Become a speech-language pathologist

If you're looking for a career that intersects with health and education fields, and involves warm interactions with people of all ages, then a career in speech therapy or speech-language pathology could be just for you. The decision to become a speech-language pathologist can lead to a fulfilling career with significant job security.

The work of a speech-language pathologist

Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat patients ranging from infants to the elderly, who have an articulation, resonance or linguistic disorder which makes it difficult for them to understand or be understood by others.

As a career, speech pathology offers a lot of variety in work settings, including day care centers, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community clinics, government agencies and research laboratories. Almost half of speech-language pathologists work in educational facilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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If you decide to become a speech-language pathologist your salary can vary significantly, depending on your specialization and work setting. The median salary is $66,920 a year, although the top specialists in speech therapy make as much as $80,000 or more. Most professionals in the field work for agencies or organizations that provide significant benefit packages, including insurance and vacation time.

Speech-language pathologist education and certification

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a liberal arts program with coursework in linguistics, human development, psychology, math and general science provides a strong undergraduate foundation for a speech-language pathologist degree. While undergraduate programs in communication sciences and disorders offer early entry into lower levels of the field, full certification requires a Master's Degree.

There are 265 speech-language pathologist schools with certified programs in the United States. Graduate level speech-language pathologist programs usually require two to three years to complete. If you plan to become a speech-language pathologist who works in research, teaches at the university level, or opens a private practice, a PhD degree will generally be necessary as well.

After obtaining your degree, you will still need certification by the Council for Clinical Certification (CFCC), which includes a clinical experience training period and a national certification exam.

Is speech-language pathology for you?

Imagine that a four-year-old child, who can barely speak in sentences and is painfully shy, comes into your office. You find that the child's hearing is normal, and she is quite bright. She can even recite lengthy poems, and she often engages in imaginative play.

Yet, her speech is that of a two-year old and it is already affecting her ability to make friends and succeed in preschool. Imagine knowing that you can probably help her to speak normally. That is the fulfilling work of a speech-language pathologist.

Anyone wishing to become a speech-language pathologist should enjoy working with people, be intelligent, sensitive and patient, and feel comfortable talking to people with speech difficulties. If you fulfill these requirements and are willing to obtain a degree, this could be the field for you. You can use Reply! to find speech-language pathology programs in your area.

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