In this article we will discuss:
A speech-language pathologist, also called an SLP, is someone who helps people with communication disorders. This includes those with speech problems or language disorders. They are trained to assess and treat these kinds of problems. Speech-language pathologists are experts in the field of communication. If you want to know more about what is a speech pathologist and how to become a speech pathologist, read to learn more!
What is speech-language pathology?
Speech-language pathology is the study and treatment of human communication.
This includes the following areas:
Speech – the production of sounds
Language – the understanding and use of words
Cognition – the mental process that allows us to think, remember, and reason
Swallowing – the process of moving food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach
Fluency – the rhythm and flow of speech
Voice – the pitch, volume, and quality of sound made by the vocal cords
What is a speech pathologist?
You might be wondering what is a speech pathologist? is it the same as a speech therapist? Well, these terms are often used interchangeably. But they all refer to the same profession.
A speech-language pathologist is a medical professional who is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat people with communication disorders. They work with a wide range of clients, including those with speech problems and language disorders. Not just that, they also work with children and adult who have difficulty swallowing. To become a speech pathologist, you must have at least a master’s degree as well as specialized training and certification to be able to practice.
How to be a speech-language pathologist?
The requirements on how to become a speech pathologist may vary may depending on what country you live in.
First, to become a speech pathologist, you must first obtain at least a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences or disorders. This will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for working as an SLP. However, others may have a related degree such as psychology, linguistics, or education.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a master’s program in speech-language pathology. During this program, you will gain hands-on clinical training and learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders.
Additionally, you will need to complete a one-year clinical fellowship after graduating from your master’s program. To be eligible for licensure as an SLP, you must pass the Praxis examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Finally, it is important to stay up-to-date on advances in the field by attending continuing education courses and professional conferences. With the right combination of education, experience, and skills, you can become an effective speech-language pathologist and help those with communication disorders.
Learn more about how to become a speech pathologist!
You can visit websites like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or the National Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSHLA).
These organizations offer numerous resources, including information on educational programs, professional development opportunities, and job openings. So whether you are just getting started in your career or you are a seasoned speech-language pathologist, be sure to check out these websites for all the latest news and updates in your field!
What do speech-language pathologists do?
Speech-language pathologists work with people who have difficulty communicating. They assess speech and language skills, diagnose disorders, and provide treatment. Treatment may include exercises to improve muscle strength or coordination, training in how to use alternative communication strategies, or counseling to help a person cope with the effects of a communication disorder.
What are the different types of speech and language disorders?
Speech disorders involve problems with the production of speech sounds. Language disorders involve difficulties understanding or using words, sentences, or conversation. Some common types of speech and language disorders include:
Aphasia – difficulty understanding or producing spoken or written language
Apraxia – difficulty producing specific movements needed for speech
Dysarthria – muscle weakness or paralysis that affects speech production
Dysfluency – disruptions in the normal flow of speech, such as stuttering
Voice disorders – problems with pitch, loudness, or quality of voice
Speech or language delay – difficulty acquiring speech and language skills at the expected age
There are also many other types of communication disorders that speech-language pathologists work with, such as those related to hearing impairment, cognitive (mental) disabilities, social communication challenges, and more.
Who needs speech therapy?
Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They work with people who have various types of communication disorders, including those that are congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed after birth). Common reasons why people see an SLP include:
Having difficulty producing sounds
Being difficult to understand
Problems with voice quality, such as pitch or loudness
Stuttering or other disorders of fluency
Difficulty understanding or using words, sentences, or conversation
Social communication difficulties
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
What causes communication disorders?
Communication disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Cognitive impairment – difficulty with thinking and processing information
Hearing loss – can make it difficult to understand others and be understood from birth, disease, injury, or aging
Developmental delay – slower than normal development of communication skills
Injury to the brain or nervous system – from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other conditions
What are the risk factors for communication disorders?
The following factors may increase the risk of developing a communication disorder:
Family history of communication disorders
Premature birth
Exposure to environmental toxins
Use of certain medications or drugs
Poor nutrition
Where do speech-language pathologists work?
Now you know how to become a speech pathologist, it does not stop there. There are many different settings where speech-language pathologists can work, including:
Schools
Speech-language pathologists in a school-based setting provide assessment and treatment for students with speech, language, and/or hearing disorders. They also work with students who have difficulty with academic skills such as reading and writing. They usually do pull-out sessions, which means they see students in small groups or individuals outside of the regular classroom setting.
Hospitals
Speech-language pathologists in a hospital setting provide assessment and treatment for patients with speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders. They also work with patients who have cognitive-communication disorders related to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or traumatic brain injury.
Private practice clinics
Speech-language pathologists in a private practice clinic provide assessment and treatment for patients with various types of speech and language disorders. It may be either a solo practice or a group practice with other speech-language pathologists or other types of health care providers.
Home health
Speech-language pathologists in a home health setting provide assessment and treatment for patients with various types of speech and language disorders in their homes. They usually work with patients who are unable to travel to a clinic or hospital for therapy.
Additionally, they may work in research or academic settings, or as independent practitioners who offer services on a contract basis. No matter where you choose to work, you will have the opportunity to help people with communication disorders and make a real difference in their lives. So if you are passionate about this field, why not start pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist today?
5 reasons why you need to take up speech-language pathology
Now that you know the basics about what is a speech pathologist, you might be wondering if it’s the right career choice for you. Here are 5 reasons why you should definitely consider to become a speech pathologist:
1. You want to help people with their communication disorders.
There is a rising cases of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and adults who suffered from a stroke, dementia, and other conditions. These conditions affect communication skills. This is a great need for skilled speech-language pathologists who can help these people improve their communication abilities.
2. You want to be a part of a growing industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for speech-language pathologists will grow by 21% from 2018 to 2028. This is much faster than the average for all occupations! It reflects the growing needs of our aging population.
3. You want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Speech-language pathologists often work with patients who have lost their ability to communicate. Your work can definitely help them to regain that ability and improve their overall quality of life. Imagine the feeling of helping someone say their first words after a stroke!
4. You want a career that is both challenging and rewarding.
Speech-language pathology is a challenging field, but it is also very rewarding to see the progress your patients make. Because of the wide range of disorders you may work with, no two days are alike and you will never find yourself bored in this profession.
5. You want a career with good job prospects.
Not only is the demand for speech-language pathologists growing rapidly, but the job prospects are good as well. In addition, speech-language pathologists are in high demand in a variety of settings, so you will have many options for where you want to work.
There are a lot more reasons to love and pursue a career in speech-language pathology. Whether you are interested in working with children, adults, or the elderly, this is an amazing field that allows you to help people every day and make a real difference in their lives. If you are passionate about communication and helping others, then speech-language pathology may be the ideal career for you! At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
About the Author
Mikee Larrazabal
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with 14 years of experience working with children and adults who have communication difficulties. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science at Cebu Doctors' University and have been helping people overcome their communication challenges ever since.
I have worked with individuals of different ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, adults and seniors. I'm passionate about speech therapy and take great satisfaction in helping people overcome their communication challenges and improve their lives through better communication skills. In my spare time I like reading books, going hiking in nature and taking care of my dog Locas.
