition for the best positions at top hospitals, school districts, and private practices.
But here is the problem: even highly qualified SLPs with strong clinical experience are getting rejected before a human ever sees their resume. The culprit? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords.
Healthcare recruiters report that 75% of SLP resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a hiring manager. These systems look for exact matches to job description terms. If you write "speech therapy" but the job posting says "speech-language pathology," the ATS might not recognize your qualification.
The stakes are high. A missing certification keyword like "CCC-SLP" can eliminate you from consideration instantly. An outdated term like "articulation therapy" instead of "speech sound disorders intervention" signals you are not current with the field.
This guide gives you the exact keywords you need to pass ATS screening and impress recruiters in 2026.
Table of Contents
- What Are Speech Language Pathologist Resume Keywords?
- Core SLP Resume Keywords
- Clinical Skills Keywords
- Assessment and Evaluation Keywords
- Treatment and Intervention Keywords
- Population-Specific Keywords
- Setting-Specific Keywords
- Technology and Documentation Keywords
- Soft Skills Keywords
- Resume Examples: Weak vs Strong
- FAQ
- Related Articles
What Are Speech Language Pathologist Resume Keywords?
Speech Language Pathologist resume keywords are the specific certifications, clinical skills, assessment tools, treatment approaches, and industry terms that ATS systems and healthcare recruiters search for when screening resumes for SLP positions. These keywords typically include:
- Certifications: CCC-SLP, CF-SLP, state licensure, ASHA certification
- Clinical skills: Dysphagia management, articulation therapy, fluency disorders
- Assessment tools: CELF-5, PLS-5, GFTA-3, MBSS, FEES
- Treatment approaches: AAC implementation, LSVT LOUD, VitalStim
- Populations: Pediatric, geriatric, acute care, school-based
When your resume includes these keywords naturally and in context, ATS systems rank it higher, increasing your chances of reaching a human recruiter who can appreciate your clinical expertise.
Core SLP Resume Keywords
These are the foundational keywords every Speech Language Pathologist resume needs. Missing even one of these can result in immediate ATS rejection.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Credentials | CCC-SLP, CF-SLP, ASHA Certified, State Licensed SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist |
| Education | Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, MS-SLP, Communication Sciences and Disorders, CSD |
| Core Competencies | Speech-Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Language Intervention, Communication Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders |
| Professional Associations | ASHA Member, State Speech-Language-Hearing Association, NSSLHA |
Certification Keywords Deep Dive
The Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is the single most important keyword for experienced SLPs. Recruiters often use this as a primary filter. Always list it prominently in your credentials section and summary.
For Clinical Fellows, use CF-SLP along with your expected CCC-SLP completion date. This shows recruiters you are on track for full certification.
State licensure keywords vary by location. Include your specific state license (e.g., "Licensed SLP - California," "NJ SLP License #12345") to match location-based searches.
Clinical Skills Keywords
Clinical skills keywords demonstrate your hands-on expertise. These keywords should appear throughout your experience section with specific examples.
| Skill Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Swallowing | Dysphagia Management, Swallowing Disorders, Oral Motor Therapy, Modified Diet Recommendations, Aspiration Precautions |
| Speech Sound | Articulation Therapy, Phonological Disorders, Speech Sound Disorders, Motor Speech Disorders, Apraxia of Speech |
| Language | Expressive Language Disorders, Receptive Language Disorders, Language Development, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorders |
| Fluency | Stuttering Therapy, Fluency Disorders, Cluttering, Fluency Shaping, Stuttering Modification |
| Voice | Voice Disorders, Dysphonia, Vocal Hygiene, Resonance Disorders, Laryngeal Function |
| Cognitive | Cognitive-Communication Disorders, Executive Function, Memory Rehabilitation, Attention Training |
How to Use Clinical Skills Keywords
Do not just list these skills. Show them in action with measurable outcomes:
Weak: "Provided dysphagia therapy to patients."
Strong: "Managed complex dysphagia cases for 45+ acute care patients monthly, implementing modified diet protocols that reduced aspiration pneumonia incidents by 30%."
