Speech/Language Pathology
The Nature of the Work
Speech-Language Pathologists are professionals concerned with evaluation, treatment, and research in human communication and its disorders. They treat speech and language disorders and work with individuals of all ages. They diagnose and evaluate speech problems, such as fluency (stuttering), articulation, voice disorders as well as language problems, such as aphasia and delayed language and related disorders, such as dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). They design and carry out comprehensive treatment plans to achieve the following:
- Help individuals learn correct production and use of speech sounds
- Assist with developing proper control of the vocal and respiratory systems for correct voice production
- Assist individuals who stutter to increase the amount of fluent speech and to cope with their disorder
- Assist children and adolescents with language problems, such as understanding and giving directions, answering and asking questions, understanding and using English grammar, using appropriate social language, and conveying ideas to others
- Assist individuals who have had strokes or suffered other brain trauma relearn language and speech skills
- Help individuals to use augmentative and assistive systems of communications
- Counsel individuals with speech and language disorders and their families or caregivers to understand their disorders and to communicate more effectively in educational, social, and vocational settings
- Advise individuals and the community on how to prevent speech and language disorders
Although speech and language professionals work closely with teachers, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation counselors, and other members of an interdisciplinary team, they are autonomous and do not work under direct medical supervision.
In addition to clinical applications focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders, speech-language pathologists have almost an infinite variety of ways to use their skills:
- Train future professionals in colleges and universities
- Administer or manage agencies, clinics, organizations, or private practices
- Engage in academic, laboratory, or medically related research to enhance knowledge about human communication processes
- Develop new methods and equipment to test and evaluate problems
- Establish more effective treatment programs and investigate behavioral patterns associated with communication problems
Work Sites
The practice and work of speech-language pathologists may take place in various settings:
- Public and private schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing care facilities
- Community clinics
- Colleges and universities
- Private practice offices
- State and local health departments
- State and federal government agencies
- Home Health Agencies (home care)
- Long-term care facilities
- Adult day care centers
- Centers for persons with developmental disabilities
- Research laboratories
Entry Requirements
To enter this career, one must have a sincere interest in helping people, an above average intellectual aptitude, and the sensitivity, personal warmth, and perspective to be able to interact with the person who has a communication problem. Scientific aptitude, patience, emotional stability, tolerance, and persistence are necessary, as well as resourcefulness and imagination. Other essential traits include a commitment to work cooperatively with others and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
During high school, prospective speech-language pathologists should consider a program with courses in biology, physics, social sciences, English, and mathematics, as well as in public speaking, language, and psychology. On the undergraduate level, a strong liberal arts focus is recommended, with course work in linguistics, phonetics, anatomy, psychology, human development, biology, physiology, and semantics. A program of study in communication sciences and disorders is available at the undergraduate level. The work of a speech-language pathologist is further enhanced by graduate education, which is mandatory in many work settings. Most speech-language pathologists and audiologists are also required to obtain the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) which involves the completion of a master's degree, a supervised Clinical Fellowship (CF), and a passing score on a national examination. In some areas, such as college teaching, research, and private practice, a Ph.D. degree is desirable.
Earnings*
Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary speech-language pathologists were $57,710 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,360 and $72,410. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,970, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,400. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of speech-language pathologists were:
- Nursing care facilities $70,180
- Offices of other health practitioners 63,240
- General medical and surgical hospitals 61,970
- Elementary and secondary schools 53,110
Some employers may reimburse speech-language pathologists for their required continuing education credits. For the most current information about earnings, visit the website for the Department of Labor.
Working Conditions
Because there is such a wide variety of employment settings, working conditions also vary. Facilities in most school systems and established clinics are comfortable and adequately equipped, as are most facilities for research, colleges and private practice. Since speech and hearing services are a vital part of total health care and the educational system, the number of work sites is constantly expanding. Because of the increasing demand for these services, work schedules may be heavy. An additional challenge is the constant need to update knowledge through educational experiences and reading periodicals. These challenges are balanced by the satisfaction of contributing to the quality of life of adults and children through facilitating the vital need of persons to communicate effectively.
Size of the Profession
There are more than 50,000 ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists. These individuals hold many major positions in clinical, academic, and research fields. There are an estimated 42,000 additional individuals who are providing services in the profession.
Future Outlook*
Eleven percent employment growth is anticipated between 2006-2016, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. As the members of the baby boom generation continue to age, the possibility of neurological disorders and associated speech, language, and swallowing impairments increases. The increasing survival rate of premature infants and stroke victims calls for more assessment and treatment.
Employment opportunities in education services will increase with the growth in special education identification. Federal law guarantees services to all eligible students with disabilities. Greater awareness of the importance of early identification and diagnosis of speech and language disorders will increase employment. In the health care environment, reimbursement for therapy services may limit SLP job growth, but overall demand for therapists should rise with more individuals with disabilities needing services. Due to the increase in contract services for speech-language treatment, private practice positions are expected to increase.
*Information provided by the U.S Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.