Speech-Language Pathologist Interview: 18 Questions to Expect in 2026

Speech-language pathologist interviews in 2026 differ dramatically depending on whether you're interviewing for a medical setting (acute care, SNF, rehab hospital) or an educational setting (school district, early intervention). This guide covers both tracks, with the questions that appear in each.

Medical SLP — clinical assessment (Q1–7)

1. Walk me through your dysphagia evaluation process for a patient post-stroke. Clinical bedside swallow evaluation → instrumental assessment decision (MBSS vs FEES) → diet texture recommendation → aspiration risk counseling → family education → interdisciplinary communication.
2. When do you recommend a modified barium swallow study vs. FEES? Know the indications, contraindications, and what each test tells you that the other doesn't. Show you make evidence-based instrument choices.
3. What diet texture scales do you use? IDDSI framework — be able to name and describe each level. This is a baseline competency question in 2026.
4. Tell me about the most complex dysphagia case you've managed. Aspiration, silent aspiration, non-oral feeding decision, ethics of feeding decisions at end of life.
5. What's your approach to a patient who is aspirating but refusing NPO recommendations? Informed decision-making, risk counseling, palliative feeding plan, ethics consult when appropriate, patient autonomy balanced with harm reduction.
6. Describe your approach to cognitive-communicative disorders post-TBI or stroke. Memory, attention, executive function, pragmatics — what does your assessment and treatment hierarchy look like?
7. What aphasia treatments have you used, and what evidence supports them? CILT, SFA, VNeST, melodic intonation therapy — be specific and cite your evidence base.

School/pediatric SLP — clinical questions (Q8–12)

8. Walk me through your process for evaluating a child referred for a language delay. Case history, standardized assessment (CELF, PLS, GFTA), dynamic assessment, parent interview, school observation, eligibility determination.
9. How do you write IEP goals that are measurable and meaningful? Specific target skill, conditions, criterion for mastery, data collection method. Show you understand the IEP process, not just the clinical side.
10. What AAC systems have you used, and how do you decide between them? SGDs, PECS, low-tech boards, robust vocabulary systems (Snap Core First, Proloquo2Go). Feature matching process.
11. How do you handle a student whose parents disagree with your therapy recommendations or IEP placement? Procedural safeguards, data sharing, IEP team process, prior written notice requirements.
12. What does your approach to articulation/phonological therapy look like? Cycles approach, minimal pairs, motor learning principles — show you have a structured framework.

Productivity, documentation, and caseload (Q13–15)

13. What's your caseload experience, and what's the upper limit you can manage quality-of-care on? Medical: 10–16 patients/day is standard. School SLP: 40–60 students on caseload is typical; over 70 becomes unsafe. Know what's appropriate for the setting.
14. How do you stay on top of documentation in a high-volume setting? Structured templates, same-day notes, systematic scheduling that includes documentation time, not just patient contact.
15. How do you handle medical necessity documentation for SNF or outpatient SLP? Functional goal language, objective measure change, skilled care rationale (restorative vs. maintenance), progress justification.

Team and culture (Q16–17)

16. How do you work with OT and PT on a shared patient with dysphagia and mobility issues? Rounding, goal alignment (positioning affects swallowing), cross-discipline communication about functional priorities.
17. Tell me about a time you advocated for a patient or student in the face of system pressure. Discharge before ready, NPO override, caseload that prevented adequate care — show you have a track record of speaking up appropriately.

Compensation and fit (Q18)

18. What compensation and schedule are you looking for? CCC-SLP salaries in 2026: SNF $78K–$100K; hospital $78K–$98K; school $65K–$88K (plus benefits and summers); outpatient $72K–$92K. Teletherapy roles have expanded the market significantly. Know your floor and your flexibility.

Questions you should ask them

• What's the caseload size and patient mix?
• Do I have access to instrumental assessments (FEES/MBSS) in-house or is there a referral process?
• What's the documentation system, and is documentation time built into the schedule?
• Is teletherapy part of this role?
• What CE support is available — funding, ASHA CEUs, specialty certifications?

Related: SLP Salary Guide 2026, OT Interview Questions, PT Interview Questions. Find SLP positions at avahealth.co.