Career Options in Speech and Language Pathology


Some of the fundamental qualities of a human are to speak and to listen and be able to understand the language in which they speak or to which they listen. But unfortunately for some these basic capabilities are missing either naturally or due to some ailment or accident. The ability to speak or understand language becomes very difficult for some or completely non-existent in some. Fortunately, today the advancements made in medical science has made it possible for such people to undertake therapy programs and treatments which make them capable of speaking and listening to understand a language. These therapists are called speech and language pathologists and specialized training are mandatory to become a speech therapists or language pathologist. Most speech related disorders are treated by speech therapists or pathologists. The therapists usually work with people with disorders like inability to speak, but with no disorder in their vocal sounds, sometimes they are unable to speak certain vowel or consonant sounds, lack of speech rhythm, and also people with swallowing difficulties.

Eligibility

To be a speech therapist, it is essential to have a Post graduate degree in speech therapy and hand on training at a center dedicated to providing speech therapy. Some centers only accept licensed speech and language pathologists who have been licensed by the authorized governing body. A doctor of audiology degree is another eligibility criteria that are accepted worldwide.

Required Skills for a career


Some of the skills include:

  • Should be a very intent and patient listener
  • Clarity and right rhythm in speech to be clear in understanding
  • Logical thinking and reasoning
  • Formulating customized learning strategies depending on the learner
  • Ability to identify the problem with the learner and exercise problems solving skills
  • Management of time, and the class if teaching a group.
  • Generate Evaluation methods and identify indicators of the level of performance.

How to become a Speech and Language Pathologist??

Acquiring the academic qualifications is the first step towards becoming a speech and language pathologist. Next, hands – on experience need to be acquired and once the confidence to handle a patient alone is gained, the person is able to become a full –fledged speech and language pathologist.

Job Description

  • Diagnoses and treatment of speech and audio related disorders
  • Counseling as part of the therapy program
  • Implementing processes of technology to enhance communication devices.
  • Inducing the ability in patients to accept aids like those for hearing and other implant that enhance hearing abilities.
  • Creating an environment where speech is listened to with patience and concern to identify disorders, if any.

Career Prospects

There is a great demand for speech and language therapists hence the career prospects are quite bright. From starting out as an intern to progressing as a practicing therapist to owning a center for therapy are some of prospective ways in which the career of a speech therapist can progress.

Salary

Most speech therapists earn a very handsome salary depending on the center they are associated with and also depending on the location of the center. Nevertheless, the salary earned by such specialists are quite lucrative.

Related Videos

Related Career Options List

Follow us on

Newsletter Subscription

   

© Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved.