Helping patients with communication struggles, speech and language pathologists identify, evaluate, treat and sometimes heal communication disorders. Also known as speech therapists, speech language pathologists work within the complete range of patient communication, including individuals who cannot create speech sounds clearly. Speech language pathologists also work with individuals who stutter, helping them improve speech rhythm and fluency.
Individuals who want to improve their communications by modifying an accent, for example, would work with a speech therapist. Speech language pathologists also assist individuals with voice disorders, such as unsuitable pitch, and people with swallowing problems. Patients who have difficulty with attention, memory and problem solving disorders can be assisted by speech language pathologists, as well.
Language difficulties encountered by clients can be congenital, developmental or can be acquired. This includes patients who have stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, cleft palate, mental retardation, hearing loss or learning disabilities.
Job Duties
Speech language pathologists use specialized instruments, as well as quantitative and qualitative assessments to investigate the complexity and degree of problems. The speech language pathologist will create a customized plan of care to fit a patient’s requirements and objectives. When necessary, supplemental or alternative communication methods, such as automated devices or sign language, can be introduced.
Patients can then be instructed on how to generate sounds, strengthen their voices and expand oral or written communication skills. In addition, speech language pathologists educate clients on strengthening their muscles or using other tactics in swallowing to avoid choking.
Many times, speech disorders are related to neurological, psychological and/or physical conditions. Therefore, it is vital that a speech language pathologist be able to work collaboratively with social workers, teachers, physicians, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and audiologists. Focus is given to the continual evaluation and progress of the patient. Treatment plans that are not providing adequate progress are eliminated, and new plans are initiated.
An integral part of a speech language pathologist’s work is counseling families on the stresses and misinterpretations experienced by those with speech disorders. Communication techniques and behavior modifications used in the home can enhance the work being done by the speech language pathologist.
Work Environment
Speech-language pathologists can work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice offices, health departments, centers for people with developmental disabilities, government agencies and adult day care centers. Some patients prefer that speech-language pathologists implement their therapy in private homes.
Essential Education
Customarily, speech-language pathologists earn at least a master’s degree. Many states require licensure; conditions for gaining a license vary by state. Typical standards to earn a license include the following:
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Qualifying score on the National Examination on Speech-Language Pathology
- 300-375 hours of clinical experience
- 9 months of post-graduate professional clinical experience.
For aspiring speech-language pathologists who work full time, have family commitments or prefer the accessibility of the internet, online classes may be beneficial. Because of the required clinical experience needed, not all of the programs and classes can be offered entirely online.
Employment Opportunities and Salary
Due to the increased urgency of the early intervention and diagnosis of speech and language disorders in children, and because of an increasingly aging population, employment is expected to grow. According to estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 23% between 2010 and 2020. The median pay for speech-language pathologist was $66,920 in 2010.
