SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS

Who is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism spectrum disorders.

What does Speech-Language Pathologist do?

• Screen and assess skills in the areas of speech sound articulation, receptive and expressive language, swallowing and hearing and recommend services if needed
• Educate clients, parents, families and other professionals about speech, language and swallowing
• Evaluate and assess for assistive technology when an individual does not have the ability to verbally communicate
• Work with doctors, teachers and other professionals to help people with communication and swallowing deficits
• Research ways to improve an individual’s communication and swallowing
• Counsel patients, parents, families and other professionals about speech, language and swallowing
• Supervise and train students studying to become Speech-Language Pathologists

Requirements for Licensing

• A master’s or doctoral degree
• Obtain a passing score on the National certification exam
• Earn 10 hours of continuing education annually
• 400 clinical hours and 9 months of supervised experience