Assessment and Evaluation Keywords
Recruiters search for specific assessment tools to verify you have hands-on experience with industry-standard evaluations. Include the exact tool names and acronyms.
| Assessment Type | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Pediatric Language | CELF-5, PLS-5, PPVT-5, ROWPVT-4, TOLD-P:5 |
| Articulation/Phonology | GFTA-3, KLPA-3, HAPP-3, Arizona Articulation and Phonology Scale |
| Fluency | SSI-4, Stuttering Severity Instrument, OASES |
| Voice | CAPE-V, VHI, Laryngeal Videostroboscopy |
| Swallowing | MBSS, Modified Barium Swallow Study, FEES, Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, Clinical Swallow Evaluation |
| Cognitive | CLQT, RIPA-2, RBANS, MOCA, ALFA |
| AAC | AAC Assessment, Feature Matching, Communication Needs Assessment |
Treatment and Intervention Keywords
Treatment approach keywords show recruiters you are trained in evidence-based methods. These are especially important for specialized positions.
| Treatment Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Dysphagia | VitalStim, NMES, EMST, Expiratory Muscle Strength Training, McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program, MDTP |
| Voice | LSVT LOUD, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Vocal Function Exercises, Resonant Voice Therapy, Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy |
| Pediatric | PROMPT, Hanen Approach, It Takes Two to Talk, DIR Floortime, Lidcombe Program |
| Motor Speech | DTTC, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing, Integral Stimulation, PROMPT |
| AAC | AAC Implementation, High-Tech AAC, Low-Tech AAC, Core Vocabulary Instruction, Aided Language Stimulation |
| Aphasia | CART, Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy, SFA, Semantic Feature Analysis, Script Training |
Population-Specific Keywords
Many SLP positions target specific patient populations. Include keywords that match the position you are applying for.
| Population | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Pediatric | Early Intervention, Birth to Three, Preschool Speech Therapy, School-Age Language, Pediatric Feeding |
| Adult/Geriatric | Adult Neurogenic Communication, Geriatric Speech Therapy, Dementia Communication, End-of-Life Communication |
| Medical Conditions | Stroke Rehabilitation, TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, Head and Neck Cancer, Tracheostomy, Ventilator Dependent |
| Developmental | Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delays, Intellectual Disabilities |
👉 Want to instantly check your missing keywords? Try the ResumeAdapter free ATS scan. Upload your resume and the job description to get your missing keywords in seconds.
Setting-Specific Keywords
Different work settings require different skill sets. Tailor your keywords to match the setting you are targeting.
Acute Care Hospital Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Clinical | ICU, Intensive Care Unit, Acute Care, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Trauma Center |
| Skills | Tracheostomy Management, Ventilator Weaning, Passy-Muir Valve, Speaking Valve, Bedside Swallow Evaluation |
| Documentation | EMR, Electronic Medical Records, Epic, Cerner, Medical Necessity Documentation |
School-Based Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Educational | IEP, Individualized Education Program, IDEA, 504 Plans, RTI, Response to Intervention |
| Settings | Public School, Private School, Self-Contained Classroom, Inclusion, Push-In Services, Pull-Out Services |
| Collaboration | IEP Team, Multidisciplinary Team, Teacher Collaboration, Parent Training |
Outpatient/Private Practice Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Business | Caseload Management, Productivity Standards, Insurance Billing, CPT Codes, Prior Authorization |
| Clinical | Outpatient Therapy, Home Health, Telepractice, Teletherapy, Private Practice |
Skilled Nursing Facility Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Settings | SNF, Long-Term Care, LTC, Subacute Rehabilitation, Memory Care |
| Regulations | MDS, Minimum Data Set, Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, PDPM |
Technology and Documentation Keywords
Modern SLP practice requires technology proficiency. These keywords show you can handle digital documentation and therapy tools.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| EMR Systems | Epic, Cerner, Meditech, PointClickCare, Casamba, NetHealth |
| Telepractice | Teletherapy, Telepractice, Virtual Speech Therapy, Remote Therapy, Video Conferencing |
| Therapy Apps | TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, Proloquo2Go, SALT Software, Boardmaker |
| Documentation | SOAP Notes, Treatment Plans, Progress Reports, Discharge Summaries, Goal Writing |
Soft Skills Keywords
While clinical skills are essential, soft skills keywords help you pass ATS screens for positions emphasizing collaboration and patient care.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Communication | Patient Education, Family Counseling, Caregiver Training, Interdisciplinary Communication |
| Collaboration | Multidisciplinary Team, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Team-Based Care, Case Conferences |
| Professional | Evidence-Based Practice, Continuing Education, Mentorship, Clinical Supervision, CF Supervisor |
| Patient Care | Patient-Centered Care, Culturally Responsive Care, Family-Centered Practice, Compassionate Care |
Resume Examples: Weak vs Strong
Summary Section
Weak: "Speech therapist with experience helping patients communicate better. Looking for a new opportunity."
