OVERVIEW
What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Ìý
A speech-language pathologist specializes in treating various speech impediments and addressing language comprehension difficulties. They also teach social skills to people with developmental disabilities, provide guidance to individuals with cognitive disorders, and intervene when someone struggles to swallow food or beverages. For those who cannot hear well, speech-language pathologists teach skills for understanding others and expressing themselves through other means like picture boards or technological devices.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does aÌýSpeech-Language Pathologist Do?
These professionals work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders in children and adults. If you have a passion for working one-on-one with individuals to give them the tools to improve their quality of life, then speech-language pathology can be a rewarding career.ÌýA speech-language pathologist can have several responsibilities and daily tasks. Some of them may include:
- Evaluation and diagnosis.ÌýOften, the first job of a speech-language pathologist is to evaluate individuals to determine a diagnosis. Discovering whether the person has speech, language, communication, or swallowing disorders, or a combination of these, is a crucial first step to determining a treatment plan.
- Treating disorders.ÌýOnce disorders are diagnosed, speech-language pathologists can work on treating them. One method may work well for a child struggling to swallow, while a quite different one may serve an adult struggling with communication.
- Providing training.ÌýSpeech pathologists have an important responsibility to train family members and caregivers to assist the individual in specific ways. An individual’s support group plays a key role in helping them improve.Ìý
- Working with other professionals. It’s common for speech-language pathologists to work closely with an individual’s care team. This team may consist of school counselors, physicians, and others. Being skilled at working with these professionals to gain insight and provide the best care plan for each client is key.
- Educating future pathologists.ÌýSpeech-language pathologists often train younger aspiring pathologists. They must be prepared for students who will shadow them and be willing to provide education and lectures if asked by local universities or interested groups.
- Providing counseling.ÌýSpeech-language pathologists may provide guidance and exercises to improve speech in a counseling setting. In addition to assigning drills and tasks, they may provide support and counsel.
- Running a clinic.ÌýIt’s common for speech-language pathologists to have their own clinic or private practice. Knowing what this entails and being on top of the aspects of running a business is important. Most clinics have office staff and accountants, so the speech-language pathologist whose clinic it is must be able to supervise them effectively.
- Working with agencies.ÌýSpeech pathologists should maintain strong relationships with associations and government agencies that advocate for those with speech, language, and hearing impairments. One such agency is the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
- Supervising school programs.ÌýOften, elementary schools will provide speech lessons for young students who are struggling with communication or pronunciation. Speech-language pathologists supervise these sessions and sometimes provide speech therapy themselves.
- Conducting research.ÌýOur understanding of speech disorders and the ways to treat them is expanding. Thanks to research carried out by speech-language pathologists, we discover new treatments and gain needed knowledge to improve care and enhance progress. As a speech-language pathologist, you should plan to keep up on the latest research and even engage in your own research.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
There are several steps to becoming a speech-language pathologist. Here is the typical path from speech-language pathologist schooling to fellowship and examination.
- Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree. Prospective speech-language pathologists often pursue undergraduate degrees in communication sciences and disorders,Ìýhealthcare and nursing, orÌýspecial education.Ìý
- Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you must also earn a master’s degree to become a speech-language pathologist.ÌýÌýis a list of these types of accredited graduate programs in each state.
- Complete a clinical fellowship. To become a speech-language pathologist, you must complete 1,260 hours and gain at least 36 weeks of full-time clinical experience. ASHA has aÌý.
- Pass the Praxis exam. TheÌýÌýis commissioned by ASHA. In general, to pass the exam, you must achieve a score of at least 162 on a 100 to 200 scale. That said, certain states may require different scores, so be sure to understand the specific requirements where you live.
5. Get certified. To become a licensed speech-language pathologist, you must be certified by both ASHA and the state you’ll be practicing in. .
6. Apply for speech-language pathologists jobs. ASHA offersÌýÌýto help you find a job. Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter may also have job postings.
Best Degrees for aÌýSpeech-Language Pathologist
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time:Ìý63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition:Ìý$4425 per 6-month term
- Courses:Ìý35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time:ÌýCompletion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition:Ìý$3825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time:Ìý68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 to 45 (47 for Washington residents) total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-timeÌýstudent teaching.
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Special Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time:Ìý61% of students finish within 34 to 38 months.
- Tuition:Ìý$3825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 to 39 total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-timeÌýstudent teaching.
How Much Does aÌýSpeech-Language Pathologist Make?
$84,140
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average annualÌýÌýin 2022 was $84,140.ÌýThe higher percentile earnersÌýÌýmore than $100,000, but salary can vary by state.
What is the Projected Job Growth?
Ìý
19%
The BLS projects the number of speech-language pathologist jobs toÌýÌýfrom 2022 to 2032. They expect 13,200 job openings each year.
SKILLS
What Skills Does aÌýSpeech-Language Pathologist Need?
It takes a specialized set of hard and soft skills to excel as a speech-language pathologist. They should be skilled in the following areas:
- Active listening.ÌýKnowing how to listen is crucial for speech-language pathologists, as understanding sounds and knowing how to improve speech is a key job function. They must know how to listen to concerns as well as incorrect speech patterns.
- Adaptability.ÌýEvery individual is different. Speech-language pathologists must be able to adapt to meet the needs of every person they meet with.ÌýÌý
- Leadership.ÌýSpeech-language pathologists often orient others in their field, as well as caregivers and family members. They should have strong leadership skills and have a presence that inspires confidence.
- Creativity.ÌýIt’s not always easy to help someone improve their speech. Sometimes, speech-language pathologists must find creative ways to teach language skills, especially if they’re working with children.
- Verbal and written communication.ÌýCommunication is key, especially since speech-language pathologists are teaching this very skill. Getting messages across succinctly and accurately to both individuals and their caregivers is critical.
- Critical thinking.ÌýFinding solutions to complex speech problems is rarely easy. Speech-pathologists must be able to think critically through difficult issues to find solutions.
- Decision-making.ÌýTo be a speech-language pathologist, you must be skilled at making decisions and shifting gears. An approach that works for one client may not work for the next, so be ready to make the decision that’s best for the individual.
- Time management.ÌýThere’s high demand for speech-language pathologists, which means their schedules fill up quickly. To serve each client well, you must be intentional with your time and spend it on exercises that will best serve the client.
- Enthusiasm.ÌýIt’s much easier to work for someone who is positive and excited. The best speech-pathologists are optimistic and enthusiastic as they motivate and support the individuals they work with.
- Compassion.ÌýWorking through a speech or language difficulty can be challenging and embarrassing for individuals. Speech-language pathologists should have compassion and show kindness as they’re working with people.
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