Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists, also known as speech therapists, work in a variety of environments and with a variety of people to help them overcome language difficulties and work toward speaking fluently and correctly. The majority of speech therapists work in school settings and spend a lot of time in diagnostic and intervention processes. Others may work in health care settings or private care and many are self-employed. The work performed by these professionals is extremely important and can transform the lives of their patients. Many online universities offer degrees in speech language pathology so you can get your training in the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule.

Training

Speech pathologists must undergo intensive training in order to have the necessary skills to diagnose and treat the vast array of speech problems people face. Most professional positions require a minimum of a master’s degree, which is available through many online education programs. Whether you choose to take classes on a regular campus or get degrees online, the classes will be the same. Classes included in a speech-language pathology degree include anatomy, physiology, the nature of speech disorders, principles of acoustics, professional development, ethics, and clinical experience. In order to become licensed, speech pathologists must complete 300-375 hours of clinical work experience, have at least nine months of postgraduate experience, and pass the national Praxis exam in speech language pathology.

Duties

Speech pathologists work with patients of all ages to diagnose and treat a variety of speech-related disorders including voice disorders, speech rhythm issues, the inability to produce sounds, and fluency problems. The process for treatment is highly detailed and individualized. Problems have to be correctly diagnosed through a series of specific testing procedures. Test results must be recorded and analyzed so the speech therapist can develop an effective treatment plan including vocal exercises and practices that will help the patient overcome their speech difficulties. The therapist will then be responsible for conducting regular therapy sessions to implement the treatment plan. Often, in severe cases, the therapist will also need to provide alternative communication techniques to use with the patient until the speech issues are resolved.

Those who choose to become speech pathologists are making a very good career choice for their futures. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a very fast growth rate for this career in coming years, especially for people who are bilingual. Speech therapists who speak both Spanish and English will be particularly important in the future due to the large number of Spanish-speaking immigrants to the United States. The average salary for licensed speech-language pathologists is $70,000 and is likely to climb as the demand for trained professionals grows. Most who work in this position also receive an excellent benefits package and a good retirement plan. If you are looking for a great career as a respected professional—one with tremendous benefits and guaranteed job security—now is the time to start your education for a degree in speech pathology.