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Fact Sheet- Speech Pathology
Nature of the Work
Speech-language pathologists are professionals concerned with evaluation,
treatment, prevention and research in human communication and its disorders.
They treat speech and language disorders and work with individuals of all ages,
from infants to the elderly. They diagnose and evaluate speech problems, such as
fluency (e.g., stuttering), articulation, voice disorders, or language problems,
such as aphasia and delayed language and related disorders, such as dysphagia
(e.g., swallowing difficulties). They design and carry out comprehensive
treatment plans and achieve the following:
- Help individuals learn correct production of speech
sounds
- Assist with developing proper control of the vocal
and respiratory systems or correct voice production
- 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 stutter to increase the
amount of fluent speech and to cope with their disorder
- 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 communication
- Counsel individuals with speech and language
disorders and their families or care givers to understand their disorder 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, treatment and
prevention 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 pathologist 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 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 mandated by
ASHA. Speech-language pathologists and audiologists are also required by ASHA 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. is desirable. In most states,
speech-language pathologists and audiologists also must comply with state
regulatory (licensure) standards to practice and/or have state education
certification. The requirements are very similar or identical to ASHA’s CCC
requirements.
Earnings
Salaries of speech-language pathologists depend on their educational background,
specialty and experience, along with the geographical location and type of
setting in which they work. The median salary for ASHA-certified speech-language
pathologists in 1997 was $44,000. Persons in supervisory positions for example
in administration and management, may earn well over $53,000 per year. While the
1997 median salary for certified speech-language pathologists with 1-3 years
experience was $38,000, the median salary for certified speech-language
pathologists with doctorate degrees was $53,250. Good benefits packages, such as
insurance programs and leave, are usually available to these professionals.
Working Conditions
Because there are 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 practices. 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
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) represents 96,636
professionals. There are more than 79,000 ASHA-certified speech-language
pathologists. Also, there are approximately 1,400 persons who hold dual ASHA
certification. That is, they are certified both as audiologists and
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
The future of the speech-language pathology profession appears excellent. More
frequent recognition of problems in preschool and school age children by
teachers and parents, combined with increased numbers of older citizens, and
medical advances has created a growing need for speech and language services.
There are shortages of qualified personnel in some areas of the country,
especially in the inner city, rural and less populated areas. Job opportunities
in medically related areas are expected to grow at an above average rate.
Although competition for positions in some areas is keen, the potential for
private practice and contract work is increasing rapidly.
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