Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences

Speech Language Pathology Fact Sheet

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, 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 dysphasia (e.g., swallowing difficulties). They design and carry out comprehensive treatment plans to achieve the following:

Help individuals learn correct production 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 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 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 school
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 Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) which involves the completion of a master's degree, a supervised Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), 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

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. Beginners with a bachelor's degree and no experience usually work as aides and earn between $14,000 and $18,000 a year. The median salary for ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists working in public schools in 2006 was $52,131 per academic (9-10 month) year. For ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists working in health care settings, the median salary in 2007 was $60,000. Individuals holding a doctorate degree earn a median salary above $69,000 per year. Good benefits packages, such as insurance programs and leave, are usually available to these professionals.

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

In 2006, there were over 110,000 ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists. These individuals hold many major positions in clinical, academic, and research fields.

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 the increased numbers of older citizens, has created a growing need for speech and language services. There are shortages of qualified personnel in some areas of the country, especially in 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.