Physical therapist vs speech-language pathologist
BLS says physical therapists need a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree, and that all states license both. PT programs are accredited by CAPTE and lead to the NPTE; SLP programs are accredited by CAA and lead to the national speech-language pathology exam.
Quoted from official pages checked November 10, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
| Official fact | Physical therapist (PT) | Speech-language pathologist (SLP) |
|---|---|---|
| What BLS says they do | “Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain.” | “Speech-language pathologists assess and treat people who have communication disorders.” |
| Typical entry-level education (BLS Quick Facts) | Doctoral or professional degree | Master’s degree |
| How to become (BLS) | “Physical therapists entering the occupation need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.” | “Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.” |
| On-the-job training (BLS Quick Facts) | None | Internship/residency |
| Program accreditor | CAPTE | CAA (accredited and candidate programs; search in EdFind) |
| National exam or certification | NPTE for physical therapists, administered by FSBPT (NPTE) | National speech-language pathology exam: Praxis through ETS through December 26, 2026; PSI from January 11, 2027 (SLP exams); ASHA CCC-SLP. ASHA states: “ASHA certification is voluntary.” |
| Licensure (BLS) | “All states require physical therapists to be licensed.” | “All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed.” |
| 2025 median pay (BLS) | $102,760 per year | $97,870 per year |
| Number of jobs, 2025 (BLS) | 283,700 | 193,400 |
| Job outlook, 2025–35 (BLS) | 12% (Much faster than average) | 17% (Much faster than average) |
| Work environment summary (BLS) | “Physical therapists typically work in private offices and clinics, hospitals, patients’ homes, and nursing homes.” | “Most speech-language pathologists work in schools or healthcare facilities.” |
| Interstate compact | PT Compact | ASLP-IC (audiology and speech-language pathology) |
BLS figures are from the handbook pages for physical therapists and speech-language pathologists, checked November 10, 2026. The physical therapists page showed “Last modified date: October 29, 2026”, and the speech-language pathologists page showed “Last modified date: August 27, 2026”. They are national estimates.
Where the official sources mention each other
BLS’s speech-language pathologists page states that speech-language pathologists work with “physicians and surgeons, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, and other healthcare workers.” ASHA’s student page states: “In many settings, SLPs often work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, which may include teachers, physicians, audiologists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and rehabilitation counselors.”
This page does not draw its own scope-of-practice line between the professions. What each licensee may do is set by the state practice act.
Exam is not licensure
FSBPT’s NPTE page states: “Taking the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is an important step toward receiving your physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) license.” ASHA’s SLP exam page states: “Each state determines its passing score for professional licensure and teacher credentialing.” The license comes from the state in both professions.