What You Need to Know About Speech-Language Pathologist
Occupation Description: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Life As a Speech-Language Pathologist
- Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
- Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
- Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
- Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
- Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
- Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
Things a Speech-Language Pathologist Should Know How to Do
When polled, Speech-Language Pathologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Is There Job Demand for Speech-Language Pathologists?
In the United States, there were 145,100 jobs for Speech-Language Pathologists in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 17.8%, which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,900 new jobs for Speech-Language Pathologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 10,400 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Speech-Language Pathologists are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Rhode Island, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Speech-Language Pathologist Make?
Speech-Language Pathologists make between $48,690 and $120,060 a year.
Speech-Language Pathologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Connecticut make the highest salaries.
Tools & Technologies Used by Speech-Language Pathologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Speech-Language Pathologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Text to speech software
- Language analysis software
- Signal analysis software
- Apple Logic Pro
- Bungalow Software Aphasia Tutor
- KayPENTAX Multi-Speech
- Learning Fundamentals Speech Visualization
- Biofeedback software
- Speech analysis software
How do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Learn what Speech-Language Pathologist education requirements there are.
Where Speech-Language Pathologists Are Employed
Speech-Language Pathologists work in various industries.
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