Strong: "CCC-SLP with 6+ years of acute care experience specializing in dysphagia management and cognitive-communication disorders. Expertise in MBSS, FEES, and VitalStim therapy. Reduced aspiration pneumonia rates by 35% through evidence-based swallowing protocols. Seeking Senior SLP role at level I trauma center."
Experience Bullets
Weak: "Did speech therapy with kids at school."
Strong: "Provided speech-language pathology services to caseload of 55 students (Pre-K through 5th grade) with IEPs for articulation disorders, expressive/receptive language delays, and fluency disorders. Achieved 92% of annual IEP goals through evidence-based interventions including PROMPT and Hanen approaches."
Weak: "Helped patients with swallowing problems."
Strong: "Conducted comprehensive dysphagia evaluations including bedside swallow assessments and MBSS for 200+ patients annually. Implemented IDDSI-compliant diet modifications and aspiration precautions that reduced pneumonia readmissions by 28%."
Weak: "Worked with AAC devices."
Strong: "Led AAC assessment and implementation for 15 nonverbal pediatric patients, selecting and programming high-tech devices (TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life) and training families on aided language stimulation techniques. Increased functional communication by average of 40% within 6 months."
FAQ
How many SLP keywords should I use on my resume?
Use 15 to 25 keywords that match the job description. Focus on certifications, clinical skills, and populations you have worked with. Prioritize keywords mentioned in the job posting, as these carry the most weight with ATS systems.
How do I know which SLP keywords I am missing?
Upload your resume and the job description to ResumeAdapter and get your missing keywords instantly. Our AI analyzes your resume against the job description and shows exactly what is missing.
Should I include CCC-SLP if I am still a CF?
No. Only include credentials you currently hold. If you are a Clinical Fellow, list CF-SLP instead with your expected completion date. Misrepresenting credentials can result in job offer rescission and ASHA ethics complaints.
Where should I place SLP keywords on my resume?
Place important keywords in your summary, certifications section, skills section, and throughout your experience bullets. Use them naturally with context and measurable outcomes, not as a keyword-stuffed list.
Can I use the same keywords for every SLP application?
No. Tailor your keywords for each job application based on the specific job description. A school-based SLP position requires different keywords (IEP, IDEA, early intervention) than an acute care hospital role (MBSS, tracheostomy, ICU).
Related Articles
Ready to optimize your healthcare resume further? Check out these related guides:
- Resume Keywords List: The Ultimate Guide by Industry - Master hub with 50+ role-specific keyword guides
- Physical Therapist Resume Keywords - Related healthcare role
- Nursing Resume Keywords - Healthcare keywords for nurses
- Free ATS Resume Scanner - How to check your resume for free
- How to Optimize Resume Keywords for ATS - Complete ATS optimization guide
Don't guess which keywords you're missing.
👉 Scan Your Resume for Missing Keywords - Free
Get your ATS score, missing keywords, and improvement guidance in seconds. Or rewrite your resume in 8 seconds with our AI-powered resume rewrite engine.