Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists specialize in clients who have speech or related disorders. These types of problems may range from speech rhythm to fluency issues, to cognitive impairment or hearing-loss-related speech issues.

They work in a variety of settings including schools, speech and language clinics, and medical facilities and collaborate with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists to develop treatments. Their role in schools includes creation of group or individual programs, consultation with parents, and helping teachers with daily activities.

Speech-language pathologists need objectivity and a n aptitude for science. They need to be able to communicate test results and diagnoses, and proposed treatments Speech-language pathologists also need patience, compassion, and good listening skills.

Education and Credentials Required
Forty-six out of fifty states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed. Typically they require a masters degree and a passing score on the Praxis Series speech-language pathology examination, 300 to 375 hours of supervised clinical experience and 9 months of postgraduate professional clinical experience.

Thirty eight states also require ongoing continuing education to maintain licensing. There are about two hundred and thirty three colleges and universities with programs in speech language pathology.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for speech language pathologists are expected to rise faster than average. Opportunities for speech language pathologists will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas. Increased demand is driven by increased survival rates for strokes and trauma as well as premature infants.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for speech language pathologists was $49,450. Self-employed Speech language pathologists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Speech language pathologists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Self-employed speech language pathologists pay for their own health benefits and retirement.