What do speech pathologists do

They are often part of early intervention teams of different specialists who work with children — for example, occupational therapists , psychologists and dietitians. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive. Your child might see a speech pathologist if he has trouble with communication including:.

During the assessment, the speech pathologist will talk with you about what your child has trouble with. The speech pathologist might look at how well your child understands instructions and questions.

The speech pathologist might also listen to your child talking to get a good idea of the words and sounds your child uses. Examples of the type of work speech pathologists undertake with people are:.

Speech pathology is a self-regulated profession. Speech Pathology Australia is recognised by the Department of Education and Training as the assessing authority for speech pathologists in Australia. For more detailed information about speech pathology, please visit the Speech Pathology Australia website. Do you have a case study you'd like to share? If so, please contact us. Peter is four years old and enjoys talking about trains.

He has good vocabulary and can tell long stories about particular topics. However, he does not notice when people lose interest in his stories. Peter also finds it difficult to understand and answer questions and has difficulty explaining his feelings.

The largest employers of speech-language pathologists were as follows:. Most speech-language pathologists work full time. Some speech-language pathologists, such as those working for schools, may need to travel between different schools or facilities. Speech-language pathologists typically need at least a master's degree. Although master's degree programs do not require a particular bachelor's degree for admission, they may require applicants to have taken certain courses in healthcare and related fields.

Requirements vary by program. Graduate programs often include courses in speech and language development, age-specific speech disorders, alternative communication methods, and swallowing disorders. These programs also include supervised clinical experience. Graduation from an accredited program is required for certification and, often, for state licensure. All states regulate speech-language pathologists.

Most states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed; other states require registration. Certification typically satisfies some or all of the requirements for state licensure and may be required by some employers.

To earn CCC-SLP certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited program, pass an exam, and complete a fellowship under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist. To maintain the CCC-SLP credential, speech-language pathologists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years.

Speech-language pathologists who work in schools may need a specific teaching certification. Speech language pathologists may choose to earn specialty certifications in child language, fluency, or swallowing. Candidates can gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical work, which is typically referred to as a fellowship. This training is a type of internship in that prospective speech-language pathologists apply and refine the skills learned during their academic program under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist.

Analytical skills. Speech-language pathologists must select the most appropriate diagnostic tools and analyze results to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Communication skills. Speech-language pathologists need to communicate test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments in a way that individuals and their families can understand.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who are often frustrated by their difficulties. Speech-language pathologists must support emotionally demanding individuals and their families. Critical-thinking skills. Speech-language pathologists must adjust their treatment plans as needed, finding alternative ways to help. Detail oriented. Speech-language pathologists must take detailed notes on progress and treatment. Listening skills. Speech-language pathologists must listen to symptoms and concerns to decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U. Source: U. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In May , the median annual wages for speech-language pathologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:.

Some speech language pathologists, such as those working for schools, may need to travel between different schools or facilities. Pre-literacy and literacy skills including phonological awareness, decoding, reading comprehension and writing. Communication and swallowing disorders related to other issues. For example, hearing impairments, traumatic brain injury, dementia, developmental, intellectual or genetic disorders and neurological impairments.