If you enjoy working one-on-one with patients and want to make a difference in people’s lives, a career in speech pathology might be a good path for you. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, assess and treat a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s ability to speak.
Faulkner University is a Christian liberal arts university based in Mobile, AL. Our academic offerings include a Master in Speech-Language Pathology program. Here, we explore the role of a speech pathologist and what students can expect this career path to look like.
What Is Speech Pathology?
People of all ages can struggle with communication. Some children have developmental issues that make speech challenging, whereas adults may have difficulty speaking after an injury, such as a stroke. Speech pathology is the field that deals with the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of communication disorders. An SLP is a trained and licensed professional who uses a range of therapies and techniques to help patients with speaking and communication.
Responsibilities of a Speech Pathologist
Some speech pathologists work with young children, while others specialize in treating older adults. However, patients of any age may need the help of a speech therapist after an injury or surgery. SLPs can help with issues such as stuttering, lisping, speech delays, and even swallowing disorders. Broadly, their job responsibilities may include:
- Evaluating and diagnosing patients with speech or language disorders
- Developing individualized treatment plans for patients
- Working with patients to help them with pronunciation or fluency
- Maintaining detailed patient records and revising treatment plans
- Coordinating early intervention care with other specialists, such as occupational therapists
- Serving as a liaison between parents, teachers, and other healthcare providers
- Providing rehabilitative services after surgery
What Conditions Do SLPs Treat?
An SLP is trained to treat a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Aphasia: This is a condition in which a person struggles to comprehend or produce language. It is often caused by stroke or other types of injury to the brain.
- Apraxia of speech: This is a speech sound disorder in which a person knows what they want to say, but their brain has trouble producing the required sounds consistently and correctly.
- Dysphagia: A patient with dysphagia has difficulty swallowing and may choke, cough up food, or feel like something is stuck in their throat.
Where Do Speech Pathologists Work?
Speech therapists work in a variety of academic and healthcare settings. SLPs can find job opportunities at:
- Public and private schools
- Daycare centers
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Nursing homes and other residential facilities
- Research labs
Students in this field will benefit from a strong occupational outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of SLPs is expected to grow by 19% over the decade.
Required Education for Speech Pathologists
Typically, SLPs will need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Before applying to graduate school, some SLPs study communication sciences and disorders, while others may have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or education. Graduate study usually includes field experience, such as a clinical fellowship.
To work as an SLP, you must also pass a national Praxis examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to qualify for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Some states require licensure, as well.
Study Speech-Language Pathology at Faulkner University
Students who wish to pursue a career in speech pathology can get their start at Faulkner University. A private, Christian liberal arts university in Alabama, Faulkner University has campuses in:
The university offers a Master in Speech-Language Pathology (MSLP) degree that can be completed in five semesters for full-time students, or eight semesters for part-time students. Applicants may choose to complete the program online or in person. Graduates are eligible to pursue national certification through ASHA. To learn more about earning an MSLP at Faulkner University, request info from the admissions team today. Or, if you are ready, you can apply online today.