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Speech-language pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, and communication problems, including articulation, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders. These disorders could be a result of a variety of medical and developmental conditions, including hearing loss, stroke, cerebral palsy, autism, head injury, and mental retardation. They may select and teach the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems for individuals who are not able to speak. A speech-language pathologist may perform research related to speech, language, and communication problems.
Speech-language pathologists work in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, early intervention agencies, and nursing homes. They may also be self-employed in private practice.
$93,300
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population grows older, there will be more instances of health conditions that can cause speech or language impairments, such as strokes or dementia.
A speech-language pathologist acquires a master’s degree after earning a bachelor’s degree in one of the scientific disciplines or in speech pathology.
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: In addition to a master’s degree or equivalent in speech pathology, an acceptable supervised professional experience period is required. NTE Specialty Area Test in Speech Pathology or current Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech Pathology is also required.
American Academy of Audiology
11480 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 220
Reston, VA 20191
703-790-8466
www.audiology.org
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20852
800-638-8255
www.asha.org